fbpx
Do you need customer support or technical assistance? Click here to submit a support ticket...

TOPIC: Can Anyone Clear the Air on PMP Requirements?

Can Anyone Clear the Air on PMP Requirements? 1 week 1 day ago #32198

  • Ryan Baldonado
  • Ryan Baldonado's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Fresh Boarder
  • Fresh Boarder
  • Posts: 3
  • Karma: 1
  • Thank you received: 1
Hey folks,

I’m at my wit’s end here. Everywhere I turn, people have different takes on the requirements to get PMP-certified. Some say you need X years of managing projects, others say just study hard and you’re good to go. I’ve tried researching myself, but the conflicting info has left me spinning.

Can anyone please set the record straight for me? What are the actual requirements to sit for the exam and get certified?

I’d be so grateful for any clarity or direction—I’m hanging by a thread here.

Can Anyone Clear the Air on PMP Requirements? 1 week 1 day ago #32199

  • Markus Kopko, PMP
  • Markus Kopko, PMP's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Moderator
  • experience is the key
  • Posts: 63
  • Karma: 8
  • Thank you received: 30
Hi Ryan,

Do not let it confuse you, it is pretty straightforward:
---

PMP Certification Eligibility Criteria (2025)

To be eligible for the PMP certification, you must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements:

1. **Educational Background and Project Management Experience**

- **If you hold a four-year degree (bachelor's or global equivalent):**
- Minimum of **36 months** of unique, non-overlapping professional project management experience within the last eight years.
- **35 contact hours** of formal project management education or CAPM® certification.

- **If you have a high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent):**
- Minimum of **60 months** of unique, non-overlapping professional project management experience within the last eight years.
- **35 contact hours** of formal project management education or CAPM® certification.

It's important to note that your job title does not need to be "Project Manager." What matters is that you've led and directed projects, which include tasks like
Initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects.


Application Process Overview

1. **Create a PMI Account:* Start by creating an account on the [PMI website]( www.pmi.org/.

2. **Complete the Application:* Document your educational background, project management experience, and 35 contact hours of project management education.

3. **Application Review:* PMI typically reviews applications within 5 business days.

4. **Schedule the Exam:* Upon approval, you'll receive instructions to schedule your exam through Pearson VU.

5. **Maintain Your Certification:* After passing the exam, maintain your certification by earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years.

---

If you need assistance with exam preparation resources, study plans, or have further questions about the certification process, feel free to ask!

BR,

Markus
Community Moderator

Follow me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markuskleinpmp/
The following user(s) said Thank You: Anusha Jayaram

Can Anyone Clear the Air on PMP Requirements? 1 week 1 day ago #32200

  • Kristalyn Ellis
  • Kristalyn Ellis's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Fresh Boarder
  • Fresh Boarder
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: 2
  • Thank you received: 2
The conflicting info out there can be overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know, straight from someone who’s been through it:

> If you have a bachelor’s degree: You need 36 months of non-overlapping project management experience (within the last 8 years) + 35 hours of formal PM education (or CAPM).
>If you don’t have a degree: It’s 60 months of experience + the same 35 hours of PM education.
And no, you don’t need a formal "Project Manager" title. If you’ve led projects, even informally, it counts.

You’re closer than you think! Happy to help with next steps if you need it!

Can Anyone Clear the Air on PMP Requirements? 1 week 1 day ago #32201

  • Markus Kopko, PMP
  • Markus Kopko, PMP's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Moderator
  • experience is the key
  • Posts: 63
  • Karma: 8
  • Thank you received: 30
Hi Ryan,

Do not let it confuse you, it is pretty straightforward:
---

PMP Certification Eligibility Criteria (2025)

To be eligible for the PMP certification, you must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements:

1. **Educational Background and Project Management Experience**

- **If you hold a four-year degree (bachelor's or global equivalent):**
- Minimum of **36 months** of unique, non-overlapping professional project management experience within the last eight years.
- **35 contact hours** of formal project management education or CAPM® certification.

- **If you have a high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent):**
- Minimum of **60 months** of unique, non-overlapping professional project management experience within the last eight years.
- **35 contact hours** of formal project management education or CAPM® certification.

It's important to note that your job title does not need to be "Project Manager." What matters is that you've led and directed projects, which include tasks like
Initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects.


Application Process Overview

1. **Create a PMI Account:* Start by creating an account on the [PMI website]( www.pmi.org/.

2. **Complete the Application:* Document your educational background, project management experience, and 35 contact hours of project management education.

3. **Application Review:* PMI typically reviews applications within 5 business days.

4. **Schedule the Exam:* Upon approval, you'll receive instructions to schedule your exam through Pearson VU.

5. **Maintain Your Certification:* After passing the exam, maintain your certification by earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years.

---

If you need assistance with exam preparation resources, study plans, or have further questions about the certification process, feel free to ask!

BR,

Markus
Community Moderator

Follow me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markuskleinpmp/

Can Anyone Clear the Air on PMP Requirements? 1 week 1 day ago #32202

  • Harry Elston
  • Harry Elston's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Moderator
  • Posts: 492
  • Karma: 36
  • Thank you received: 167
Markus hit the answer completely. The requirements to be eligible for the exam are right on the PMI website: www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp

Read through the whole thing. It's got a complete list of requirements and a "timeline" to certification.

Good luck
+++++
Harry J. Elston, Ph.D., CIH, PMP
The following user(s) said Thank You: Markus Kopko, PMP, Anusha Jayaram
Moderators: Yolanda MabutasMarkus Kopko, PMPMary Kathrine PaduaProfessor Kevin ReillyJohn Paul BugarinAnusha JayaramHarry ElstonJean KwandaElena ZelenevskaiaErik SmithBrent LeeJoseph Flanders

OSP INTERNATIONAL LLC
OSP INTERNATIONAL LLC
Training for Project Management Professional (PMP)®, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

Login