What is PMP Certification? | How to Get Project Management Professional CertifiedUpdates core ITIL

Key takeaways for effective IT Service Management within a

PMP certification validates real project leadership and requires structured preparation and ongoing maintenance.service lifecycle

Confirm eligibility early by matching your education and months of project leadership experience to PMI routes. context. In ITIL 4, these are termed
Complete 35 contact hours through recognised training, then support learning with targeted self-study and mock exams.practices
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.Incident management
Maintain the credential with 60 PDUs every three years and keep evidence ready for audits and renewals.Problem management

What is PMP Certification? | How to Get Project Management Professional Certified

Introduction to PMP CertificationITIL certification pathways

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an advanced credential awarded by the ITIL certificationProject Management Institute validates (PMI) to project managers who demonstrate skills in leading and directing projects. Recognised globally, PMP certification verifies expertise in ITproject management methodologies professionals’ knowledge of ITIL framework, processes, and practices. Certification is managed globally, often starting with the , including predictive, ITIL Foundationagile and advancing through more specialised levels., and hybrid approaches. PMI’s standards, guided by the ITIL FoundationPMBOK GuideITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support, ensure the knowledge stays aligned with industry best practices. ITIL 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value(Source: PMI.org)ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve

Key Facts: PMP Certification at a GlanceCertifications

Certifying Body benefit	Project Management Institute (PMI)careers in IT service management
Exam Length, IT strategy, and IT governance, and are aligned with globally recognised standards such as	230 minutes (3 hours, 50 minutes)ISO/IEC 20000
Number of Exam Questions.	180 (multiple choice, multiple response, hotspot, and limited fill-in-the-blank)Benefits of ITIL
Exam FeeStandardises IT service management across the organisation	USD $555 (non-member), USD $405 (PMI member)Improves service delivery and quality
Eligibility RequirementsFacilitates continual improvement and efficiency	Education, work experience, project management education hoursReduces IT risks and service outages
Renewal PeriodEnhances collaboration between	Every 3 yearsIT
PDUs Required for Renewal and other business units	60 PDUsSupports compliance with international standards
Global RecognitionEnables measurable value creation for stakeholders	Widely recognised in over 200 countriesITIL vs other ITSM frameworks

PMP Certification Process: Step by StepComparison: ITIL, COBIT, and ISO/IEC 20000

Confirm PMP Eligibility:Framework Check the necessary education, project management experience, and project management education hours (see table below).Scope
Gather Documentation:Main Focus Collect details of your work experience and project management education.Strengths
PMP Application Process:ITIL Submit your application via the PMI website. IT Service ManagementPMIBest practices, service lifecycle, continual improvement may request documentation or select you for audit.Comprehensive, widely recognised, flexible
Application Review:COBIT PMI reviews your submission, typically within 5 business days.IT Governance
Schedule Your Exam:Control, audit, Once approved, pay the PMP exam fee and schedule at an authorised test centre or online.risk management
Prepare for the Exam:Alignment of IT with business goals, strong compliance Utilise exam preparation resources, such as PMI-authorised training partners (ATP), ISO/IEC 20000online coursesIT Service Management standard, study groups, and the CertificationPMBOK Guide, compliance, .quality management
Sit the PMP Exam:Internationally accredited, structured, measurable Complete the 180-question, computer-based test within 230 minutes.FAQs
Achieve What is ITIL and how does it work?CertificationITIL is a set of best practices and principles for IT service management, helping organisations manage IT services throughout their lifecycle – from strategy to continual improvement – by providing standardised processes and roles.:What is meant by ITIL certification? Upon passing, agree to the PMI Code of Ethics and accept your PMP credential.ITIL certification
Certification Renewal: demonstrates an individual’s understanding of ITIL concepts, processes, and practices. It verifies their ability to apply ITIL methods to enhance IT service management within organisations. Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years and pay the renewal fee to maintain your credential under PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR).What are the 5 stages of ITIL?

PMP Eligibility RequirementsEarlier versions of ITIL outlined five stages in the service lifecycle: service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, and continual service improvement. ITIL 4 introduces a more flexible service value system but retains the focus on continual value delivery.

To apply for the PMP exam, you must satisfy criteria for education, work experience, and project management education. The table below outlines the two main qualification routes:Is ITIL still relevant in 2026?

Educational BackgroundYes, ITIL remains highly relevant, especially with updates in ITIL 4 addressing digital transformation, cloud computing,	Project Management Experienceagile	Project Management Education, and
Bachelor’s degree or global equivalentDevOps	Minimum 36 months leading projects methodologies to help organisations modernise their ITSM practices.	35 contact hours (or a CAPM certification)How does ITIL compare to COBIT or ISO/IEC 20000?
Secondary degree (A-levels, NVQ, or equivalent)ITIL offers best practices for ITSM, COBIT focuses on	Minimum 60 months leading projectsIT	35 contact hours governance and control, while ISO/IEC 20000 is an international certification standard for IT service management. Many organisations use ITIL alongside COBIT or ISO/IEC 20000 for a holistic approach.

The 35 contact hours of project management education can be achieved through classroom, online, or self-paced courses from PMI-authorised training partners or other reputable providers.References & Further Reading

PMP Exam Structure and DetailsPeopleCert ITIL overview

Format:ITIL article (Wikipedia) 180 questions (multiple choice, multiple response, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank)ISO/IEC 20000 standard
Exam Duration:ISACA COBIT resources 230 minutesSubscribe to our exclusive offers and promotions
Question Allocation: Approximately 50 percent predictive Subscribe nowproject management approaches , 50 percent



CAPM	PMI	Entry-level project professionals

60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years through PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) programme. PDUs can be gained through professional education, volunteering, or practising project managementWhat is DevOps: Free ebook.

After earning the PDUs, you must submit them along with a renewal fee via PMI’s online system to retain your credential.Simon Buehring

How long does PMP certification last?6 Mar 2026

PMP® certification is valid for three years. To maintain your credential, earn 60 PDUs within that time through ongoing professional development activities. Renewal ensures you remain current with evolving best practices in Discover the rise of DevOps in 2018 and its increasing demand in the job market. Download the free ebook for a comprehensive guide.project management .

How long does it take to get a PMP?

The time required to achieve PMP® certification typically ranges from 8 to 12 weeks , depending on your background and study pace. Preparing your application and gathering documentation usually takes one to two weeks, while exam study may take several months.DevOps careers: Free ebook

On average, most candidates complete the full certification process within three to six monthsSimon Buehring.19 Feb 2026

How long does it take to study for PMI?

Most candidates require two to three months to prepare for the DevOps is shaping modern IT careers. Download our free ebook to understand DevOps job roles, qualifications, and salary expectations.PMP® exam or PMI-ACP® exam . Creating a structured study plan that includes practice tests and revision sessions is essential for success.

How many people fail PMP on the first try?

Approximately 40–50% of candidates fail the PMP® exam on their first attempt. The estimated first-time pass rate is around 20%, which shows the exam’s difficulty. However, with adequate preparation and structured study, you can significantly improve your chances of passing the first time.What is cybersecurity? Types, threats and best practices

How many PMP are there in the UK?

The number of certified Project Management Professionals (PMP)® in the UK changes over time. The Knowledge TrainProject Management Institute (PMI)®30 Apr 2026 publishes global certification statistics but does not always disclose country-specific figures. For the most accurate and current data, visit PMI.org or contact the UK PMI chapter.

How many times can you fail PMP?Cybersecurity defends computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks and unauthorised access. Discover its importance, types, threats and how you can strengthen your defences.

You can attempt the PMP® exam up to three times within one year of your application approval. If unsuccessful after three attempts, you must wait 12 months from your last exam before reapplying.

How valuable is the PMP certification?

The PMP® certificationCyber Security Awareness in Organisations is highly valuable and recognised globally. It demonstrates advanced project management competence and is associated with better job opportunities, higher salaries, and enhanced professional credibility. Many employers view it as a benchmark of excellence in project management.

Is PMI recognised in the UK?Simon Buehring

Yes, the 19 Feb 2026Project Management Institute (PMI)® is recognised in the UK and has a strong professional presence through local chapters. PMI’s standards, including the Cyber security awareness encompasses not only knowledge but also the crucial attitudes and behaviours needed to safeguard information assets. Read on to enhance your strategies and secure your data effectively.PMP® certification , are respected by UK employers, particularly in multinational and technology-driven sectors.

Is PMP accepted in the UK?

Yes, PMP® is accepted in the UK, but PRINCE2 and APM certifications are more widely used domestically. The PMP® certification remains highly regarded globally and particularly valuable for professionals working with international organisations or global projects.

Is PMP better than APM?

Whether PMP® is better than APM depends on the industry. APM qualifications are common in construction and engineering, whereas PMP® is more recognised in IT, finance, and global industries. Both demonstrate professional capability, but PMP® has stronger international recognition.

Is PMP recognised in the UK?

Yes, PMP® is recognised in the UK, although PRINCE2 remains the most widely adopted methodology. The APM PMQ is also respected among UK employers. PMP® tends to be favoured by international companies operating within the UK.

Is PMP certification worth it in the UK?

Yes, PMP® certification is worth pursuing in the UK if you aspire to work on global projects or with multinational organisations. Although it requires a significant investment of time and money, it offers strong career advantages, particularly in sectors such as IT, consulting, and finance.

Is the PMP exam multiple choice?

Yes, the Give us a callPMP® exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions+44 (0)207 148 5985 covering three domains: people, process, and business environment. The test includes both situational and knowledge-based questions, and you have 230 minutesOr chat with us using the link at the bottom of the screen. to complete it.Contact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you.