PMI PMP Certification: topics for exam

Exam: PMI PMP - Project Management Professional

Certification Overview

Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional degree is the most demanded certification for project managers all over the world. The degree is recognized globally and is opening up new dimensions for work on the relevant field of study. The certification and course work boasts of a rigorous study schedule and focuses on continuous improvement for the potential project managers. After completion of this course, individuals will gain the ability to maneuver and direct projects in an efficient and effective manner.The course specification is specially designed for those who have interests in developing skills related to project management and want to pursue their career in the related field.

Who need to do this certification?

Project managers who want to solidify their skills and gain a concrete knowledge about the concepts of project management should apply for this certification. Managers who feel like having a lucrative career with high salary job offerings are also encouraged to complete the certification.

Benefits

Competent and skilled project managers have demand all around the world. This certification will demonstrate that individuals have the required skill, knowledge, experience and competency to cater the needs of the projects. The degree is reputed worldwide which will increase your salary range and also accelerate your career growth.

Associated Exam

The PMP test is a single paper based on multiple choice questions. The PMP test questions are based on a role delineation study (RDS) system. This system ensures that the assessment process requires the individuals to think critically and also design strategies which are based on the course work. Critical thinking is encouraged in every step of the examination providing no room for vague procedures. The frequency and depth of knowledge is brought out from the candidates using this RDS assessment system. A wide range of PMP sample tests, PMP test preparation materials are also available online. Before the exam, it is recommended to give PMP online mock tests.

Prerequisites

Before taking the PMP test, one should have a secondary degree with a minimum five years of experience in project management. The experience can be subdivided as having 35 hours of study and 4500 hours for being involved in managing projects.

However, individual having a four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum three years of experience in project management may also apply. The experience can be subdivided according to the criteria explained in the previous paragraph.

Exam Overview

The PMP testis subdivided into sections known as domains where each domain contains tasks which assess the ability of the candidates in critical decision making, knowledge and skill levels. The PMPtest questions are based on relevant subject knowledge of the domains.

The exam is divided in the following topics (domains):

1. Initiating the project
2. Planning the project
3. Executing the project
4. Monitoring and controlling the project
5. Closing the project

The domain 1 contains 6 tasks which assess the learning outcomes related to initiating the project. This includes the feasibility study of the project. Other aspects include cost-benefit analysis, development of case study and techniques for identifying loopholes and risks. Impact study is also done in this section.

The domain 2 contains 12 tasks which focus on estimation techniques, work breakdown structures, resource planning and other planning procedures related to communications, procurement, risk management, quality management. The use of charts and diagrams are also taught in this domain.

The domain 3 contains 6 tasks which focus on monitoring tools and techniques. Evaluation of the current progress of the project along with budgeting tools and techniques are analyzed in this domain. This domain also stresses on continuous improvement processes.

The domain 4 contains 6 tasks which give importance on project performance and tracking techniques along with the cost, variance and trend analysis. Additional modules include risk identification, minimization and problem solving techniques.

Finally, domain 5 contains 7 tasks which focus on closing out, review and transition planning processes of the project.

Validity of the certification

The certificate is valid for 3 years and 60 PDU’s (Professional Development Activities) needs to be earned within 3 years to renew the certification.

Expert review

“Payscale.com real time salary surveys conclude that Project Managers with a PMP Certification (Prep 1) earn a median salary of as high as $84,000 in the State of California with other states not far behind. The importance of certified Project Managers is set to become far more important in the times to come as projects become more complex with increased time and cost constraints.”

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