TOPIC: PMP's got me so confused

Hey everyone! So, I’ve been in the marketing game for like 8 years now (time flies, amirite?), and I’ve been thinking the PMP certification is the key to that next career door.

Here’s the thing: I’m completely lost on how to actually start the process. Is there an prior exam or certifcation I need to take? I keep hearing words like “contact hours” and “pdu requirements,” and I feel like I just walked into an advanced class unprepared.

If anyone here has gotten their PMP or is currently in the trenches, could you help a fellow career climber out? What’s the 411 on signing up, what should I watch out for? Share your wisdom, please! Thanks in advance—y’all are the real MVPs.

Hello Henrie,

It sounds like you've already done the hardest part, which is getting around 5 years experience Project Management. You just need to translate that into the experience you need on the application. That's easier than it sounds.

The 35 contact hours can be completed from paid training or free training. Just look some up. That's easy to accomplish also.

The only difficult part will be to study for the test itself. It doesn't just come to you just because you've done projects and it may take months to study.

Other than that, it's much easier than you think. You're probably overthinking it.

Hey Henrie,

I agree with Joseph. You will need to first fill out the PMP application through PMI. Here is a checklist from their website below.

Path to PMP

You can also register for the exam there as well. Good luck on your journey!

Getting your PMP is simpler than it sounds!

1. Ensure you meet eligibility: 4-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 contact hours of PM education.
2. Apply on PMI’s website (prepare project details).
3. Pass the exam—requires focused study, not your life.
5. Use resources like PMBOK Guide + mock exams.

Good luck!

Hi Henrie,

Please have a look here:

www.project-management-prepcast.com/how-...ion-in-10-easy-steps

Just follow these steps, and you should be fine.

Here are some more valuable guides:

www.project-management-prepcast.com/free/pmp-exam-guides

Please do not hesitate to reach out again for any further questions.

BR,

Markus

Henrie:

PMI has it all spelled out here: www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp (and all the follow-on links contained on the page!)

There are two hurdles that you will need to overcome. The first, is getting your application approved. Follow the guides closely and you shouldn't have much of a problem, but be aware that you have very limited space to "describe" each project that you've done in the time frame. Also, the last time I checked, once you meet the eligibility criteria, you will not be able to input any more into the application. (That is also the case for submitting continuing education credits which I find a bit disconcerting. I always like to have more than the minimum in the event that there's an issue with an entry!)

The second hurdle is, of course, the exam. It's not a trivial exam at all and in many ways, found it much more difficult than exams in graduate school or my other professional certification, both of which are highly scientific and technical in nature. Be sure to download and look at the Exam Content Outline for the PMP exam. That will be a great guide in preparation.

Good luck!