PMP Certification: Requirements, Exam, and Complete Preparation Guide

What is the PMP Certification and Who Is It For?

PMP (Project Management Professional) is the gold standard in project management certification, offered by the PMI (Project Management Institute). It is designed for professionals who already have real-world project leadership experience and want to validate their competencies at an international level.

Important to note:
PMP is not an entry-level diploma, but a recognition of a maturing career.

According to PMI, to be eligible for the PMP exam, you need:

• A bachelor’s degree + 36 months of project leadership experience
  OR
  
• A high school diploma + 60 months of experience
  AND
  
• 35 hours of formal project management education (through authorized courses)

Note: The 35 contact hours can be achieved through 3 options:

• An existing CAPM certification
• PMI Authorized On-Demand PMP Exam Prep (available on PMI’s e-learning platform)
• Instructor-Led PMP® Course (available online or in person). Axioma offers this type of course: https://axioma-solutions.com/pmp-exam-preparation/

If you don’t yet have the required experience for PMP, you can start with the CAPM certification (Certified Associate in Project Management), also offered by PMI. It’s based on the same content and conceptual structure as PMP but does not require hands-on project management experience, making it ideal for those just starting out. The CAPM exam is shorter and more focused on foundational concepts, making it a great stepping stone toward PMP.

How to Truly Prepare for the PMP Certification Exam?

Many come to the course thinking it’s all about memorizing things. It’s not.

The PMP exam is an intellectual challenge that requires critical thinking, decision-making in complex scenarios, and deep knowledge of modern project management processes, values, and principles.

An authentic preparation includes:

• Attending a structured course, delivered by an ATP – such as Axioma Solutions – where you receive clear explanations, examples, structure, and mock exams
  
• Serious self-study using the PMBOK Guide, the Agile Practice Guide, and complementary materials
  
• Practicing situational questions to train your PMI-style thinking
  
• Reflecting on your own experience to understand how PMI principles apply in real life

A good course doesn’t just give you information – it changes the way you think as a project manager.

What You Need to Know About the Exam Itself

The PMP exam:

• 180 questions, lasting 230 minutes
• Available online (with remote proctoring) or in Pearson VUE testing centers
• Based on three key domains: People, Process, Business Environment
• Includes predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches

Most questions are situational: you’re given a scenario and must choose the most appropriate action based on PMI best practices.

The CAPM exam:

• 150 questions, lasting 180 minutes
• No practical experience in project management required
• Based on concepts from the PMBOK Guide and other PMI resources
• Recommended for students, entry-level professionals, or those transitioning into project management roles

Neither exam is a memory test. Both emphasize understanding the logic behind processes and the ability to act effectively within a real organisational context.

How Long Does Preparation Take and What Resources Are Useful?

Preparation time for the PMP varies based on your experience and study schedule. On average, most candidates are ready within 6–12 weeks of consistent study. It’s important to combine official and practical resources:

• Official PMI Guides: PMBOK Guide and Agile Practice Guide (free for PMI members)
• Exam simulators and free question banks: Numerous platforms offer PMI-style practice tests. I also recommend the free tests available on PMI’s Learning Portal.
• ATP Courses (Authorized Training Partner): Guarantee access to official content and real-life examples explained by experienced trainers
• Updated manuals, podcasts, and mobile apps for daily review

Additionally, a great habit is to take mock exams to get used to the pace and phrasing of real test questions. PMI offers two great products:

PMI® Authorized Online PMP® Practice Exam

PMI® Authorized Online CAPM® Practice Exam

Frequently Asked Questions About the PMP Certification

How much does the PMP certification cost in 2025?
The exam fee is USD 405 for PMI members and USD 655 for non-members (as of July 28, 2025; please check pmi.org for updates)

How long does it take to prepare for the PMP?
It depends on your experience, but most candidates prepare in 6 to 12 weeks. However, those with prior project management experience and who actively engaged in learning during the course have successfully reduced their preparation time to less than a week.

Can I get PMP certified without experience?
No. PMP requires documented project management experience. If you’re just starting out, you can begin with CAPM.

What is a PMI ATP and why is it important?
An ATP (Authorized Training Partner) is an organisation officially authorized by PMI to deliver certified training. ATP courses guarantee up-to-date content recognized by PMI. Since August 18, 2021, Axioma Solutions has been a PMI Authorized Training Partner.

We are proud to support the professional development of project managers in Romania alongside a globally respected organisation.

Why Is It Worth Pursuing This Path?

For me, PMP is not just a certification – it’s a symbol of professional commitment. I’ve seen how graduates of our courses have transformed their careers, advanced into new roles, and earned recognition and trust from their teams.
PMP opens doors to international opportunities and to a global network of professionals.

But above all, it’s a journey of professional maturity. If approached with patience and honesty, you won’t just earn a diploma – you’ll become a project manager who understands the true impact of their work.