PMP® Certification Requirements

The PMP Certification is the most globally recognized credential in project management. Earning your PMP Certification will set you apart as a leader on your team and increase your earning potential.

Here is everything you need to know about the certification process, PMP certification training courses, and PMI’s requirements. Project Management Academy has all the information to guide you through the journey.

On this page:

PMP Certification Process Infographic
PMP Certification Eligibility Requirements
PMP Exam Application Process
PMP Certification Process Resources

Ultimate Guide to PMP Certification

Get this complete roadmap and successfully navigate the PMP Certification process.

PMP Certification Process Infographic

As a quick reference guide you can save, print, or share our PMP Certification Process Infographic that outlines your path to PMP certification success!

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PMP Certification Eligibility Requirements

The Project Management Institues requires that you meet some initial requirements before you are eligible to sit for the PMP exam.

High School Diploma, Associate's Degree or Global Equivalent

Minimum of 60 months of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience
35 contact hours of formal project management education (satisfied by PMA's PMP training course)

-OR-

Bachelor's Degree (Four-year Degree) or Global Equivalent

Minimum of 36 months of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience
35 contact hours of formal project management education (satisfied by PMA's PMP training course)

-OR-

*Bachelor's Degree or Post-Graduate Degree from a GAC accredited program (Bachelor's Degree or Master's or Global Equivalent)

Minimum of 24 months of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience
4,500 hours spent leading and directing projects
35 contact hours of formal project management education (satisfied by PMA's PMP training course)

PMP Exam Application Process

It costs $139 to become a member, but it saves you money on exam fees.
The standard non-member price to take the exam is $555. The PMI member price for the exam is $405.

Take our PMP certification training course to satisfy the required 35 hours of education requirement.
Submit your PMP application online.

There is no rush to do this step, we will provide guidance to you as part of our PMP course and per PMI rules you must complete your 35 hours of training first anyway.
PMI® will review your application and respond within 5 business days.
Once your application is approved you will receive an invitation to pay for and schedule the exam.

Schedule your exam with Prometric.

You have one year to take the exam after your application has been approved.
You may take the exam up to three (3) times during the eligibility period.
To learn more about the testing centers and online testing options, please visit Pearson VUE.

Take and Pass the PMP Exam

The PMP Exam is 180 questions with a 230 minute time limit.
The questions are broken down into 3 domains: Process (50%), People (42%), and Business Environment (8%).