PMP Certification Requirements

 

 

There are a few PMP Certification requirements that have to be met before you are even eligible to sit the test. These requirements differ slightly depending on your educational background but the commonality between them is the need to have a few thousand hours of real world experience leading and directing project teams. You will learn what these requirements are, the alternatives if you haven’t met these requirements yet and how you can how you can go about preparing for the test.

PMP Certification requirements: Tertiary vs. Secondary

If you went to university or the global equivalent and managed to get yourself a four-year management degree, this drastically decreases the number of hours you will have to have had before you can sit the PMP Certification. In fact, the number of hours decreases by 3,000; assuming you have that degree in hand, you only require 4,500 hours spent directing teams and leading them before you can go for the test. This equates to about 3 years in a full-time project management role.

If you however only have a high school or other secondary diploma, you require 7,500 hours of time spend directing and leading teams. This equates to about five years in a project management position.

It might seem sort of unfair, but that’s how the system works. You could say that the PMI is being quite conservative and/or cautious in making sure that only those who are extremely qualified are able to sit their certification tests, just so that their reputation isn’t tarnished. Also, it makes it more valuable in employers’ eyes; if everyone could go for the test by simply paying a fee, the certificate loses its value.

There are identical aspects regardless of whether you have a tertiary or secondary certificate. You will have had at least 35 hours of project management education and the PMP Certification Cost is the same as well.

What If I Haven’t Satisfied The PMP Certification Requirements?

If you haven’t had the mandatory 3-5 years of experience yet, there is hope. You can alternatively apply for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification. Similarly to tertiary study, this is in essence a certificate that recognizes your current skills and abilities to direct teams and lead projects to completion and is a stepping stone if you like if you don’t meet the current PMP Certification requirements.

Since the CAPM is an entry-level project management certification, the requirements are significantly lower:

• You need a secondary diploma, and
• 1,500 hours of experience, or basically one year of project management experience, or
• 23 hours of project management education.

This is an excellent way to get your foot in the door of a major corporation that may be seeking proactive graduates who are ambitious and looking to further their career by completing these certifications as milestones. For example, if you’re in your late 20’s and have a year of project management experience under your belt and are looking to move up in your organization or move to a different want, the CAPM will act as a precursor to get the attention of organizations that recognize talent and will gladly support your growth in their own company, perhaps even helping you satisfy the PMP Certification requirements and subsequently paying the test fees for you.

These PMP Certification requirements shouldn’t hold you back from taking control of your career in project management. As long as you have an ultimate goal in mind, the PMI can help you achieve it. You should also bear in mind that these PMP Certification requirements are subject to change.