How to find out your PMP exam eligibility?
In the modern business setup, the entire functionality is divided into different project models. These are handled by skilled project managers and their teams. In such a scenario, the PMP credential is the most coveted and sought after. If you're looking for a way to step up your career and acquire a PMP certification, it is first necessary to identify if you're eligible for it. Individuals holding the title of Project Manager with years of relevant experience are eligible to take the PMP exam. However, what if you hold a position and you do a lot of project management even without the Project Manager title? What if you have several years of experience performing project management activities as a team member?
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If you relate to the above mentioned scenarios, but are unable to figure out if you're eligible for the PMP exam, then read on:
1. Read the handbook carefully
The first thing you need to do in order to figure out if you're eligible is to download the PMP handbook provided by the Project Management Institute.
Focus on the sections that shed light on the eligibility and requirements for the PMP exam. The eligibility section speaks about the basic requirements such as educational background, project management education and project management experience. The handbook also contains sections that explain the application process in detail. Learn how work experience is counted when applying for the PMP Certification exam. Remember, it is not the title that's important, but the project management duties that accompany your title. Project manager or not, you're still eligible for the PMP exam, provided, you meet the guidelines mentioned in the handbook.
2. Overcoming the odds
While trying to go through the eligibility criteria, you may feel yourself lacking in some aspects. Determine whether it is possible to equip yourself with the necessary requirement to fulfil the eligibility criteria. If yes, figure out how you're going to act upon it. For instance, PMI requires 35 contact hours as a minimum requirement to attempt the PMP test. If you do not have them, try attaining the contact hours through feasible means. EduMind's PMP exam review courses provide the required 35 contact hours to fulfil your eligibility requirement.
3. Read the PMP content outline
It is important to identify whether the roles and responsibilities handled by you comply with the requirements of the course content. Download a copy of the PMP exam content outline from PMI's website. The outline allows you to gain an understanding of the tasks described and compare with those you've most likely carried out at work. The outline covers the general tasks of a project manager in an organization. Although you're not expected to be responsible for all the tasks described in the outline, you should be able to identify with a majority of them. This ensures that you meet the eligibility requirements of the PMP exam
4. Update resume and compare:
If you haven't done it already, then it's time to update your resume and list out all the recent projects you've been involved in. Give a detailed overview of the responsibilities that you were assigned and what your everyday tasks included. Once you've done that, ask yourself if you meet all the eligibility requirements from step 1. Have you worked to fill the gaps in the PMP exam requirement as mentioned in step 2? Do the roles and responsibilities listed out in your resume match a majority of the tasks from step 3? If your answer is 'yes' to these questions, then you most likely are eligible.
5. Call customer care to double check
If you're still unsure and apprehensive about making a PMP application, contact PMI's customer care to help you with any queries you may have. Send an email to customercare@pmi.org and the PMI's helpful staff will put your worries to rest.
With these steps, you can determine if you're eligible to take up the PMP exam and can proceed with the PMP application process.
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