Are you approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®?
Yes, we have been reviewed and approved as a provider of project management training by PMI. As a PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.), we abide by PMI established quality assurance criteria. Our REP number is 4127.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover). We also accept payment by check, wire transfer or approved purchase orders.
Are exam fees included in the tuition?
Exam fees are not included. They must be paid directly to PMI as part of the application process. The cost to take the exam is $544 total ($139 to join PMI and $405 for the exam fees). You can pay for the exam without joining PMI, at a cost of $555. Since joining PMI saves you $11 on exam fees and you also receive PMI member benefits, we recommend becoming a PMI member before applying to take the exam.
Do I receive a certificate upon completing the course?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion showing that you completed the course and earned the 35 contact hours required to sit for the exam. We provide you with a paper version on the last day of class, but also allow you to download a PDF version from our online training portal in case you lose the original or need to send a copy to PMI if you get audited.
Does your course satisfy the 35 contact hours needed to sit for the exam?
Yes, our PMP course is approved by PMI for the 35 contact hours (aka PDUs) required to sit for the PMP exam. We provide you with a certificate of completion at the end of the course that you can submit to PMI if you get audited.
When do I get my course materials?
You can access all of our online training tools immediately upon registration. All other training materials, such as A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), binder, laminates, formula sheets, etc., are provided in the classroom.
How soon after the course should I take the exam?
Each student is different, so there is no “one size fits all” approach. The average student takes the exam roughly ten days after the course. You should plan to spend some time studying after class to make sure you are ready. We provide you with a lot of resources to help you prepare, so you will want to set aside time after class to utilize these tools. We also provide metrics along with our practice tests, which will help you know when you are ready.
One of the many tools we provide is a complete online version of the course. If you are looking to take the exam quickly after the course, we recommend watching those videos prior to attending class. We also recommend all students read the PMBOK® Guide prior to class if possible. PMI provides an electronic copy, which is downloadable from its website once you become a member.
Can I take the exam on the 5th day (the day after the course)?
We strongly advise our students not to follow this approach, as the statistics show it to be seriously flawed. The PMP exam is difficult, and you will naturally want to take some time to solidify what you learned in class (using the many training resources we provide).
Moreover, you may feel a little drained after the 4-day boot camp. You should allow some time to decompress and relax, instead of having the added pressure of testing right after class.
You may hear people say they took the exam on day 5 and had no problems, but odds are they did so well in the past. Make no mistake – the PMP exam is harder now than it was before the exam updated to PMBOK®Guide version 5. Simply put, the day-5 testing model drastically lowers your chances of passing, and causes unnecessary stress as well.
Can I apply for the PMP exam prior to attending the live course?
You can apply for the PMP exam before attending the course, provided you have already completed the required 35 hours of PM training needed to sit for the exam. Most students wait until the live course is completed, at which time they will have earned the necessary 35 hours to apply for the exam, and that’s what we generally advise students to do. However, circumstances sometimes require students to get certified within a short timeframe.
For students facing a time crunch, we offer an accelerated training option. In addition to the live PMP course, we also provide every student with a full online (Video-On-Demand) version of the course. Students who do not already have their 35 hours of PM training can use the online materials to earn their 35 contact hours before the live course (this requires reading the PMBOK® Guide, reading our PMP Strategy Guide, watching all online videos, completing all quizzes with a score of 75% or better, and taking 3 full-length practice exam with at least one exam score of 80% or better). Students would then be in a position to schedule the exam before attending the live course, and could test immediately thereafter if they wish.
As a word of caution, we generally do not recommend taking the PMP exam immediately after completing the course. While it certainly can be done, it requires extra preparation prior to the live course. We recommend allowing yourself at least 1 week of study after the live course to ensure that you are fully prepared.
When and where do I take the exam?
The PMP exam is administered at Prometric testing centers. Prometric has hundreds of centers worldwide and usually offers the PMP exam Monday through Saturday. Since each center is independently operated, you should check with your local center for hours of operation and exam availability. You can locate the centers nearest you by visiting www.prometric.com. Note that, in some cases, the availability of testing appointments reflected online may seem rather limited. We recommend you call the center directly if this happens, as the availability shown online may not always reflect the true availability (due to cancellations, re-scheduling, etc.). Our students have found this to be very helpful in many cases.
What happens if I get audited?
The audit process sounds painful, but it is actually pretty simple.
You will know if you have been audited immediately after submitting payment for the exam (you will receive an e-mail if you are selected for the audit). Roughly 5-10% of all candidates will be audited. You will be asked to document your PDU contact hours, which you will do using the certificate we provide. You will also have the references you list in your application verify that the work experience you entered is correct (they will just complete a simple form, sign it and send it to PMI).
Since the reference person can be anyone who was working with you on the projects, we recommend listing references with whom you are still in contact and will respond quickly (where possible).
Most people can easily complete the audit process in a week or less. As part of our course we will walk you through the entire application process and assist you with any questions you may have. We also offer free post-class tutoring and assistance with the application, so you will have plenty of support along the way.
How do I prove my experience?
You will document your experience in your online application (www.pmi.org). You must list projects you have worked on, along with a reference person. Your job title need not be “project manager,” but you will need to show that you were leading and directing project activities. To keep everyone honest, PMI audits about 5-10% of candidates (see: “What happens if I get audited?”).
Where is the course located?
Course locations are displayed on our website. Please refer to the bottom of the PMP Exam Prep page or the Contact Us page. Approximately 10 days before class begins, you will receive a course logistics document via email confirming the course location and other helpful details.
Are you covered by the VA?
No. Unfortunately, training courses such as ours fall under the exam preparation exclusion and are therefore ineligible for VA funding (though the cost of the exam would likely be covered).
How many students are in the course?
Class sizes vary by location and date, but the average class size is 10 to 15 students.
Can I get a digital copy of the PMBOK® Guide?
Yes, if you are a PMI member you can download a free copy of the PMBOK® Guide. Simply visit www.pmi.organd log in. Scroll over the main menu item “PMBOK® Guide and Standards,” then click the sub-menu item titled “Learn more about A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Fifth Edition”. From that page you can download a free copy of the PMBOK® Guide.
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.
- 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 Education: 35 contact hours of formal education (or PDUs).
- 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).
What does 36 months of non-overlapping experience requirement mean for the PMP Exam?
One of the eligibility criteria for the PMP exam is to have minimum 3 years / 36 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks.
So, what does “non-overlapping” experience mean?
To answer this question, let me show the reverse situation – overlapping experience. Let’s say that you have managed 2 project in 2013. Project 1 ran from Jan’13 to Jun’13 (6 months), and Project 2 ran from Apr’13 to Dec’13 (9 months). In this case, you have an overlap between the two projects during Apr’09 to Jun’09 (3 months). So the experience from these 3 months is counted as 3 months, and not 3 x 2 = 6 months. Therefore, your total unique non-overlapping experience would be counted as 12 (3 + 3 + 6) months, not 15 (6 + 9) months.
What is the application process for the PMP Exam?
At a high level, the PMP application process involves the following steps:
- You submit an online application for the exam to PMI.
- 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.
- 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 audit process
- If you receive exam scheduling instructions, you can go ahead and schedule your exam with Prometric.
- 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 far back can I go for the Project Management experience on my PMP application?
All project management experience must have been accrued within the last eight consecutive years prior to your application submission.
How do I apply for the PMP Exam?
PMP exam application must be submitted online through PMI’s Online Certification System.
What are the fees for the PMP Exam?
The examination fees vary depending upon whether you are a PMI member.
For PMI Members
- Computer-based exam: $405
- Paper-based exam: $250
For Non-PMI Members
- Computer-based exam: $555
- Paper-based exam: $400
Tip: There’s an obvious benefit in joining PMI before signing up for the PMP exam. The discount on the exam is more than the membership fee.
Is it possible to apply for the PMP exam without being a PMI member?
Yes. You don’t need to be a PMI member to apply for PMP certification. But be mindful PMI membership costs $139, but you get a $150 discount on the exam, so it’s clearly sensible to join!
Will PMI refund the membership discount, if I sign-up for the membership after submitting payment for the PMP Exam?
PMI members enjoy $150 discount on the PMP exam fee. However, you must be a PMI member at the time of submitting your payment for the PMP exam, in order to enjoy the discount. If you sign-up for the PMI Membership after submitting your payment for the exam, PMI would NOT refund the membership discount amount to you. Therefore, it is important that you sign-up for PMI membership before you submit your payment for the PMP exam.
How do I pay the fee for the PMP Exam?
You can pay the exam fee on PMI’s Online Certification System.
How long does PMI take to process each PMP Exam Application?
Applications submitted online, 5 business days.
Applications submitted via Paper by individuals, 10 business days
Applications submitted via corporations, 20 business days
I made an error on the PMP Exam Application? What should I do?
If you have made a mistake in your PMP certification application that you submitted to PMI, do not panic. Email to PMI Customer Care, admit your mistake, and cooperate with them to get it resolved.
How much time does it take to prepare for the PMP Exam?
There’s no right answer for this. Preparation time varies by individual. Most people take about 3 months for preparation. Some claim to do it within a month too, while others take as long as a year.
Is PMBOK Guide sufficient to clear the PMP Exam?
Simple answer is ‘no’. The PMP exam is not based on the PMBOK Guide. Rather it’s based on the PMP Exam Content Outline. There are topics on the PMP exam that aren’t covered in the PMBOK Guide. So, you cannot completely rely on the PMBOK Guide for your preparation. Usually, a combination of a good training program for 35 Contact Hours of PM Education, the PMBOK Guide, a good PMP exam prep guide, and free resources available on the web is what you need to pass the PMP exam.
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.
Can I take the PMP Exam online (internet-based)?
No, the PMP exam cannot be taken online. You need to physically go to the selected Prometric testing center to take the exam. I’m mentioning this explicitly because a lot of candidates think that they can take the exam online.
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:
- Candidates who live at least 186.5 miles/300 km from a Prometric CBT site.
- 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.
Where can I find the list of Paper-Based Test (PBT) Centers for PMP Exam?
You can get a list of Paper-Based Test Centers on the Prometric website – look for Locate a paper-based test event.
How often are PMP exams conducted?
PMP Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) are conducted everyday, all over the world. 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.
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
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)
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:
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.
For more details, check out Prometric Exam-takers’ FAQs.
What (stationery) does the test center provide for the PMP Exam?
The test center usually provides a dry erase marker, an eraser, and a small erasable board. Some test centers may provide a few blank papers and sharpened pencils instead.
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 can take up to 15 minutes each 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 use 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.
Are 4 Hours Enough to Complete 200 Questions on the PMP Exam?
Four (4) hours are more than enough to answer 200 questions on the PMP Exam. You have 1:12 min for each question. Since, all questions are multiple choice questions, it usually takes less than a minute to answer the questions. Most people complete their first pass of all 200 questions within three (3) hours, and the remaining time is spent in reviewing the marked questions.
Tip: Try not to spend more than a minute on any question during the first pass. Mark all wordy questions for review and answer them on the second pass.
Do I need to use a calculator during the PMP Exam?
Yes, it’s very likely that you’ll need to use a calculator. 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 mess up ‘2+2=4’ type calculations under intense pressure, and it won’t hurt to verify your results on a calculator.
Nowadays, the exam has a calculator application built into it. In the initial tutorial before the exam, you’ll be guided on the steps to use the calculator. So, rest easy. You don’t need to carry your own calculator (in fact, you won’t be allowed to).
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.
Can I end the PMP exam earlier than 4 hours and walk out of the test center?
Yes. You can end the exam anytime after starting it, and walk out of the examination center. However, you cannot pause and resume the exam. If you take any breaks during the exam, the clock keeps ticking.
What if I Do Not Show-up for my PMP Exam?
No-show is as good (or rather as bad) as failing the exam. Unless it’s a matter of life and death, you’ll have to pay the re-examination fee to take the exam again. But if it is indeed a “special case”, you can write to PMI Customer Care for consideration.
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:
- at least six weeks in advance of your preferred test date and
- at least three months before the expiration of your eligibility period
How many times can I reschedule my PMP exam with Prometric?
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. There’s a $70 fee if you reschedule your exam within 30 days of your appointment. For rescheduling more than 30 days in advance, there’s no rescheduling fee. 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.
Is there a fee to reschedule the PMP Exam?
There’s a $70 fee if you reschedule your exam within 30 days of appointment. As long as you reschedule the exam more than 30 days in advance, there’s no fee, 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.
What is the format of PMP Exam Questions?
All the questions on the PMP Exam are multiple-choice questions. Each question has exactly 4 answer choices.
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?
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 Guide 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.
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.
Which are the toughest topics on the PMP exam?
Among the Knowledge Areas, the toughest are Procurement Management, Risk Management and Integration Management. I remember that I had loads of questions from Procurement Management. Also, many times one question cuts across several different Knowledge Areas. Among the Process Groups, Monitoring & Controlling and Initiating are the toughest.
What if I fail the PMP Exam?
You can take the exam up to 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 re-examination fee for each retake. The re-examination fees also varies depending upon whether you are a PMI member.
Re-examination Fees for PMI Members
Computer-based exam: USD 275
Paper-based exam: USD 150
Re-examination Fees for Non-PMI Members
Computer-based exam: USD 375
Paper-based exam: USD 300
What percentage of people fail the PMP Exam?
According to popular guesstimate, about 30-40% people fail the exam on the first try.
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:
- 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.
- You book the exam slot again with Prometric.
- The new exam date is within the one-year eligibility window.
How do I apply for PMP re-examination?
You can apply for PMP re-examination through PMI’s Online Certification System.
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.
How long is the PMP Certification valid for?
PMP Certification is valid for 3 years. Certified PMPs must earn at least 60 PDUs every 3 years in order to renew their certification. Refer to PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements System for more details.
How many total number of PMPs are there in the world?
As of March 31, 2017, there are 761,905 active certified PMPs in the world.
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.
Our Philosophy and Values
PMO Advisory is a PMI® Registered Education Provider (R.E.P. #4172) and proud to be one the very few PMI® registered firms able to offer Portfolio (PfMP®), Program (PgMP®), Project (PMP®), and Risk (PMI-RMP®) Management Certification Training. We make tremendous effort to understand our clients, their needs and interest and align our products and services accordingly. Because we are a small firm we’re agile, responsive, and will adapt our training programs as your needs change with a speed larger firms just can’t match. We’re committed to getting individuals, small teams, and organizations professionally trained and transformed in line with set goals. You are guaranteed a positive client service experience which meets (and ideally exceeds) your expectations, this is our goal behind all of our business interactions. Specifically we promise to:
1. Focus on the benefit of the training as it relates to each customer’s individual needs.
2. Be responsible and accountable for each customer’s success.
3. Always act with integrity and dignity when dealing with customers, vendors and employees.
4. Always EXCEED the client’s expectations.
