PMP Exam Preparation

In the scope of project management, perhaps the most respected and reputable certification is the PMP, or Project Management Professional certification. Sponsored by the Project Management Institute, this achievement symbolized great knowledge in such management coordination and opens doors to career opportunities.  

PMI certification is acquired only when certain criteria by the project management institute is met by the applicant. The individual must be able to succeed in both the educational and field work requirements established by the PMI. Continuing certification requirements are also put in place by the PMI, so ongoing dedication and commitment is a must for becoming and maintaining a position as a PMP certified professional.

Overview of PMP Examination

The exam for PMP certification is executed through a computer-based program; it is offered at PMI locations all over the world. The spectrum of information being questioned on the exam will cover what you have learned through training and research on project management. See “The Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge” (PMBOK) for a more extensive list of exam resources.

Being that the exam is computer-based, it is graded upon submission and a detailed scoring report is generated so that applicants can view their statistics. The exam is conducted over a period of four hours and features two multiple choice questions, displaying options A-D. In order to pass the PMP examination, a participant must score no less than a 68.5%- 137 correct answers are needed for a passing grade.

Additional certification is also attainable with the completion of the PMI Certificate of Added Qualifications, or CAQ, which is an industry specific exam unlike the PMP exam. Pursuing a CAQ in a niche area of project management can result in the certification of  a particular industry of interest.

Tips On Taking the PMP Exam

The PMP exam is not a walk in the park- it is a thorough test of your project management skills, understanding of concepts, and retention of the required PMP training courses. The preparation required to pass this examination will be extensive and must be conducted in an organized manner. While the PMP exam covers an overview of all material concerned with project management, it also demands specifics.

Question-oriented tips:

  • Learn the phrase, “Less is More” and abide by it when selecting an answer. Excess information does not necessarily rule an answer as correct- if the answer option explains more than what the question was asking, it is probably wrong.
  • Irrelevant statements can condemn an answer as incorrect. There is only one correct option for each question- through the process of elimination, this answer can be identified more easily.
  • It is imperative that your mindset is that of a PMI perspective, with no traces of personal opinion. The ideal environment is portrayed by the PMI, therefore the answers should comply also. Your own experiences are of little importance on the examination.
  • Distrust immediately any choices that contain generalizations such as must, always, completely, or never.
  • Words such as generally, often, and may  can signal correct answers. Answers that are case-specific are often correct.
  • All formulas should be committed to memory. If you know the formulas, such as PERT and Earned Value, you can determine the answers to most questions concerning formulas.
  • Eliminating just out-there answers can serve as a quick clean up process when you are attempting to pinpoint the answer.
  • There is absolutely no benefit to leaving a question without an answer- guessing at least offers a chance.
  • Skip the questions that you do not have an answer for. Dwelling on them too long will not benefit you in any way. The clock is still ticking…an educated guess is your best bet.
  • The perspective of the PMI will take authority over any personal opinion when the questions are posed. Think from the PMBOK point of view and select your answers according to their standards.