PMP Requirements

The “Why”, “What” and “How” of PMP Certification

Over the past 24 years, with Cheetah Learning’s “0 to PMP in 5 days” program, we’ve heard many reasons why Cheetah students make the commitment to do the hard work to meet the PMP Requirements. The PMP credential is now the most in demand global certification across the board in every industry. Why – it creates significant performance improvement throughout the organization.

At the same time though, now twice as many people take the PMP exam as those that pass the PMP exam.

What has changed making the PMP Exam Harder?

Cheetah students still pass the PMP exam on Friday after their four day Accelerated Exam Prep program, like they have since 2001. But, PMP trainers from other organizations reach out to Cheetah staff on LinkedIn asking what we know about what they are seeing – the first time failure rate of their PMP students is over 80%.

What could be happening for these other providers as we have not seen the exam change all that much even though PMI has made some pretty big changes to the PMBOK? It’s not the PMP requirements as those have essentially stayed the same over the past 24 years.

The PMP exam stopped being based on the PMBOK over 7 years ago. It’s now based on over 200 references. While this adds to the challenge of parsing through all the information required, we do also know it’s harder for people to become PMP certified when they are not adequately addressing distractions or the anxiety levels that have gone up overall.

The Cheetah Exam Prep program was redesigned to address both distractions and anxiety that negatively impact people’s ability to pass the PMP exam. By reducing information overload, improving Cheetah students ability to focus, and implementing proven strategies to reduce anxiety, Project managers who meet the PMP requirements and become Cheetah students still pass the PMP exam after four days in their Cheetah program.

The Triple Threat – It’s very frustrating and demoralizing when qualified project managers meet the PMP Requirements, to have extreme difficulty passing the PMP exam. This happens because of triple threat – Distractions, information overload and anxiety feed off each other. Even when project managers meet the PMP Requirements, without the effective and efficient PMP Exam preparation, they are on a wasted journey.

The majority of Cheetah students come to us because they are referred by a boss, colleague, or friend (often after they failed using other exam prep approaches). Thousands of companies count on Cheetah Exam Prep with the PMP as it is the most effective and efficient way to become PMP certified.

PMP Requirements – Top Ten Reasons to Pursue PMP Certification

People who meet the PMP Requirements rely on Cheetah Learning to become PMP certified. While it’s primarily companies who encourage their staff to take the Cheetah Exam Prep with the PMP program, the individuals are committed to go the distance for these reasons:

  1. Keep My Job – PMP certification validates project management skills, competency, and commitment to professional development. During downsizing or organizational restructuring PMPs are retained over non-PMPs
  2. Get a New Job – Employers prioritize candidates with PMP certification when hiring for project management positions as reflected in job postings, where PMP certification is listed as required to secure employment.
  3. Move into a Leadership Role – Earning the PMP demonstrates leadership skills that drive measurable business outcomes and chart the path to advance into higher-level positions within organizations.
  4. Get Promoted – Many organizations offer career development programs or pathways that include obtaining PMP certification as a milestone for promotion.
  5. Get a Pay Raise – Most PMPs see an immediate pay raise of $20,000 with earnings over 20 years being $250,000 more than non-PMPs. Review the PMI Salary Survey.
  6. Improve my Professional Reputation – Clients and stakeholders have greater confidence in projects led by PMP-certified professionals, contributing to positive relationships, repeat business, and referrals.
  7. Do Better at Managing Projects – PMP certification ensures PMs share a common foundation with a structured approach to managing projects, leading to improved project outcomes.
  8. Get recognized for my Project Management capabilities – PMP certification increases visibility and exposure. Recognized as subject matter experts in project management, they get called upon to lead high-profile projects. This leads to greater opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional growth.
  9. Keep up with my peers who are already PMP certified – To align with industry norms and remain competitive with their peers , people often feel pressure to obtain the PMP.
  10. Improve my networking options – PMP certification serves as a validation of an individual’s project management skills and expertise. As a result, certified professionals find it easier to establish rapport and credibility when networking with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, leading to more meaningful and productive interactions.

HOW – Next Step – Once someone fully commits to becoming a Project Management Professional and meets the PMP Requirements, the next logical decision is:

“How can I go about doing this in the most efficient and effective way possible?”

People who ask themselves that question are the folks who take Cheetah’s “0 to PMP in 5 day” 24 year proven approach to passing the PMP exam.

Learn how you and other project managers in your organization can achieve these top ten PMP Requirements – schedule a one on one session with the PMP Strategy Pro – Michelle LaBrosse, PMP, PMI-ACP, RYT – named one of the top 25 most influential women in project management by the Project Management Institute.

How People who Meet PMP Requirements Avoid the Triple Threat with Becoming a PMP

What are PMI PMP Eligibility Requirements?

To be eligible for the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, project managers must meet educational and professional experience requirements. These requirements ensure project managers have the requisite knowledge and skills to successfully manage projects. Here are the PMP eligibility requirements:

Option 1: Secondary Degree (Can I take the PMP exam without a degree?)
  1. Educational Background: A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent).
  2. Project Management Experience: At least 5 years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.
  3. Project Management Education: 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification.
Option 2: Four-Year Degree (What is the 36 month requirement for PMP?)
  1. Educational Background: A four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent).
  2. Project Management Experience: At least 3 years (36 months) of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.
  3. Project Management Education: 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification.
Additional Notes for PMP Requirements (What is the minimum requirement for the PMP?)
  • Project Management Experience: The experience must be non-overlapping professional project management experience. This means if you worked on multiple projects simultaneously, you can only count the time spent on one of those projects towards the total experience hours.
  • Project Management Education: Project Managers can secure the education hours through various sources, including university or college courses, PMI Authorized Providers, employer-sponsored programs, training companies or consultants, distance-learning companies, and programs offered by other training providers.

These eligibility criteria ensure project managers have the required experience for managing projects in a professional setting.