I'm experienced, but unemployed. Am I eligible for PMP Certification?
Being employed at the time of application submission or examination are NOT among the eligibility requirements for PMP certification. As lon...
Eligibility Criteria
PMP Handbook
How long is the PMP Certification valid for?
PMP Certification is valid for 3 years. Certified PMPs must earn at least 60 PDUs every 3 years in order to renew their certification. Refer...
PMP Certification
PMP Renewal
What are ITTOs in the context of PMP certification?
ITTO stands for I nputs, T ools and T echniques, and O utputs of the project management processes specified in the PMBOK® Guide. The PMBOK...
Exam Jargon
PMBOK Guide
Can I end the PMP exam earlier than 4 hours and walk out of the test center?
Yes, definitely. You can end the exam anytime after starting it, and walk out of the examination center. However, you cannot pause and resum...
Exam Duration
How often is the PMBOK Guide revised?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) revises the PMBOK Guide every 4 years or so. For example, the second edition of the guide was release...
PMBOK Guide
I made an error on the PMP Exam Application? What should I do?
To err is human. We all make mistakes. If you have made a mistake in your PMP certification application that you submitted to PMI, do not pa...
Application
Do I need to be a PMI Member to take the PMP Exam?
No, you do not need to be a PMI Member to take the PMP Exam. But who would not want to become a member if the discount on the exam fee is mo...
Fees
PMI Membership
Can I Read Books or Review Notes during the Break in the PMP Exam?
As funny as it may sound, but this is an actual question asked by many people. So, I have to address it. The simple and clear answer is ...
Exam Duration
Can I Print the PMBOK Guide 5th Edition PDF Legally?
Yes, you can. Read the following post for details: Can I Print the PMBOK Guide Fifth Edition PDF Legally?
PMBOK Guide
Can I visit the Prometric Test Center before the PMP Exam?
Yes, you can visit the Prometric Test Center before your scheduled exam date. In fact, you are highly encouraged to do so. This will allow y...
Identification
Prometric
What is the PMP Exam Fee Refund Policy?
There are different scenarios here: 1. If you fail the PMP application audit, PMI will deduct $100 from your application fee, and refund t...
Fees
Refund
Does PMI Provide a Percentage Distribution of the PMP Exam Questions by Knowledge Area?
No, PMI does not provide a percentage distribution of PMP exam questions by Knowledge Area. They do however provide a Domain-wise (or Proces...
Exam Questions
Will PMI Refund the Membership Discount, if I Sign-up for the Membership After Submitting Payment for the PMP Exam?
PMI members enjoy $150 discount on the PMP exam fee. However, you must be a PMI member at the time of submitting your payment for the PMP ex...
Discount
Fees
PMI Membership
What does 36 Months of Non-Overlapping Experience Requirement Mean for the PMP Exam?
One of the eligibility criteria for the PMP exam is to have minimum 3 years / 36 months unique non-overlapping professional project manageme...
Eligibility Criteria
Is PMBOK Guide available in Hard Copy?
You bet. Check out this link: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition
Books
PMBOK Guide
What if I Do Not Show-up for my PMP Exam?
No-show is as good (or rather as bad) as failing the exam. Unless it's a matter of life and death, you'll have to pay the re-examina...
Fail
Re-examination
What Percentage Score on Sample Exams Indicates Readiness for Real PMP Exam?
There's no right answer here, but here are some general guidelines that might help you: Oliver Lehmann's Sample Exams 75% Rita...
Exam Preparation
Sample Questions
Is PMBOK Guide Sufficient to Clear the PMP Exam?
Generally speaking, the answer is 'no'. There are topics on the PMP exam that aren't even covered in the PMBOK Guide. So, you ca...
PMBOK Guide
Study Resources
Can I Apply for PMP Certification Before Getting My 35 Contact Hours?
The 35 Contact Hours of PM Education must be acquired before submitting your application for the PMP exam. I quote an email from PMI custo...
Application
Contact Hours
Are 4 Hours Enough to Complete 200 Questions on the PMP Exam?
Four (4) hours are more than enough to answer 200 questions on the PMP Exam. You have 1:12 min for each question. Since, all questions are m...
Exam Duration
Exam Questions
What is the Reason People Fail the PMP Exam?
If you thought a high percentage of people fail the PMP exam because the exam is too difficult, then you would be wrong. Read Top 5 Reasons ...
Fail
What Percentage of PMP Applications get Audited?
If you want an authentic answer, then it is "we do not know". PMI does not disclose the number of applications that get audited, o...
Application
Audit
Is there a Way to Schedule the PMP Exam at a Short Notice?
Yes, there is. If you want to know the secret, read Secret Key to that Elusive Date with Prometric .
Exam Scheduling
Prometric
What is the difference between PMP and CAPM Certifications
Read the article PMP or CAPM: Which Certification is Right for Me? to understand the difference between PMP and CAPM certifications.
CAPM Certification
PMP Certification
What are the Benefits of PMI Membership?
There are several benefits of PMI Membership, especially for PMP certification aspirants. The most obvious benefit is that the discount you ...
PMI Membership
Which Formulas should I know for the PMP Exam?
All the formulas that you need to know for the PMP Exam are mentioned on this post: Review of PMP Formula Study Guide .
Formulas
Which are the Toughest Topics on the PMP exam?
Among the Knowledge Areas , the toughest are Procurement Management, Risk Management and Integration Management. I remember that I had loa...
Exam Difficulty Level
Which is the Best PMP Exam Simulator?
In my opinion, Rita Mulcahy's PM Fastrack is the best PMP exam simulator . It is ahead of the rest in several terms of quality of quest...
BrainBOK
Exam Simulators
Which is the Best PMP Exam Prep Book?
There are many other good books in the market to prepare for the PMP exam. The most popular book is PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy. I have ...
Books
What are the various Means to earn Contact Hours for the PMP Exam?
Here's a very good article on some of the lesser known means to earn 35 Contact Hours for PMP Certification: Project Management Trainin...
Contact Hours
Which Edition of the PMBOK Guide will the PMP exam be based on, if application is approved before Jun 30, 2009?
The exam doesn't depend upon the date your application is approved. No matter when your application is approved, if you take the exam on...
Exam Version
PMBOK Guide
Is there any Official Break during the PMP Exam?
No. The PMP Exam is 4 hour long battle, without any official break. The clock doesn't stop once it starts ticking, until the end o...
Exam Duration
Do I need to Use a Calculator during the PMP Exam?
Probably, yes. The exam is not a test of your math skills and if you can do primary school level calculations in your head, you don't ne...
Calculator
Exam Questions
Are the Answers to Questions Marked for Review on the PMP Exam Counted?
Yes. As long as you've answered the question, it is counted at the end of the exam, irrespective of whether it's marked for review o...
Exam Questions
Can I Bookmark a Question on the PMP Exam (and revisit it again)?
Yes. You can mark a question for 'review' and revisit it anytime during the exam. You can use this feature to your advantage. Tip ...
Exam Questions
How much Time is Allotted for the PMP Exam?
The allotted time to complete the computer-based examination is four hours . The examination is preceded by a tutorial and followed by...
Exam Duration
Is there any Negative Marking in the PMP Exam?
No. There's no negative marking on the PMP exam. If you don't answer a question correctly, you don't get any marks for it. You s...
Exam Questions
What are Pretest Questions on the PMP Exam?
A PMP Exam consists of 25 Pretest questions. Pretest Questions: Are "trial" questions. Are used in examinations as an effecti...
Exam Questions
How many Questions are there in the PMP Exam?
PMP Exam comprises of 200 questions . Of the 200 questions, 25 are considered pretest questions . Image Source: Flickr / Torley
Exam Questions
What is the Format of PMP Exam Questions?
All the questions on the PMP Exam are multiple-choice questions . Each question has exactly 4 answer choices.
Exam Questions
How far back can I go for the Project Management Experience on my PMP Application?
All project management experience must have been accrued within the last eight consecutive years prior to your application submission.
Application
How do I Contact PMI if I have any Questions?
You can contact PMI through email at this address: customercare@pmi.org
PMI Customer Care
Where can I Find More Information About the PMP Exam?
The most authentic source of information for the PMP Exam is the PMP Handbook . If you still have unanswered questions, you can post the...
PMP Handbook
What is the Value of PMP Certification?
I'm glad that you asked this question. I have a collection of useful links to articles and discussions on this topic. Follow the link be...
Value of PMP Cert.
Will Anyone Know if I Fail the PMP Exam?
Yes, you will know, and anyone you tell, will know. But rest assured, PMI does NOT disclose your test history to anyone other than you. Th...
Fail
PMI Online Registry
Does the PMP Exam Score Report Indicate Previous Failed Attempts?
Neither the PMP Exam score report nor the PMP Certificate has any reference to any previous failed attempt.
Fail
PMP Certificate
Score Report
If I Fail in the PMP Exam, Can I Apply for Re-evaluation?
Yes, you can apply for re-evaluation. You may submit a written request to the PMI Certification Department for review of their decision. Req...
Re-evaluation
How do I Apply for PMP Re-examination?
You can apply for PMP re-examination through PMI's PMI Online Certification System .
Fail
Re-examination
If I Fail the PMP Exam, How Soon can I Retake It?
PMI does not mandate any "cooling off" period to retake the exam. You can retake the exam anytime provided: You apply for re-exa...
Re-examination
What if I Fail the PMP Exam?
Hell won't break loose if you fail in your PMP exam. PMP Exam is not an easy by any means. Many candidates fail the exam on thei...
Fail
Fees
Re-examination
How long does it take for My Name to Appear in PMI Online Registry after Passing the PMP Exam?
It takes about 7 to 10 business days for PMI to receive the exam result from Prometric. As per PMI, it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for your ...
PMI Online Registry
How can I Verify a Person's PMP Credential?
PMI publishes an online registry of all certified PMPs. You can verify a person's PMP credentials if you know his/her last name. You c...
PMI Online Registry
How many PMPs are there in the World?
If you have questions like "How many PMPs are there in the World?", or "What is PMI membership strength?" or "How m...
PMI Fact File
PMI Membership
How long does PMI take to mail the PMP Certificate to successful candidates?
You get the (physical) PMP certificate in about 2-3 weeks after passing the exam. The time varies depending upon your coordinates on the globe.
PMP Certificate
Does the PMP Certificate show the Score?
The PMP Certificate neither shows the score nor proficiency level achieved on the PMP exam, as you can see here .
Passing Score
PMP Certificate
Does Proficiency Level (or Score) Matter on the PMP Exam?
First of all, PMI doesn't provide a score for PMP Exams. You only get a domain-wise "Proficiency Level" on the PMP Exam score ...
Passing Score
What is the Percentage Equivalent of each Proficiency Level on the PMP Exam?
If PMI were to disclose percentage values for each proficiency level, then why would they move away from the old system (of publishing the s...
Passing Score
Is there any Way to Find the Percentage Score on the PMP Exam?
No. PMP Exam score report only indicates the domain-wise proficiency level. There's no way to find the actual score.
Passing Score
What does the PMP Exam Score Report Contain?
The PMP Exam Score Report contains: Test result - Pass or Fail. Domain-wise performance information: Proficient Moderately Proficient ...
Passing Score
Score Report
When do I know the Result of my PMP Exam?
For Computer-Based Test, you will know the result after several 'loooong' seconds upon completion of the exam. You are allowed to pr...
Exam Result
Score Report
What (Stationery) does the Test Center provide for the PMP Exam?
The Prometric test center usually provides: A few blank papers A few sharpened pencils A simple calculator (nowadays, calculator applic...
Administration
Calculator
Prometric
Stationery
What Form of Identification Must I Bring to the Test Center for the PMP Exam?
The exam confirmation email that you will receive from Prometric will contain the exact identification policy which is applicable to you. Yo...
Administration
Identification
Prometric
What do I Need to Bring to the Test Center for Taking the PMP Exam?
You are advised to bring the following items to the test center for taking the PMP Exam: Two forms of identification (see the post for v...
Administration
Identification
Prometric
Where can I Find the List of Paper-Based Test (PBT) Centers for PMP Exam?
You can get a list of Paper-Based Test Centers on the Prometric site. Here's the current list . If the above link doesn't work, he...
Administration
Paper-Based Test (PBT)
Prometric
Can the PMP Exam be taken in a language other than English?
No and Yes. All PMI examinations are administered in English . However, language aids for the questions and answers of the PMP and CAPM exam...
Language Aid
Where do I Take the PMP Exam?
All computer-based tests (CBT) are administered by Prometric. You can select the most convenient testing center and schedule the exam on the...
Administration
Prometric
What if I Do Not Take the PMP Exam within the 1-Year Eligibility Period?
Well, you would have to re-apply and go through the entire application process again. Moreover, if you have paid the exam fee and do not tak...
Application
Is there a Fee to Reschedule the PMP Exam?
No. As long as you meet the criteria listed here , there's no fee to reschedule the exam, no matter how many times you reschedule it.
Exam Scheduling
How Many Times can I Reschedule My PMP Exam with Prometric?
From my experience you can reschedule the exam as many times as you want, as long as you do so at least 48 hours before your current appoint...
Exam Scheduling
Prometric
How do I Schedule My PMP Exam?
You can schedule the PMP Exam directly on Prometric website . You can also call them and schedule your exam. PMI does not guarantee exam s...
Exam Scheduling
Prometric
What if I Fail to Meet the Audit Requirements for the PMP Exam?
If you fail to meet the audit requirements, PMI will refund your exam fee, minus $100 administration fee for the audit. Now you know why th...
Application
Audit
Fees
How can I Avoid PMP Application Audit?
You cannot. There's nothing you can do to avoid your application from getting audited. A small percentage (about 10%) of applications ar...
Application
Audit
What is the Audit Process for PMP Exam Application?
As mentioned above, the one-year exam eligibility clock stops when your application is selected for an audit. PMI will inform you about the ...
Application
Audit
How do I Pay the Fee for the PMP Exam?
You can pay the exam fee on PMI's Online Certification System . Note : You pay the exam fee to PMI, not Prometric. Image Source: ...
Fees
How often are PMP exams conducted?
PMP Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) are conducted everyday, all over the world. The exam is administered by Prometric. You need to book the exam...
Administration
Prometric
How are PMP Exams Administered?
Computer-based testing (CBT) is the standard method of administration for all PMI examinations. However, paper-based testing (PBT) is av...
Administration
Prometric
How much time does PMI take to Process PMP Exam Application?
The application processing timeline is mentioned in the table below:
Application
Is it possible to Apply for the PMP exam without being a PMI Member?
Yes, absolutely. You don't need to be a PMI member to apply for PMP certification. But, only a fool would do so (sorry for the harsh lan...
Application
PMI Membership
How far in Advance should I Apply for the PMP Exam?
Read How to become a PMP in 6 Steps to understand the process of certification. It will help you determine how far in advance you need to a...
Application
How do I Apply for the PMP Exam?
PMI encourages candidates to apply for the PMP exam online. The online application can be submitted on PMI's Online Certification System...
Application
How do I Report my Project Management Experience in the PMP Certification Application?
You need to report your Project Management experience hours to PMI as part of your PMP Exam application. The experience is reported process ...
Application
What is the Application Process for the PMP Exam?
At a high level, the PMP application process involves the following steps: You submit an online application for the exam to PMI. PMI rev...
Application
Audit
Where can I find Resources to Prepare for the PMP Exam?
Here's the address to the "Gold Mine" of PMP Exam Resources: Directory of *Best* PMP Exam Resources on the web Here you...
Study Resources
Do Contact Hours have an Expiry Date?
No. PMI does not mandate any expiry timeline for Contact Hours (CHs) earned to qualify for the PMP Exam, as long as you retain the proof (ce...
Contact Hours
What doesn't Qualify for 35 Contact Hours of PM Education for PMP Certification?
A few things that do "not" qualify towards meeting the 35 Contact Hours of PM Education for PMP Certification are: Attendance t...
Contact Hours
What is the easiest way to get 35 Contact Hours for the PMP Exam?
The easiest and an effective way to get 35 Contact Hours of Project Management Education is the new Video PM Prepcast. It is a Podcast based...
Contact Hours
Exam Preparation
Study Resources
How do I Prepare for the PMP Exam?
That's a million dollar (or maybe billion now) question. You are asking the ocean where the water is. All you need to prepare for ...
Exam Preparation
What is the Difficulty Level of the PMP Exam?
This is a subjective matter, but generally the PMP exam is considered more difficult than most of the sample exam questions out there. For m...
Exam Difficulty Level
How much Time does it take to Prepare for the PMP Exam?
There's no right answer for this. Preparation time varies by individual. Most people take about 3 months for preparation. Some claim ...
Preparation Time
How can I get a copy of the PMBOK Guide?
You can get a PMBOK Guide in various ways: 1. If you are a PMI member, you can download an electronic version (soft copy) of the PMBOK Gui...
PMBOK Guide
Is there any change in PMP Exam Pattern from June 30, 2009?
Since June 30, 2009, PMP Exam is based on PMBOK Guide, Fourth Edition. Many PMP aspirants are anxious to know whether there's any change...
Exam Version
PMBOK Guide
Which edition of PMBOK Guide is the PMP Exam based on?
Until June 29, 2009 : PMBOK Guide Edition 3 From June 30, 2009 : PMBOK Guide Edition 4
Exam Version
PMBOK Guide
What is the Domain-wise distribution of PMP Exam Questions?
The PMP examination is developed based on the PMP examination blueprint contained in the Project Management Professional (PMP) Examination S...
Exam Questions
What is the Passing Score for the PMP Exam?
PMP Handbook says: The passing score for all PMI credential examinations is determined by sound psychometric analysis. PMI uses subject ma...
Passing Score
What are the fees for the PMP Exam?
The examination fees vary depending upon whether you are a PMI member. For PMI Members Computer-based exam: USD 405 Paper-based ...
Fees
PMI Membership
What is the difference between Contact Hours and PDUs?
Contact Hours are hours earned before becoming certified. Contact Hours can only be earned as traditional course time that focuses on pr...
Contact Hours
PDUs
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the PMP Exam?
To be eligible for the PMP credential, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. All project management ...
Eligibility Criteria
What is PMP Certification?
PMP stands for Project Management Professional. The PMP credential recognizes demonstrated knowledge and skill in leading and directing pr...
PMP Certification