The Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is one of the most esteemed credentials in the field of project management. It signifies that an individual has the experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects. The journey from application to becoming a PMP® and eventually retiring the certification involves several stages, each with specific requirements and implications. Understanding these stages can help candidates and certified professionals navigate their PMP® journey effectively.
1. Application Stage
The first step towards earning the PMP Training is the application stage. This involves submitting an application through the PMI website, detailing your project management experience and education. Applicants must have either:
- A four-year degree with at least 36 months of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or
- A high school diploma or an associate’s degree with 60 months of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education.
The application requires detailed descriptions of projects managed, including the roles and responsibilities undertaken. PMI reviews the application, which may take up to five days. In some cases, the application may be selected for an audit, where additional documentation is required.
2. Eligibility and Examination Approval
Once the application is approved, candidates receive an eligibility ID, which allows them to schedule the PMP® exam. The eligibility period is one year, during which candidates can take the exam up to three times if necessary. The PMP® exam is a rigorous four-hour test consisting of 180 questions that assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills in project management.
3. Active Status
Upon passing the exam, individuals earn the PMP® certification and enter the active status. This status is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. Certified PMPs are recognized as capable project managers who adhere to PMI’s standards and code of ethics.
4. Maintenance and Renewal
To maintain the PMP® certification, professionals must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within each three-year cycle. PDUs can be earned through various professional development activities, such as attending seminars, taking courses, or participating in relevant project management activities. Once the PDUs are accumulated, PMPs must submit them to PMI along with a renewal fee. This process is known as the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program.
Failure to earn the required PDUs or submit them within the three-year cycle leads to the certification entering a suspended status.
5. Suspended Status
When a PMP® certification is in suspended status, the individual has an additional year to earn and report the necessary PDUs. During the suspension period, the PMP® credential is not considered active, and the individual cannot present themselves as a PMP® credential holder. However, they can still earn PDUs and submit them to PMI to reinstate their active status. If the required PDUs are not submitted within the suspension period, the certification expires.
6. Expired Status
A PMP® certification enters expired status when the professional fails to meet the renewal requirements within the suspension period. To regain the PMP® certification, the individual must reapply and pass the PMP® exam again, essentially starting the process from scratch.
7. Retired Status
PMP® credential holders who have retired from active project management practice can apply for a retired status. This status is available to PMPs who no longer wish to maintain active certification but want to recognize their past achievements. Retired status holders cannot use the PMP® designation in an active professional capacity but can include it as part of their professional history.
To apply for retired status, individuals must have been active PMP® credential holders for at least ten consecutive years and must submit a formal request to PMI. There is a one-time fee associated with this status change. Once retired status is granted, it is permanent, and the individual cannot revert to active PMP® certification.
Conclusion
The PMP® certification journey is a structured process that reflects a commitment to professional growth and adherence to high standards in project management. From the application stage to achieving and maintaining active status, and eventually considering retired status, each phase is designed to ensure that PMP® holders are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to manage projects effectively. Understanding these stages helps in planning and sustaining a successful career in project management while making informed decisions about the future of one’s PMP® certification.
