If you are driven to advance your project management career at a bigger company or with high-budget/complex projects, having a PMP Certification can help make that happen. To obtain that distinguished and respected professional status, you need to understand the overall PMP application and exam process.
Our PMP Exam Prep Resource Center has been designed to answer your key PMP exam prep questions, share best practices for your exam preparation efforts, and support your overall project management professional development.
7 Secrets to Passing the PMP® Exam
Learn the secrets to passing the PMP® exam on your first try.
Understanding The PMP Exam
The PMP Certification Exam is a tough exam, even for those who have years of project management experience. This is why passing the PMP exam requires focused preparation. It is important to know what to expect on the test, as well as how to prepare for it.
One survey of 100 PMP® credential holders asked how long they studied, and the answers ranged from a week to 6 months! The conclusion was about 2 months of 2 – 3 hours of daily study (so roughly, 90 days x 2.5 hours = 225 hours). The amount of studying time needed to pass the exam is one indicator of the level of difficulty.
To guide you, we have created a list of resources to help you better understand the PMP Exam and how to prepare for it:
Prepare for the PMP Exam
To prepare for the PMP exam, you will need proof of 35 hours of related course work. If you complete a PMP exam course from an PMI ATP, your course completion will be submitted to PMI into your PMP application on your behalf. Then, with the education requirement fulfilled you can gather the verifiable work experience information to complete your PMP exam application on the PMI.org site.
To ensure you are learning PMI approved content aligned with the most current PMP exam format, use an PMI Authorized Training Provider (ATP) for your PMP exam prep. You can earn all 35 hours of the PMP application’s education requirement by completing an authorized PMP exam prep course.
- Determine your target timeframe for taking the PMP exam (noting you need 35 hours of education plus PMI approval to take the exam)
- Register for your PMI ATP provided PMP exam course; ideally you want to complete your PMP exam prep course within three weeks of taking the PMP exam
- Secure access or printed copies of PMI source materials as directed within the PMP exam prep course instructions
- Schedule focused study time between completing your PMP prep course and before taking the PMP exam
- Use Project Management Academy’s free PMP exam practice questions as part of study time
You can start your PMP Exam Prep journey by utilizing our resources below:
Project Management Academy Courses
As a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), the Project Management Academy teaches with PMI Authorized Exam Prep course materials to ensure students have a deep understanding of the most current exam content and experience. For example, the PMP Exam Prep seminar is structured to both upskill existing Project Management skills while also preparing for the PMP Exam. PMA provides students with PMI verified materials, accurate exam simulator tools, and experienced instructors to better ensure a passing exam score on your first attempt.