Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between Contact Hours and PDU?
PMI requires the PMP candidates to have at least 35 contact hours of formal project management education before they submit their PMP application. In this post, we’ll learn what contact hours are, how contact hours are different from PDU, the different means of earning contact hours for PMP certification, what qualifies for contact hours and what doesn’t, and more. Let’s dive in to the frequently asked questions as below:
2. What are Contact Hours?
Contact Hour is unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. In the PMP context, contact hour is an hour of formal project management education / training.
3. What doesn’t qualify for 35 Contact hours of PM Education for PMP Certification?
Attendance to PMI chapter meetings, unless spent conducting a learning activity.
Self-study (e.g., reading books).
Degree programme, such as an MBA, in its entirety, but many of the classes within the programme will apply and must be documented individually.
4. What is the difference between Contact Hours and PDU(Professional Development Unit)?
 Contact hours are hours earned before becoming certified. Contact hours can only be earned as traditional course time that focuses on project management. PDU (Professional development Units) are earned after one has become certified and there are many ways to earn PDUs
5. Do Contact Hours have an Expiry Date?
No. PMI does not mandate any expiry timeline for contact hours earned to qualify for the PMP Exam, as long as you retain the proof (certificate). For example, if you earned the contact hours in 2021, there’s nothing stopping you from taking the exam in 2022.
6. How to get 35 Contact Hours for PMP?
A common way to get the required contact hours for PMP is through classroom or virtual (online) training courses.
7. Can I apply for PMP certification before getting my 35 Contact Hours?
The 35 contact hours of PM Education must be acquired before submitting your application for the PMP exam.
8. What are the Eligibility Criteria for the PMP Exam?
To be eligible for the PMP credential, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. All project management experience must have been accrued within the last eight consecutive years prior to your application submission.
The eligibility requirements depend upon your Education Background.
If you hold a High school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent, then you need:
Project Management Experience: Minimum five years/60 months unique nonoverlapping professional project management experience during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks.
Project Management Education: 35 contact hours of formal education
9. If you hold a Bachelor’s degree or global equivalent, then you need:
- Project Management Experience: Minimum three years/36 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks.
- Project Management Education: 35 contact hours of formal education For complete details,  Click here to get your copy of the PMP Handbook (PDF)Â
10. How do I apply for the PMP Exam?
 The PMP application process starts when you start filling in your online application form. PMI’s Online Certification System.
 You have 90 days to complete your application once you start. Once your form is submitted, it is reviewed for completeness, which takes up to 5 days.
 You will then hear whether you are eligible to take the exam and you’ll be asked to pay the exam fee.
Click here to get your copy of the PMP Handbook (PDF)Â
11.What are the fees for the PMP Exam?
 The examination fees vary depending upon whether you are a PMI member or not.
For PMI Members
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Computer-based exam: USD 405
 For Non-PMI Members
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Computer-based exam: USD 555
Tip: There’s an obvious benefit in joining PMI before signing up for the PMP exam. The discount on the exam is more than the membership fee.
12. How do I pay the fee for the PMP Exam?
You can pay the fee on PMI Site as per URL below:
https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
13. I’m experienced, but unemployed. Am I eligible for PMP Certification?
Being employed at the time of application submission or examination is NOT among the eligibility requirements for PMP certification. As long as you have the required experience as per the PMP Handbook, you are eligible for PMP certification.
14. How much time does it take to prepare for the PMP Exam?
There’s no right answer for this. Preparation time varies by individual. Most people take about 2 months for preparation. Some claim to do it within a month too, while others take as long as a year, it depends on your obligations and how you design your study-plan.
15. What is the Domain-wise distribution of PMP Exam Questions?
PMP Exam Old and New Structure and Examination Content Outline (ECO) has been explained below:
16. What is the application Audit Process?
PMI holds the right to ‘Audit’ candidate’s application.
The process is generally applied randomly & only after candidate has paid for the examination. PMI sends back the details of 4500Hrs of experience back to candidate and asks for formal verification of each project by the concerned contact person. (detailed and very simple step by step procedure will be informed by the PMI through mail). Candidate should submit all the projects data duly signed (hard copy) by the contact person back to PMI, Upon satisfactory submission PMI will send the confirmation letter to the candidate to schedule the exam.
This is nothing to worry about, as long as the information you provided on your application form was truthful and accurate. Our Expert can guide you through Audit Process if your application is chosen for audit.
17. What is the Format of PMP Exam?
 PMI currently uses Online Testing – and you can do this from your home. Therefore, many aspects of how they run the test arise from this.
 The examination consists of:
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180 Questions (of which 175 will be scored)
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230 minutes’ duration, structured:
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Two 10-minute breaks for computer-based exams
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5 question types:
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Multiple choice
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Multiple correct
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Drag & Drop
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Fill in the blank
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Hotspot questions
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- The mandatory breaks are there in the online exam because, during the sessions, you need to stay in full view of the camera. You may not get up from your seat. Also, you must work on a completely clear desk.
- The examination software also provides you with:
An on-screen whiteboard the equivalent of a standard pad of white paper, because you need a clear desk.
An on-screen calculator
There is no negative marking in the exam. Unanswered questions are treated as wrong questions.
Refer to PMI Site https://www.pmi.org/about/press-media/press-releases/pmi-and-pearson-vue-now-offer-online-testing-option-for-pmp-certification-exam
18. How long is the PMP Certification valid for?
                 PMP Certification is valid for 3 years. Certified PMPs must earn 60 PDUs every year in order to renew their certification. Refer to:
 PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements System for more details.
19. Is it worth to be PMP Certified?
Below are the benefits of being PMP Certified:
Salary: The PMP certification has a positive effect on the Project Manager’s salary.
Market Demand: The demand for the PMP is big, and it’s growing every day, and there is no sign that this demand will lessen in time.
Prestige and Recognition: The PMP is a prestigious certification, with difficult eligibility criteria, a hard test, as well as requiring constant maintenance (e.g., acquiring PDUs).
The PMP certification is highly regarded both in the United States and internationally.
Increased Project Management Knowledge: Studying for the PMP will help the applicant learn latest Project Management concepts or understand concepts better.
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