50 FAQs for Students Enrolled in Accredited PMP certification programs

As the demand for certified Project Management Professionals (PMPs) continues to grow, more and more individuals are pursuing PMP certification. If you are one of these individuals, you likely have many questions about the certification process and what you can expect from your accredited PMP certification program. This FAQ guide aims to answer some of the most common questions that students enrolled in accredited PMP certification programs may have.

Key takeaways:

1. The 7th edition of the PMBOK guide provides PMP student a comprehensive framework for managing projects.
2. Project management involves several key knowledge areas, including project scope, quality, risk, procurement, communications, stakeholder engagement, and integration management.
3. Project managers are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing of projects.
4. Effective stakeholder management is essential for the success of a project and involves identifying and engaging with stakeholders to ensure their needs and expectations are met.
5. Earned value management (EVM) is a useful technique for measuring project performance and comparing it to planned work and cost.
6. Program managers are responsible for managing a group of related projects, while project sponsors provide the resources and support necessary for a project to succeed.
7. By gaining a deeper understanding of project management, PMP aspirants can improve their ability to plan and execute projects, manage stakeholders and risks, and deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

FAQs

1. What is PMP certification? 

PMP certification is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in leading and managing projects.

2. Who is eligible to apply for PMP certification? 

To be eligible for PMP certification, you must have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent), 35 hours of project management education, and 7,500 hours leading and directing projects or 4,500 hours leading and directing projects with a four-year degree.

3. What is the PMBOK? 

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is a guide published by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that provides guidelines, rules, and characteristics for project management.

4. What is the difference between the PMBOK and PMP certifications? 

The PMBOK is a guide that outlines project management principles and practices, while PMP certification is a credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in leading and managing projects.

5. How long is the PMP exam? 

The PMP exam is four hours long.

6. What is the format of the PMP exam? 

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.

7. How much does it cost to take the PMP exam? 

The cost of the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) or not. PMI members pay $405, while non-members pay $555.

8. What is the passing score for the PMP exam? 

The passing score for the PMP exam is not a set number. Instead, the passing score is determined by a psychometric analysis.

9. How long is PMP certification valid? 

PMP certification is valid for three years.

10. How do I maintain my PMP certification? 

To maintain your PMP certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

11. What are PDUs? 

PDUs are professional development units. They are a measure used by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to quantify professional development activities.

12. How do I earn PDUs? 

You can earn PDUs by participating in professional development activities such as attending conferences, taking courses, or reading books.

13. Can I earn PDUs before I become PMP certified? 

Yes, you can earn PDUs before you become PMP certified.

14. What is the PMP exam application process? 

To apply for the PMP exam, you must submit an application to the Project Management Institute (PMI) that details your education, experience, and other qualifications.

15. How long does it take to get approved for the PMP exam? 

The approval process for the PMP exam can take up to five days.

16. How long should I study for the PMP exam? 

The amount of time you should study for the PMP exam depends on your prior knowledge and experience with project management. However, most students spend around three months studying for the exam.

17. What resources are available to help me prepare for the PMP exam? 

There are many resources available to help you prepare for the PMP exam, including study guides, practice exams, and online courses.

18. Can I take the PMP exam online? 

Yes, the PMP exam can be taken online.

19. What is the passing rate for the PMP exam? 

The passing rate for the PMP exam varies from year to year, but typically ranges from 60-70%.

20. What happens if I fail the PMP exam? 

If you fail the PMP exam, you can retake the exam up to three times within one year of your initial application.

21. How long do I have to wait before retaking the PMP exam? 

You must wait at least one month before retaking the PMP exam.

22. How long is PMP certification valid? 

PMP certification is valid for three years.

23. How do I renew my PMP certification? 

To renew your PMP certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

24. What happens if I don’t earn enough PDUs to renew my PMP certification? 

If you do not earn enough PDUs to renew your PMP certification, your certification will expire and you will need to retake the exam to regain certification.

25. Can I earn PDUs by volunteering? 

Yes, you can earn PDUs by volunteering for certain professional development activities.

26. Can I earn PDUs by attending webinars or other online events? 

Yes, you can earn PDUs by attending webinars and other online events that are approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

27. How many PDUs can I earn from one activity? 

The number of PDUs you can earn from one activity depends on the type of activity and the number of hours spent on the activity.

28. What is the difference between Category A and Category B PDUs? 

Category A PDUs are earned through education activities that are approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI), while Category B PDUs are earned through other professional development activities.

29. How many Category A PDUs do I need to earn to renew my PMP certification? 

Of the 60 PDUs required to renew your PMP certification, at least 35 must be Category A PDUs.

30. How many times can I renew my PMP certification? 

There is no limit to the number of times you can renew your PMP certification as long as you continue to meet the renewal requirements.

31. What is the PMP Code of Ethics? 

The PMP Code of Ethics is a set of ethical standards and principles that project management professionals are expected to adhere to.

32. What is the difference between agile and traditional project management? 

Traditional project management follows a sequential, or “waterfall,” approach to project planning and execution, while agile project management follows an iterative and incremental approach.

33. What is a project charter? 

A project charter is a document that outlines the scope, objectives, and stakeholders of a project.

34. What is a project management plan? 

A project management plan is a document that outlines the approach, processes, and procedures that will be used to manage a project.

35. What is a work breakdown structure? 

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical breakdown of a project into smaller, more manageable tasks.

36. What is a critical path? 

The critical path is the sequence of tasks in a project that must be completed on time in order for the project to be completed on schedule.

37. What is a risk management plan? 

A risk management plan is a document that outlines the approach, processes, and procedures that will be used to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in a project.

38. What is a change management plan? 

A change management plan is a document that outlines the approach, processes, and procedures that will be used to manage changes in a project.

39. What is a stakeholder management plan? 

A stakeholder management plan is a document that outlines the approach, processes, and procedures that will be used to manage stakeholders in a project, including identifying and analyzing stakeholders, assessing their needs and expectations, and developing strategies for engaging with them.

40. What is earned value management (EVM)? 

Earned value management (EVM) is a project management technique for measuring project performance by comparing the amount of work completed to the amount of work planned and the cost of that work.

41. What is the difference between a project manager and a program manager? 

A project manager is responsible for managing a single project, while a program manager is responsible for managing a group of related projects that are intended to achieve a larger business goal.

42. What is a project sponsor? 

A project sponsor is a senior executive who is responsible for providing the resources and support necessary for a project to succeed.

43. What is a project team?

 A project team is a group of individuals who are responsible for completing the work of a project.

44. What is the project scope? 

Project scope refers to the boundaries of a project, including the objectives, deliverables, and activities that will be included in the project.

45. What is project quality? 

Project quality refers to the degree to which a project meets its stated requirements and objectives.

46. What is project risk? 

Project risk refers to the potential for events or circumstances to have a negative impact on a project.

47. What is project procurement? 

Project procurement refers to the process of acquiring goods and services from external suppliers to support a project.

48. What is project communications management? 

Project communications management refers to the processes and procedures that will be used to ensure that project information is communicated effectively to stakeholders.

49. What is project stakeholder engagement? 

Project stakeholder engagement refers to the process of identifying, assessing, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure their needs and expectations are met throughout the project.

50. What is project integration management? 

Project integration management refers to the processes and procedures that will be used to coordinate and integrate all aspects of a project, including planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being enrolled in an accredited PMP certification program is a great way to enhance your project management skills and advance your career in the field. The 7th edition of the PMBOK guide provides a comprehensive framework for managing projects, and the FAQs listed above cover some of the key concepts and practices that are essential for success in this field. 

By gaining a deeper understanding of project management, you can improve your ability to plan and execute projects, manage stakeholders and risks, and deliver high-quality results on time and within budget. With the right knowledge and skills, you can become a valuable asset to any organization and achieve your career goals as a project management professional.