What is Changing in 2021?

In 2019, the Project Management Institute (PMI) announced a change back and planned to make the new exam effective from July 2020. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the exam was postponed to January 2021. This may come as good news to some people as it gives them additional time to prepare for the exam. The good thing is that this particular exam will have a slight difference from the previous ones, containing a few different elements. This knowledge will ensure you are properly prepared, and any element of surprise will be eliminated on D-day. Below are some of the key changes you should expect in 2021:

  1. Scope of the Exam: The new exam pattern that’s set to start in January 2021 will be based on three different domains: people, process, and business environment. This is slightly different from the old PMP exam that was based on five domains (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing). The domain weightage in the old exam was distributed as follows:
  2. Initiating – 13%
  3. Planning – 24%
  4. Executing – 31%
  5. Monitoring & controlling – 25%
  6. Closing – 7%

In the new exam, the domains will be as follows;

  • People – 42%
  • Process – 50%
  • Business environment – 8%
  • Exam questions from hybrid and agile methodologies: In the new exam, about 50% of the exam questions will come from Agile and Hybrid methodologies. There is no official declaration on a similar percentage for the old PMP exam; however, the percentage seems to be a bit lower.
  • Official courseware for the PMP exam: Since the inception of PMP in 1984, the PMI has never singled out any document and declared it as the ultimate prep resource for the exam. As a result of this, the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (PMBOK Guide) became the most fundamental resource for all individuals aspiring to take PMP. Now, the actual PMP exam includes questions that are way beyond this guide. However, many authors sought to bridge the gap by launching new study materials. Having said that, the PMI has launched the official courseware for the exam. This courseware not only works as the official course content, but also aligned with the content outline of the exam. This solves the typical concerns of PMP aspirants with regards to the official prep resource.
  • Logistics: Perhaps you have heard of the following significant changes. If you haven’t, then you are in luck, as you’ll be finding out in a few seconds. For one, the PMP application process has been simplified and less time-consuming than ever before. Secondly, given the circumstances under the ongoing pandemic, PMI has decided to allow online, proctored exams the candidates are able to take from home.

With all the developments outlined above, you’ll agree that things just got better. Therefore, it’ll be in your interest to take this certification in order to excel in your career. And with the new changes expected in 2021, the course can’t get any better than this. More opportunities are waiting ahead!     

Why do people want the PMP certification?

A project manager – often employed by companies from startup-size to multinational enterprises – is responsible for organizing resources to successfully achieve the objectives of an individual, group, or the whole organization (also known as program, initiative, or project), within a given time and budget.

Managing repetitive activities (processes or operations) and one-off activities (projects) requires fundamentally different technical knowledge and approaches. In many cases, a project is a temporary enterprise that aims to create a unique product or service.

  • The first challenge for project management is to achieve results within given predefined constraints.
  • The second and even more significant challenge is that the project uses the tools needed to achieve predefined goals in an optimal and integrated way.
  • The project is a series of reasonably chosen activities involving the use of resources (time, money, people, materials, energy, space) to achieve predefined goals.

For this kind of job, experience and certification are both needed in the long-term. If one would like to be a Project Management Professional (PMP), who takes part in leading complex projects, one has to receive a same-named PMP qualification recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The title represents the same quality level in all regions of the world. It is known in the business environments, making it a globally-known standard that significantly elevates one’s professional resume.

It is based on the PMBOK Guide (Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge), an organized knowledge base of project management processes and applicable tools. A standard use case is an iterative approach that works well in traditional, waterfall-based and more volatile environments. One of its benefits is that the methodology is updated regularly every 3-4 years to reflect the current market trends.

A project manager can be sure that utilizing the latest edition will empower the whole team to ensure success through detailed descriptions of the activities before, during, and after the project (for example, feasibility plan, business plan, and clarification of the measurement of expected results).

The advantages of the PMP qualification

PMP does not over-flood soon-to-be professionals with unnecessary lexical knowledge: it grants tools, mindset, and experience to solve specific situations successfully, and also certifies professional qualities, guaranteeing the clients that the person concerned also has valid project management experience. Recent surveys show that project managers with PMP earn on average 20% higher salaries than their unqualified counterparts. Although it requires professional activity to keep the title, project managers have to retake it every three years to ensure their knowledge is up-to-date.

If you want to prepare through the best course or need to renew your PMP, theexamwizard will help you step forward in your career through 14 chapters of actionable knowledge and quiz, adjusted to the newest market trends and methods. The Exam Wizard supports project management professionals to keep their experience fresh by offering real-life situations-based simulators and courses. For your successful PMP 2021 exam, we will support your career path.

Let’s prepare together!

What is ATP?

ATP (Authorized Training Partner) is an authorized organization by the PMI to offer Project Management Professional (PMP) exam preparation for the exam coming on January 2, 2021, as well as disciplined agile training. To become an ATP, the provider has to meet a set of rigorous standards for both effectiveness and quality of service. The provider must:

  • Be a legal business entity for a minimum of 3 years and must pass a background check.
  • Use course content provided by PMI to prepare aspirants for the exam.
  • Have documented clients’ resolution issue process.
  • Ensure that its instructors have completed the ATP Train, the Trainer exam they must complete to be eligible to teach the PMP aspirants.
  • Not only ensure that its instructors are certified PMP credential holders with good standing with PMI, but also ensure they have agile project experience that ensures they are able to prepare PMP aspirants well for the exam.

Why train with an ATP?

You need high-quality training if you want to get the most out of the PMP certification. Therefore, by training under an authorized partner, you will rest easy knowing that you are being trained by:

  • A PMI accredited organization.
  • An organization that can be trusted.
  • An organization using high-quality PMI-based course content
  • Instructors that are vetted and approved by PMI.

A training received under an ATP will ensure that everything you are taught is of high quality and is coming from an organization authorized to teach.

There are over 200 ATPs that have been approved by PMI all over the country. All these providers have been properly vetted and have met all the requirements set by the PMI; therefore, they can help you with your exam preparations, especially the one coming up on January 2, 2021. We are one of the ATPs, and are dedicated to ensuring you are not only well prepared, but also setting you up for success by making all the materials needed for the exam available to you. We have been doing this for a couple of years now; therefore, we understand what it takes and how to successfully prepare you for the most crucial exam in your career. Over the years, we have mastered new facilitation techniques for conducting classes for modern learners – both in a physical classroom and online. Therefore, be sure you can trust us!  

How do I get started?

Are you looking to become a Project Management Professional (PMP) and don’t know how to get started? Well, you are in luck because today, as this article will walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a PMP. The steps are outlined as follows:

  1. Read the PMP credentials: PMI published a credentials handbook, which explains everything that you may need to know regarding the process of becoming a certified project manager. It should take you approximately 20 minutes to review the credentials handbook, and you should take this 20 minutes like the first 20 minutes of the whole of your project management career. The handbook contains answers to most of the questions concerning the PMP exam.  
  • Ensure that you are eligible to be a PMP: To be eligible as a PMP, you must have a high school diploma or an associate degree and a project management experience of at least five months. Out of the five months of experience, you must have at least 7,500 hours directing project tasks. Moreover, if you have a bachelor’s degree, you need project management experience of at least three years and at least 4,500 hours in a directing role in any project management tasks.
  • Apply for PMI membership: Acquiring a PMI membership has tremendous benefits to the aspirants, from receiving a PMBOK Guide and huge discounts to attending all the preparation workshops, which are all geared towards making life easier for you at the institution.
  • Sign up for the exam: After registering, you will fill your online PMP Credential Application. After your registration, you will be given a confirmation number upon approval. After getting approved, you can then schedule to take the exam on the Prometric website.
  • Study the PMBOK Guide: The PMBOK Guide is the primary and approved material for studying for the exam. You must ensure you study it thoroughly. According to most trainers, about 75% of the answers come from the PMBOK Guide, which is why you should not ignore the guide.
  • Study hard and have a plan: Studying for any exam is a serious endeavor that needs tremendous personal dedication. And since becoming a PMP is so critical, you need to come up with a plan. Personalize your plan to work for you. This ensures that your life and that of your family aren’t inconvenienced at all. However, you need to be prepared for the challenges. There are those sections that are easy as you are able to get them from the PMBOK Guide. Likewise, there are others that are super complex. When you come across these sections, you will need to work hard and stay positive at all times.
  • Take the exam: After carrying out all the steps outlined above, it’s time to take the exam. It might sound easy, but you really need to take it seriously. Stay positive and don’t panic! You’ve got this!

Remember! The PMP doesn’t last forever; therefore, after every three years, you will have to collect and claim PDUs to keep your certification active.

History of the PMP and PMI

PMI (Project Management Institute) is a non-profit organization for individuals working in the project management field across the world. Anyone interested in this field must have come across PMI one way or another. PMI offers PMP (Project Management Professional) training and certification in project management and regular reports on industry trends and any applicable changes therein. Not only this, but PMI is also the organization that sets the standard for ethics in the field. Having known this, you obviously can see how important PMI and PMP are in the field of project management, and as such, you must understand a little history of the two bodies. But before we dive into the history of these bodies, let’s take a look at some quick facts: PMI serves over 2.9 million professionals and consists of 500,000 members in around 208 locations across the world with 300 chapters and around 10,000 volunteers under it.

You may be wondering, “where did this project management giant come from?” Well, to find that out, let’s go back to the 1960s – a time when project management became a discipline in the defense, construction, and aerospace industries. This was the point where PMI was established. PMI was established in 1969 after Jim Snyder and Gordon Davis from Smith, Kline & French Laboratories, and Georgia Institute of Technology, respectfully decide to establish an organization that offers project managers a platform that would allow them to come together and share information relating to their industry. Later that year at Georgia Institute of Technology, the first formal meeting, which aimed at burgeoning the organization, took place. After that, the articles of incorporation were filed and signed by the founders in Pennsylvania.

In the year 1975, the organization later outlined its goals, which was to foster recognition in project management for the need for professionalism; provide a forum where project managers shares their problems, solutions, and applications; coordinate academic and industrial research efforts; come up with common techniques and terminology to boost communications; and provide an interface between suppliers and users of software and hardware systems.   

In the year 1984, PMI came up with a certification program that acknowledges the skills and experience in PM (Project Management). The PMP was launched in 1984. Since then, it has grown to become an industry standard. The certification was accredited by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), where 876,000 certificates were issued by July 2018.

The majority of the individuals under project management have benefited immensely from this certification, especially in terms of their career growth. Since its creation, it sought to enhance one’s credibility as a professional, which is why it has become very popular in the project management field to date.     

The three pillars of a solid PMP application

The following pillars will provide you with the perfect foundation for a successful career in project management:

  1. 35 contact hours from an ATP (Authorized Training Partner)

To submit a PMP exam application, you will be required to provide evidence of 35 contact hours of formal education from an ATP (Authorized Training Partner). You will have to verify that you spent at least 35 hours on specific instruction that addressed project management learning goals. Therefore, you will need to document these hours, regardless of the time they were accrued. By the time you are submitting your PMP application, the course work must be completed. The good news is that we are here to ensure that you meet this requirement. As an ATP, we will see to it that you receive the training that is relevant to the specific tasks performed by a project manager.

Remember that PMP training cannot be gotten from an ordinary organization or individual; it has to be from a legitimate ATP. Otherwise, your PMP application may not be approved. By training under us, an ATP, you will receive total attention, where you will be able to ask questions and engage with us directly, thereby making you a step closer towards achieving your well-deserved certification.

  • A solid history of experience

To apply for the PMP examination, you must have amassed 4,500 hours of solid project management experience. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, the experience required will be greater – say 7500 hours at least. Also, you need a minimum of 3 years of unique, non-overlapping Project Management experience. The hours spent on the projects executed during this period will be documented and distributed in the following PMI process groups:

  • initiating the project;
  • planning the project;
  • executing the project;
  • monitoring and controlling the project; and
  • closing the project.

We will help you calculate the number of hours spent in each process for all the projects, where we will help you come up with the total number of hours for each individual project. Once we are done tallying your experience in all the projects you have worked on, we will be able to come up with the total number of hours you have worked in your career. In the end, you will know whether you attained the kind of experience needed for you to apply for the exam or not.

  • Verifiable college experience

The college experience is very crucial in your PMP exam application. You must be educated, which means you must have the ability to read, come up with a report, make plans, and most importantly, understand the concepts that will help you make well-informed decisions. You must also have either a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree in any field from a recognized institution of higher learning. You must produce verifiable documents proving the same. 

Once you have met these requirements, you can now apply for your PMP exams. And after getting approved, ensure you give it your best.

What are the costs of obtaining the PMP in dollars?

If you have ever wondered about the PMP certification, including the costs and how to start, you should know you are not alone. One thing should be super clear to you: if you have decided to pursue the certification, then you have made the right choice, and a bright future awaits you. However, obtaining this certificate isn’t easy, as it demands real-world project management knowledge and experience, all of which doesn’t come for free. You will have to set aside a specific amount of money for the certification. In this article, we will take a look at how much you need to obtain the certificate.

How much does the PMP certificate cost?

Currently, the cost of PMP varies from country to country, and it ranges from $300 to $5000.

Fees for CBT (Computer-Based Testing), PMP exam price is;

  • Non-PMI members – $555
  • PMI members – $405

Re-examination fees;

  • PMI members – $275
  • Non-PMI members – $375

However, if you decide to join PMI as a member at the time of your application, a $555 fee will be required, which covers both the membership and examination fees. And even if you decide not to join PMI as a member, the exam fees will remain the same. For this reason, we highly recommend that you become a member of PMI for it to be more practical to pay for the course fees.

PMP renewal fees

After meeting all the PDU requirements, you will receive an electronic notification asking you to apply for PMP fee renewal. You will be asked to submit this payment through the PMI’s online certification system. The PMP renewal fees are as follows:

  • PMI members – $60
  • Non-PMI members – $150

Please, note that the PMP renewal fee is completely separate from the certification fee, and a candidate is expected to complete the renewal process at any time during the course cycle, post-meeting of the PDU requirements, but not later than 90 days after the cycle’s end date.

In general, if you decide to get your Project Management education online, the total costs will be approximately $900, which also covers the exam fee. In addition, if you decide to attend physical classroom training, your certification will be approximately $2,700, including the exam fees. 

What are the time commitments to obtain the PMP Certificate?

In reality, getting a PMP Certification costs you a lot of money, time, and effort. This is why it is essential that you first estimate whether the budget, time allocated, and effort dedicated will be enough to take on the certification as your next professional achievement. And just like the project we all manage daily, knowing how much time you need to complete the course does help you come up with a suitable plan that is ideal for your success. In this article, we will look at the time commitments needed to obtain the PMP certificate successfully.

If you are familiar with PMP, you would have realized by now that the course and the exam are quite tough and require a lot of preparation, which is why it has gained so much recognition around the world. If, however, you have not taken the exam before, nor are you familiar with the course, how then would you know the amount of time needed to prepare fully for the exam?  That is a question that can be solved by looking into the past. The actual time needed to study and prepare for the exam would only be determined when you are halfway through the study itself.

A recent survey with individuals who have successfully taken the PMP exam gives us an idea of the time needed to obtain the PMP. Based on this study, it was discovered that a PMP aspirant may need as short as a week or as long as over six months to prepare for the exam fully and that the average time for the studies to be around two months – taking 3 hours per day.

For an average PMP aspirant, you will need around 180 hours of studying to obtain the PMP certificate successfully. To see if this time is at all realistic, let’s do some quick maths:

  • Suppose you devote 8 hours per day to studying, you will be expected to finish around 23 days, which is less than a month.
  • And if you are to devote 4 hours per day to study, then you will be ready in 45 days.

From the calculations above, you’ll agree that it is possible. However, despite all these, you need to understand that the amount taken by a PMP aspirant to obtain a PMP certificate entirely depends on the individual’s capability and style of study. Take the average time indicated above as a reference. You might need to consider how much you took preparing for your past exams, and that way, you will arrive at a more accurate estimate. 

What is PMI?

PMI (Project Management Institute) is a leading non-profit organization for the activities under the project management profession. The main goal of the organization is to provide the tools, network, and best practices to individuals seeking to manage portfolios and projects. The organization commenced operations in the year 1969, and up to date, it has successfully helped over 2.9 million professionals to excel in their respective project management professions in many countries.

What’s more, the organization oversees the documentation of the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide), which is basically the book that outlines all the guidelines and standards established by the PMI to guarantee success in Project Management. As a matter of fact, project managers worldwide rely on PMI’s guidelines and standards to boost business growth and manage different types of projects in their careers.

Who is PMI for?

PMI is applicable to anyone in the project management field. This includes project managers and practitioners looking to give their skills a boost, as well as explore potential development opportunities within the field. If you are looking to manage your projects efficiently, then you might need to apply for a PMI membership. However, the PMI membership is ideal for individuals in industries such as construction, finance, architecture, governance, consulting, and quality assurance. When used appropriately, the membership allows individuals to gain more control of all their projects, enabling them to manage them on a large scale successfully.

PMI certification

PMI offers several certifications and credentials to anyone who attains its membership. Therefore, whether you are an experienced project manager or you are just starting out in your career, PMI does have something that could meet your needs suitably. The organization has both specialist and entry-level certification schemes, specifically designed to help professionals recognize their competency and knowledge level, which they can later rely on for growth in their respective careers. 

Some of the PMI certifications

  1. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): CAPM is specially designed to boost your understanding of some of the fundamental practices and terminologies in effective project management. Therefore, this certification is suitable for you if you are looking to gain more control of your projects or just give your project management skills a much-needed boost.
  2. Project Management Professional (PMP): PMP is the gold-standard certificate in project management that has attracted global recognition in just a few years. If you need to validate your competence to fill a project management role in any organization, you need a PMP certificate.
  3. Program Management Professional (PgMP): A PgMP certification is specially designed for project managers who manage multiple, complex teams and projects. With this certification, you can prove your ability to manage several portfolios to achieve your organization’s objectives.  

In summary, being a successful PM requires you to be aware of some of the best trending tools, practices, and potential issues during your PM career. It is quite critical that all individuals involved in project management be updated in terms of skills and knowledge, and becoming a PMI member is a convenient and efficient move in achieving this.

Why do People want PMP Certification?

In a nutshell, PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is unbiased proof of a project manager’s skills and expertise. It is a widely recognized and accepted certification worldwide, as it gives better career opportunities, increased income, and credibility to those who have acquired it. With a PMP certificate, you will be able to work remotely in any industry or location. And even though the acquisition of a PMP certification requires a few mandatory steps, it is a powerful tool. This article will review some of the various reasons this certification is widely requested by many people.

  1. It adds credibility to one’s skills: Acquiring a PMP certification adds credibility to your skill automatically. This means that you are a professional in your field of work. Therefore, when you go out in search of a job, you have an advantage over others. Not only will a PMP certificate add credibility to your resume, but it will also help you come out as an expert who can be trusted, which is what every hiring manager or firm want.
  2. It boosts an individual’s chances of getting hired: Based on a recent report by Project Management Institute, in the next five years, there will be millions of job opportunities in project management-oriented roles, but there will be a shortage of qualified individuals. Therefore, for you to boost your chances of getting a place in such positions, you will have to attain a PMP certificate. This will definitely help you stand out from the competition every time you apply for a job.
  3. It enhances career growth: There is an addition to PMP certification helping you acquire new skills along the way, and that is helping you expand the manner in which you learn and achieve growth. What this does is to lay a perfect foundation in your career for you to keep growing and also working your way to the top.
  4. It keeps members updated about industry trends: The Project Management Institute (PMI), as an accredited body, is always updated regarding trends and changes in the industry. Therefore, the content of the course you undertake to achieve your certificate is continuously updated based on the current industry trend and changes. This means that as long as you are with PMI, you will be aware of the latest market trends and changes. You don’t want to be left behind, and that’s why you need this certificate.
  5. It boost marketability: As you may know, a PMP certificate is internationally accredited and that it is recognized by the global business community. Acquiring the certification helps you increase your marketability and also legitimize your skills as a project manager. This means that the problems you are likely to encounter when you apply for project management jobs will be mitigated when you have a PMP certification.

In summary, some people might view taking a PMP certification as expensive, difficult, and time-consuming; however, what we can tell you for real is that when you look at the bright side and the benefits it does to you, you will see its worth. This certification is giving you the tool to excel in your career. All you have to do is take a few tough decisions and sacrifices, and excellence will follow.