Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Guide
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Guide
About the Certification
The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a global project management certification issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized professional project management certification that evaluates knowledge and competencies required to successfully lead projects.
This certification is based on PMI Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It evaluates management capabilities across the entire project lifecycle, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. It confirms expertise in core areas of project management such as schedule, cost, quality, risk, and human resource management.
Job Application Guide
The PMP certification is highly useful for project management-related positions.
Project Manager: Suitable for positions managing projects of various scales. Requires ability to plan and execute entire project processes.
Program Manager: Helpful for positions managing multiple integrated projects. Strategic perspective and resource management skills are important.
PMO Manager: Advantageous for positions operating project management offices. Requires understanding of project management processes and methodologies.
Business Analyst: Suitable for positions analyzing and managing project requirements. Requires stakeholder management and communication skills.
Consultant: Helpful for project management consulting positions. Industry experience and methodology understanding are important.
Required Knowledge
Project Integration Management
- Project charter creation
- Project management plan development
- Project work direction and management
- Project knowledge management
- Project monitoring and control
- Project closure
Project Scope Management
- Scope management planning
- Requirements gathering
- Scope definition
- WBS creation
- Scope validation
- Scope control
Project Schedule Management
- Schedule management planning
- Activity definition
- Activity sequencing
- Activity duration estimation
- Schedule development
- Schedule control
Project Cost Management
- Cost management planning
- Cost estimation
- Budget determination
- Cost control
Project Quality Management
- Quality management planning
- Quality management
- Quality control
Project Resource Management
- Resource management planning
- Activity resource estimation
- Resource acquisition
- Team building
- Team management
- Resource control
Project Communication Management
- Communication management planning
- Communication management
- Monitoring communication
Project Risk Management
- Risk management planning
- Risk identification
- Qualitative risk analysis
- Quantitative risk analysis
- Risk response planning
- Risk control
Project Procurement Management
- Procurement management planning
- Procurement execution
- Procurement control
Project Stakeholder Management
- Stakeholder identification
- Stakeholder engagement planning
- Stakeholder engagement management
- Stakeholder engagement monitoring
Preparation Methods
Stage 1: PMBOK Guide Study (2-3 months)
Study PMI PMBOK Guide 7th Edition. Understand 10 knowledge areas and project lifecycle.
Stage 2: Project Management Processes (2-3 months)
Study 49 project management processes. Master inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of each process.
Stage 3: Official Training Course (1-2 months)
Complete 35-hour training from PMI authorized training providers. Required for exam application.
Stage 4: Practice Problems (2-3 months)
Solve PMP practice exam questions. Developing judgment for project management situations is important.
Stage 5: Exam Application and Preparation (1 month)
Join PMI and apply for the exam. Organize project management experience and complete application.
Stage 6: Final Review (1 month)
Intensively review weak areas 1 month before exam. Re-read PMBOK Guide once more.
Recent 5-Year Pass Rates
| Year | Test Takers | Passers | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 45,456 | 27,234 | 59.9% |
| 2023 | 48,782 | 29,423 | 60.3% |
| 2022 | 43,123 | 25,678 | 59.6% |
| 2021 | 41,891 | 24,934 | 59.5% |
| 2020 | 38,456 | 22,834 | 59.4% |
The average pass rate is approximately 59.9%. Having project management practical experience makes learning easier.
Practical Tips
Read PMBOK Guide Thoroughly: Read PMBOK Guide at least 2-3 times. All exam content comes from here.
Link Practical Experience: Connect your project management experience with PMBOK concepts for understanding.
Practice Situation-Based Problems: PMP exam evaluates judgment for actual project situations rather than theory. Practice many situation-based problems.
Join PMI: PMI membership provides exam fee discounts. Also provides access to latest information.
35-Hour Training Required: 35 hours of PMI authorized training is required for exam application. Complete this in advance.