by: Tom McGraw, CSM – ASPE Training Advisor, Team Lead

I have worked directly with numerous individuals throughout their process to receive the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® designation.  From my experiences, I’ve heard several misconceptions about the process, and have heard various stories of success and failure. The misconceptions and stories of failure are frustrating to me because ASPE provides all of the resources and tools to guide prospective designees down a path of success. This is a detailed explanation of the requirements to apply, sit and pass the PMP Exam, or how to guarantee you get your PMP designation.

There are three basic eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the designation:  work experience, formal project management education, and passing the exam. Each of these requirements may appear intensive and difficult at first glance, though there are several tips and strategies for them, making your pursuit of certification a smooth and stress-free process.

1. Work Experience:

First, anyone beginning their application should review the advice provided by ASPE Project Management Course Director, Dave Caccamo, PMP.

“How do I know if PMI will accept my application?”

A ‘project’ can be any assignment or endeavor related to your daily role that has a start date and end date.  The type of project can range from tasks related to software development, marketing, accounting, manufacturing, operations, administration and more.  If you have been completing projects for several years and believe you meet their work experience requirement, you likely do, it’s then a matter of putting that experience into PMI terms.

In my experience, individuals who accurately documented their projects, met the required hours (relating them to the PMI process groups), and have otherwise completed the application honestly in accordance with the PMI requirements have been successful in the process.  As mentioned by Dave Caccamo, it is recommended to discuss the experience you record on projects with supervisors or other individuals associated directly with the projects as this information is required for the application. It is also beneficial because in the case of an audit, they can vouch for you.

Ultimately, only PMI can approve and reject applications, but if you are honest and follow PMI’s application guidelines, then you should feel confident when you submit your own application.

2. Project Management Education:

“How can I receive free PDUs for my application?”

This is another common question since many individuals interested in PMP (and other credentials) are often consultants, individuals currently out of work or under-employed looking to increase their marketability, or are otherwise funding the certification out of pocket.

Receiving the 35 contact hours of formal education can come from a number of events and educational material beyond attending a paid course.

ASPE provides 100% free web seminars on various project management-related, PMI-approved topics.  Anyone is welcome to participate in as many as he or she would like.  Currently, ASPE provides approximately 5 free web seminars per month which offer 1 PDU, which can be used for your application.

Local PMI chapters frequently provide events, lectures and gatherings approved for contact hours as well. Most local chapters allow non-members to attend a few meetings before becoming members. Memberships to local chapters are relatively inexpensive, but you do also have to become a member of the national PMI organization (which you have to do to take the PMP exam anyway).

3. Passing the Exam:

The exam is intimidating for most, but there are several tools and tips that can help prepare you for the exam, and provide the knowledge and confidence to pass.

Step-by-Step Low Cost Certification Process Breakdown (No Safety Net):

1. Apply for PMI membership, fee is $129
2. Download, continually study and familiarize yourself with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)^® – version 4.0 – provided complimentary to all PMI members via PDF
3. Attend 35 hours of project management education (includes web seminars, local events, paid prep courses, etc.)*
4. Document experience honestly and in accordance with PMI guidelines
5. Verify documented experience with others for your projects
6. Submit application for approval with exam payment fee of $405 (if you are not approved, PMI will refund you)
7. After receiving approval, schedule a time for you to complete the exam at a nearby Prometric testing center
8. Study!
9. Results are immediate – Time for congratulations or re-calibration

Total Certification Cost: $534

Step-by-Step Low-Cost Certification Process Breakdown with Safety Net:

1. Complete Steps 1-6, as listed above
2. After receiving approval, attend PMP exam prep class backed by an Exam Pass Guarantee.  (For the cheapest option find a friend also pursuing the designation and attend the live, online class with the ASPE Buy 1 Get 1 Free Promotion for only $1197.50/each)
3. Study!
4. Take exam within our 4-week guarantee period (96% historical pass rate if completed within timeframe)
5. Results are immediate – Time for congratulations or re-calibration

Total Certification Cost: $1731.50

*Attaining the 35 contact hours prior to attending a class, if you choose to take an exam prep class is NOT necessary.  Many attendees use the 35 contact hours provided in the PMP Exam Prep session towards their application.  Receiving the contact hours before the course allows attendees to apply and be approved for the exam prior to attending.  Occasionally, students prefer to take the exam immediately following the class, which this process would allow (rather than waiting the 5 business days for processing).

If you do not pass the exam, no worries—you are covered by ASPE.  Contact an ASPE representative who will work with you, pay for a second exam, if necessary after that, ASPE will allow you to re-take the class within a year at no cost to you.  Few fall into this category, but the ASPE Training Advising staff can provide excellent resources and tools specific for you, and your approach to acquiring the PMP designation.

Total Certification Cost (including pass guarantee and exam prep): $1731.50!

Call ASPE at 1.877.800.5221 or (919)816-1750 and ask for your Training Advisor for more information.

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