PMP examination is a computerized test of 4 hours duration, with 200 multiple-choice questions, each with four choices. Out of the 200 questions, 25 questions are pretest questions. These 25 pretest questions are randomly placed throughout the examination to gather statistical information on the performance of these pretest questions. This strategy is followed to determine whether the pretest questions can be used in future PMI examinations as actual questions. The pretest questions, included in the 200-question examination, are not considered for pass/fail determination. Hence, candidates are evaluated on basis of the remaining 175 questions.

To pass the PMP examination, out of the 175 questions, candidates must correctly answer a minimum of 106 questions. Which means the minimum percentage score to be obtained should be 60.6%. The details about the Exam Objectives are provided below.

Prerequisites for PMP Exam

• A Bachelor’s or “global equivalent university degree”

• At least 4,500 hours of project management experience (this must be supported by lengthy forms verifying the number of hours.)

• Three years of project management experience within the past 6 years

• Thirty-five credit hours of project management education covering subjects like project quality, scope, time, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and integration management

Applicants who don’t have a degree must have:

• At least 7,500 hours of project management experience

• Five years of project management experience within the past eight years

• Thirty-five credit hours of project management education covering the same subjects as an applicant with a college degree

On an average the effort required is between 100 to 200 hours. Amount of effort depends on your education and experience.

Examination Content - Percentage Of Questions

Project Initiation - 11%

Knowledge is tested on the basis of following aspects:

• Conducting project selection methods

• Defining the scope

• Documenting project risks, assumptions, and constraints

• Identifying and performing stakeholder analysis

• Developing the project charter

• Obtaining project charter approval

Project Planning - 23 %

Knowledge is tested on the basis of following aspects:

• Defining and recording requirements, constraints, and assumptions

• Identifying the project team and defining the roles and responsibilities

• Creating the WBS

• Developing the change management plan

• Identifying risks and defining risk strategies

• Obtaining plan approval

• Conducting the kick-off meeting

Project Execution - 27 %

Knowledge is tested on the basis of following aspects:

• Executing the tasks defined in the project plan

• Ensuring common understanding and set expectations

• Implementing the procurement of project resources

• Managing resource allocation

• Implementing the quality management plan

• Implementing the approved changes

• Implementing the approved actions and workarounds

• Improving the team performance

Project Control – 21 %

Knowledge is tested on the basis of following aspects:

• Measuring project performance

• Verifying and managing changes to the project

• Ensuring project deliverables conform to quality standards

• Monitoring all possible risks

Project Closing – 9 %

Knowledge is tested on the basis of following aspects:

• Obtaining final acceptance for the project

• Obtaining financial, legal, and administrative closure

• Releasing project resources

• Identifying, documenting, and communicating “lessons learned”

• Creating and distributing the final project report

• Archiving and retaining project records

• Measuring customer satisfaction

Professional Responsibility - 9 %

Knowledge is tested on the basis of following aspects:

• Ensuring individual integrity

• Contributing to the project management knowledge base

• Enhancing personal professional competence

• Promoting interaction among stakeholders

How to Apply for PMP examination:

Interested applicants can apply online or by paper application available as PDF download from the PMI website. For online application visit www.pmi.org/certapp. You need to register first to apply.

Certification Fee:

Certification Fee - member of PMI in good standing - $405.00

Certification Fee - non-member of PMI -$555.00

I suggest you to take membership as a member gets access to PMI’s knowledge and wisdom center and library.

Preparation guide and resources for preparation will be sent in the next email.