How Long Does It Take To Get a PMP Certification? | PMP Certification Process

Earning the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a significant milestone in a project manager's career. It demonstrates your expertise and dedication to the field, often leading to career advancement and higher earning potential.

However, achieving this certification requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the process. One of the most common questions aspiring PMP candidates have is, ''How long does it take to get a PMP certification?'' Depending on if you already have a degree or not, getting the PMP certification takes around six months.

Below, we break down the steps you need to take to earn the PMP certification and explain how long each one will take.

Step 1: Meeting the Eligibility Requirements

Before you can apply for the PMP exam, you need to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Project Management Institute (PMI). These requirements include a combination of educational background, project management experience, and project management education.

Eligibility Criteria

For candidates with a four-year degree (bachelor's or equivalent), you need at least 36 months of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.

For candidates with a secondary diploma (high school diploma or equivalent), you need at least 60 months of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM certification.

Learn more: What Is a Degree in Project Management?

Time Estimate

The time required to meet these criteria can vary significantly based on your current qualifications. If you already have the necessary experience and education, you can proceed to the next steps immediately. If not, it might take several months or even years to accumulate the required experience and complete the education hours.

Step 2: Completing the Application Process

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to complete the PMP application process. The application is detailed and requires you to document your project management experience, including specific details about the projects you've managed.

Once you create a PMI account on their website, you'll need to fill out the application. It will ask for detailed information about your educational background, project management experience, and education hours. Then submit the application for review.

Filling out the application can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on how organized your documentation is. Once submitted, PMI typically takes five to 10 days to review and approve your application. If your application is selected for an audit, this process could take longer, potentially adding another week or two.

Step 3: Preparing for the PMP Exam

Preparation for the PMP exam is arguably the most time-consuming part of the certification process. The exam covers variety of topics, including project management processes, knowledge areas, and real-world scenarios.

Use the following list to prepare properly, bettering your chance of passing the exam on the first try.

• PMBOK Guide: The Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide is the primary resource for the PMP exam. Most candidates spend a significant amount of time studying this guide.
• Supplementary study materials: Many candidates also use exam prep books, online courses, and practice exams.
• Study groups: Joining a study group can provide additional support and motivation during the preparation process.

On average, candidates spend between two to four months preparing for the PMP exam. The exact time will depend on your familiarity with the material, the amount of time you can dedicate to studying each week, and your preferred study methods.

Step 4: Scheduling and Taking the PMP Exam

After you've completed your preparation, the next step is to schedule your exam. PMI offers flexible scheduling options, allowing you to choose a date and time that fits your availability.

The PMP exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. You can take the exam at a testing center or opt for an online proctored exam from the comfort of your home.

Scheduling the exam is straightforward, and you can typically find an available slot within a few weeks. The actual exam takes four hours to complete, but you should also account for the time needed to travel to the testing center if you choose an in-person exam.

Step 5: Receiving Your PMP Certification

After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately. If you pass, congratulations�you are now a PMP-certified professional. PMI will then send you your official certification details within a few weeks and provide you with instructions on how to maintain your certification by earning Professional Development Units (PDUs).

Total Time Estimate

The total time it takes to get a PMP certification can vary widely depending on your starting point and the time you can dedicate to each step. Here's a general breakdown:

• Meeting eligibility requirements: up to several years, depending on your experience and education.
• Completing the application process: one to three weeks
• Preparing for the exam: two to four months
• Scheduling and taking the exam: one to two weeks
• Receiving certification: immediately to a few weeks

In total, the process could take anywhere from four to six months for those who already meet the eligibility requirements and can dedicate significant time to studying. For others, the process could extend over a year or more, particularly if additional experience or education is needed.

Earn Your PMP Certification

Since the main prerequisite for becoming PMP certified is having a degree, explore the various project management degree options here on Learn.org. Reach out to the colleges that have programs you're interested it to get more information about becoming a project manager.