You have accrued far more than the required three years of experience, have taken some classes in project management, and just learned about the PMP® certification. This is the same roadmap I followed in 2001 and passed on the first attempt. It's inexpensive and you can "opt-out" at any step to pursue more learning if necessary, before investing too much time.
- Check eligibility. Download the Certification Handbook from PMI.org and check all requirements. If you meet them, apply for the exam and "start the clock".
- Get access to a prep book with practice questions per chapter. Go through the book, answer the questions, and compute the percent score.
- Study chapters with scores below 75-80%. Study and retake the practice questions until you score in the 75-80% range. Brush up on test-taking skills.
- Skim the PMBOK® Guide. Know the processes and how they fit the knowledge areas and process groups. Learn as many inputs and outputs as you can.
- Take some practice exams. There are some free, quality tests available. When you can regularly score between 75-80%, schedule the exam. While the passing "bar" for the test is movable, scoring in this range assures you will rise above it.
See also 5-Step Roadmap for a Career as a Leader if you are an aspiring, new, or accidental project manager.
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