Project Management Professional (PMP) Q&A
Q. What is a PMP?
A. PMP stands for Project Management Professional and is an internationally recognized
certification administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in Newtown
Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
www.pmi.org
Q. What is the PMBOK?
A. Formally known as “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge”, PMBOK is
the statement of generally accepted project management knowledge and practices. The
PMBOK Guide is a collection of best practices for the art of project management. It is
a living document that is updated every four years to ensure that current and best
management practices are captured. It is a standard, written and reviewed by
practicing project management members of the PMI. It is designed to reflect good
project management practice. It is also the foundation of PMI certification and
professional exams (i.e., PMP and CAPM). The newest version of the PMBOK, the PMBOK
Guide-Third Edition, was released to PMI members in October 2004. PMI Members receive
a free copy. Copies can be purchased
here.
Q. Why would I want to be a certified PMP? What would it do
for me?
A. It gives you recognition among your peers and provides you with a solid background
in generally accepted project management knowledge and skills. Provides an edge when
applying for various project management and related positions or seeking advancement
within an organization.
Q. What resources are available to help me prepare for the
PMP exam?
A. Many PMP Books and Resources are available on-line.
Click here for a list of our PMP Exam Resources.
A. The PMI website http://www.pmi.org/ has additional resources including a professional
responsibility reference list, and a basic knowledge assessment tool.
Q. How do I qualify to take the PMP Certification Exam?
A. There are two categories of eligibility:
1. Category 1 requires a bachelors degree or equivalent, 4500 hours of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education.
2. Category 2 requires a high school diploma or equivalent, 7500 hours of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education.
Consult the Certification Handbook for complete information on education and experience required.
Q. How much does
writing the PMP exam cost?
A. The exam costs $405 US (PMI members), $555 US (non-members).
Q. What are you tested on?
A. The Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Examination measures the
application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques that are utilized in the
practice of project management. The PMP Certification Examination is comprised of 200
four-option multiple-choice questions that are developed and validated by certified
PMP's. The newest version of the PMP Exam is based on the PMBOK Guide-Third Edition.
The passing score for the exam is 61%. The exam taker must answer 106 questions out of
175 correct. 25 additional questions will be asked on the exam for a total of 200
possible questions. The 25 additional questions are pretest items that do not count
toward your final score. PMI uses these questions to evaluate the performance of the
test questions. The exam taker will not know which 25 are not applied to the pass/fail
score. Out of the score able 175 questions, approximately 19 will come from
Initiation, 40 from planning, 47 from execution, 37 from monitor and control, 16 from
closing and 16 from Professional responsibility. The percentage breakdown is as
follows:
Initiating the Project......11%
· Conduct Project Selection Methods
· Define Scope Document Project Risks, Assumptions, and Constraints
· Identify and Perform Stakeholder Analysis
· Develop Project Charter
· Obtain Project Charter Approval
Planning the Project......23%
· Define and Record Requirements, Constraints and Assumptions
· Identify Project Team and Define Roles and Responsibilities
· Create the WBS · Develop Change Management Plan
· Identify Risks and Define Risk Strategies
· Obtain Plan Approval Conduct Kick-off Meeting
Executing the Project......27%
· Execute Tasks Defined in Project Plan
· Ensure Common Understanding and Set Expectations
· Implement the Procurement of Project Resources
· Manage Resource Allocation
· Implement Quality Management Plan
· Implement Approved Changes
· Implement Approved Actions and Workarounds
· Improve Team Performance
Monitoring and Controlling the Project......21%
· Measure Project Performance
· Verify and Manage Changes to the Project
· Ensure Project Deliverables Conform to Quality Standards
· Monitor all Risks
Closing the Project......9%
· Obtain Final Acceptance for the Project Obtain Financial, Legal, and Administrative
Closure
· Release Project Resources
· Identify, Document and Communicate Lessons Learned
· Create and Distribute Final Project Report
· Archive and Retain Project Records
· Measure Customer Satisfaction
Professional and Social Responsibility......9%
· Ensure Individual Integrity
· Contribute to the Project Management Knowledge Base
· Enhance Personal Professional Competence
· Promote Interaction Among Stakeholders
