Before asking yourself which certification works for you and gives you value, you have to understand their overall features first. This means understanding what project and program are and the certifications that they are connected with.

The Difference Between PgMP® vs PMP® are the roles and responsibilities of the individual taking it

Let us understand the two components that make up both the PgMP® and PMP® certifications—project management and program management.

Project Management

In the world of ideas, tasks, and business, a project is a temporary activity which its sole purpose is to make a product or service and delivering these results to the clients or stakeholders. A project begins and ends in a particular period and specific tasks or operations are designed to achieve a goal or an objective. Buildings, bridges, and dams—these are the few structures born out from projects. They all undergo different project processes in order to be built successfully for public or private usage.

Now the process for this is called project management. It is the implementation of skills, knowledge, and strategies of projects in order to meet the expected requirements. There are five stages of project management and these are: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

The project manager is the person in charge of such operations and he or she ensures that the projects implemented are successful and in good quality. Projects composed of teams working hard in order to meet the needs of the clients or stakeholders. The project manager distributes tasks for each team members and manages not only the team, but the constraints of budget, schedule, tools, and resources.

Program Management

A program, on the other hand, is a set of multiple projects operating together to achieve a clear business case. Unlike a project, a program is a group of interconnected projects and one project cease to function or operate if another project is missing. In other words, a project under a program cannot be separated since it won’t operate if it’s a single entity.

Program management is the process of managing multiple projects such as enhancing the organization’s performance. It is typically related to change management, business transitions, industrial engineering, and other related processes. A program manager oversees these program operations and he or she is main decision makers of all project structures. He or she governs the interdependencies involved in the projects. These projects have their own leaders, but the ultimate upper hand falls to the program manager who ensures resources are accessible for the teams in order to operate the projects.

Now that we are able to distinguish these two approaches, let us now determine the difference between PgMP® vs PMP® and their respective values for the certified candidates.

The Difference Between PgMP® vs PMP® falls on more than one spectrum

So what is the difference between PgMP® vs PMP® certification? Is it the exam? The process? The significance of one’s career? Yes, these are some of the elements that make PgMP® and PMP® distinct to each other. From requirements to processes, PgMP® and PMP® have both something to offer when it comes to their differences.

Requirements and Candidates

Both PgMP® and PMP® certifications require an exam, as well as the following qualifications in order for the candidate to proceed with the test. PMP® caters to experienced project managers while PgMP® inclines on professional program managers. Both certifications also help an aspirant to boost his or her career, as well as knowledge in each field.

PgMP® certification requires a highschool diploma or an associate’s degree, with 4 years of experience in project management and 7 years of experience in program management; a bachelor’s degree is also qualified for PgMP®, provided it is accompanied by 4 years each of experience in program and project management.

The PMP® certification is similar with PgMP® in terms of educational requirement, except for this certification an applicant needs 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of project management education. For applicants with a bachelor’s degree, they need to have at least 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and also 35 hours of project management education.

Features

PgMP® certification has a longer process compared to PMP®. Even before PgMP® applicants take the test, they need to undergo a panel review and sometimes an audit where they document their project and program endeavors and have their supervisors or managers vouch for their claim. PgMP®’s requirements are more inclined to PMP®. On the other hand, PMP® is all about fulfilling the requirements for legibility. PMP® certification is four times less costly compared to PgMP®—due to the process, random audits, and maintenance, the latter requires more than just an exam fee. And even are both considered the most sought-after certifications in the industry, PgMP® is a more complex process to achieve, thanks to their several processes involved.

Choosing the Right One

Actually, there is no right one or the adage, “there can only be one”. You can actually have both! If you want to settle to PMP®, that’s fine. And if you want to go up and pursue PgMP® after, there is nothing wrong with that, too. At the end of the day, it’s all about your preference and your determination to steer your ship around to a new adventure of your career endeavor. These certifications provide you a set of advanced skill, knowledge, and capability — so why not grab all of them by the horns?

The post Identifying The Difference Between PgMP® vs PMP® appeared first on Management Square.

One of the most coveted of them all is the PMP® certification. But what is PMP® certification and why is it a big deal for some organizations seeking qualified applicants to add in their department? With so many PMI Certifications, you need to get your way around them to know exactly what type of certification you want to obtain and why you want to apply in the first place.

What Is PMP® Certification ?

Project Management Professional ( PMP )® certification is a widely-recognized certification for project managers and it is known around the industry. It is recognized around the globe so every organization is aware of the whole idea of PMP® certification.

What is PMP® certification when we talk about project management entirely? First off, it boosts the salary rate. Employees who obtain such certification also has other advantages such as improvements in their skills, an opportunity to have their skills and expertise to be recognized by PMI®, and expansion of market scope. A one-third of managers have PMP® certification and your manager is one of them. Chances are your projects are completed in a timely manner as well as you get to save resources in the long run.

There may be numerous certifications out there that everyone can avail, but what makes PMP® different from the rest? PMP® covers a more general aspect of project management. From the basics, down to the advanced knowledge obtaining a PMP®, certification doesn’t just fall into one specific spectrum. Having a PMP® certification means you have the opportunity to assess potential employees and moving up to a higher position will be a walk in the park.

Plus, employers are attracted by an applicant whose resume boasts of a PMP® certification. It is a concrete evidence that he or she has sufficient experience and knowledge in the world of project management. PMP® certified applicants have more advantage in the hiring process—it’s also a sigh of relief for the employers since they don’t need to train someone who’s already well-versed in this area.

Some people are asking if you need to be a project manager in order to be qualified for a PMP® certification. This is more about tasks contribution or leading a project rather than a designation proclaiming, “Hey, I’m a project manager, I oversee things here.” So the answer to that is, no. Anyone can be PMP® certified, provided that the tasks they executed have contributed to project management. This means the applicant has to lead a team in creating or operating a project or his or her outputs have been instrumental to the project’ success.

And that’s where experience requirements come in:

• The PMI requires an applicant to have 3 years of project management experience (4,500 hours leading projects) for those who have a 4-year degree and 5 years of experience in the same field (7,500 hours leading projects) for those who have a highschool diploma.
• Then there’s a 35-hour education in project management.

These experiences and the accompanying education must be documented and filled out in the PMP® certification application to determine if you are qualified for the exam.

What Is PMP® Certification When It Comes to its Benefits?

So you wonder, “what is PMP® certification at the end of the day? Is it worth it?” There are more benefits a person can attain once he or she becomes certified. Sure, it means that a boost in one’s career and every certification in the PMI roster share that advantage. Some of these PMP® benefits are:

• The capability to handle more complex and challenging projects
• Gives you more edge for applying to a higher position in the corporate ladder
• An opportunity to train new employees or team members that need skill development and enhancement
• Networking opportunity
• An experience that is significant in your career and future endeavors in the field of project management.
• Additional knowledge in project management, especially the advanced know-hows.
• Gives you more opportunities to explore innovative ideas for project creation, management, as well as strategies.
• Makes you more effective in leading and managing the team.

The advantages can be endless once you have acquired a PMP® certification, yet keep in mind that there is another side of the coin—that is requirements to fulfill even if you already obtained your certificate.

It can be frustrating to run around fulfilling these requirements and achieving what needs to be done, but no one says that journeys are meant to be taken with zero trial.

PMP and PMI are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post What is PMP® Certification and Why You Should Apply? appeared first on Management Square.

But first off: Why the need for a certification? Management-based jobs within an organization feel the need for applicants to obtain certifications that will help them determine if the former’s management skills and capabilities will live up to their expectations. Some organizations prefer applicants to have certifications attached on their resume, rather than who’s already experienced in the field of management.

Certification has since been then a go-to edge for aspiring managers and this has been made possible by PMI, a nonprofit organization that provides such management certification, as well as standards such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK® Guide) that includes the project management principles and best practices.

You will get perks of being a PMI member including discounts on certifications, a PMBoK® Guide, and digital standards.

If you want to amp up your management game, then PMI is the best place to do so. PMI and its affiliated organizations are responsible for assisting people with research, education, and other management-related opportunities. And there are more selections of management certifications to choose from.

PMI Certifications : Choosing the Right PMI Certification for Your Career

Below are the following PMI certifications to help you boost your career or skills or if you’re aspiring to climb to the top of the management ladder. Some management certifications have certain requirements so ensure that you have prepared one. All applicants must undergo an exam for all types of certifications.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

This is the PMI’s entry-level certification or inexperienced applicants who are up or a project management career. Obtaining the CAPM® certification shows that you comprehend the aspect of project management, its terms, as well as its procedures.

Requirements:

High school diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent, with project experience of 1,500 hours or a project management education of 23 hours.

Project Management Professional (PMP)®

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is considered to be the most well-known and sought after PMI certifications globally. One of the benefits of the PMP® certification is an increase in salary and networking opportunities.

Requirements:

• High-school diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• Project management experience of 5 years, plus 7.500 hours leading or directing projects.
• Project management education of 35 hours

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Project management experience of 3 years, plus 4,500 hours leading or directing projects
• Project management education of 35 hours

Program Management Professional (PgMP)®

Next to the most coveted certification is the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. This is for program managers who can tackle multiple projects at the same time, all the while achieving the required benefits.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• 4 years of project management experience with 7 years of experience in program management

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 4 years of project management experience and 4 years of program management experience
• All experiences mentioned must be gained in a span of 15 years.
• Applicants must also pass their application indicating their experiences that are then reviewed by a panel.

Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)®

The Portfolio Management Professional certification is for the working in the portfolio management, aligning and governing projects and programs with the the organizational objectives and business priorities.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• 7 years of experience in portfolio management

Or

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4 years of experience in portfolio management
• All applicants must have business experience of at least 8 years

PMI – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®

This is for practitioners who are knowledgeable of the agile principle of project management, as well as strategies and tools.

Requirements:

• 2,000 hours of experience in project management
• 1,500 hours of agile experiences, with 21 hours training in agile principles
• The experiences in project team must be gained prior within 5 years, while agile-focused experiences must be gained in 3 years.

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®

PMI-RMP® certification is ideal for candidates who plan, manage, analyze, and control project risk procedures and strategies.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• Project risk experience, of 4,500 hours, with project risk management education of 40 hours

Or

• Bachelor’s degree
• Project experience of 3,000 hours, with project risk management education of 30 hours.

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)®

This is for individuals who maintain projects schedules and ensure the project doesn’t run out of resources.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree
• 5,000 hours of scheduling projects and 40 hours of education in project scheduling

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 3,500 hours of project scheduling experience, with 30 hours of project scheduling education

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)®

The PMI-PBA® certification serves as an aid to help close the project requirement gap that is often the major factor of project failure issues. Individuals obtaining this certification have all the elements needed in order ti implement projects and bring them towards success.

Requirements:

• Highschool diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent
• Business analysis experience of 7,500 hours, project team experience of 2,000 hours, and business analysis education of 35 hours

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Business analysis experience of 4,500 hours, project team experience of 2,000 hours, and business analysis education of 35 hours

Note: All experiences must be acquired within 8 years.

Renewing Your Certifications

Renewal of certificates is always available. CAPM® certification lasts up to 5 years, while the rest is a solid duration of 3 years. However, certificate holders must take another test to renew their CAPM® credential.

Maintenance requires earning 30 to 60 PDUs within a given period. PMI-ACP®, PMI-RMP®, and PMI-SP® certification require 30 PDUS and 60 for PMP®, PgMP®, PfMP® and PMI-PBA® certifications.

PMI Certification — Getting Ready for the Road Ahead

Certifications and Careers

More and more organizations are seeking employees who have certifications under their belt. As the business industry grows, so is the evolution of project and program management. And this also means the need for more prospective employees who are well-versed with the language shared within the hierarchy of management industry.

Individuals who obtain the entry-level certifications CAPM® or the darling of the crowd PMP® can start as project managers. You will also find working in PMI are coordinators, schedule managers, and directors in the field of project management.

PMI-ACP® certified individuals on the other hand often find themselves working as Scrum experts or agile project managers.

PgMP® and PfMP® professionals can be typically managing or implementing portfolio and program strategies. Regardless of what type of certification you have obtained, you will have a wide array of multiple project or program-based careers to choose from.

PMI, CAPM, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA  and PMBok are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post PMI Certifications : Your Guide to a Newly-Paved Career Path appeared first on Management Square.

The fifth part of the six-series PMP® exam preparation article covers how to prepare for the PMP® exam using certain guidelines or tips and tricks to help you be less stressed with the process of PMP® exam preparation. Gone are the days of cramming studies—leave those styles to high school and college kids.

Tips and Tricks : How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam In Just Four Easy Steps ?

If you are the type of person who tends to get to what he or she studied, don’t fret studying is not all about memorizing, but rather understanding things by heart. Understanding the information will embed more into your memory rather than going back and forth with the terminologies.

Some exam takers create their own keywords, key phrases or set acronyms that will help them understand the information better. However, not everyone is well-versed with this particular technique.

There is always a basic methodology and PMP® exams have one too, especially when it comes on an applicant way of preparation. And these methods are in a form of steps that will help you study efficiently without the cramping and headache.

Here are the following simple steps on how to prepare for the PMP® exam.

Step 1: Map it Out

Create a roadmap of what you are about to tackle before you start studying. Think of it as tracking a project—you have to run checks and reviews with your materials as well as information provided by your PMBoK® Guide and other study resources. This will make the following information more organized.

Step 2: Think About Your Motivation

That knowledge won’t go into your head and your PMP® exam preparation will simply be just a dust in the wind if you are not motivated enough to take the PMP® certification. Ask yourself what drives you to take this PMP® exam and what it really means to you and your career. Pinpointing a specific reason for taking the PMP® exam will help you see that reward clearly.

Step 3: Read and Inquire

Be an active reader by coming up with your own set of questions. Test yourself by plucking out information from your reading materials and create PMP® exam-related questions out from it. Keep reading. Enrich your mind with the constant flow of information.

Step 4: Learn to Break Down Your Timetable

Say you only have 6 hours to devote to your studies, but there are too many resources to cover and too many workshops to attend. Break these hours into smaller hours. For example, devote 3 hours with one reading material and 2 hours of the other, and so on. Managing your time as this point is essential since you need to acquire all the learning and review you need in preparation for the PMP® exam.

Tips and Tricks : How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Via the PMBoK® Guide

So how to prepare for the PMP® exam when you have a lot of resources and almost pressed for time to study your PMBoK® Guide? The guide shouldn’t be intimidating—it should be an efficient assistant in your studies while preparing for your PMP® exam. However, some applicants are overwhelmed with the information overload so the get lost in the sea of time pressure.

Studying the PMBoK® Guide doesn’t have feel like climbing Mt. Everest. First off, study the guide every week. Study the same topic in your other resources. They might not be exactly the same, but at least you get to see all the angles from a different point of view. This will sharpen your comprehension skills.

Don’t underestimate the power of reading and understanding. If you continuously read the guide with intent concentration, you will likely absorb a lot of information. Rather than opting for memorization, you will likely remember what you’ve read while in the middle of the PMP® exam. Keep in mind that you also need to study the dynamics and disciplines of the PMBoK® Guide. This is very important since it will likely come out in the PMP® exam.

Don’t forget to track your progress so you won’t end up studying the same topic all over again.

Understanding is one of the main factors when studying for a PMP® exam. It doesn’t mean understanding the terminologies, but the significant components of PMP® and PMBoK® Guide as a whole. The next article (and the last one) will help you prepare for the PMP® exam, this time with sample or practice questions.

PMI, PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: Tips and Tricks for Studying (Part 5) appeared first on Management Square.

How to Prepare for The PMP® Exam—Keep In Mind of the Time

Study Materials | What about Time

The PMP® exam consists of 200-multiple choice questions with a duration of four hours. The PMP® exam covers PMI’s aspects as well as the PMBoK® Guide. No one says that passing the PMP® exam is easy, and studying it isn’t a walk in the park as well. You cannot expect to get all the learning overnight. You have to work for it.

Apart from its difficulty level, there’s also the concern with time. You need to spend a lot of hours studying and even taking the PMP® exam which can make the process more daunting and overwhelming.

Luckily for you, there are available study materials you can use how to prepare for the PMP® exam that you can acquire straight out from PMI’s resources or online.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Using PMI’s Accessible Resources and Study Materials  

The following resources below are available from PMI and they will definitely fit your preference. Choose from these resources and select which ones you find the most convenient and useful. How to prepare for the PMP® exam is entirely up to you with the aid of the study materials.

The PMBoK® Guide:

The most important resource material of it all. Passing the PMP® exam will be less of a hassle if you own this particular guide. You can download the PMBoK® Guide from PMI’s website if you can buy one from online stores or in a local bookstore near you. This is an investment since you don’t get to use the guide once, but many times and will serve your reference for the future.

PMP® Exam Prep Book:

Besides the PMBoK® Guide, the PMP® Exam Prep Book will help you understand the PMBoK® Guide in a simpler manner, with simple English terminologies and concepts.

PMP® Exam Prep Workshops or Seminars:

If you want to get that back to school feeling or prefer some human interaction, you can opt for some PMP® exam workshops. You can share ideas and experiences and even acquire tips and tricks from fellow aspiring PMP® certified individuals or project managers. These sessions can also add your contact hours required for the PMP® exam.

Flash Cards:

Flash cards are considered to be one of the easiest to use and most convenient material to put your study content on. Whether it’s electronic or in the paper, flash cards will help you organize your content and you can study them whenever you go. It’s your ultimate portable reviewer.

Online Simulators:

These online simulators will mimic the same environment of a PMP® exam room setting, as well sample questions from the exam in order to create convenience o your part. This will also aid you to properly implement and apply the PMBOK guide and makes you less nervous when the actual PMP® exam comes along.

PMP® Exam Prep Videos:

If you want to take a break from all the books, you can try your hand in studying via videos. No need to carry around your PMBoK® Guide a video version of it can download from any type of devices such as phone or laptop.

Free Online Materials and Other Resources:

Some free resources are too good to be true—no need to pay for a fee but they actually end up as bogus. Finding credible materials online is hard these days, but if you get from a credible source, you won’t have any issues acquiring legitimate materials useful for your PMP® exam preparation.

You can always check out the PMI website for available free resources or participate in PMP® forums to inquire about downloadable resources and materials for your PMP® exam studies.

The fifth article in the PMP® exam preparation series will tell you about some of the tips and tricks for studying and reviewing for the exam.

PMI, PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: Your Study Materials (Part 4) appeared first on Management Square.

How to prepare for the PMP® exam in the project management way is easier since you already have the basic knowledge of the field. This article will cover just that.

Some Things to Keep in Mind—How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Using the Project Management Route and How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Using the Approaches You Have Already Known

Preparing a study plan that is almost similar to a project plan isn’t that complicated as one thinks. Just like starting out a project, your study plan should have the timeframe, mission, and daily or weekly goals to help you keep on track while preparing for your PMP® exam.

How to prepare for PMP® exam should be a breeze. And with building your study plan with the applications of a project plan organizes your goals and a list of terminologies and other data that you will encounter in the PMP® credential exam.

So what are the specific details to include in your study or review plan? It’s still up to you, but this article will give you the most important components that should be present in your plan so that you won’t end up pulling your hair preparing for the PMP® exam.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam—Components for Your Review Plan

The following components below will help you how to prepare for the PMP® exam using project management-based approaches. You don’t need to include all you have encountered during your project management days—infusing some elements on your study plan will help you study better and prepare with less hassle for your PMP® exam.

Evaluate Your Mission

Preparing for the PMP® exam means you have to be motivated enough to determine what will drive you to get that certification.

Ask yourself how this certification will affect your overall welfare; your job, your life, even your financial status. When you have a clear goal in mind, this is where you will fully understand what PMP® certification really means to you.

Build a Day to Day Study Schedule

PMP® exams take time and you have to think about the same thing for your test review as well. Devote your time and free your calendar to build your own daily study schedule so you are well-prepared for the exam. Don’t forget to prepare your study materials as well. Ensure that you find a quiet spot to study with zero distractions.

Create a goal in mind. Say, how many pages are you planning to review today? Don’t just study non-stop—take a break once in a while so you can approach your review again with a fresh mind.

Facilitate a Weekly Goal

This will help you monitor your goals that you have fulfilled from your daily goals. If you devote 3 or 3 hours studying the PMBoK® Guide, you will be able to finish one chapter for a week. This will give also give you more chance to test yourself with the practice PMP® exams.

Keep track of your progress by jotting it down or create a graph to represent how far you have come. It is up to you at this point, provided you update them show there are changes present.

Find a Place to Study

Find a place where you are comfortable and won’t get distracted by noise or people. A coffee shop is a good place to study, but if you are easily distracted by people, then this is not an ideal place to review. Assess yourself and your preference in terms of environment and atmosphere.

Preparing for a PMP® exam should have zero distraction; this means no TV show marathons while studying or sneak chat with a friend on Facebook or Skype. Put your whole focus for preparing for the PMP® exam—the chat and Game of Thrones binge watching can wait.

Mind the People

A lot of people will be affected with your schedule especially you have your schedule full in preparing for the PMP® exam; this includes your friends and family. Let them know when you’re free so you at least get to spend time with them. Make them understand how the PMP® exam and certification is important to your career growth and development.

Learn How to Adapt

Changes are inevitable and your schedule and plan are no exceptions. Learn to adapt to these changes and make the necessary solutions in case you come across with issues. Ensure that these changes won’t disrupt your PMP® exam preparation.

So those are the important components to keep in mind while preparing for your PMP® exam. Makes sure to remain consistent with it so as not to lose track of your progress. The fourth article will tackle the study materials you can use during your review session.

PMI, PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: The Study Plan (Part 3) appeared first on Management Square.

After the eligibility check, it’s time to fill out and submit an application. The nine-page application can be daunting to fill, but keep in mind that it’s essential to make you qualified for the next round of PMP® exam. The following details you will provide must be clear and specific. You cannot afford to be vague in your application; so ensure that you have are well-prepared with your answers.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam When You Find the Application Too Long and When You Are Pressed for Time

You don’t need to finish the application within that day. Sometimes it even takes weeks for the application to finish it some candidates never get to the end of it. Hence, their chances to obtain that sought-after PMP® exam or certification have passed them by.

If you want to bag that PMP® exam and that credential, you need to have all the time and devote them solely on filling out the application. Sounds complicated? Below are the following steps on how to prepare for the PMP® exam without the headaches and time chasing.

The Steps to Take and How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam with Less Stress and Pressure

Step 1: Obtaining the PMP® Exam Application

The first step to take on how to prepare for the PMP® exam is to get the application and start filling it out. Time is of the essences so once you have successfully submitted the following requirements, you immediately fill out and pay the form.

PMI suggests doing an online application for convenience sake. You can download the form and you are going to complete it within 90 days.

The application is divided into three sections where you state your contact information, educational attainment and information, and your company or industry. You have to indicate your project management experiences in the second section and contact hours in the third section.

The second section is more time-consuming from the rest since you have to give an in-depth description of your experiences from the duration, down to projects you have worked on, lead, or directed.

To make this process easier, compile all these experiences using Experience Verification Worksheet to make the details more organized and less time-consuming.

Step 2: The Waiting Game

Once you submit your application, you have to wait for the feedback while the panel reviews it. An offline application takes 10 days to be reviewed. The PMI panel will let you know if your application needs more details or you won’t be able to complete it.

Step 3: Pay the necessary fees

After the PMI panel confirms your application, they will let you know via e-mail the fees for the PMP® exam. They won’t provide you the exam schedule until you have paid these fees. Once you settled that, they are going to inquire of your preference—whether you want to take the PMP® exam offline or online. They will ask you if you need additional assistance such as a language translator tool or visual or audio accessibility.

Step 4: Ensure that you are prepared for a random audit

The PMI runs random audits to ensure the eligibility of the candidate; hence your application must undergo one. As long as you are prepared, you have nothing to worry about. The panel will inform you if your application is subjected to the audit. You have a total of 90 days to fulfill your audit requirements such as your certificate copies of your 35 contact hours.

You should also prepare other documentation that is related to your project management experiences such as e-mails, meeting agenda and plans.

If there’s one thing you must not do, is being dishonest with your application. Avoid exaggerating some of the details because the PMI will definitely find out that you are not entirely truthful of your claims.

Your contacts or referrals will help you verify the following information you fill out in your audit. So catch up with them and ask if the following data is correct. That way, they will vouch for your claim once the PMI starts investigating and inquiring.

Step 5: Prepare your PMP® exam schedule

The PMI panel will now notify you that you are eligible for the PMP® certification exam once they have reviewed everything. You have a year to take this exam and can retake it more than twice should you fail to pass it.

A testing service called Prometric is in charge of the PMI exams; you can check for the nearest Prometric in your area and look for the dates that will accommodate your schedule. Keep in mind it takes weeks, or even months for Prometric to provide you with the exam, so you have to book one in advance. An earlier booking also means you get to focus on studying for the PMP® exam.

Now that you are settled with the additional requirements and scheduling for your PMP® exam, it’s time to build a study plan—the project management way– which you will find in the next article.

PMI and PMP are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: The Application (Part 2) appeared first on Management Square.

Project management skills are probably one of the most coveted and well-known areas by IT professionals and career-seekers. And it doesn’t limit to one job domain—every type of company you go to, you will definitely find yourself surrounded by preferences from the higher-ups when it comes to skills—and project management is on the top of their list.

That being said, more and more job applicants want to stand out from the rest by obtaining credentials that will help them boost their chances of being hired. And the PMP® exam is one of the solutions to that. A PMP® certification will give more opportunities for candidates in terms of experience and knowledge. Undergoing a PMP® exam means preparation. This article is the first of how to prepare for the PMP® exam series and securing your eligibility to be a candidate.

Everyone is eligible to take the PMP® exam. The only thing to keep in mind here is to ensure you have all the requirements and are qualified for one. All of these will be covered by the first series of this article.

Are You a Qualified Candidate? How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam Once You Have All the Said Requirements

How to prepare for the PMP® exam doesn’t have to be a daunting task. As long as you have all the requirements listed below, you are on the road towards eligibility. On the other hand, you need to have a formal training or education, as well as experience in the field of project management. The PMP® Credential Handbook has all the list of requirements and qualifications that you can actually download from the web. Below are the following basic requirements for eligibility:

• Candidate must four-year degree or equivalent and have an experience of management for at least 3 years. The candidates must spend a maximum of 4,500 hours within that 3-year duration leading projects. They should also be required to have a 35-hour education in the same area.

• In case the candidate doesn’t have a degree, he or she can submit a high school diploma or equivalent with at least 5 years experience in project management. There should be a 7,500-hour experience within that 5 years and 35 hours of education in the same field.

How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam : It Involves Time

If you are pressed for time (or not time at all), then you have to think twice about taking the PMP® exam. You need all the time to devote yourself from both what they call as experience and contact hours. So what do these terms mean exactly? Experience hours mean the word itself, the duration you spent on leading and managing projects. The candidate doesn’t have to be a project manager in that field—as long as he or she did relevant tasks in project management she is legible for the PMP® exam, provided he or she fulfills the required hours.

The following candidates should also have experiences in project initiation, monitoring, tracking, and planning or processing. The online application is limited to 500 characters in which candidates must state and describe their significant tasks and experiences in project management.

Contact hours, on the other hand, refer to the hours the candidate or applicant has spent in project management training or education. It doesn’t matter if you took it online or in a school or classroom.

The PMI Membership Matter

No, you don’t need to be a PMI member in order to avail of the PMP® exam. However, it has its own benefits. PMI members have discounts in their PMP® exam cost and they will also receive a copy of the PMBoK® Guide.

The next article will tackle the advantages of basic knowledge on how to prepare for the PMP® exam.

PMI, PMP and PMBoK are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

The post How to Prepare for the PMP® Exam: Securing Your Eligibility (Part 1) appeared first on Management Square.

 ” Five Reasons to Be a PMP® Certified Professional ”

The IT industry is continuously booming, offering a lot of career opportunities for project managers. However the skills and competency requirements in the market are also increasing. Competition is also getting tougher in the industry, as technology is rapidly gaining advancements. Project management is indeed becoming more than just having projects delivered on time and within the allocated resources. So project managers need to be constantly armed with strategies to get ahead of the others in the field.

So what can you do to stand out from a pool of project managers? 

PMP® or Project Management Professional is a globally recognized certification for project management professionals. It can be the one certification that can make your resume more noticeable to potential employers. What more, it can be the thing that can set you apart from the rest of project managers.

Not convinced yet, here are the top 5 advantages of getting your self a PMP® certified professional;

• To gain recognition and greater visibility to potential employers.

Qualifying for a PMP® exam means you have passed the required education and duration of experience in the field of project management. As such, being a PMP® certified professional means you already have a solid skills, competencies and knowledge in project management field.

• To enhance the value of your project management skills.

PMP® certification adds value to your career as project manager. In order to pass the PMP® exam you need extensive preparation. You need to have in depth knowledge about the five project management process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling and lastly, closing. Hence, the exam preparation itself will definitely enhance your skills in project management.

• To acquire competitive PMP® strategies.

As a project manager you almost certainly have every idea on high to get your desired project outputs. When you are a PMP® certified professional however, you will learn more. You will get associated with other professionals where you can discuss and exchange ideas on effective project handling. This can also mean you’ll have constant access to what’s the latest in project management.

• To obtain better job opportunities.

Becoming a PMP® certified professional makes you in the demand in the field of project management. It provides you avenues to greater career opportunities across the world since PMP® certification is globally acknowledged.

• To earn more esteem in project management

PMP® certification keeps you in sync over what is current and trending in the project management. This will in turn give you more advantage in being able to handle bigger IT projects. The skills you will gain in the PMP® examination will prepare you in handling more complex projects.

The PMP® examination is not easy. You might even be afraid to try. But having gone through the list above will make you think twice. After all, nothing is more frightening than a stagnant career in a supposedly booming industry.

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Certification Requirements :

Three years have passed by since you earned your PMP® Certification. During that time you’ve honed your Project Management skills, progressed in your career and met some great people. To top it all off, you have kept up with your continuing certification requirements and met your minimum of 60 PDUs. But how will you keep it?

In order for you to satisfy the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) Program and maintain an active credential status individuals who have attained the PMP® (Project Management Professional) credential must accrue and report a minimum of 60 professional development units (PDUs) during each CCR cycle, which is typically 3 years, complete an Application for Certification Renewal and payment of the renewal fee, and reaffirm PMI’s Code of Professional Conduct.

Is this an automatic renewal process or is there more involved?

Yes. Continuing certification requirements should be. There are four criteria that must be met to maintain your status as a PMP®.

• Obtain 60 PDUs within the three-year certification cycle: Obtaining PDUs is really essential in keeping your continuing credential requirements moving forward. One of the best ways to proactively plan your PDUs is to get creative and leverage one PDU opportunity upon another. For example, if you attend a PMI Chapter Meeting you will earn 1 PDU in Category A. Why not piggy-back on that PDU opportunity by taking an active role as a volunteer at the registration desk? This will give you credit towards Category E PDUs as it counts towards volunteer service. You’ll be at the Chapter Meeting anyway, so it is a great opportunity to use your time wisely and get the most out of the evening.
• Complete the Application for Certification Renewal to get your continuing certification requirements going: The easiest way to renew your PMP® certification is online. Here’s what you will do:
• • Log in to your account at www.pmi.org.
  • In the left sidebar there is a Certification Status block. Click on Certification and Application Information.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will receive a message of whether you have accumulated the required number of Professional Development Units. If you do not have enough PDUs, you will need to take the steps necessary to acquire the required number of PDUs.
  • If you have received the required number of PDUs, click on Begin the Renewal Process and follow the step-by-step instructions that will allow you to finish the process.
  • Reaffirm PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the PMI Certification Application/Renewal Agreement: this refers to the document that outlines the mission and values of the PMP® certified who are expected to approach every situation on an ethical manner.
  • Pay the Renewal Fee (currently $60 for PMI Members): this is part of your continuing certification requirements so make sure that your membership pay on time.

Three statuses:

You have three full years from the date you pass your PMP® exam to renew your certification to remain in Active Status. Always keep your continuing certification requirements updated. This allows you to continue to use the PMP® designation.

Always maintain yourself in “good standing”, is there a PMP®. But, if you find yourself past the active date of your continuing certification requirements and have not met it, you can no longer call yourself a PMP® until those continuing certification requirements have been met. Your continuing certification requirements might be considered in Suspended Status and the overdue continuing certification requirements must be met within one year of your certification date. If you slip past this one year grace period, your PMP® certification will be lost and you will need to start all over again.

In addition, there is also a Retired Status. Anyone who has had their PMP® Certification for at least 10 consecutive years and is no longer paid for their Project or Program Management services can apply for this status.

Every PMP® certified is expected to adhere to the continuing certification requirements. Your career is a journey, and you’ll need to stay relevant as the profession evolves and as the needs of employers grow and change that is why you need your continuing certification requirements updated. Maintaining your continuing certification requirements is a significant competitive advantage. It keeps you relevant and helps you better position yourself as the answer to what companies demand.

PMP is a registered trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

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