What is project management professional (PMP®) certification

PMP® stands for Project Management Professional, an international certification awarded by PMI® (Project Management Institute) that validates your knowledge, skills, and experience in project management. It is not an academic degree or a master’s program, but rather a professional credential that validates your mastery of best practices, methodologies, and globally recognized tools for successfully managing projects.

Simply put: PMP certifies that you know how to lead a project from start to finish by effectively managing teams, budgets, schedules, and risks. It is, without a doubt, the gold standard in the project management profession, recognized in over 200 countries.

But why does it generate so much interest in the professional world? Let us tell you!

What is the PMP certification for?

The PMP certification has very clear value both professionally and economically. First, it sets you apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Having PMP on your resume demonstrates to employers that you have internationally validated experience and knowledge of global project management standards.

From a salary perspective, the data speaks for itself. According to PMI, PMP-certified professionals can earn up to 16% more than those without the certification. Additionally, many companies, especially multinationals and organizations in sectors such as engineering, technology, construction, or consulting, consider this credential an essential requirement for project leadership positions.

But beyond money, PMP also provides you with practical and up-to-date knowledge. Preparing for the exam involves mastering predictive (traditional), agile, and hybrid methodologies, which makes you a versatile professional capable of adapting to any work environment.

Prerequisites for obtaining the PMP certification

Obtaining the PMP certification is not something you can do overnight. PMI establishes strict requirements to ensure that those who obtain it have real experience in project management. Requirements vary according to your level of academic education, but all include three fundamental elements: formal education, professional experience, and specific training in project management.

If you have a four-year university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent):

• At least 36 months of experience leading and directing projects (4,500 hours)
• 35 hours of project management training

If you have a high school diploma, vocational training, or equivalent:

• At least 60 months of experience leading and directing projects (7,500 hours)
• 35 hours of project management training

Experience must have been acquired within the last eight years prior to application, and months cannot overlap between projects. The 35 hours of training can be obtained through in-person courses, online courses, or PMI-approved programs.

What is PMP certification exam consist of and how to prepare for It?

The PMP exam is known for being demanding, but with proper preparation it is perfectly achievable. It currently consists of 180 questions that must be answered in approximately 230 minutes.

It includes different types of questions: multiple choice, multiple response, matching concepts, hotspot, and fill in the blank.

PMP exam domains:

• People (42%): leadership, teams, communication, and stakeholders
• Process (50%): planning, execution, monitoring, and control
• Business Environment (8%): strategy, compliance, and benefits

The exam reflects the current reality of project management: approximately 50% of the questions are based on predictive approaches and the other 50% on agile and hybrid approaches.

For effective preparation, it is recommended to have updated materials, take practice exams, and dedicate between 2 and 6 months of study, depending on your experience and availability.

What to bring to the PMP exam

Many candidates wonder what to bring to the PMP exam on exam day. Being prepared in advance helps reduce stress and avoid last-minute issues. In general, you should bring:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID), which must match the name used in your PMI application.
• Your exam confirmation email, either printed or accessible on your mobile device.
• Personal items allowed by the test center rules, keeping in mind that most centers provide lockers and restrict what you can take into the exam room.

No study materials, notes, or electronic devices are allowed during the exam. PMI-approved calculators and scratch paper (physical or digital) are provided by the test center. Always check the official PMI guidelines a few days before your exam to confirm the latest requirements.

Which edition of the PMBOK is currently used?

The PMBOK Guide is the reference guide created by PMI that compiles best practices in project management. Currently, the seventh edition (2021) is the official version, although the eighth edition has already been announced for 2026.

The seventh edition represents a major change from previous versions. It moves from a process-based approach to one focused on principles and performance:

• 12 fundamental principles of project management
• 8 key performance domains

This approach allows working with predictive, agile, or hybrid methodologies depending on the project context.

Starting July 9, 2026, the PMP exam will be updated to align with the eighth edition of the PMBOK.

How much does the PMP certificate cost?

The cost of PMP certification consists of PMI membership (optional) and the exam fee.

With PMI membership:

• Membership: $139 USD
• Exam: $425 USD
• Total: $564 USD

Without PMI membership:

• Exam: $675 USD

Being a PMI member means direct savings and gives you access to the digital PMBOK, study resources, and a global professional community.

To these amounts, you must add the investment in training and preparation materials.

Professional benefits of obtaining the PMP title

• Job differentiation in selection processes. PMP allows you to stand out from other candidates with similar profiles, as many companies consider it a key requirement or a strong differentiator. In competitive processes, it can make the difference between being dismissed or moving to the next phase.
• Salary increase statistically proven. Various PMI studies show that PMP-certified professionals typically earn higher salaries than those without it. In many cases, this credential translates into better economic conditions and greater growth opportunities.
• Mastery of current methodologies (predictive, agile, and hybrid). Preparing for PMP forces you to understand and apply different project management approaches. This makes you a versatile profile, capable of adapting to different types of projects and organizations.
• Global professional network with over 500,000 members. By getting certified, you become part of the PMI community, which allows you to connect with professionals from around the world. This network facilitates networking, knowledge exchange, and access to new job opportunities.
• Credibility and trust with clients and employers. PMP is an internationally recognized quality seal that conveys professionalism and rigor. Having this certification generates greater trust to lead high-impact, high-responsibility projects.

What to do after obtaining PMP certification?

To keep your certification active, you must accumulate 60 PDUs every 3 years, a requirement that ensures PMP professionals stay current and in constant development. These PDUs are distributed according to the PMI Talent Triangle, which reflects the key competencies that every project manager must continue to strengthen:

• Ways of Working: includes technical knowledge, methodologies, processes, and project management tools, both predictive and agile and hybrid.
• Power Skills: focuses on human and leadership skills, such as communication, team management, negotiation, or conflict resolution.
• Business Acumen: covers understanding of the business context, organizational strategy, finance, and value-oriented decision-making.

It is mandatory to obtain at least 8 PDUs in each of these areas during the three-year cycle, which ensures balanced development aligned with current market demands.

Additionally, PMP acts as a starting point for continued professional advancement, as it opens the door to advanced PMI certifications such as PgMP, PfMP, as well as specialized credentials in risk, agility, or organizational change management.

What is a PDU in PMP and how is the certification renewed?

A PDU equals one hour of structured learning related to project management.

You can obtain PDUs through:

• Courses and training
• Self-learning
• Volunteering
• Practical application at work

PDUs are recorded in the PMI CCRS system. Once you have completed the 60 PDUs and paid the renewal fee, your certification is renewed for another three years.

Advance your Project Management career with PMP certification

PMP certification is a strategic investment in your professional future. At our Project Management academy, we help you prepare for the exam with confidence through our PMP® Course.

We offer PMI-approved training for the 35 required hours, updated materials, exam simulators, and personalized support.

Our approach is practical, flexible, and adapted to professionals with demanding schedules. Join our students who have already achieved their PMP with us.

Now it’s your turn. Are you ready to take the leap?