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Being certified as a project management professional has certain benefits. First, you will most likely be able to command a higher salary with your project management professional (PMP) certification. This credential tells current and potential employers that you are an expert in your field; that you have the knowledge and experience needed to effectively complex projects and be effective leaders. People with PMP certification are highly regarded, it is recognized worldwide, and it is something that stands out on a resume. Although you can have a fulfilling career as a project manager without this credential, it is something that can give your career a much needed boost.
The PMP certification is awarded by the Project Management(PM) Institute. You must pass an exam sponsored by them. The test is 200 questions long and you have 4 hours in which to complete the exam. Generally, the test is conducted via computer at a testing center. The test questions focus on testing individuals in nine areas of knowledge such as project integration management, project time management, and project risk management. You will also need to know about the five major process groups, initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Many of the questions are based on the PMI book 'A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge'.
Before you can take the test, however, you must have achieved the minimal level of requirements. You must have a four year degree, 35 hours of PM courses, and a minimum of three years of related experience totaling 4,500 or more hours leading projects. As an alternative, you can apply to take the test if you have a high school diploma, 35 hours of education in PM, and a minimum of 5 years of experience totaling 7,500 hours directing projects. If neither option applies to you, you may still qualify to take the PMP certification test if you complete the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
To apply to take the PMP certification, you can register online at the PMI website. You can also download a paper application to send in. Because entry for the test is highly competitive, it may take a few weeks to a few months to be approved. In the meantime, it is a good idea to begin studying for the test. There are several PMP test preparatory courses available online and offline that will help you get ready.