In recent years, the demand for project management professionals has increased significantly. Why are the professions in high demand? Project managers ensure that projects are completed within the allocated time and budget and provide maximum benefit to the business. PMP certification is the world’s leading project management certification that gives leadership qualities and expertise to individuals.
Again, if you want to know how to get the certification, read the article. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of becoming certified.
Why is PMP Certification Essential for Career Growth?
As per the PMI, employers must fulfill nearly 2.2 million new project manager job roles by 2027. Currently, 1 million people hold the certification that benefits their career growth. Therefore, skilled project managers will likely be in high demand in the coming years. If you have CAPM certification, then advance your knowledge with PMP. Here we point out some reasons why you should do certification:
- The certified project managers can handle project and team constraints while achieving high performance.
- Certification makes them aware of project challenges and identifies bottlenecks and risk management issues.
- As a professional, you have multiple opportunities for career growth. Therefore, certified project manager jobs are available in healthcare, construction, IT, and many other industries.
- PMP holders receive professional development units for their continuing education, which helps them stay informed about recent trends and practices.
- This certification provides leadership knowledge. Hence, project managers can learn to manage and organize teams and stakeholders. Conflict management and team motivation are the keys to project success, and certification training allows managers to learn these techniques.
9 Steps for Your PMP Certification
Your certification requires you to follow some processes. We mention it step by step for your better understanding.
1.Enroll in Certification training:
First, if you decide to get the certification, enroll in the PMP certification course. The PMI authorized training partners will help you to prepare for the final exam. In addition, the prep course is essential for a successful certification competition. The exam is complicated in nature and requires a lot of study and practice. You need to read the PMBOK and practice questions to pass the exam. Therefore, a certified trainer with real-life experience can help you achieve the certification.
2.Complete 35 hours of training:
Applying for certification requires 35 hours of training. Thus, the authorized training partners will help you with flexible training schedules. Again, certification training can motivate you to continue your studies for certification. You can choose your flexible time scheduling for training purposes. After attending the training sessions, you can apply for the certification process. However, you must work hard and invest more time in your studies to pass the challenging exam.
3. Create PMI Account for PMP Application
The next step is to create your PMI account. In this regard, visit the PMI website and create your account with the help of your trainer. Complete the registration by providing personal information and contact details. You can apply for the exam through your PMI account. First, you need to list your highest level of education, including the school you attended, the degree you got, and the date and year you graduated. After that, document your project management experience, including specific projects along with the project dates, role, organization name, and hours spent on the particular project. You need to describe your responsibilities and achievements in projects.
4. Submit Your Application
It is a crucial step in the certification process. You need to review the application carefully and ensure that all the information is shared accurately. Then, submit the application, and PMI will review it. In general, the review process takes up to 5 business days. PMI will contact you if they need any additional information. Once your application is approved, you will receive an invitation in the mail to pay for the exam. You must pay slightly less than non-members if you have a PMI membership.
5. Schedule Your Exam
After paying for the exam, you will receive an eligibility number to schedule your exam. Thus, you can choose a date and location for online testing.
6. Prepare for the Exam
The PMI authorized training partners will help you learn the study materials to prepare for the exam. You can test your knowledge and readiness with sample questions, hands-on experience, cheat sheets, and mock tests.
7. Take the Exam
It is the final step of your certification journey. Ensure that your testing environment meets all the requirements for an online exam protocol. Always follow the exam instructions and complete the exam efficiently. Training and exam prep guide you on how to prepare for the exam and how to get the certification.
8. Receive Your Certification
After completion of the exam, you will get your results immediately. In case of successful completion, they will send a congratulations message and inform you that you have become a certified project manager. You will receive your final certificate from PMI within a few weeks.
9. Renewal of PMP certification
The certification is valid for 3 years, but you can renew or maintain the certificate by earning 60 professional development units. However, you need to spend 60 hours during that time frame on professional development activities, or else you can sign up for the re-exam.
Future of PMP Certification
According to a study of Indian respondents by PMI, the salary page for certified workers has increased by about 18%. The Global Knowledge reports say the certification is the fifth most crucial IT qualification, offering the best pay packages for qualified people.
PMI reports show that there are not enough qualified project managers to fill all the open jobs. Interestingly, people from India and China take 75% of project management jobs. In addition, between 2017 and 2027, about 7 lakh new jobs will be created in India. With a growth rate of 33% by 2027, this area is expected to grow very quickly.
