How to apply for the PMP credential
A clear, sourced roadmap for project managers — from eligibility and the 35 contact hours to the PMI application, the audit process, exam day, and keeping your PDUs current. Always confirm current fees and requirements onpmi.org.
Confirm eligibility (pick your path)
Path A: a four-year degree (or global equivalent) PLUS 36 months leading projects within the last 8 years PLUS 35 hours of project management education (or a current CAPM). Path B: a high-school diploma or associate degree PLUS 60 months leading projects within the last 8 years PLUS the same 35 hours of PM education (or a current CAPM).
Complete 35 contact hours of PM education
The 35 hours must cover project management topics — predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches. They can come from any PMI Authorized Training Partner, university course, employer-provided training, or online course. Holding a current CAPM satisfies this requirement.
Document your project experience
For each project you'll list role, dates, brief description, and hours you led work across the process groups (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, closing). Keep supervisor names and email addresses handy — they may be asked to verify during audit.
Create a PMI account (consider membership)
Register at pmi.org. PMI membership is optional (currently USD 149/year plus a one-time USD 10 application fee) but reduces the exam fee substantially and gives you free access to the PMBOK Guide, the Agile Practice Guide, and PMIstandards+.
Submit the PMP application
Complete the online application within 90 days of starting it. PMI typically reviews applications within about 5 business days. Once approved you have a one-year eligibility window and up to 3 exam attempts within it.
Handle the audit (if selected)
A percentage of applications are randomly audited. If selected you'll have 90 days to submit: signed experience verification from your project supervisors, proof of degree (transcripts or diploma), and proof of your 35 contact hours. Payment is only processed after any audit clears.
Pay the exam fee and schedule at Pearson VUE
Current PMP exam fees are USD 405 for PMI members and USD 555 for non-members. Book a seat at a Pearson VUE test center or an online proctored session — check identification and workspace requirements ahead of time.
Prepare with ShiKa Exam Prep
Study by the PMP Exam Content Outline domains: People (~42%), Process (~50%), Business Environment (~8%) — across predictive, agile, and hybrid contexts. Practice scenario-style questions daily, then run timed full-length mocks (180 questions) until you're consistently at or above target proficiency.
Sit the PMP exam
180 questions in 230 minutes with two optional 10-minute breaks (after questions 60 and 120). Expect multiple-choice, multiple-response, matching, hotspot, and limited fill-in-the-blank items. Use the review flag and pace at ~75 seconds per question.
Maintain your PMP (CCR programme)
Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years across PMI's Talent Triangle — Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Business Acumen (minimum 8 PDUs in each) — and pay the renewal fee (USD 60 members / USD 150 non-members) to keep the PMP active.