Project Management: The Need for Preparation
Anyone tasked with planning and directing the efforts of a team to deliver unique products or services—on time and within budget—is, in essence, a project management professional. However, many individuals find themselves managing projects without first acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. This often leads to costly mistakes and avoidable setbacks.
The most effective approach is to gain a solid foundation in project management principles, techniques, and tools before stepping into the role. Equipped with the right knowledge, aspiring professionals are better prepared to lead teams, manage risks, and deliver successful outcomes consistently.
Mastering Professional Project Management
The most effective way to master professional project management is through formal training combined with a globally recognized certification. One of the most respected credentials in this field is the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification demonstrates a strong understanding of project management principles, processes, and best practices.
Earning the PMP not only enhances your knowledge but also validates your ability to lead projects successfully, making you more competitive in the job market. It equips professionals with practical tools to manage time, cost, quality, scope, and risks—ensuring greater project success.
At the time of writing this article, there are around 1.5 Million plus PMP certified professionals across the world with top countries including USA, Canada & China. According to a recently conducted global survey those with a PMP certification report higher median salaries than those without PMP certification – 33% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed. All these points to the value of PMP certification.
PMP Exam Structure
The PMP® exam has a duration of 230 minutes (approximately 4 hours) and consists of 180 objective-type questions. These questions are designed to test your knowledge across three key domains: People, Process, and Business Environment. The exam includes a mix of multiple-choice, multiple responses, matching, hotspot, and limited fill-in-the-blank questions.
Step#1 – Do You Qualify for the PMP Exam?
Before applying for the PMP® certification, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility. Many people mistakenly believe that only formal project manager roles count toward the experience requirement. In reality, you do not need to have held the title of ‘Project Manager’.
What matters is your involvement in project-related work—whether you were leading, contributing, or supporting project activities.
- If you have a four-year degree, you need a minimum of 36 months (3 years) of non-overlapping project experience.
- If you do not have a four-year degree, you’ll need 60 months (5 years) of project experience.
This experience can come from any role where you contributed to project delivery—not just leadership roles. Even team members working on significant portions of a project are eligible.
I truly appreciate this requirement set by PMI. Without sufficient hands-on experience, it can be difficult to fully grasp the project management concepts from a practitioner’s perspective.
Step#2 – Complete the 35-Hour Project Management Training
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to complete 35 hours of formal project management education, also known as contact hours. This training must align with the PMP Exam Content Outline, which covers the domains of People, Process, and Business Environment.
There are hundreds of PMI-authorized training providers around the world offering this course. You can choose the format that best suits your learning style and schedule—whether it’s online, in-person classroom sessions, or a blended approach.
This training not only fulfils the application requirement but also plays a critical role in helping you understand the PMP framework and prepare effectively for the exam.
Steps After Completing the 35-Hour Training for PMP Certification
1. Create a PMI Account
Visit the PMI (Project Management Institute) website at www.pmi.org and create a free account.
2. Fill Out the PMP Application
Log in and begin your PMP application. You’ll need to provide:
- Details of your education
- Project experience (roles, responsibilities, hours, and project duration)
- Proof of your 35 contact hours of training
Ensure your project experience matches PMI’s standards—focused on project work rather than routine operations.
3. Submit the Application
Once complete, submit your application to PMI for review. It usually takes 5–10 business days for PMI to respond.
4. Application Audit (if selected)
Some applications are randomly selected for an audit. If selected:
- You must provide proof of education, experience, and training completion.
- This step involves mailing physical copies (not digital) to PMI.
5. Pay the Exam Fee
Once your application is approved (and audit cleared, if applicable), you’ll be prompted to pay the exam fee:
6. Schedule Your Exam
You can schedule the exam through Pearson VUE, PMI’s testing partner. The PMP exam can be taken:
- In-person at a test center, or
- Online (proctored remote exam)
7. Prepare and Take the Exam
Use your study materials, mock tests, and practice exams to prepare. When you’re ready—take the exam and pass it!
About the PMdistilled Project Management Professional training program?
The PMdistilled Project Management Professional training program is a highly structured and flexible project management program which is logically segmented into two modules;
- Module#1 – Project Management Foundation program which is an instructor led 20 hours training delivered online based on a mutually convenient schedule. At the end of this program, participants will be thorough with the professional project management concepts as per the Project Management Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK) by PMI.
- Module#2 – PMP Exam Preperation Program is an online module with on-demand classes and practice tests which provides the much needed revision of the concepts and exam practice which is very much required for success in the PMP Exam.
- Personalised Instructor Support – From the start of the program till Certification or two months from the start of the program, whichever is earlier.
For more details of the PMdistilled PMP Program click here