The certification process may appear a bit complicated at first but once you understand them clearly, they are quite easy and chronological.

However, the PMI had issued a PMP Handbook to help you through the application, but that is not enough or clear when it comes to the actual process. Let’s see what the fuss is all about:

The process of application can be initiated once you fulfil the credentials requirements for PMP. Here you need to follow:

STEP-I

In this step you have to choose ANY ONE of the following sections (A) or (B)

• Section (A)
  • 4 Year Degree Holder: If you have a bachelor’s degree
  • 3 Years of project management experience out of which, 4,500 hours of leading and directing the project.

• Section (B)
  • Secondary Degree Holder: If you have an associate degree or just high school diploma.
  • 5 Years of project management experience out of which, 7,500 hours of leading and directing the project.

Note: It is not necessary that you worked as Project Manager only, you could have been a part of a project with relevant experience to drive the project.

STEP-II

This is mandatory for the PMP exam, irrespective of what section you selected in Step-I. You need to get 35 Hours of education on the Project Management.

There is no hard & fast rule that the education should be entirely based on PMBOK, it could be on generic project management as well. However, it is recommended it should be based on PMBOK as it will help you with your preparation of the PMP exam as well.

This could be Podcast, online training videos, face to face classes etc. by a registered formal education. Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) accredited by PMI. You can find your nearest REPs by visiting PMI website and clicking on Locate training Centre link.

There are certain online training partners that provide online PMP training:

• SimpliLearn
• Edureka
• KnowledgeHut
• Udemy – (not all videos)

Once you fulfil the aforementioned requirements, let’s apply for the PMP Exam in our next article.