Need to quickly earn the Project Management Institute (PMI®)’s most well-recognized certification, the Project Management Professional (PMP®)? Use this guide to create an efficient study plan, select the right resources, and use effective study techniques to expedite your PMP prep.

Fast-Track Your PMP Certification

The time invested in preparing for the PMP certification exam varies depending on one’s knowledge of Project Management Institute standards and lexicon. For most, it takes several months to prepare. However, with a strong study plan, you can earn a passing score the first time you take the PMP exam after several weeks of prep. However, to get to the PMP exam you must prove you have met PMI’s PMP exam application requirements for earned educational level and project management experience.

With PMI approval of your PMP exam application, up next will be the time needed to conduct your exam prep studying PMI materials (including PMI’s The Project Management Body of Knowledge or PMBOK®). Knowledge of different project management methodologies, including waterfall, Agile, and Scrum, is a must, and it is another part of the time needed to prepare.

The pre-exam work – including obtaining educational status, gaining project management experience, and in-depth review of PMI materials – can be so daunting that some never get beyond them to take the exam. You can fast-track the process to join the global community of PMP certification holders by sticking to a strong PMP example study plan.

Understanding PMP Certification Requirements

PMI offers candidates a choice of three tracks to meet the eligibility requirements for their Project Management Professional certification exam. You cannot simply sign up to take the PMP exam: You must submit a PMI exam application detailing how you fulfill one of the requirements tracks. If approved, the PMI will provide you with online exam access or in-person exam registration information.

PMP exam prerequisites | PMI offers three options to qualify to take the PMP exam

From the PMP exam application requirements options, select the one you already meet or can most quickly achieve. All three have both education and skill experience components that must have been fulfilled within the past eight years.

PMP Certification Requirements | Set A

• High school or secondary school diploma
• Minimum 60 months/5 years of experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification

PMP Certification Requirements | Set B

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (or global equivalent)
• 36 months/3 years of experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification

PMP Certification Requirements | Set C

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (or global equivalent) from a GAC accredited program
• 24 months/2 years of experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training (GAC core project management coursework is pre-approved to fulfill this requirement)

Typically, PMI sends approval for complete applications within five business days of submission. Include that waiting period in your study plan so that you are ready to schedule the exam as soon are notified of your application’s approval. 

PMP Application Audits | Have education, training, and experience documentation available

You must have all documentation for what you claim in your PMP exam application. PMI conducts random application audits to ensure the integrity of applications and the process. If you are audited, you should respond promptly with all necessary documentation to keep your certification process moving forward.

PMP Boot Camps | fast track way to meet required training hours

Completing a 35-hour PMP Exam boot camp from a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) is one way to get the required amount of project management-related training in less than two weeks. PMI requirements state that any submitted training must have been completed in the past eight years, and the best practice is to take the PMP exam as soon after a boot camp as possible. Therefore, schedule wisely to ensure your training fits your exam prep schedule.

Creating a Fast-Track Study Plan

To fast track earning a passing score, a PMP exam candidate must create a PMP study plan that includes intense studying and multiple practice exams leading up to exam day. Within the PMP study plan, include:

• Study plan timeline (time leading up to exam day)
  • A fast-tracked study plan is less than 8 weeks (compared to the typical 3 – 6 months).
  • Include weekends (this is part of fast-tracking! Every moment counts!).
• dedicated and focused time (time for study within the timeline)
  • Read and review high-yield study materials.
  • Study at least an hour every other day (two hours is better) or in shorter but daily periods
• exam simulator sessions
  • Score at least 75% on the practice exam before sitting for the PMP exam.
  • Complete practice exams in a quiet place with no interruptions.
• Prioritize study topics based on exam weight and your level of knowledge of it.
  • Use an exam simulator to determine your baseline knowledge of core project management concepts so that you study your weakest areas the most.
  • Review the PMI Certifications Handbook to know the weight of topics within the PMP exam.

Fast tracking earning a PMP is only possible if you have a structured study plan and are disciplined in your efforts.

Choosing the Right Study Resources for Your Study Guide

Use PMP exam specific study materials and PMI authorized resources so that every moment of study is dfueled by high yield items.

• PMBOK Guide: use it as a reference as the technical nature makes it less of a narrative read.
• PMI Study Hall app: bite-sized lessons, quizzes, and practice exams
• PMP ATP Boot camp materials and resources often include online lessons, quizzes, practice exams, study guides, and flashcards; Quick reference guides for both agile and predictive project management with common formulas, charts, and graphs; study guide editions with inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs of the 49 processes of predictive projects

Maximize your study time with high-quality materials that help you retain key information.

Effective Study Techniques for Quick Learning

Strong study techniques like active recall and spaced repetition can be applied for quick learning, enabling students to respond quickly to questions on the PMP exam, such as lists or common vocabulary terms. Knowing the four agile paired values is one example.

• Practice Active Reading: highlight key points and make notes that you can review repeatedly within your prep work.
• Use spaced repetition apps: track progress and memorize key concepts.
• Conduct study sessions using the Pomodoro technique: To enhance concentration, follow every 25-minute study session with 5-minute breaks.
• Leverage flashcards: create flashcards for the areas you need the most help learning.
• Cmplete Topic Quizzes: reinforce correct answers and use as a reference for deeper study where needed.
• Use Practice Exams: familiarize yourself exam question format and duration to boost exam day confidence.

To fast-track, you must use the most efficient study tools and techniques. Know the areas you need to work in most and then use the study tools that work best for you.  

Maximizing Study Time in your PMP Study Guide

To maximize study time in a busy schedule, include time for both study and practice exams. Best practices for your Study Guide include:

• Mimic exam environment with dedicated space: your study space should be quiet, have a strong internet connection speed, and have limited disruptions.
• Integrate PMP exam study into daily routines: stick to your study schedule for your time before exam day.
• Set Specific, Achievable PMP Study Goals: Set a specific goal per study session, such as the number of chapters read, the percent correct of flashcards, or a practice exam score.
• Utilize commute and downtime: Incorporate tightly focused study work, such as online lessons, topic quizzes, or flashcards, into small moments throughout your day.

Think of fast-tracking exam prep like crashing a schedule in predictive project management—you must use every resource to its utmost potential to reach the goal in less time than expected.

Join Intensive Study Groups

An engaged and supportive study group is an excellent means to build accountability into your fast-tracked study plan. You can also use a study group to enhance your understanding of complex topics through peer discussion. Potential sources for PMP study groups include: 

• Online PMP Study Groups: Find a group via LinkedIn or one of PMI’s official forums and experience how members cheer each other on, share provided study materials, and exchange best practices for PMP exam prep.
• Peer Study Groups: Form a peer study group with others striving to take the PMP exam close to your target date.
• PMP Boot Camps: Form a peer study group with those who are completing the training at the same time as you.  

Prep before the scheduled PMP Exam Day

You have achieved 75% or higher on at least two PMP practice exam sessions; you are familiar with exam question types and know how to manage your time within the exam’s format. What is left before the actual exam day? One crucial element: good night’s sleep with plenty of rest!

You may have had some late nights as part of your fast-tracked study approach, but pay attention to the importance of a good night’s sleep the night before the exam. 

Conclusion

Reduce the time to prepare for the PMI’s PMP exam with a strong study plan with intense and frequent study sessions, multiple practice exam sessions, and an engaged study group. To fast track earning PMP certification, you must meet all the requirements up front and schedule your exam soon after your approved PMP application.