We have put this page together to help you, if either:
- You want to study for your PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) qualification, or
- You are considering it
On this page, we have collated all of our information, tools, and resources, to help you from your first investigations, to your final exams.
And, to keep it simple, we have divided it into Five Steps (plus one)...
STEP 1: START YOUR JOURNEY
You're thinking about the PMP qualification.
Fabulous!
Project Management Professional, or PMP, is the premier qualification from the Project Management Institute, the PMI. And it is based on the PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge; its PMBOK Guide.
So, before we start, let's understand what the PMP, the PMI, and its PMBOK Guide are...
STEP 2: CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS
Now you Need to Inform Yourself about the PMP qualification.
You will have three questions to answer. And, to help you, there are three articles on our website that we wrote just for you...
And, because PMP is for experienced professionals, you may not be quite far enough in your career yet.
Question 3
So, to find out whether you are ready for PMP, or will do better working towards the PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management qualification, take a look at...
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Question 4
And there's another question we are often asked...
'PMP or PRINCE2?'
As you'd expect, we have an answer.
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In this article, you'll learn:
- What types of qualifications there are
- The reasons for getting a qualification
- Which type is right for you
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In this article, you'll learn:
- What the PMP qualification is - and is not
- The case for investing your time, energy, and money in PMP
- The process of becoming a PMP from start to qualification
- What the PMP exam covers
- Resources to help you succeed
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In this article, you'll learn:
- The basics of each qualification
- Which one is right for you
By the way, we offer CAPM training as well as PMP training.
Or, if you prefer a video...
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In this article, you'll learn:
- What PMP and PRINCE2 are
- How they differ - and the similarities
- Who should consider each of them
ALL CHANGE!
An Update on Changes to the PMP Examination
The PMP Exam changed from 2 January 2021
So, here is our full analysis of the changes...
But even bigger changes happened in Summer 2021...
The PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) is revised on a 4 (ish) year cycle.
PMBOK Guide 7th Edition came out in Summer 2021.
And the changes were by far the biggest ever.
However, PMBOK 6 is still on the PMP Syllabus...
The changes in PMBOK 7 are huge. But the content of PMBOK 6 is still relevant (while it is being transferred to the PMI Standards Plus website.
And, of course, the PMP syllabus was created before the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition came out in Summer 2021. It likely won't change until 2024.
STEP 3: COMMITTED TO LEARNING
Now you've made your decision, you're firmly on your learning journey.
Stage 1: Preparation
The first stage is preparing to learn.
Start by joining the PMI, if you aren't already a member. It will save you money on the whole process.
Then, we have two recommendations to get you started:
- You'll need the official PMBOK Guide. It's not a fun read, especially with the gray 'piracy-proof' paper of the print edition. But it is the authoritative guide.
PMBOK 6 is still recommended reading for PMP exam preparation. Alternatively, you can subscribe to PMIStandards+, where the content is in electronic form. - But, we also now recommend you read PMBOK 7 too. I know - it's a lot of money. But you're investing in a long-term career.
You can get free PDF downloads if you are a PMI member, and buy the print edition from them.
Alternatively, you can also get the print edition from amazon:
- PMBOK 6
(with the Agile Practice Guide)
- PMBOK 7 - If it's been a while since the last time you did some studying, you'll want to brush up on how to get the best from your Project Management learning.
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What's that book with the PMBOK 6 Guide?
That's the Agile Practice Guide. You'll need that too, for the PMP exam. And it's cheaper to buy the two guides together in a bundle.
You can find out more about Agile Project Management and the PMP exam, below.
If you're familiar with the old 5th Editionof the PMBOK Guide, take a look at our article:
'What is New with the PMBOK 6th Edition?'
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PMBOK 7 - the 7th Edition of the PMBOK Guide is an excellent document.
Learn about the PMP Exam...
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If you need an introduction to the PMP – Project Management Professional – certification, there s no one better to give it than Cornelius Fichtner. His training has helped 60,000 people pass their exams.
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In this article, you'll learn:
- 3 Questions to ask before you start
- 10 Principles to help you learn effectively
It really does take Project Management a big step forward.
See my video interview with one of the 12-person core team that developed PMBOK 7, Nader Rad.
The PMI Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 7th Edition
There are many reference works that PMI recommends PMP candidates familiarize themselves with. Central to them all is the PMBOK Guide - currently in its 7th Edition.
Start with our analysis of PMBOK 7...
PMBOK Guide 7th Ed Breakdown
We have written in-depth articles, including:
- Models, Methods, & Artifacts: PMBOK’s Awesome Tools to Get it Done
- Project Performance Domains: Do You Know What they Are and Why they Matter?
- 48 Top Tips, Tools, and Insights from the PMBOK’s 8 Project Performance Domains
- Value Delivery: The Driving Force that should Motivate your Projects
- Tailoring: How to Determine Appropriate Project Methodology, Methods, and Practices
Nader Rad is a member of the Core Team that put together PMBOK 7, the 7th Edition of the PMBOK Guide. He’ll tell us what he thinks of the changes.
PMBOK 7 is the 7th edition of the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Here are my top 10 things you need to know about it.
Stage 2: Structured Learning
The second stage is structured learning.
Start with a full Exam Preparation package
These can take you through all the content you need to learn. They will explain the ideas and give you the knowledge that PMI requires for its PMP Examination.
We offer two very different options, so you can decide which is right for you.
Option 1: We have partnered with GreyCampus to offer their Online Instructor-led PMP Training.
- Attend multiple live bootcamps to repeat your learning
- PMI ATP - get the authorised PMI training program and materials
- Recordings of live training is also available
- 4-day bootcamp format covers all 5 PMI lessons
- Additional learning content and simulated exams
- Price is half that of PM PrepCast
Option 2: We've also partnered with industry-leading PM PrepCast to offer their Online Video-based PMP Training, with:
- Learn at your own pace by watching 120+ instructional training videos on phone, tablet, or computer
- Strength in depth - Nearly 60,000 students since 2008
- Best-in-class exam simulator bundled into course
- Certificate for 35 PMI Contact Hours
- 11 hours of Agile and Hybrid PM Training
GreyCampus is a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
Important Note:
GreyCampus is a PMI Premier ATP and offers the PMI course and PMI supporting materials.
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Currently Unavailable
With this course, you get:
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PM PrepCast is the best-known, most widely-used PMP course and exam simulator. Their Online Instructor-led PMP Training offers:
- Learn at your own pace by watching 120+ instructional training videos on phone, tablet, or computer
- Strength in depth - Nearly 60,000 students since 2008
- Best-in-class exam simulator bundled into course
- Certificate for 35 PMI Contact Hours
- 11 hours of Agile and Hybrid PM Training
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Project Manager's PMP Study Guide
'Yes , I've bagged the coveted title. I Want to really thank you for all the support/assistance provided during my journey of bagging this title. Your program is really to the point and unique, that has contributed to the success of cracking this exam.' - Raijni (PMP)
The PMP Study Guide is not a course...
What I mean by this is simple. You cannot use it to learn Project Management. Nor will it teach you everything you need to know to prepare for your PMP exam (although it will cover a very large part of the knowledge you need).
Indeed, OnlinePMCourses is NOT a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP). And neither do we aspire to be.
I do not teach people the 'PMI way' and neither do I agree wholly with every approach PMI advocates.
So, what is this?
This is a Study Guide and a Resource Kit. It offers you guidance on how to prepare for your PMP exam, and provides easy access to all our resources that will help you to understand the Project Management ideas that the PMI examination syllabus requires you to know.
My Top Tips for How to Pass Your PMP Exam...
Click to play
PMP and Agile Project Management
For the first time, the Sixth Edition of the PMBOK Guide introduced Agile Project Management into the PMP syllabus.
So, you'll need to learn about Agile Project Management.
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Let's start with a five-minute video, answering the basic question:
'What is Agile Project Management?'
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This is one of a growing collection of videos in the Agile Project Management course, within our Free Academy of Project Management.
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And, we link to loads of other resources including free articles on this site, at our Agile Project Management page.
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Comprehensive article...
With some basic information about Agile, it's time to learn what the PMI's Agile Practctice Guide covers.
In this article, you'll learn about:
- What the guide is... and is not
- What's in the guide (with summaries)
- Our response to the Guide
- The Guide's impact on PMI qualifications: PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP
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Comprehensive article...
In this article, you'll learn about the different providers in three tiers:
- Principal Agile PM promotors
- Major PM organizations
- Third party organizations
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And, if you want to study for the PMI's own PMI-ACP Certification...
You will develop a plan to achieve PMI-ACP certification and develop a clear understanding of the potential career paths for an Agile Project Manager.
'...does an excellent job of breaking down the PMI-ACP Certification requirements and exam. The content is for the latest version, so it is very relevant...'
Stage 3: Informal Learning
Supplement your formal, structured learning with informal learning.
We have plenty of FREE resources on our site, for you to enjoy and learn from.
Here's a taster...
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Here are some examples. The list is growing, so keep an eye out for new additions...
And, of course, we always recommend you pick up a good book on the subject
So, here are our picks for the best books to help you with your studies...
A Guide to The Project Management Body of Knowledge - 7th Edition
'I consider PMBOK 7 to be a landmark document that all Project Managers can benefit from reading.
In paperback and in kindle...
Head First PMP 4rd Edition
A Learner's Companion to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam.
'...this book really breaks down the concepts for much easier understanding...'
In paperback and in kindle...
Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep 11th Edition
Rita's Course in a book, for passing the PMP Exam.
'Great examples, great exercises, exceptional process & equation charts, a process game, etc.'
In paperback...
The PMP Exam 6th Edition
How to Pass on Your First Try.
'The explanations were clearer and better than any other book I read. It struck the perfect balance for me.'
In paperback...
The 50 PMP Exam Prep Questions Everyone Gets Wrong
Master the Hard Questions - Ace Your PMP Exam
This is a tremendous new asset for anyone considering taking the PMP exam.
Cornelius is the founder of the PM PrepCast and has years' of experience training PMP candidates.
And PrepCast has the world's best PMP exam simulator, which tens of thousands of candidates have used. So, nobody has a better data set to understand the PMP exam questions that most challenge candidates. And nobody is better equipped to explain those questions and how to interpret them
STEP 4: FINAL PREPARATIONS
The best exam preparation is a simulated exam.
PM PrepCast sells their full PMP exam simulator as a stand alone item, with a try-before-you-buy option. Includes worksheets, exam tips and a student discussion forum.
I consider theirs to be the best PMP exam simulator on the market.
Get ready for your PMP Exam with the best PMP Exam Simulator on the market.
1,600+ realistic PMP exam sample questions in 8 exams. Simulates the unpredictable variety of the real PMI exam.
STEP 5: TAKE YOUR EXAM
For the PMI's PMP® and CAPM® exams, you need to buy the vouchers from PMI directly.
STEP 6: CONGRATULATIONS...
Now You're a PMP, a Project Management Professional
The PMI is currently the most widely used source of professional project management accreditation. To win your coveted PMP (or CAPM or PMI-ACP), to had to chalk up enough education Contact Hours.
Now, to maintain them, you’ll also need Professional Development Units, or PDUs.
Comprehensive article...
In this article, you'll learn about PMI PDUs, the requirements for them, and how to earn and record them.
You'll also need to Understand the Talent Triangle...
![PMI Talent Triangle- A Complete Guide [for members and non-members]](https://onlinepmcourses.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Blog-PMI-Talent-Triangle-A-Complete-Guide-for-members-and-non-members.jpg "PMI Talent Triangle- A Complete Guide [for members and non-members]")
The PMI Talent Triangle is a simple tool that reminds us all about the value of a broad range of professional skills. It is all too easy to settle for excellent technical skills and think ‘that’s it. I have project management nailed.’
Not at all. And we have a comprehensive article to help you understand the Talent Triangle...
If you learnt for your exam with another provider...
The Project Management PrepCast Basic has all the learning, but no exam simulator. And best of all, it offers 560 pre-approved PMI PDUs.
- 40.75 PDUs Technical
- 9.50 PDUs Leadership
- 9.75 PDUs Strategic
Earn PMI PDUs wherever and whenever you like, with a three year series of 36 monthly webinars
Your PDUs come to you - subscribe for a new webinar every month or, iIf you are in a hurry, buy now for 12, 24, or even all 36 at once.
- Automatically get pre-approved PDUs - at least 1 per month, correctly mapped to the three sides of the Talent Triangle
- Learn from 25 Renowned Project Management Experts
- Works on phone, tablet, or PC - whenever & wherever you want
- Starts at only $19
OnlinePMCourses is an affiliate for: Amazon.com and multiple other Amazon stores, OSP International LLC selling PM PrepCast and related products, GreyCampus, and Chuck Cobb trading as The Agile Project Management Academy. We are glad to recommend their products. When you purchase a course from these vendors through our links, we will receive payment.