Applying For the PMP ® Exam (or other certifications)
Often times, people come to me asking me how to apply for certifications through PMI (Project Management Institute) such as the PMP® Certification, CAPM® Certification, etc.
While no “one way” is the best way, here is what we have determined to be the most effective;
1.) Go to www.pmi.org
- Click on the “Certification” tab on the top, and select “Overview” – this shows all of the certifications offered by PMI. From here, you can select each certification and read more about it to decide which option is best for you.
- Once you have determined which certification is best for you. You need to download the “Handbook” for this certification.
- The Handbook has everything you need to know about how to apply, how many hours of experience are needed, how many hours of education are needed, etc.
2.) Order your books. We recommend two books (and two books only) when preparing for your exam.
- The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) – you will usually need the most recent edition)
http://www.pmi.org/en/PMBOK-Guide-and-Standards/Standards-Library-of-PMI-Global-Standards.aspx
- An Exam Prep Book (depending on the certification you are studying for) which are developed by Rita Mulcahy – you can find your Exam Prep book by going to http://www.rmcproject.com/index.aspx. Select the tab labeled “Products”, select “Certification/Exam Prep” and then selecting the appropriate certification you wish to study for.
- Special Notes:
- Sometimes you can find these same books on Amazon.com or other sites for less money. Be sure you are selecting the correct edition of the book you are wanting.
- DO YOUR RESEARCH: make sure you go to the www.pmi.org website to see which edition of the PMBOK is the most recent. As of July 31, 2013 the PMP® Exam will be changed. If you are planning on taking the exam BEFORE July 31, 2013 then you will need to study the 4th edition of the PMBOK. If you are planning on taking the exam AFTER July 31, 2013 then you will need to study using the 5th edition of the PMBOK– this is why we always recommend doing your research so you are studying from the appropriate edition of the books. This theory applies to BOTH books – you will need the Exam Prep Book that correlates with the correct edition of the PMBOK as well.
3.) STUDY, STUDY, STUDY – make sure you create a study plan that works with your schedule. If you are planning to take the PMP® Exam (or any of the others for that matter) – you will not pass by cramming for this exam the night before. You need to actually “understand” the material. This isn’t just an exam on memorization, you must also know how to apply the theories and you will be tested on this.
Ready2ACT specializes in Project Management Training. Getting your PMP® Certification (or other certifications through PMI) is a big deal! We have helped 99% of our students pass the exam on their first try. If you’d like more information on preparing for these exams, please contact us. We provide Corporate Training as well as eLearning options in order to help you.
By Maggie Reinick
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