NJPMI PMP Certification FAQs
January 20071.) What do I have to do to become certified?
2.) When and where is the exam given?
3.) What books should I get to prepare?
4.) How do I get a copy of the PMBOK?
5.) What are the NJPMI PMP classes like?
6.) How do I get the rest of the 35 hours?
7.) How often are the prep classes held?
8.) Can I pre-register for an upcoming class?
9.) Do I have to take the test again to stay certified?
10.) Do I need to be a member of PMI to become a PMP?
1.) What do I have to do to become certified?
As stated on the PMI website: ”To be eligible for a PMP® or CAPM® credential, you must first meet specific educational and/or project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step in gaining your credential is a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess your project management knowledge. The PMP examination utilizes scenario or application-based questions where practitioners are asked to apply their knowledge to specific situations.”
(http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/pdc_cert_exam_info.asp)
Also use this site to download a copy of the “PMP Certification Handbook”2.) When and where is the exam given?
The exam is computer-based and administered by ProMetric Testing Centers and is given every day of the year with the exception of some national holidays. (http://www.prometric.com/PMI/default). Once you are eligible to sit for the exam, you schedule it yourself.
3.) What books should I get to prepare?The “foundation” document for project management training and education (as stated on the PMI website) is A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Third Edition.” This is the internationally recognized ANSI standard for project management and is the basis for the exam. However, questions are not solely from the PMBOK; you will need a broad understanding of project management principles and techniques.
A good study guide to help with understanding the types of questions asked on the exam is also suggested, however, PMINJ cannot endorse any particular study guide. Go to the PMI online bookstore and type “PMP exam prep” into the search engine. Ask your colleagues at PMI meetings what study guides they used. If after preparing you feel very unsure about a particular knowledge area, consider buying a book that covers that particular area. If you read the PMP class outline on the NJ PMI website it will give your more insight as to what the course is about. It states: “The class is intended for those individuals who have done nearly all of their preparation for the PMP Exam. It is a high-level comprehensive review of all the PMBOK knowledge areas to get you focused before the exam and it is expected that students already understand the basics of all the knowledge areas.”
4.) How do I get a copy of the PMBOK?
PMI members receive a complimentary CD-ROM of the PMBOK upon their membership or a copy can be purchased through the PMI bookstore.
http://www.pmibookstore.org/PMIBookStore/productDetails.aspx?itemID=369&varID=15.) What are the NJPMI PMP classes like?
The classes are held over 2.5 Saturdays. Each day is divided into (approximate) 1.5 hour segments each of which aligns with a specific knowledge area of the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Third Edition, with sample questions and study tips provided in each segment, and a short practice exam at the end of the 2.5 days. The class is taught by experienced PMPs and provides attendees with the information that will help them pass the PMP Examination. You will earn 20 contact hours of training towards the 35 hours required for PMP eligibility.
6.) How do I get the rest of the 35 hours?
PMI NJ cannot endorse or recommend other training organizations. Please visit pmi.org Registered Education Providers (see link) to search for a course or training organization. (http://pmi.org/info/PDC_REPOverviewFile.asp?nav=0406)
Universities such as NJ Institute of Technology (NJIT), Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and Pace University (in NYC) also offer many good programs. Most of them also offer off-campus and distance learning options.
7.) How often are the prep classes held?
Classes are conducted three times a year - typically October, March, June. The schedules for the classes are not set very far in advance, so we usually don’t have exact dates until 6-8 weeks prior to a particular class. If you wish to be notified when those dates become available, see the answer to question 8.
8.) Can I pre-register for an upcoming class?
Yes. Send email to training@pminj.org to get on the list to be notified as soon as registration for the next class is opened.
9.) Do I have to take the test again to stay certified?
As stated on the PMI website:”…individuals who have attained the PMP and/or Program Management Professional credential(s) must accrue and report a minimum of 60 professional development units (PDUs) during each CCR cycle, which is typically 3 years, complete an Application for Certification Renewal and payment of the renewal fee, and reaffirm the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.(http://www.pmi.org/prod/groups/public/documents/info/pdc_pmpccr.asp)
10.) Do I need to be a member of PMI to become a PMP?
No, you do not need to be a member of PMI to attain your PMP certification. However, you will find the benefits of meeting and networking with other Project Managers a valuable asset to your career. As well, by attending PMI events and local PMI chapter events, you will earn PDUs which are required in order to maintain your PMP certification (see question 9.) And all fees (event registration, book purchases, PMP exam, etc.) are discounted with membership.