When Can You Take the PMP Exam?

Once you go for PMP training courses and start preparing for the exam, a significant decision crosses your mind: when is the best time to take the PMP exam? For most people, the question of 'WHEN' is navigated by two other questions: 

#1 How can I know whether I am ready to take the PMP test?

#2 As the exam patterns change every 3-5 years; it will be impossible to pass. So, should I take the exam before the following PMP exam change?

You might be wondering what sort of question is #2? You are right; it's pretty silly. But these are just myths and rumors that revolve around the PMP certification exam, thus demotivating several. 

Therefore, we strongly recommend you not fall for these traps and push yourself to take the exam without adequate preparations.

Before getting into the main topics, let's see other related details of PMP certification. 

Will the PMP Exam Change in 2022?

The exam often changes. The changes happen when a new edition of the PMBOK Guide is released or when the PMI reviews and updates according to the trend surrounding the project manager roles.

The change of PMP exam came into action on 2nd January 2021; however, the primary reference book remains PMBOK Guide Ed 6, though Edition 7 has been digitally published.

The latest PMP exam consists of 3 domains of knowledge, that are:

• People (42%)
• Process (50%)
• Business Environment (8%)

For those who are confused about whether PMI has brought any further PMP examination change this year, then don't worry.

The current PMP test is based on the Exam Content Outline (ECO), which, like said, started in January 2021. Therefore, the same shall continue until further notification by PMI.

The PMI does a great job of communicating the timing and nature of changes in the PMP exam; hence it must not trigger you to speed up taking the exam.

You may also like: What are the domains in PMP?

How to Know Whether I'm Ready to Take the PMP Test?

This is indeed very interesting at the same time, a crucial question. Many PMP aspirants have trouble coming up with a solution about 'how ready am I to take the PMP test?' 

Here we will see some points that will help you conclude. Are you ready? Let's get it.

#1 Do you have the following qualifying experience:

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or the global equivalent)
• 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
• 35 hours of project management education or CAPM certification

OR

• 4-year degree (bachelor's degree or global equivalent)
• 4,500 hours leading and directing projects
• 35 hours of project management education or CAPM certification

If the answer is NO, stop here. It's not the time for you to take the PMP exam. But don't worry, this is not putting your career to a complete stop. First, you can go for Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM) certification. Once you clear the CAPM test, you can directly apply for the PMP exam, as PMI has waived off the PMP eligibility criteria for CAPM certified professionals.

You may also like: CAPM Certification: Everything You Need to Know

#2 Have your application for taking the PMP exam been approved? This is a counterpart to scheduling the credential test date.

#3 Have you prepared well enough? 

Some people think that the PMP examination is a piece of cake because they are good project managers with experience. Therefore, they could quickly get through the test and be PMP-certified professionals. However, this is not true. You have to understand what the PMI wants you to know, and it wants the candidates to understand PMBOK Guide. Hence if you haven't started studying, start now.

#4 How is your score in PMP mock or practice exams? Are you scoring well and good?

The PMI does not reveal a minimum passing score for the exam, making it stressful for candidates. However, PMP-certified professionals and aspirants believe that the passing score percent of PMP is supposedly 60%; hence they strive to obtain 70% during the actual test.

We are trying to say that, though you score well in your practice test, it isn't necessarily the exact prediction of your actual exam score. Hence, you don't have to achieve 100% in all your mock tests, but a range of 80-85% is more than a good score.

#5 Do you know why you miss PMP mock test questions?

You don't want to memorize the exam questions and answers; instead, you want to understand in-depth what makes the correct answer the best one.

PMP Exam Dates 2022

In 2020, our world went into complete lockdown thanks to Covid-19. That's when PMI decided to conduct the PMP exam from your home or office. A live proctor will monitor you throughout the credential test in the online mode exam.

PMP exams are happening daily, with available slots every 15 minutes. Therefore, once you complete your preparation, you can book an exam slot at your convenience.

Remember, the exam dates may not be available on short notice, so schedule your exam in advance to attend the exam on an intended day.

When is the Best Time to Take PMP Exam?

Whether the exam changes or not, if you are prepared and doing more than just good on the mock test, it's time to schedule for the exam. Suppose an exam change is on the way or getting closer. In that case, you might consider pushing yourself to take the credential test before the changes happen if it makes sense to do so.

For instance, you have dedicated a considerable amount of effort and time to shaping yourself for the exam by leveraging one edition of the PMBOK Guide. However, the guide's new edition and updated exam pattern will be launched; of course, you must push yourself to take the test before such changes happen.

If you push yourself to appear for the PMP exam without sufficient preparation, you will likely have a bitter experience. Of course, not everyone passes the test on the first attempt; however, you won't get PMP-certified with a lack of preparation and undue stress.

You don't want to look back and regret exam failure as you rushed to take it, do you?

Keep in mind, TAKE THE EXAM ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY, not when someone compels you to do so.

How to Apply for the PMP Examination?

Before you apply for any credential exam, follow specific procedures. Here we will see a few steps needed for you to apply for the PMP credential examination:

• Confirm your eligibility to appear for the PMP exam
• Take an educational training PMP course
• Register in pmi.org and start your application
• Enter your information and complete the application
• After the application, you will receive confirmation, and PMI may conduct an audit
• Pay the PMP exam fee within one year of application approval
• Begin your PMP exam preparation plan
• Schedule the exam according to your preparation plan
• Take the exam (online or offline mode).

How to Maintain PMP Certification?

Once you're PMP certified professional, the certification stays valid for three years. The PMI needs 60 hours of project management education during these years to maintain your eligibility. After this period, you can renew the certificate by paying the recertification cost.

Enrol for the PMP training course iCert Global offers and be fit to appear for the credential test. Our experts help you finish the projects on time and within budget without much effort. We also help you track significant PMP credentials tasks, so nothing goes in vain.

Recommended Post:

• Highest Paying Project Management Certifications of 2022
• Can I Take the PMP Certification Test at Home?
• What is PMP Certification Fees?
• What are the Prerequisites to Satisfy PMP?
• How Hard is the PMP Certification Exam 2022?

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