PMI PMP Preparation

Certification: PMI PMP - Project Management Professional

Certification Overview

PMP certification is one of the most renowned project management courses today. It is designed to improve the performance of projects and to manage projects well. Project can be anything, like making a garden or building a stadium. The most important aspect to be noted is that projects must have a fixed beginning and ending. The PMP certificate lets individual handle projects efficiently from start to the end. The PMP certificate tests the individual's skills and knowledge in Project Management. PMP certificate is recognized globally. This certification teaches individuals to implement industry best practices to complete projects successfully. This in turn reduces project cost and completion time.

Who need to do this certification?

The PMP certificate is ideal for Project Managers across various industries who want to excel in their career and wants a global recognition for the work they do. This certification opens path for you to become:

• Project Managers
• Project Leaders
• Project Directors

Benefits

The PMP certificate guarantees chance of better career opportunities and leads to better salary. The PMP certificate is not industry specific. So individual's scope of job is very wide. The PMP certificate shows the project manager's competence in dealing with projects. Being PMP certified, you become part of a global family of knowledgeable people who are always there to help and guide you in case of need. Your professional network increases and you can find a better career path. The PMP certificate will give you confidence to run projects smoothly.

Associated Exams

A written exam must be attempted within a year of completing the 35 hours PMP education program. Once the candidate passes this exam, he/she will become PMP certified.

Prerequisites

Unlike other certification courses, PMP certificate is not for everyone. PMP certificate is meant for professional managers having experience with handling projects. The PMP certificate requirements, defined by PMI, for individuals wanting to achieve the PMP certificate are:

High school certificate or equivalent with 5 years of experience in Project Management. Project Management training of 35 hours is also mandatory.

Or

Bachelor's degree or equivalent, with 3 years of experience in Project Management and 35 hours of training on Project Management. Only those meeting the PMP certificate requirements are eligible to apply for the PMP certificate course.

Examination Overview

The PMP certificate validates candidate's knowledge on the 5 processes and 10 core areas of Project Management. The 5 processes are:

• Initiating Phase (11%)
• Planning Phase (23%)
• Executing Phase (27%)
• Monitoring and Controlling Phase (21%)
• Closing Phase (9%)
• Professional and Social Responsibility Phase (9%)

The initiating phase sets the project requirements. In the planning phase of the project, project schedule and budget plan are developed. Management plans regarding human resource, procurement, communication, quality and risk assessment are also made in this planning phase of the project. The executing phase involves executing tasks in accordance with the project plans made in the earlier phase. Measures are taken for boosting team performance and allowing changes where necessary. In the next phase, that is, the monitoring and controlling phase, project performance is measured. The project is properly closed in the closing phase. In the professional and social responsibility phase, it is made sure that the project complies with the corporate and social responsibility.

The 10 knowledge or core areas around which the PMP course is developed includes: integration management, time management, cost management, scope management, communications management, quality management, HR management, procurement management and risk management.

The PMP training program is very effective before taking the actual exam. With interactive class room teaching, examples of case studies, candidates get a good practical experience of the PMP certification. PMP exam guide books are available for candidates to better understand the exam topics. Practice questions and exams in these guide books are extremely helpful. Various online study tools are also available to help candidates in preparing for the exam.

Validity of Certification

60 PDUs are required every three years. It is very important for the candidates to gain these 60 PDUs in the specified time period; otherwise, the PMP certificate becomes in valid. PDU means activities related to project management, like, doing research, giving lectures, writing articles, participating in PMP courses, etc.

Expert Review

If you are thinking of applying for a job as project manager, attaining a PMP certificate will show that you have the expert knowledge of Project Management methods and principles, and the ability to apply those principles into practice.

Simon Buehring

Managing Director, Knowledge Train Ltd., London, UK