Defining Qualifying Experience for the PMP Certification- What Counts as Experience-

What qualifies as experience for PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a crucial question for many aspiring project managers. The PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a globally recognized standard for project management professionals. To achieve this certification, candidates must demonstrate a certain level of project management experience. But what exactly qualifies as experience for PMP, and how can individuals ensure they meet the necessary requirements? This article delves into the details of what qualifies as experience for PMP and provides guidance on how to meet these requirements.

The PMP certification requires candidates to have a combination of project management education and experience. According to PMI’s guidelines, there are two primary paths to qualifying for the PMP certification: the Project Management Education path and the Project Management Experience path.

Under the Project Management Education path, candidates must have completed 35 hours of project management education from a PMI Recognized Education Provider. This education must cover topics such as project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, resources, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholders. The purpose of this path is to ensure that candidates have a solid foundation in project management principles and practices.

For the Project Management Experience path, candidates must demonstrate a minimum of 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects, with at least 3,000 hours in the last five years. These hours must be earned within the last ten years before applying for the certification. The remaining 1,500 hours can be from any time within the ten-year period. Additionally, candidates must have a secondary degree (e.g., high school diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree) or a four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or higher).

To qualify as experience for PMP, the following criteria must be met:

1. Leading and Directing Projects: Candidates must have experience in leading and directing projects, which involves guiding the project team, managing project resources, and ensuring the successful completion of project objectives.

2. Hours of Experience: The required number of hours for experience is 4,500 hours for a secondary degree and 7,500 hours for a four-year degree. These hours must be earned in the last ten years before applying for the certification.

3. Role in the Project: Candidates must have been actively involved in the project, contributing to the project’s success. This includes tasks such as planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects.

4. Project Management Processes: Experience should cover all ten project management processes (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing) as outlined in the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge).

5. Documentation: Candidates must provide a signed and dated declaration of experience, along with a detailed project description for each project, including the project objectives, scope, roles and responsibilities, duration, and outcomes.

Meeting the experience requirements for PMP can be challenging, especially for those who have not been formally trained in project management. However, by understanding the criteria and actively seeking opportunities to gain relevant experience, individuals can increase their chances of qualifying for the certification.

In conclusion, what qualifies as experience for PMP certification is a combination of leading and directing projects, accumulating the required number of hours, and actively participating in various project management processes. By following the guidelines provided by PMI and seeking opportunities to gain relevant experience, individuals can successfully meet the experience requirements and achieve their PMP certification.