What is a PMP?

PMP, or a project management professional, is a career designation certified by the Project Management Institute. Project management professionals oversee a project from inception to completion. Having the PMP certification assures companies that you have what it takes to get the job done within the allotted time, budget and resource constraints.

Education and Experience Requirements

A bachelor's degree including courses in human resources, communications or economics paired with a minimum of three years' experience is one qualifier. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, then a minimum of five years' experience in project management with some related education will qualify you.

Project Hours Requirements

A minimum of 4,500 hours leading and directing project tasks is needed if you hold a bachelor's degree. Without a degree, you will need at least 7,500 hours. Additionally, you will need 35 hours of project management education regardless of whether or not you have a degree.

Exam Information

The PMP exam is a computerized four-hour exam with 200 questions. Depending on your education and experience, you will need 100 to 200 hours of study time to prepare for the exam. Practice and study tests are available.

Credential Fees

You may request computer-based or paper-based testing when applying for your PMP exam. Members of PMI (Project Management Institute) pay $405 for computer-based testing and $250 for paper-based testing, as of 2010. Nonmembers pay $555 and $400 for computer-based and paper-based testing.

Re-examination fees are $275 computer-based and $150 paper-based for members and $375 computer-based and $300 paper-based for nonmembers.

Credential Maintenance Information

Certification cycles last three years from the date you pass the exam. You must receive a minimum of 60 professional development units during this time to maintain certification.

Renewal fees are $60 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

Source:

WiseGeek: What is a Project Management Professional?

PMI: Project Management Professional