Fastest Way To Get Your PMP Certification

If you're interested in a project management career, you may be looking to get your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. You'd like to get started sooner rather than later, so you're wondering how to get your PMP fast.

Keep reading as we explore different tips and tricks for earning your PMP certification as quickly as possible. We'll also talk about the certification in more detail and answer some related questions you may be wondering about.

What Is the Project Management Professional Certification?

The Project Management Professional certification is considered the gold standard of project-related certifications. It is available through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Candidates earn this certification by passing the PMP certification exam, which consists of 180 questions and must be completed within 230 minutes. The computer-based test can be taken online from a location of your choice or in-person at testing centers throughout the U.S. and beyond.

The PMP certification demonstrates that you are skilled at managing people and processes, certifying your competence as a project manager in any industry. It is an internationally recognized credential, and the exam is available in 16 languages.

What Are the Requirements for PMP Certification?

There are three different eligibility paths that can lead to PMP certification. ''Set A'' candidates must meet the following requirements:

• high school diploma
• at least five years of project management experience within the past eight years
• at least 35 hours of project management training, certified associate in project management (CAPM) certification, or completion of specific PMI training courses

''Set B'' candidates are required to meet the following standards:

• bachelor's degree or higher (or global equivalent)
• at least three years of project management experience within the past eight years
• at least 35 hours of project management training, CAPM certification, or completion of specific PMI training courses

Finally, ''Set C'' candidates must meet the following:

• bachelor's degree or higher from a Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education-approved school
• two years of project management experience within the past eight years
• at least 35 hours of project management training (GAC coursework fulfills this requirement)

How Fast Can I Get PMP Certification?

While there is no shortcut for the minimum amount of experience and education you will need for certification, there are ways to accelerate certain aspects of the process. If you're wondering how to get PMP certification fast, we'll explore some tips in greater detail below.

Between education and experience requirements, it typically takes at least five to seven years beyond high school to qualify for the PMP exam. Pursuing accelerated degree programs and streamlining the exam prep process can help you save additional time, potentially helping you qualify for the exam in as little as one to three years.

6 Tips on How To Get PMP Certification Fast

If you're still asking the question, ''How can I get PMP certification fast?'' then keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top suggestions that will help you prepare for and pass the exam quickly.

1. Meet the PMP Eligibility Requirements Quickly

If you already have a high school diploma and several years of management-related experience, you may already be close to meeting basic PMP eligibility requirements. If you are just starting out with little or no training and experience, you can prepare to meet the requirements quickly by enrolling in a GAC-accredited bachelor's degree program.

A GAC-approved program helps you save time by automatically fulfilling the 35-hour project management training requirement and limiting the amount of work experience you'll need. Once you graduate from one of these programs, all you will have to do is gain two years of management-related work experience to qualify for the exam.

2. Choose a PMP Fast Track Training Program

To obtain PMP certification quickly, a fast-track training program may be a practical solution. When looking for a project management degree program, consider options that are not only GAC-accredited but also offer accelerated study options.

These degree programs may be completed in as little as one to two years, depending on your educational experience, transfer credits, and study schedule. By combining a fast-track training program with GAC accreditation, you can potentially fulfill all PMP certification requirements to sit for the PMP exam within three years, even if you are starting out with no education or experience.

3. Use Intensive PMP Exam Prep Resources

There are many options for PMP exam preparation, most of which are available online. Intensive exam prep resources are available through the PMI and third-party training providers.

Choosing intensive, fast-track training courses and practice quizzes that prepare you specifically for the exam can give you confidence when it's time to take the actual exam. They can also ensure that you are better prepared for the exam in a shorter amount of time than more relaxed training courses.

4. Submit Your PMP Application Early

Once you have applied to take the PMP exam, you have up to a year to schedule and complete the exam. To ensure fast PMP certification, complete the PMP application early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare.

It's also important that you complete all fields of the application. Missing information can delay the application process and may lead to eligibility audits, which can further delay your exam.

5. Schedule Your Exam Strategically

As noted, you can take up to a year to schedule your PMP exam after your application has been accepted. Choose an exam date that will coordinate best with your training and preparation.

For example, you may want to take some extra time to join a study group or take a course through a PMI training partner. While it may seem that this would delay your PMP certification, proper preparation for the exam is key and can actually help you save time by giving you a better chance of passing the exam immediately.

6. Stay Consistent With Study and Practice Tests

To pass the PMP exam fast, you'll not only want to prepare for the exam but also use the right materials for that preparation. Various approved training courses, practice questions, and mock exams are available through the PMI and its training partners.

While other materials may be available through outside sources on the internet, consistently using these approved study materials can ensure you're better prepared to pass the exam on the first try.

Crashing vs. Fast Tracking PMP Certification

Crashing and fast-tracking are two techniques used in project management to get a project done quickly. These concepts can both be applied to PMP certification prep.

Crashing means to speed up the overall process of your exam prep by putting in more study hours, using additional study materials, or making other changes to your timeline. Fast-tracking, on the other hand, means speeding up the process by streamlining it, eliminating certain steps, or working on some steps simultaneously.

Crashing your PMP certification prep can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and even failure on the exam. Fast-tracking is a much better option, as it enables you to work smarter, not harder, as you prepare for the exam.

FAQs About Fast-Tracking PMP Certification

If you're still wondering about getting your project management education and certification quickly, read on. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is PMP Harder Than CPA?

Many aspiring accountants also pursue project management certifications such as the PMP. There's no way to say whether the certified public accountant (CPA) certification is harder to earn than the PMP certification, as terms like ''hard'' and ''easy'' are subjective. However, many professionals who have earned both certifications consider the CPA certification more challenging, as it requires more preparation and an extensive knowledge of complicated tax laws.

Do I Have To Be a PMI Member To Take the PMP Exam?

PMI membership is not required to take the PMP exam. That said, PMI members receive discounts on the exam cost, as well as access to training resources, such as the PMBOK Guide. What's more, PMI membership can provide enhanced networking opportunities for both current and aspiring project managers, making it easier for them to find jobs and valuable resources.

How Much Do the PMP Certification Exam Fees Cost?

The standard price for the PMP exam is $675. PMI members receive a significant discount, paying just $425 for the exam. Those who fail the exam will have two additional opportunities to pass it within the current year, though additional fees will apply.

How Do I Prepare for the PMP Exam?

There are many different ways to prepare for the exam. The PMI offers various resources, including practice exams, the PMBOK Guide, gamified exam questions, and exam prep courses. Other study materials, PMP courses, and bootcamps may be available online through sources like Coursera and Udemy.

Explore Project Management Programs Online

If you're ready to develop or enhance your project management skills, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact individual colleges of interest to learn more about their project management training programs and find the right one for you.