Online PMP Certification

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive job market, obtaining a PMP certification is a vital step for any project manager looking to advance their career. Whether you’re an experienced project manager or new to the field, preparing for the PMP exam online offers the flexibility, convenience, and support you need to succeed.

Start your PMP certification journey today with Prepsaret’s comprehensive study materials. With access to practice exams, study notes, expert guidance, and flexible online resources, you can ensure success in your PMP exam and take your career to the next level.

How to Get PMP Certification

Recognized globally, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification demonstrates a level of proficiency, leadership, and commitment to the project management body of knowledge that sets you apart from other professionals. 

Whether you’re aiming for a higher salary, better job security, or career progression, becoming a PMP certified professional can make a significant impact. Thanks to the rise of online learning platforms, aspiring project managers can now prepare for the PMP exam at their own pace, fitting their studies around busy work and personal schedules. 

Becoming a PMP certified professional involves meeting specific requirements and successfully passing the PMP certification exam. Here’s an overview of the process to help you understand how to earn your PMP certification.

PMP Certification Requirements

Before diving into your studies, you need to make sure you qualify for the PMP exam. The Project Management Institute (PMI) has set specific requirements to ensure that only experienced professionals earn this prestigious credential.

Educational and Professional Experience

The PMP certification requirements depend on your educational background:

• If you have a four-year degree:
  • 36 months of project management experience leading projects
  • 35 hours of project management education or training
• If you have a high school diploma or global equivalent:
  • 60 months of experience leading projects
  • 35 hours of project management education or training

These requirements ensure that PMP-certified professionals have both theoretical knowledge and real-world project management experience.

Contact Hours

You’ll need to complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education before you can apply for the PMP exam. These educational hours can be obtained through various training options, including online courses offered by an authorized training partner, certificate programs, or workshops focused on project management training.

PMP Certification Cost

Understanding the full cost of PMP certification helps you budget properly for this career investment:

• PMI Membership fee: $139 (optional, but provides exam discount)
• PMP Exam fee: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members
• Study materials: $100-$500 (varies based on resources chosen)
• Training courses: $300-$3,000 (depending on provider and format)

While these costs might seem significant, the return on investment is substantial, with certified project managers often earning 20% more than their non-certified counterparts. This makes PMP certification one of the best value credentials in professional development.

PMP Certification Renewal

Your PMP certification isn’t permanent – you’ll need to renew it every three years to maintain your status as a certified professional. The renewal process requires:

• Earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) over the three-year certification cycle
• Submitting your PDUs through the PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements System
• Paying a renewal fee of $60 for PMI members or $150 for non-members

Professional development units can be earned through various activities, including continuing education, giving back to the profession, and working as a practitioner. This renewal process ensures that PMP-certified professionals stay current with the evolving field of project management.

About the PMP Exam

The PMP exam is a comprehensive assessment of your project management knowledge across various domains, methodologies, and approaches.

Is PMP Certification Right for You?

Is PMP right for you? Before committing time and money to PMP preparation, consider if this certification aligns with your career goals. The PMP certification is ideal for:

• Experienced project managers looking to validate their skills
• Professionals seeking to advance in their project management career
• Those working in industries where PMP certification is highly valued, such as information technology, construction, engineering, or finance

The PMP certification can boost your career by:

• Increasing your earning potential
• Opening doors to new job opportunities
• Enhancing your project management skills and knowledge
• Building your professional network through PMI membership
• Demonstrating your commitment to the project management profession

Path to PMP Certification

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Prepare

First, review the prerequisites mentioned earlier regarding educational background and project management experience. Make sure you meet these minimum requirements before proceeding. Document your experience leading projects, as you’ll need this information for your application.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Next, create an account on the PMI website and fill out the PMP certification application. You’ll need to provide details about your:

• Educational history
• Project management experience
• Project management education or training

Be thorough and accurate, as PMI may audit your application, requiring documentation to verify your claims.

Step 3: Pay and Schedule the Exam

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an eligibility ID valid for one year. During this time, you need to:

• Pay the exam fee
• Schedule your exam date with Pearson VUE (PMI’s testing partner)
• Choose between testing at a center or online proctored exam

Step 4: Study for the Exam

This is the most critical step in your journey! Create a comprehensive study plan using structured resources like Prepsaret’s practice exams and study materials. 

Focus on understanding the core skills and knowledge areas covered in the exam, including project management processes, tools, and techniques.

Step 5: Take the Exam

On exam day, whether at a test center or online, you’ll:

• Complete identity verification
• Take the 180-question exam within the 230-minute time limit
• Receive your preliminary results immediately after completion

Successful completion of the exam earns you the prestigious PMP certification, recognized globally as the gold standard in project management.

How to Prepare for the PMP Exam

Proper preparation is the key to passing the challenging PMP exam on your first attempt. Here’s how to study effectively:

Creating a Study Plan

Develop a realistic PMP study plan that fits your life. An effective study plan is essential to ensure that you cover all the required knowledge areas for the PMP exam. Start by breaking down the PMP exam syllabus into manageable chunks. Here’s how:

• Set aside dedicated study time each day. Based on your personal schedule, determine how much time you can dedicate to studying each week.
• Break down the material into manageable chunks
• Allow extra time for difficult topics
• Include regular review sessions
• Schedule practice exams to test your knowledge

A well-structured study plan keeps you on track and prevents last-minute cramming, which rarely leads to exam success.

Using Online Resources

What is included with your PMP exam prep training? Leverage online PMP prep resources to streamline your preparation. Platforms like Prepsaret offer a comprehensive suite of materials, including:

• Practice Exams: Take as many practice exams as you can to familiarize yourself with the test format and identify areas where you need improvement.
• Study Notes: Utilize detailed study notes to reinforce key concepts and formulas.
• Interactive Lessons: Engage with interactive lessons that provide deeper insights into the core concepts of project management.

These self-paced resources allow you to study anywhere, anytime, making it easier to fit exam preparation into your busy schedule.

Exam Strategy

Focus your efforts on high-yield topics and develop a smart approach to the exam:

• Master the PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge). Review the PMBOK Guide thoroughly, but pay extra attention to the project management processes and knowledge areas that are heavily tested.
• Understand both traditional and agile approaches to project management
• Learn key formulas and concepts thoroughly
• Take multiple practice exams to build stamina and confidence. These will help you get comfortable with the exam format and test your understanding of key concepts.
• Review the exam outline provided by PMI to ensure complete coverage

With consistent practice and strategic studying, you’ll build the understanding and confidence needed to pass the PMP certification exam.

Official PMI Resources for PMP Preparation

While Prepsaret offers an excellent study solution, it’s also important to utilize official PMI resources to round out your preparation. When selecting a PMP exam preparation provider, Prepsaret stands out for several reasons:

Prepsaret’s Online PMP Exam Prep Course

Prepsaret offers everything you need to prepare effectively:

• 15 free practice test questions to sample our approach
• Over 700 premium practice tests questions that mirror the actual exam
• Detailed study notes covering all PMP domains
• Interactive lessons with end-of-section quizzes to test your understanding
• Simulated exam environment to build test-taking confidence

These materials cover all aspects of the PMP exam content outline, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any question that comes your way.

Flexibility

Prepsaret’s self-paced study options fit perfectly into your busy life:

• Study anytime, anywhere with mobile-friendly resources
• No scheduled classes to attend
• Learn at your own pace, spending more time on challenging topics
• Access materials 24/7 to fit your personal schedule

This flexibility makes Prepsaret ideal for working professionals who need to balance exam preparation with job and family responsibilities.

Affordability

Prepsaret offers options for every budget:

• Free resources to get started
• Tiered pricing for different levels of access
• Special discounts for groups and early registration
• Payment plans to spread out the cost

Our goal is to make quality PMP exam preparation accessible to everyone, regardless of budget constraints.

PMI® Authorized On-demand PMP® Exam Prep

PMI offers on-demand resources that provide structured preparation for the PMP exam. PMI offers its own online preparation course, which includes:

• Video-based instruction from PMI-approved instructors
• Interactive exercises and knowledge checks
• Alignment with the most current exam content outline

This official resource complements Prepsaret’s materials by providing the PMI perspective on key concepts and approaches.

PMI® Study Hall™ PMP® Essentials

PMI’s Study Hall™ PMP® Essentials is another helpful resource for those preparing for the PMP exam. PMI’s Study Hall is a valuable resource featuring:

• Sample questions written by the same team that develops the actual exam
• Feedback on question responses
• Resources to help understand exam content

When used alongside Prepsaret’s practice exams, Study Hall helps you become familiar with the official PMI question style and format.

PMI® Authorized Online PMP® Practice Exam

PMI’s authorized practice exams simulate the real test environment, providing valuable practice in answering questions under time constraints. This official practice exam offers:

• Questions that mimic the real exam’s style and difficulty
• Timed environment similar to the actual test
• Performance reports highlighting areas for improvement

Taking this official practice exam after working through Prepsaret’s materials can give you a final confidence boost before the real thing.

Related post: PMP Exam Preparation Tips

Other PMP Preparation Options

If you prefer additional methods of preparation, consider the following options:

Instructor-Led PMP® Courses

Instructor-led courses offer structure and expert guidance for PMP exam preparation. These courses typically provide in-depth training, live lectures, and opportunities for direct interaction with instructors. These structured classes provide:

• Direct access to experienced project management instructors
• Opportunities to ask questions and clarify difficult concepts
• Interaction with other PMP candidates
• Structured curriculum covering all exam topics

Though typically more expensive than self-study options, instructor-led courses can benefit those who prefer guided learning experiences.

Online PMP Boot Camp Course

If you’re looking for an intensive, fast-track approach, an online PMP boot camp might be the right option. These intensive programs offer:

• Accelerated learning over a short period (typically 4-5 days)
• Immersive experience focused solely on exam preparation
• Comprehensive coverage of all exam topics
• Strategies for quick mastery of key concepts

Boot camps are ideal for those who prefer concentrated study and have time for full-day sessions.

PMP Exam Simulator

The Prepsaret PMP Exam Simulator closely mirrors the real exam environment, giving you a feel for the actual exam and the ability to track your progress with detailed feedback. Prepsaret’s PMP Exam Simulator provides:

• Realistic test environment identical to the actual exam
• Timed practice sessions to build testing stamina
• Detailed performance analytics identifying knowledge gaps
• Customizable quizzes to target weak areas

Regular practice with the simulator builds confidence and reduces test anxiety on exam day.

Key Resources for PMP Exam Success

 

Certain foundational resources are essential for thorough PMP exam preparation:

PMBOK® Guide

The PMBOK Guide is your go-to resource for PMP exam preparation. It outlines the Project Management Body of Knowledge, a collection of best practices, standards, and guidelines used by project managers worldwide. The Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide is the core reference for the PMP exam:

• Contains standardized project management terminology
• Outlines key processes and knowledge areas
• Provides framework for understanding project management principles
• Regularly updated to reflect current best practices

While not a stand-alone study guide, the PMBOK® is an essential reference to understand PMI’s approach to project management.

Agile and Scrum Certifications

Familiarity with Agile methodologies is increasingly important for PMP candidates:

• The current PMP exam includes significant Agile content
• Understanding of Certified Scrum Master concepts is helpful
• Knowledge of how traditional and Agile approaches can work together
• Awareness of when to apply different methodologies

Many successful candidates pursue basic Agile training as part of their PMP preparation strategy. For those in industries like information technology, Agile and Scrum certifications can complement your PMP training, especially as Agile methodologies become more prevalent.

Other Project Management Certifications

While the PMP is the gold standard, other certifications may be worth considering:

• CAPM Certification (Certified Associate in Project Management): For those early in their project management career who don’t yet meet PMP experience requirements
• Scrum certifications: For those working in Agile environments
• Industry-specific certifications: Such as construction or information technology project management credentials

Each certification has its place, but the PMP remains the most recognized and respected project management credential globally.

Live and Online PMP Training Options

PMP Online Training

Many platforms, including Prepsaret, offer flexible online PMP training options that allow you to study at your own pace and balance your other responsibilities. The variety of online training formats allows you to choose what works best for your learning style:

• On-demand video courses for self-paced learning
• Live virtual classes with real-time instructor interaction
• Hybrid programs combining self-study with live Q&A sessions
• Mobile learning options for studying on the go

This flexibility makes online PMP training accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

PMP Course Syllabus

PMP online courses typically cover key knowledge areas such as planning, budgeting, and managing stakeholders. Be sure to review the course syllabus to ensure it aligns with your learning needs.

A comprehensive online PMP certification course covers all exam domains, including:

• People: Leading the project team and supporting stakeholders
• Process: Establishing project management processes that maintain project success
• Business Environment: Aligning projects with organizational strategy and objectives
• Various approaches: Traditional, adaptive, hybrid methodologies
• Planning, budget management, stakeholder engagement, and risk assessment

Look for courses that cover the full spectrum of topics with appropriate emphasis on each domain.

Training Discounts

Look out for promotions and discounts offered by authorized training partners like Prepsaret, which can help reduce your training costs. Smart shoppers can find ways to reduce PMP training costs:

• Early bird registration discounts at Prepsaret
• Group rates for teams from the same organization
• Special promotions during slower seasons
• Bundle deals combining different study resources

Taking advantage of these offers makes quality PMP preparation more affordable.

Related post: PMP Exam Dumps

Quick Facts

Here’s a summary of important details you’ll need to know before sitting for the PMP exam:

Project Management Essentials

The PMP exam tests your knowledge of:

• How to lead project teams effectively
• Methods for managing project constraints (scope, schedule, budget)
• Strategies for engaging stakeholders successfully
• Techniques for identifying and responding to risks
• Approaches for different types of projects

Agile Certificate Course

Agile knowledge is vital because:

• About 50% of the current PMP exam covers Agile approaches
• Many organizations are adopting hybrid project management methods
• Agile principles apply even in traditionally managed projects
• Understanding when to use Agile vs. traditional approaches is a key skill

PMP Exam Preparation

Focus your study efforts on:

• Understanding concepts rather than memorizing processes
• Practicing with sample questions regularly
• Reading the PMBOK® Guide strategically
• Learning how to apply knowledge in scenario-based questions
• Building test-taking stamina through timed practice exams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Start Preparing for the PMP Certification Exam Today!

Earning your PMP certification is one of the smartest moves you can make for your project management career. With the right preparation strategy, study materials, and practice, you can join the elite group of project management professionals who have demonstrated their expertise through this prestigious credential. 

Don’t delay your career advancement – start your PMP certification journey today with Prepsaret’s comprehensive resources and set yourself on the path to success!