How to Apply For PMP Credentials?

Lot of practicing Project Managers are not aware of PMP credential process.  They wonder where to start.  My advice is as follows.  Just do not start preparing the exam.  As per my technique start preparing for the exam at step D.

A.  First submit application through PMI web site.  You should make small notes about how you are going to meet the requirements.
List the following

1. Details of 35 contact hours of formal education.  When you got them and where?
2. List of the projects you are going to fill in the application. Make notes of start date, end date, name of the project, supervisor, deliverables, time spent on different phases of the project.

Once you have prepared a rough details then got to http://www.pmi.org/Certification.aspx and register your self and it will guide you through the application process.  You have 90 days to complete the application once you started it.

B. After you submitted the application it will take about 5 days for review.  Once you are approved you will get email notification.  Now you can pay for the exam.  Currently computer based exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non members.  I think it is worth to become member of PMI which is about $129.     ( In case you get audited you will get notification and then you have to provide documentation to support your eligibility.)

C. Once you are approved and you have paid for the exam, then you will get notification to schedule the exam.  You cannot schedule the exam before this.  Once you are approved to schedule the exam you will have one year to take exam and you can have 3 attempts.  You schedule your exam in such a way that you have enough time for preparation.

D.  Now start preparing for the exam.

Good Luck


Further reading

Free PDF Download of PMBOK.

Free download of PMBOK is available on the following link.  If you want to take PMP exam my advice, buy the book.  You have to be member of PMI to access it.  This is the new PMBOK Guide 4th Edition, read only pdf file.  Technically it is not free as you have to pay for membership. 

http://www.pmi.org/~/media/PDF/Publications/Key-Messages-to-Access-PMBOK.ashx

Technical downloading instructions
To download the PMBOK® Guide—Fourth Edition, it is recommended that your computer have Adobe® Reader®, version 7 or later, or Adobe® Acrobat® Professional, version 7 or later.
If you don't have either of these, you can download the latest version of Adobe® Reader® at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. A link to this download page is also available from the Library of PMI Global Standards: Projects page:

You do not need a plug-in in order to download a PDF of the PMBOK® Guide.
When you download or print the PMBOK® Guide from PMI.org, it is marked with your username and member ID, and it is secured with your PMI.org password. This means the file is licensed to you for your personal use only.
If you print the file, it will be identified with a notice that says, “Licensed to (first name, last name, PMI member ID). This copy is a PMI Member Benefit, not for distribution, sale or reproduction.” The file is easily opened during and after download using your PMI.org password.

 You can buy on Amazon: Search Amazon.com for pmbok 4th edition 2010.  If you are planning to take PMP exam then go and buy it.

PMP Exam Changes: Updated Version Starting 31 August 2011

As per PMI there will be new version of exam starting August 2011.  As per PMI 30% content will be changed.  If you are preparing with the current content it is better to clear the exam before this happens.  Visit pmi.org for more details.


The latest results of the RDS (Role Delineation Study) produced an updated description of the professional role of a PMP. The responses met the requirements for statistical relevancy and adequately reflected the profession in geography, industry and other standard demographics. We collected feedback from more than 3,000 PMP credential holders from 97 countries, representing all organizational levels.

The RDS results provide us with a blueprint for updating the credential:

• The education and experience eligibility requirements for the existing PMP examination remain appropriate and will not be changed.
• Approximately 30% of the PMP exam content will change.
• Certain examination areas will be tested in a different way. Specifically, the Professional and Social Responsibility content area (Domain 6) will now be tested in every domain, rather than as a separate domain. The RDS revealed that professional and social responsibility is integrated into all of the work of project management. Therefore, PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct should be viewed as integrated into the day-to-day role of a project manager and important in each phase of the project lifecycle.

Further Study 

Three Important Things for PMP Exam

The three important things in real estate are location, location and location.
The three important things for Software Development projects are requirements, requirements and requirements.

The three important things for PMP exam studies are PMBOK, PMBOK and PMBOK.


That simple.


Further Reading

Adding Team Member to a Project and Communication.

Adding one more team member to a team do effect communication channels.  Please check out the communication formula at my previous post.

PMP Formulas and Calculations at a Glance : Summary

PMP Exam Formulas and Calculations at a Glance:

You can score perfect on the questions related to following formulas and calculations.

PV = Planned Value EV = Earned Value AC =  Actual Cost CV = Cost Variance SV = Schedule Variance CPI = Cost Performance Index SPI = Schedule Variance Index	CV = EV – AC SV = EV - PV CPI = EV/AC SPI = EV/ PV
BAC = Budget At Completion EAC = Estimate At Completion ETC = Estimate Time To Complete VAC = Variance At Completion	ETC = EAC-AC VAC = BAC-EAC
Number of Communication Channels	[N (N-1)] / 2
PERT	ET = (P + 4*M + O)/6 Standard Deviation   (P-O)/6
Quality Control	1s = 68.27% 2s = 95.45% 3s = 99.73% 6s = 99.99966%

Pmbok is must read book.

If you are preparing for PMP Exam, then Pmbok is must read book. Pmbok is ' A Guide to The Project Management Body Of Knowledge'. (PMBOK Guide) - Fourth Edition.

Here is a brief idea on what is covered in PMBOK.

Section I deals with The Project Management Framework.

Section II deals with The Standard for Project Management for a Project.

Section III deals with The Project Management Knowledge Areas.

Section IV contains Appendices and Glossary.

Pmbok in English: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: (Pmbok Guide)

Pmbok in Spanish: Guia De Los Fundamentos Para La Direccion De Proyectos/A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide): Official Spanish Translation (Spanish Edition)

Further Reading

Should IT execs get MBAs?

Should IT execs get MBAs? 
Very interesting article in Computer World (Jan 10, 2011).
Timing is everything when earning an MBA.The ideal time to earn an MBA is after you've had three to five years of experience in the business world, according to CIOs, academics and career experts.


Further Reading:

Gold Plating: The most controversial PMP mantra

One of the most contoversial PMP mantra in quality control is Gold Plating.  What is Gold Plating as per PMI.  Gold Plating is giving customer extra beyond the scope of the project.


As per PMI or PMP there should be no Gold Plating.  Do not deliver beyond the requirements even if you think it is free.  Do not add any feature if they are not part of scope. 


Check out my other post.

How relevant is Pmbok for Software Development Projects (SDLC)?

We answered this question here.  Pmbok, the PMI style of project management can be applied in Software Development projects.  Check out Mapping between Pmbok phases and Software Development phases.  How effective are PMP certified project management professionals on software projects?

PMP Certificate Requirements or Qualifications.

The PMP recognizes demonstrated competence in leading and directing project teams. If you’re an experienced project manager looking to solidify your skills, stand out to employers and maximize your earning potential, the PMP credential is the right choice for you.


Experience requirements: As of today. Please check PMI Project Management Institute web site pmi.org

University degree or baccalaureate : Minimum of 4500 hours (at least 3 years of this experience within the 6 years prior to the application).

OR

High school/Secondary school diploma: Minimum of 7500 hours (at least 5 years of this experience within the 8 years prior to the application).

AND

Project management education : 35 contact hours , earned through colleges, training companies, PMI Registered Education Providers, employer-sponsored programs or distance learning.

These 35 hours could have been in your regular college studies. You can get them online. There are lot online PMP exam and test prepration courses are available. Make sure that PMI recognises the course. Some of the names are Rita Mulcahy, Project Management Training Online, cheetah learning.

How to Apply:
To apply for the PMP register and log in to online system to get started. A printable PMP application form is also available.

Further Reading

Free PDU Opportunities in Md, Va and Washington DC Area.

You can earn free PDU if you attend one of the following presentations.  Please see the links for details.

Skyline Luncheon, Falls Church, VA
Boiling the Frog: Conflict Management for Project Managers
Mr. Dave Gerber
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Read more at www.pmiwdc.org/skyline

M2D2 Luncheon, Downtown DC
Implementing an Earned Value Management System
Desmond Bollers PMP EVP
Monday, January 24, 2011
Read more at www.pmiwdc.org/m2d2

IRS Noon Meeting, Lanham, MD
How To Build On Executive Support For Projects
Michael O’Brochta
Monday, January 24, 2011
Read more at www.pmiwdc.org/irs

Washington Circle Luncheon, Downtown DCNetworking at its Best
Jim Wylde
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Read More at www.pmiwdc.org/washingtoncircle

Fairview Park Luncheons, Fairview Park, VAGovernment Program Management Study Findings
John D. Ready
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Read More at www.pmiwdc.org/washingtoncircle

Washington Circle Luncheon, Downtown DCThe Nation’s Leadership Laboratory: What Are They Teaching at West Point and Why?
David S. Maurer
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Read More at www.pmiwdc.org/washingtoncircle

Further Reading