Key takeaways
PMP certification validates real project leadership and requires structured preparation and ongoing maintenance.
- Confirm eligibility early by matching your education and months of project leadership experience to PMI routes.
- Complete 35 contact hours through recognised training, then support learning with targeted self-study and mock exams.
- Prepare for a 180-question, 230-minute exam that tests predictive, Agile and hybrid judgement, not memorisation.
- Use the exam content outline to build a study plan, track weak areas, and practise timed pacing and review.
- Maintain the credential with 60 PDUs every three years and keep evidence ready for audits and renewals.
| Renewal PeriodAssociation for Project Management (APM) | Every 3 yearsProject Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) |
|---|---|
| PDUs Required for RenewalStart your APM project management career. | 60 PDUsProject Management Qualification (PMQ) |
| Global RecognitionAdvance your APM project management expertise. | Widely recognised in over 200 countriesProject Risk Single Certificate Level 1 |
PMP Certification Process: Step by StepEnhance your project risk management skills.
- Confirm PMP Eligibility:AgilePM Check the necessary education, project management experience, and project management education hours (see table below).®
- Gather Documentation: – Agile Project Management Collect details of your work experience and project management education.Foundation
- PMP Application Process:Learn the key principles of Agile Project Management. Submit your application via the PMI website. Practitioner PMIIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. may request documentation or select you for audit.PRINCE2
- Application Review:® PMI reviews your submission, typically within 5 business days. Agile
- Schedule Your Exam:Foundation Once approved, pay the PMP exam fee and schedule at an authorised test centre or online.Learn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 Agile method.
- Prepare for the Exam:Practitioner Utilise exam preparation resources, such as PMI-authorised training partners (ATP), Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.online coursesAI Project Governance Framework (AIPGF), study groups, and the Foundation PMBOK GuideLearn the fundamentals of the governance framework.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT. Many successful candidates rely on authorised training courses and exam preparation materials instead. While the PMBOK® Guide remains a valuable reference, it is not mandatory reading for passing the exam.
That said, familiarising yourself with its terminology and structure can enhance your understanding of PMI’s framework and increase your confidence on exam day.APMG Change Management
Can I self-study for PMP certification?Foundation
No, self-study alone does not fulfil the 35 contact hour requirement for Learn the fundamentals of enterprise change management. PMP® certificationPractitioner . You must complete either classroom or Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. online trainingPROGRAMME MANAGEMENT from a recognised provider to meet this criterion. However, many candidates find self-study useful to reinforce topics learned in formal courses.MSP
How difficult is the PMP exam?®
The Foundation PMP® examLearn the fundamentals of programme management. is widely considered challenging. It requires mastery of Practitioner project management principlesIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. , terminology, and real-world application. The average pass rate is estimated between INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) 60% and 70%ITIL , reflecting the need for rigorous study and practice.®
Thorough preparation using mock exams, study guides, and PMI-approved training courses can greatly improve your success rate.Foundation
How hard is the PMP exam?Learn the fundamentals of ITIL service management.
Many candidates find the Strategist DPI PMP® exam3-day ITIL Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI) course. tough due to its breadth and depth. Only around 60% pass on their first attempt. Success depends largely on your Specialist: DSV project management3-day ITIL Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV) course. background, how well you study, and how familiar you are with both Agile and predictive methodologies.Specialist: CDS
How is the PMP maintained after passing?3-day ITIL Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support (CDS) course.
To maintain your IT Learning Library (ITLL)™ PMP® certificationBUSINESS LEARNING LIBRARY (BLL)™
Select your preferred training course below:
PRINCE2 AGILE COURSESSelect your preferred training course below: costs USD $555BUSINESS CASE COURSES AGILE COURSESSelect your self-paced training course topic.
AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSESSelect your preferred training course below: PRINCE2 AGILE COURSESSelect your preferred training course below:
SCRUM COURSESSelect your preferred training course below: LEAN SIX SIGMA COURSESSelect your preferred training course below: BUSINESS ANALYST COURSES
Select your self-paced training course topic.
BCS BUSINESS ANALYST COURSESSelect your preferred training course below: CHANGE MANAGEMENT COURSESSelect your self-paced training course topic.
APMG CHANGE MANAGEMENT COURSES
Select your preferred training course below: PMP® . However, the closest alternatives are PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT COURSES APM PMQSelect your self-paced training course topic. and PRINCE2MSP COURSES . While PMP® is more globally recognised, PRINCE2 remains the preferred framework for Select your preferred training course below: project management in the UK.IT QUALIFICATIONS
What percentage of PMP exam is Agile?Select your preferred qualification.
The PMP® examITIL COURSES Select your preferred training course below: IT QUALIFICATIONSSelect your preferred qualification. ITIL COURSES waterfallSelect your preferred training course below: ) approaches. Understanding both methodologies is critical to success.LEARNING LIBRARIES
Where can I find official PMP resources and guidance?Select your preferred training course topic.
Authoritative PMP® resourcesAI QUALIFICATIONS & WORKSHOPS are available on Select your preferred qualification or workshop. PMI.org . These include:AIPGF COURSES
- The Select your preferred training course below: PMBOK® Guide (latest edition)BCS AI COURSES
- PMI’s Select your preferred training course below: Authorised Training Partners (ATPs)
- Practice exams and exam content outlinesAIPGF COURSES
These official materials are the best way to prepare effectively and stay up-to-date with PMI’s standards.Select your preferred training course below: