TOPIC: Schedule PMP exam

Hey everyone, I just started my PMP exam prep and I’m feeling a bit uncertain about when to actually schedule my exam.
I’ve finished the 35-hour course and am slowly working through practice questions, but I’m worried about picking a date too soon (and risking not being prepared) or waiting too long (and losing momentum). How have others decided on the right timing?
Also, I keep hearing mixed advice about online vs. testing center—are there any big pros or cons that I should consider before choosing one? Any tips or personal experiences would be a huge help.
Thanks! Chris.

Cornelius had a podcast for a study schedule a couple of months ago. Search the PMP Podcast.

Harry

When you’ve finished your 35-hour course and your application has been approved, I strongly recommend scheduling your exam right away. I recommend this, because setting a fixed date helps you avoid procrastination and keeps you accountable to a study plan.

Scheduling it at about 2-3 weeks after finishing your course/approval is a solid window. It’s enough time to reinforce your knowledge and skills and keep practicing in the simulator without risking a loss of momentum or forgetting what you've learned.

Regarding the format, my advice is to take the exam at a local testing center if at all possible. While many people have successfully tested online, there have also been numerous reports of technical glitches and connectivity issues. There’s no guarantee you’ll run into problems online, but statistically, a local testing center will be smoother and more reliable. If you have one near you, then go there.

Determining the "right timing" for your exam is a personal decision influenced by various factors, including your work and time commitments, personality, learning style, and confidence in test-taking.

If I were in your position, I would first assess the scope of my exam preparation and then select an optimal date and time. It’s wise to allow some buffer time in case unexpected delays arise, but setting a firm deadline—whether to complete the exam before summer or before a major work project—can provide extra motivation to stay on track.

Be sure to allocate ample time for full-length practice exams and focused review of specific sections or challenging topics.

Scheduling your exam establishes a clear target and reinforces your commitment—an essential step toward earning the certification. Plan as best as you can, but once you've done so, don’t hesitate—just go for it!

I definitely recommend the option of going to the test center. That way you "outsource" the risk of any network issues which may nullify your test.
You can focus only on your own testing and getting the answers and timing right.

Next, regarding timing, every person has a good idea of what kind of commitments they have and how much time they might need.
For instance, I was comfortable targeting a date 3 weeks into the future in "absolute terms" but I needed to factor in multiple travel related breaks and work commitments. So this time actually expanded.

I would highly recommend putting your study schedule into a calendar to estimate your actual time needed. Maybe add a buffer of a week.
Then start looking at available dates around this time at the center(s) near you and make a selection.

That way, you are being realistic and you also have an actual deadline to keep you motivated.