FAQ

The Project Management Professional (PMP) credential recognizes demonstrated knowledge and skill in leading and directing project teams and in delivering project results within the constraints of schedule, budget and resources. It is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, which is the leading global association for the project management profession.

Who should apply?
Those who lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope.

What do PMP candidates do?
Candidates are responsible for all aspects of individual projects for the life of the project.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the PMP Exam?
To be eligible for the PMP credential, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. All project management experience must have been accrued within the last eight consecutive years prior to your application submission.

The eligibility requirements depend upon your Education Background.

1. If you hold a High school diploma, associate's degree or global equivalent, then you need:
    • Project Management Experience: Minimum five years/60 months unique nonoverlapping professional project management experience during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks.

   • Project Management Experience: Minimum five years/60 months unique nonoverlapping professional project management experience during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks.

2.If you hold a Bachelor's degree or global equivalent, then you need:
    • Project Management Experience: Minimum three years/36 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks.

   • Project Management Education: 35 contact hours of formal education (or PDUs)

How many Questions are there in the PMP Exam?
PMP Exam comprises of 200 questions. Of the 200 questions, 25 are considered pretest questions.

What are Pretest Questions?
PMP Exam comprises of 200 questions. Of the 200 questions, 25 are considered pretest questions.
A PMP Exam consists of 25 Pretest questions.
Pretest Questions:
•  Are "trial" questions.
•  Are used in examinations as an effective and legitimate way to test the validity of future examination questions.
•  Do not affect the score.
•  Are randomly placed throughout the exam.

Tip: If you have studied the PMBOK well, referred at least 2 exam guides (apart from the PMBOK Guide), attempted at least 1000 sample questions, reviewed other exam resources, and you still see a totally "out of the blue" question on the exam, there's a high probability that it may be one of those 25 Pretest questions.

What is the Passing Score for the PMP Exam?
PMP Handbook says: The passing score for all PMI credential examinations is determined by sound psychometric analysis. PMI uses subject matter experts from across the globe to help establish a point at which each candidate should pass the examination(s) and the examination point of difficulty. Data that shows how candidates actually performed is cross referenced with the subject matter experts to ensure that the point of difficulty on each examination is healthy.
PMI has not mentioned the exact passing score in the PMP Handbook.
However, in 2005, PMI published a document "Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new PMP Examination", in which they clearly mentioned the passing score as 106 out of 175. The FAQ document is not distributed by PMI anymore. Therefore, candidates take 106 as a rough guideline for the passing score.

Is there any negative marking in the PMP Exam?
No. There's no negative marking on the PMP exam. If you don't answer a question correctly, you don't get any marks for it. You score only for the right answers.

How much time is allotted for the PMP Exam?
The allotted time to complete the computer-based examination is four hours. The examination is preceded by a tutorial and followed by a survey, both of which are optional and both of which can take up to 15 minutes to complete. The time used to complete the tutorial and survey is not included in the examination time of four hours.
Tip: Exam takers usually take the 15-minute survey, which precedes the exam, to do brain dump of formulas, important terms, or anything else they want to get off their head. Some even take this time to relax or meditate.

Can I bookmark a question on the PMP Exam and revisit it again?
Yes. You can mark a question for 'review' and revisit it anytime during the exam. You can use this feature to your advantage.
Tip: If you are not sure about the answer of a particular question, just go by your instincts or your best guess and select an answer. Mark this question for review. Complete the first pass of all the (200) questions and then revisit the questions marked for review, at the end.
Note: Don't forget to bookmark this page.

Are the answers to questions marked for review on the PMP Exam counted?
Yes. As long as you've answered the question, it is counted at the end of the exam, irrespective of whether it's marked for review or not.

Do I need to use a calculator during the PMP Exam?
Probably, yes. The exam is not a test of your math skills and if you can do primary school level calculations in your head, you don't need a calculator. However, people are known to stumble on '2+2=4' type calculations also under intense pressure, and it won't hurt to verify your results on a calculator.
Nowadays, the PMP Exam software has a calculator application built into it (as per PMP Handbook). However, I wasn't aware of this when I took the exam and cannot say how well it works. I was given one of those dollar-store calculators with huge buttons and bold display. I wasn't even sure whether it was spitting out correct results. Fortunately, I passed the exam.
Normally, the test centers provide calculators and you are not allowed to carry your own calculator inside the test area. But you might also want to carry your own calculator to the test center, just in case. Most likely, you'll be asked to leave yours outside (in the locker).

Is there any official break during the PMP Exam?
No. The PMP Exam is for 4 continuous hours, without any official break. The clock doesn't stop once it starts ticking, until the end of the exam.
However, you are allowed to take breaks - nature, or regular - during the exam at your own expense (time). It's best to check with the Prometric test center, where you've scheduled your exam, about their policy on this matter.

What is the Domain-wise distribution of PMP Exam Questions?
The PMP examination is developed based on the PMP examination blueprint contained in the Project Management Professional (PMP) Examination Specification. The examination blueprint details the percentage of questions contained in each project management process group. The following represents the percentage of questions in each domain that are included in the examination.

What doesn't qualify for 35 Contact hours of PM Education for PMP Certification?
A few things that do "not" qualify towards meeting the 35 Contact Hours of PM Education for PMP Certification are:
1)  Attendance to PMI chapter meetings, unless spent conducting a learning activity.
2)  Self-study (e.g. reading books).
3)  Degree programme, such as an MBA, in its entirety, but many of the classes within the programme will apply and must be documented individually. Source: Project Management Training for the PMP: Satisfying the 35 Hours Requirement.

What is the difference between Contact Hours and PDUs?
Contact Hours are hours earned before becoming certified. Contact Hours can only be earned as traditional course time that focuses on project management.
PDUs are earned after one has become certified and there are many ways to earn PDUs.
There are 5 Categories which PDUs fall under.

Category 1: Formal Academic Education - courses taken in a degree granting program related to project management.

Category 2: Professional Activities - authoring articles in Journals, speaking or teaching PM related courses, developing a course related to PM, practicing project management and self directed learning activities.

Category 3: PMI REP - courses taken through registered education providers and chapter events such as meetings.

Category 4: Other Provider - courses or seminars taken through organizations not registered with PMI.

Category 5: Volunteer Services - services provided to your local chapter, other PM related organizations or charitable organizations.

PDU Calculations and documentation requirements can be found in the Handbook of your respective certification and does provide a more detailed description of each activity.

Do Contact Hours have an Expiry Date?
No. PMI does not mandate any expiry timeline for Contact Hours (CHs) earned to qualify for the PMP Exam, as long as you retain the proof (certificate). For example, if you earned the Contact Hours in 2005, there's nothing stopping you from taking the exam in 2010.
I quote a message that I received from PMI on this matter:
"There is no deadline or expiry date for the PM education requirement, though the PM education must have been acquired before the submission of the PMP application."

What is the Application Process for the PMP Exam?
At a high level, the PMP application process involves the following steps:
1)  You submit an online application for the exam to PMI.
2)  PMI reviews your application and if it is determined to be complete, PMI will send you an email to submit the exam fee. Your application approval is valid for one-year from the date you receive the approval email.
3)  After you pay for the exam, PMI will send you an email indicating one of the following next steps:
     •   Examination scheduling instructions to help you schedule your examination.
     •   Application has randomly been selected for PMI's audit process.
4)  If you receive exam scheduling instructions, you can go ahead and schedule your exam with Prometric.
5)  If your application is selected for an audit, PMI will provide you the follow-up instructions to comply with the audit.
Note: If your application is selected for an audit, your one-year eligibility clock stops, and would restart only when you successfully clear the audit.
Tip: Please make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria before submitting your application. Also, fill your application form honestly and truthfully. If you follow these guidelines, you would have nothing to fear from the audit.

How do I apply for the PMP Exam?
PMI encourages candidates to apply for the PMP exam online. The online application can be submitted on PMI's Online Certification System.
If you want to apply offline (through postal mail or fax), you can print the following form and send the hard copy to PMI Global Operations Center (address available in PMP Handbook):

Is it possible to apply for the PMP exam without being a PMI member?
Yes, absolutely. You don't need to be a PMI member to apply for PMP certification. But, only a fool would do so (sorry for the harsh language). PMI membership costs $129, but you get a $150 discount on the exam.

How much time does PMI take to process PMP Exam Application?
The application processing timeline is mentioned in the table below:

How are PMP Exams Administered?
Computer-based testing (CBT) is the standard method of administration for all PMI examinations.
However, paper-based testing (PBT) is available in the following situations only:
1)  Candidates who live at least 186.5 miles/300 km from a Prometric CBT site.
2)  Employers (Corporate Sponsors) who wish to administer a PMI examination to their employees. In this case, there is no restriction on distance; however only employees of the corporation may test at these events.

How often are PMP exams conducted?
PMP Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) are conducted everyday, all over the world. As I mentioned above, the exam is administered by Prometric. You need to book the exam slot with the Prometric test center near your location. When you get to take the exam depends upon the availability of test slot.
Paper-Based Tests (PBTs) are conducted on pre-scheduled dates. The event sheet can be found on Prometric website as mentioned in the previous module above.

What is the Audit Process for PMP Exam Application?
As mentioned above, the one-year exam eligibility clock stops when your application is selected for an audit. PMI will inform you about the audit, "after" you pay for the exam. They will also send you detailed instructions on how to comply with the audit. br/> Paper-Based Tests (PBTs) are conducted on pre-scheduled dates. The event sheet can be found on Prometric website as mentioned in the previous module above.
During the audit, you will be asked to submit documents such as:
1)  Copies of your diploma/degree certificates
2)  Signatures from your manager(s)/supervisor(s) on projects that you mentioned in the experience verification section of your original application.
3)  Your 35 Contact Hours certificate from the PMI Registered Education Provider (REP).
You need to send the requested documents through regular postal mail or courier service. Faxed or emailed documents are not accepted during audit.
The audit time primarily depends on how fast the applicant mails back the requested information to PMI. Once PMI receives your documents, they usually takes about 5 business days to complete the audit.
If you clear the audit, PMI will give you a go ahead for scheduling the exam and your eligibility clock will start ticking.

How can I avoid PMP Application Audit?
You cannot. There's nothing you can do to avoid your application from getting audited. A small percentage (about 10%) of applications are selected randomly for audit.
However, you can take some steps to prepare yourself to face the audit and ensure that the audit goes through smoothly, in case your application gets audited.

What if I fail to meet the Audit Requirements for the PMP Exam?
If you fail to meet the audit requirements, PMI will refund your exam fee, minus $100 administration fee for the audit. Now you know why they ask you to pay first :)
However, PMI has clearly mentioned in the PMP Handbook that they reserve the right to audit any candidate any time i.e. even after they achieve the PMP credentials. If you fail to meet the audit requirements after you achieve your PMP certification, you will not be eligible for any refund.

Note: I'm still trying to find out how and when, if at all, a candidate is eligible to re-apply for PMP certification once he/she fails the audit requirements.

How do I schedule my PMP Exam?
You can schedule the PMP Exam directly on Prometric website. You can also call them and schedule your exam.
PMI does not guarantee exam slot availability with Prometric and strongly recommends that candidates book the exam slot:
     i)  at least six weeks in advance of your preferred test date and
     ii)  at least three months before the expiration of your eligibility period

How many times can I reschedule my PMP exam with Prometric?
From my experience you can reschedule the exam as many times as you want, as long as you do so at least 48 hours before your current appointment. I rescheduled my exam at least 4 times before I finally went for it.
You can reschedule the exam online or by calling the test center directly. But note that many test centers do not provide direct (phone or otherwise) rescheduling facility. For such centers, you can reschedule the exam online.

Note: It is best to call Prometric and confirm the terms & conditions of rescheduling the exam in order to avoid any issues.

Is there a fee to reschedule the PMP Exam?
No. As long as you meet the criteria listed above, there's no fee to reschedule the exam, no matter how many times you reschedule it.
What if I do not take the PMP Exam within the 1-year eligibility period?
Well, you would have to re-apply and go through the entire application process again. Moreover, if you have paid the exam fee and don't take the exam within 1 year, your exam fee would be forfeited.

Where do I take the PMP Exam?
All computer-based tests (CBT) are administered by Prometric. You can select the most convenient testing center and schedule the exam on the Prometric website.
Note: The exam cannot be taken online (internet-based). You need to physically go to the selected Prometric testing center to take the exam. I'm mentioning this explicitly because lot of candidates think that they can take the exam online (internet-based).

Can the PMP Exam be taken in a language other than English?
No and Yes. All PMI examinations are administered in English. However, language aids for the questions and answers of the PMP and CAPM examinations are available to assist you if English is your second language.
Language aids are available in the following 12 languages:
Arabic
Brazilian Portuguese
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
French
German
Hebrew
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Russian
Spanish
As I understand, language aids are online instructions in one of the 12 languages listed above.
What do I need to bring to the test center for taking the PMP Exam?
You are advised to bring the following items to the test center for taking the PMP Exam:
•  Two forms of identification (see the next section for valid forms of identifications)
•  A copy of the exam confirmation email from Prometric (though not absolutely required, it's better to carry a copy along)
•  Water
•  Light Snacks
•  A sweater or a jacket (just in case it's cold inside the test center)
•  A calculator (though most probably you won't be allowed to use your calculator)
•  Simple Ear-plugs (test center usually provides their own ear-plugs)
•  Yourself :)

What type of identification must I bring to the test center for the PMP Exam?
The exam confirmation email that you will receive from Prometric will contain the exact identification policy which is applicable to you. You must follow the requirements listed in that email. If you have any questions or concerns, call your test center before the exam and clarify with them.
In general, the identification policy is like this:
Candidates must present one form of un-expired, government-issued identification that contains the candidate's name, photograph and signature. The following forms of identification are acceptable only if they meet these requirements: Passport, driver's license, national identity card, military ID, other forms of un-expired, government-issued, identification that has both signature and photo. If any of the above forms of identification contain the candidate's name or photograph, but not his/her signature, the candidate can use another form of un-expired identification what provides a signature to supplement the photo-bearing, government-issued ID. Examples are: Employee ID, Bank card, Credit card

What (stationery) does the test center provide for the PMP Exam? The test center usually provides: The test center usually provides:The test center usually provides:
•  A few blank papers
•  A few sharpened pencils
•  A simple calculator (nowadays calculator application is built in to the exam software).
When do I know the Result of my PMP Exam? For Computer-Based Test, you will know the result after several 'loooong' seconds upon completion of the exam. You are allowed to pray to your God during this time.
In short, you'll get the result on your screen immediately after you complete the exam.
Prometric test center will give you an "official" sealed copy (computer print-out) of your marksheet before you leave the test center.
For Paper-Based Test, it will take a few weeks before you get the result.
What does the PMP Exam Score Report contain?
The PMP Exam Score Report contains:
•  Test result - Pass or Fail.
•  Domain-wise performance information:
     •  Proficient
     •  Moderately Proficient.
     •  Below Proficient.
Note: The Score Report does not show your actual score or even percentage scored.

Is there any way to find the percentage score on the PMP Exam?
No. PMP Exam score report only indicates the domain-wise proficiency level. There's no way to find the actual score.
What is the Percentage Equivalent of each Proficiency Level on the PMP Exam?
If PMI were to disclose percentage values for each proficiency level, then why would they move away from the old system (of publishing the score in percentages) to the new system (of publishing proficiency levels)?

So the short answer is - PMI does NOT disclose the percentage score for each proficiency level (Proficient, Moderately Proficient, Below Proficient).

Does proficiency level (or score) matter on the PMP Exam?
First of all, PMI doesn't provide a score for PMP Exams. You only get a domain-wise "Proficiency Level" on the PMP Exam score report.
When it comes to PMP exam, a pass is a pass. It doesn't really matter how comfortably you pass or how narrowly you scrape through. The proficiency level is provided to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Does the PMP Certificate show the score?
No, the PMP Certificate does not indicate the score or proficiency level as you can see (or cannot see) in the image above.

How long does PMI take to mail the PMP Certificate to successful candidates?
You get the certificate in about 2-3 weeks after passing the exam. The time varies depending upon your coordinates on the globe.

How can I verify a person's PMP credential?
PMI publishes an online registry of all certified PMPs. You can verify a person's PMP credentials if you know his/her last name.
You can view the registry here: PMI Online Registry

How can I verify a person's PMP credential?
PMI publishes an online registry of all certified PMPs. You can verify a person's PMP credentials if you know his/her last name.
You can view the registry here: PMI Online Registry

How long does it take for my name to appear in PMI Online Registry after passing the PMP Exam?
It takes about 7 to 10 business days for PMI to receive the exam result from Prometric. Overall, it may take upto 4 to 6 weeks for your name to appear in PMI Online Registry.
However, in my experience, the registry gets updated within 2 weeks.

What if I fail the PMP Exam?
Hell won't break loose if you fail your PMP exam.
PMP Exam is not an easy by any means. Many candidates fail the exam on their first try. According to a guesstimate, about 30-40% people fail the exam on the first try. So, you don't need to get disheartened. Rather use the experience as a springboard for your next big leap and pass the exam.
You can take the exam upto 3 times within one year from your application approval date. If you fail the examination three times within the one-year eligibility period, you must wait one year from the date of the last examination you took to reapply for the credential.
You need to pay a reexamination fee for each retake.
The reexamination fees also varies depending upon whether you are a PMI member.
Reexamination Fees for PMI Members
•  Computer-based exam: USD 275
•  Paper-based exam: USD 150
Reexamination Fees for Non PMI Members
•  Computer-based exam: USD 375
•  Paper-based exam: USD 300

If I fail the PMP Exam, how soon can I retake it?
PMI does not mandate any "cooling off" period to retake the exam. You can retake the exam anytime provided:
1)  You apply for re-examination and pay the reexamination fee. Normally, it will take about 3-4 business days for your previous exam result to be registered in PMI's systems. So, you'll have to wait until your previous result is recorded in their systems before applying for re-examination.
2)  You book the exam slot again with Prometric.
3)  The new exam date is within the one-year eligibility window.

Does the PMP Exam score report indicate previous failed attempts?
Neither the PMP Exam score report nor the PMP Certificate has any reference to any previous failed attempt.

Will anyone know if I fail the PMP Exam?
Yes, you will know, and anyone you tell, will know. But rest assured, PMI does NOT disclose your test history to anyone other than you. Though they do publish a list of certified PMPs on PMI Online Registry, they do NOT publish a list of unsuccessful candidates.