We are often asked the following questions on what is needed to qualify, prepare for, and pass the PMP®₁ certification exam. If you still have questions, please give us a call or send us an email and we'd be happy to speak with you!

Should I take the PMP® or the CAPM® exam?

In order to qualify for the PMP® exam you must be able to document 4500 hours of project management activities over the course of the last 7 years (or 7500 if you do not have a Bachelors degree or greater). This works out to three year of project work. You don't need to have the title of Project Manager, but you do need to be able to document that you practiced project management activities. You also will need to provide the contact info of your supervision during this time period. This is in the event that PMI audits your application. Additional detail on eligibility requirements can be found in the PMP® Handbook ==> http://www.pmi.org/PDF/pdc_pmphandbook.pdf .

The CAPM® exam, on the other hand requires 0 hours of activity experience so long as you are able to document that you took 23 hours of formal project management training. Our CAPM® bootcamp will provide this.

What we tell people is that if you don't have the 4500 hours, then try for the CAPM® and then you can decide later if the PMP is something you'd like to take down the road once you have the hours in. Any certification in project management, such as the CAPM®, demonstrates commitment on your part to the field.

What are the chances that my application will be audited?

PMI audits approximately 10% of all applications. This will slow the approval process down for about an additional 2 weeks, so be prepared to give yourself plenty of time.

What qualifies as project management activities?

If you look through PMI's PMBOK®® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge)  you will see 9 Knowledge Areas and 5 Process Groups. If you can demonstrate that you've practiced any of the activities in those Knowledge Areas and Process Groups then that is sufficient.

Your bootcamps are 4 consecutive days. I don't feel I'll be ready to take the exam after 4 days.

We have two responses. First, we also offer our bootcamps in four consecutive Saturdays. This way you have a week to digest the material before the next class. For many, this also means that you won't need to take vacation days from work. If the pace of four consecutive weekdays doesn't appeal to you we'd recommend you take the Saturday approach.

Our second response is that we don't recommend that you schedule the exam to take place at the end of the bootcamp. Some training organizations do, but we don't. A large percentage of the exam is memorization and it will take time to memorize the material. Here is our recommended process:

Apply for the exam - this process will help determine if you qualify to take the exam.

Once you receive approval to take the exam, then register for one of our PMP® Bootcamps.

AFTER bootcamp we recommend that you attend one of our study groups. These consist of our bootcamp alumni. They typically meet weekly and serve as excellent motivation and additional study help for you until you take the exam.

When should I schedule the exam then, if not immediately after the bootcamp?

It depends on how quickly you've internalized the material. A good average is 4-6 weeks after the bootcamp. If you wait too much longer than that you will not only risk forgetting the material but may also lose the momentum you had going into the bootcamp. We recommend that you treat the PMP® process as you would any project you manage; have milestones and dates, and track as you go!

What is covered in your bootcamps?

We cover all the material in the PMBOK® Guide, we ensure that you understand it, and are comfortable with the formulas you will need to know. We describe how to prepare for the exam, how to answer the questions in the exam. We cover material above and beyond the PMBOK® Guide - because the exam itself covers material outside of the PMBOK® Guide. Additionally you will be taking mini-exams during bootcamp and will be given a CD with 3500 sample exam questions to take on your own.

How much is the PMP® exam?

If you are a PMI member the exam cost is $405. If you are not a member it is $555. This fee is something you'd pay separately from our bootcamp and directly to PMI.

Where do I take the exam?

The exams are offered through Prometric at the Sylvan Learning Center in Pittsford. We provide additional info about the exam location and environment at our bootcamps.

Do I need to be a member of PMI to get my PMP®?

No, you do not. You will pay a higher price for the exam however ($555 vs. $405) and a higher amount to renew your credential every three years ($150 vs. $60).

1. PMP® is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.