Earning the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is a significant milestone in advancing your project management career.
To earn PMP certification, you must meet specific requirements related to education, experience, and training.
- Educational background
- Project management experience
- Project management education
You’ll need to fulfill these requirements through one of the eligibility pathways provided by PMI, which combines education and hands-on project management experience.
PMP Educational Requirements
The educational background of a candidate influences the requirements for obtaining PMP certification. There are two primary pathways based on educational qualifications:
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For Candidates with a Four-Year Degree:
You must have at least 36 months of project management experience leading projects within the last eight years. A minimum of 35 hours of formal project management education is required. This can be fulfilled through various training programs or courses that cover essential project management concepts.
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For Candidates without a Four-Year Degree:
If you have a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, you need a minimum of 60 months of experience leading projects within the last eight years. Similar to the first pathway, you still need 35 hours of project management education.
These educational requirements ensure that you have a foundational understanding of project management principles before attempting the certification exam.
PMP Experience Requirements
Experience is key for qualifying for PMP certification, as it not only showcases your ability to manage projects but also reflects your understanding of project management methodologies. The experience requirements vary based on educational qualifications:
- With a Four-Year Degree: You must provide documentation of at least 36 months (3 years) of experience in leading and directing projects. This experience should cover all project management phases, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
- Without a Four-Year Degree: You need to demonstrate a minimum of 60 months (5 years) of leading and directing projects. Similar to the four-year degree pathway, this experience must encompass comprehensive project management activities across all process groups.
It’s important to note that formal job titles like “Project Manager” are not strictly necessary. Experience gained in project-related roles—such as team leader or project coordinator—can also fulfill this requirement.
Additionally, the experience must be unique and non-overlapping, earned within the last five years. If you lack experience in any of the essential process groups, you will not be eligible to apply for the PMP certification exam.
Project Management Education
All candidates must complete at least 35 hours of formal project management education before applying for PMP certification. This education can be obtained through various channels, including:
- Online Courses
Many organizations offer online training programs that cover the necessary project management topics. If you are looking for a training program that can help you prepare for the PMP exam, you can join the PMP Test prep program to earn your contact hours.
This program is affordable and 100% online.
- In-Person Training: Traditional classroom settings provide another avenue for fulfilling this requirement.
- Boot Camps: Intensive boot camp-style courses are popular for those looking to prepare quickly for the exam while meeting educational prerequisites.
The training should cover essential topics such as project planning, risk management, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.
Once you meet the educational and experience requirements, you can then begin the application process for PMP certification.
FAQS
Do You Need 36 Months or 4500 Hours for PMP?
To qualify for PMP certification, you need 36 months of project management experience if you have a four-year degree. This equates to 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects. If you do not possess a degree, the requirement increases to 60 months (7,500 hours). The 4,500-hour requirement is specifically tied to those with a four-year degree.
Can Anyone Take the PMP Exam?
Yes, anyone can take the PMP exam, but they must meet specific eligibility requirements. Candidates need either a four-year degree with 36 months of project management experience or a high school diploma with 60 months of experience.
Additionally, all candidates must complete 35 hours of formal project management education before applying for the exam.
What are the Requirements for PMP 2024?
If you hold a four-year college or university degree, you are required to have: a minimum of 36 months of experience leading projects within the last eight years, and at least 35 hours of project management education, or you must possess a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.