Frequently Asked Questions About PMP Exam

Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding PMP Exam.

I have tried to answer them here so that this article can become a handy reference to beginners. If you have any question that is not answered here, please post your question as a comment below. I will try to get the answer to them.

What are the eligibility requirements for PMP Exam?

Please find the answer to this question here: Eligibility Requirements for PMP Certification Exam

How many hours are needed for PMP exam preparation?

The standard answer is, it depends on each individual’s capability and their commitments.

However, based on experience, it is observed that candidates take about 6 to 8 weeks on an average after the 35 contact hours training. During this period, they typically spend about 20 hours per week (10 hours during week days and about 10 hours during weekends).

So, the rough estimate is about 120 to 160 hours of dedicated preparation time to clear the PMP exam.

How much will it cost to obtain the PMP Certification?

You can find a detailed answer here: Cost of PMP Exam

Can you recommend some books for PMP exam preparation?

There are several good books available to help you prepare for the PMP exam. I recommend the following books, preferably read in the following order:

Head First PMP by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene: This is the best book to start your preparation for PMP exam. The concepts are explained in a simple and easy-to-understand language. The examples, used to explain the project management concepts, are very common and any one could understand and relate to it. The book presents the concepts through a highly pictorial format. It helps the reader in easy retention.

The downside though is it is so simple; and it is not adequate to face the PMP exam. The end of the chapter questions are so simple; it helps in building your confidence at the initial stages. But, you should realize that it is just the beginning and you need to practice tougher questions elsewhere that mimic the actual exam closely.

PMBOK® Guide: A must read to get the concepts as stated by PMI. It might be boring; so, don’t try to read it in a stretch. You can use some reference books along with PMBOK Guide and jump between the books to keep up your interest.

PMP® Exam Prep, Rita Mulcahy: The most popular book for PMP exam preparation. Supplements PMBOK Guide very well, with lots of information from the project management industry. They are presented well to enable the reader in his exam preparation. The end of the chapter questions are the best practice questions, that prepares you for the actual exam. If you can afford, I would also advice you to get PMFASTrack, the exam simulation software from RMC Learning Solutions.

A word of caution, though, is that this book uses negative/ threatening tone all along the book to warn you. Take it positively and you will do well in the exam.

Is it adequate if I just study the PMBOK Guide thoroughly?

NO, it is not adequate. You need to ensure that you follow the PMP examination content outline as the basis for the exam.

Although many of the domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills outlined in the PMP Examination Content Outline are also covered in the PMBOK® Guide, there are some that are unique to the PMP Examination Content Outline. So, don’t just restrict yourself to PMBOK Guide.

Candidates studying for the examination will certainly want to include the current edition of the PMBOK® Guide as one of their references, and would be well advised to read other current titles on project management.

I attended 35 contact hours training programme about two years ago. Is it still valid (or) should I attend a new training programme again?

There is no expiry date for the training programme. So, if you have attended the training programme before, it is adequate. The time line does not matter. Even if you have attended the training about 5 years ago, it is still fine.

However, you should review and ask yourself whether you are comfortable in studying for the exam yourself after such a long break.

What is the format of the PMP exam? How many questions will come from each process group? What is the duration of the PMP exam? What is the marking scheme? What is the passing score? Do I get to know my score in the exam?

All the above questions are answered in detail here: Format of the PMP Certification Exam