PMP Certification Bootcamp

How do you get a PMP certification?

To apply for the PMP ®, you first must complete the relevant work experience. There are two ways to qualify. An individual needs a high school diploma or associate’s degree and at least 7,500 hours of experience leading projects to qualify for the PMP ® exam. For individuals with a bachelor’s or graduate degree, the work experience requirement is only 4,500 hours.

Regardless of your training, you must complete at least 35 hours of training in a PMP ® program. After earning the required work experience and taking a PMP ® training program, you are ready to apply for the certification. Before you can take the exam, you must submit your application materials and pay the application fee.

According to PMI’s Certification Process guide, PMI approves most applications within 5-10 business days. A small percentage of applications are subject to random audits, which requires additional time to verify experience and credentials.

At NYIM, we help you complete the 35 required hours of training that you need before you can apply for the PMP ®. On the last day of the certification course, we help you submit your application materials to apply for certification, which you must do before receiving approval from PMI to take the certification exam. Our support does not end after the course. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can take advantage of your free retake included with your course fee and NYIM will cover the fee for your retake exam.

Is the PMP Exam difficult?

The PMP ® exam is a 200-question, multiple-choice exam that you have up to four hours to complete. Each multiple-choice questions offers four or five answer choices. It’s important to note that 25 of the 200 questions are sample questions intended for future exams that do not count towards your score. Distinguishing between the sample questions and actual exam questions is impossible. To pass the exam, you’ll need to answer at least 106 of the 175 questions correctly (approximately 60%).

All PMP ® exams are taken at a Prometric Testing Center. Before scheduling your test and choosing from available dates, you must submit your certification application to PMI, pay the application fee, and receive an official ATT (Authorization-To-Test) letter from PMI. The exam is pass or fail, and you will find out if you passed the exam right after taking it. You must bring two forms of ID to the exam, but you are not permitted to use and should not bring study materials nor a calculator during the exam.

To prepare you for the exam, we review strategies and tips to make the test format and content easy-to-understand. You’ll learn the best approaches to answer questions and time management, which is essential to perform well on the exam. Specific topics we cover include how to decide when to skip a question and move forward, how to use the process of elimination to determine the correct answer when you are unsure, and how to identify different types of questions. Time management is a crucial part of taking the PMP ® exam, and we will teach you how to maximize your exam hours so that you avoid wasting too much time on a single question.

What are the PMP exam questions like?

Eighty (80) percent of questions on the exam are related to the planning, execution, and monitoring and control phases of project management. Nearly one-third of the questions are related to the Execution phase of project management.

There are six types of questions that you’ll find on the PMP ® exam.

• Formula questions involve using specific formulas to calculate things like Schedule Variance (SV), profit and Cost Performance Index (CPI). While formula questions do require mathematical calculations, you cannot use a calculator during the exam.
• Situational questions require you to apply theoretical knowledge to a hypothetical situation. These questions are tricky in that more than one answer will seem correct, but there is always one option that is the best fit.
• Knowledge questions assess your ability to recall or recognize specific concepts in a hypothetical situation. You might be required to identify information from a graph or chart.
• Interpretational questions require you to use calculations, theories, and other facts to assess a project’s position or situation using the data provided.
• Technical questions require you to draw upon the expertise learned in the PMBOK ® guide to solve a project problem.
• PMBOK ® questions, like knowledge questions, evaluate your ability to recall information from the PMBOK ® guide, from which the exam draws its test content.

Throughout the course, we’ll teach you how to apply your real-world project experience to master theoretical questions on the exam. Aside from covering the knowledge areas and processes outlined in the PMBOK ® guide, we teach you how to distinguish between the different types of questions listed above. You’ll learn how to answer each specific question type, understand how to dissect the questions, and choose the best approach based on this knowledge.

The following free PMI resources are a great way to explore the exam:

• Review the Current PMP Exam Content Outline
• Familiarize yourself with PMP Sample Questions

How Much Does PMP Certification Cost?

Before taking the exam, it’s recommended to become a PMI member. The non-member exam fee is $555, while the PMI member fee of $139 and member exam fee of $405 is $544. Besides offering a better deal, by becoming a PMI member, you receive a host of benefits include a free digital copy of the PMBOK ® guide, an exam guide, and numerous other free resources to help you prepare for the exam.

Retake exams cost $275 for members and $375 for non-members. Most PMP certification courses do not include exam fees, as individuals need to register directly with the testing center and will pay different fees based on their membership status with PMI. PMI offers each student three attempts to pass the exam, and most certification courses offer a guarantee if you don’t pass the third attempt.

However, with NYIM’s unique passing guarantee, we will cover the cost of the $275 retake if you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt. Learn more about our passing guarantee.

How long does a PMP Certification last for?

Certified project managers must renew their PMP ® certification every three years. To renew the certification, a student must have at least 60 hours of PDUs (Professional Development Units) every three years. PMI members have access to free PDUs.

10 Knowledge Areas on PMP Certification Exam

The 10 Knowledge areas are key in not only preparing for the PMP® Exam, but to become a better Project Manager and effectively manage your projects. Below we will provide a high-level overview of each of these areas:

1. Integration Management is one of the broadest of the knowledge areas and it impacts all the other areas. It is the glue that holds all the processes together and creates one cohesive project.
2. Scope Management concentrates on project planning, determining the project goals and deliverables. In a nutshell, what is and is not part of the project.
3. Schedule Management focuses on establishing the criteria and activities for creating the project schedule. The schedule focuses on the project milestones, activities and project deliverables.
4. Cost Management focuses on what the project costs are, and how will they be managed and controlled.
5. Quality Management focuses on stakeholder satisfaction and touches on every aspect of the project.
6. Resource Management focuses on the roles and responsibilities, reporting structure, and staff management.
7. Communications Management is planning communication for the entire project. Who do you need to communicate with, when to communicate and how to deliver the information.
8. Risk Management – No project is perfect. Issues will always arise and there must be a system in place to handle those issues. Planning for risk and learning to identify risks is key to develop strategies to manage them.
9. Procurement Management – Your project will involve purchasing of services or goods. These relationships are formed through contracts that outline the terms and conditions.
10. Stakeholder Management – At the end of the day, stakeholder satisfaction is key to a successful project. This knowledge area examines how to manage the stakeholder’s expectations and how to interact with them through the life of the project.

Frequently-Asked Questions

What is the difference between PMP® and CAPM® Certification Exam?

• CAPM® is for new or aspiring project managers, entry-level project managers. They would need 1,500 hours of work experience or 23 hours of project management education. The exam covers considerably less material and focuses on the PMBOK® Guide and is a knowledge-based exam. It focuses more on terminology; Total Exam time is for 3 hours. Total number of questions on the exam: 150

• PMP® Exam is for experienced project managers. The would need a Bachelor’s Degree, 4,500 hours of project management experience and 35 hours of Project Management education. If they do not have a Bachelor’s Degree, you would need a High school diploma or equivalent, 7,500 hours of project management experience and 35 hours of Project Management education. The exam covers all materials from the PMBOK® Guide plus additional concepts such as Risk, Quality and Agile methodology. The exam is more situational based. Total Exam time is 4 hours, 200 questions.

What does the PMP Bootcamp cover?

• The class will review all pertinent materials that will be covered on the PMP® exam in accordance with the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition. The most recent update to the materials was March 2018.

Is this course offered live online?

• Yes, we do offer the course live online. The students can interact with the instructor and will receive the same course materials that students in class will receive.

Do you offer a free retake of the course?

• Yes. Attendees may retake the course once within six months. 

Is the exam fee included with the Bootcamp?

• No, the exam fee is not included as part of the course price. However, students can get a leg up prior to taking the Boot Camp and register with PMI.org. The membership fee is $139.00 ($129.00+$10.00 new member fee). There is a possibility for a volume discount on memberships if the organization is sponsoring the membership. They would have to call PMI directly to obtain further information. A member will receive a $150.00 discount on the exam. The exam fee for PMI members is $405.00, and $555 for non-members. Members also received a free downloadable copy PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition. Trainees can begin reading the PMBOK® prior to attending the Boot Camp.

Can I take the exam without taking a PM Education course?

• No, the trainees cannot apply for the exam until they have completed the 35 hours of required project management education for the PMP® Exam or 23 hours for the CAPM®

How does the application process work with PMI? Does the Boot Camp review how to set up the application?

• Throughout the Bootcamp our instructors will provide you instructions on how to register with PMI, and how to complete your application, on the last day of class, when students are taking the examination, the instructors will review the application and help submit the application if the student is ready to submit.
• Once an application is started, you have 90 days to complete it. It takes PMI approximately 5 days to review the application. If the application is selected for audit, you have 90 days to send the materials requested. PMI normally takes 5-7 days to complete the audit. When approved, PMI will send an email confirmation providing instructors to schedule your exam. The exam cannot be scheduled until payment is made.
• You have up to 1 year from date of application approval to take the exam (exam can be taken up to 3 times during this year).

Where do I take this exam?

• The exam is taken at a Prometric testing center. You will find out whether you pass or fail when the exam is complete.

Can I cancel the exam after scheduling the exam?

• Yes, a student can cancel their exam. If it is done within 30 days of scheduling the exam, there is a $70-dollar rescheduling fee. You have until 2 full days before your exam date to cancel or reschedule; however, you will forfeit the entire exam fee.

What happens if I fail the exam?

• You can retake the exam up to 3 times in one year. There is a fee to retake the exam. Cost for PMI members, $275. Cost for nonmembers, $375.

How soon after the course should I take the exam?

• There is no set time, each student has varying needs, we do not suggest taking the exam the next day after your finish the Boot Camp. The PMP® exam is difficult, and you will need some time to review all the materials and ensure you have a complete understanding. However, we do not suggest waiting too long either.

What are the PMP® exam questions like?

• Eighty (80) percent of the questions on the exam are related to the planning, execution, and monitoring and control phases of project management. Nearly one-third of the questions are related to the Execution phase of project management.

There are six types of questions that you’ll find on the PMP® exam:

• Formula questions involve using specific formulas to calculate things like Schedule Variance (SV), profit and Cost Performance Index (CPI). While formula questions do require mathematical calculations, you cannot use a calculator during the exam.
• Situational questions require you to apply theoretical knowledge to a hypothetical situation. These questions are tricky in that more than one answer will seem correct, but there is always one option that is the best fit.
• Knowledge questions assess your ability to recall or recognize specific concepts in a hypothetical situation. You might be required to identify information from a graph or chart.
• Interpretational questions require you to use calculations, theories, and other facts to assess a project’s position or situation using the data provided.
• Technical questions require you to draw upon the expertise learned in the PMBOK® guide to solving a project problem.
• PMBOK® questions, like knowledge questions, evaluate your ability to recall information from the PMBOK® guide, from which the exam draws its test content.

Is the PMP Exam difficult?

• The PMP ® exam is a 200-question, multiple-choice exam that you have up to four hours to complete. Each multiple-choice question offers four or five answer choices. It’s important to note that 25 of the 200 questions are sample questions intended for future exams that do not count towards your score. Distinguishing between the sample questions and actual exam questions is impossible. To pass the exam, you’ll need to answer at least 106 of the 175 questions correctly (approximately 60%).

Are you approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®?

• Yes, we have been reviewed and approved as a provider of project management training by PMI. As a PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.), we abide by PMI established quality assurance criteria. Our REP number is 4768 (NYC Career Centers).

How long does my PMP® certification last?

• Certified project managers must renew their PMP® certification every three years. To renew the certification, a student must have at least 60 hours of PDUs (Professional Development Units) every three years. PMI® members have access to free PDUs throughout the year by signing up for free seminars/classes on PMI’s website.

Why should I obtain a PMP certification?

Learn How to Be a Better Project Manager

Not only does our certification course prepare you for the project management certification exam, but you’ll also learn the methods and techniques that you won’t learn anywhere else. Our talented instructor teaches you to engage with project management concepts and helps you develop an understanding of the material that you can apply in the real world. After taking NYIM’s PMP® certification course, you’ll leave the class as a better project manager.

PMP ® Certification Increase Salary by Twenty Percent

According to the PMI's Earning Power Report, certified PMPs ® earn 20% more than project managers without certification. Project Managers with certification can command a higher salary. Many jobs require either certification or experience, but if you have both the required experience and training, you can request the maximum salary with confidence. If you are currently working in project management, you may be entitled to a raise at your current company after earning a PMP ®.

Secure High-Caliber Career Opportunities

According to PMI’s Pulse of the Profession report, over 70% of PMO (Project Management Organization) leaders believe PMP ® certification is an essential tool for mid-career professionals. Earning a PMP ® is a gateway into more lucrative, fulfilling career opportunities. While you may have years of experience, most established companies will look for individuals who’ve taken the initiative to earn training in the field. Earning a PMP ® demonstrates to clients and employers that you are committed to your career.

Develop a Reputation as a Trusted Professional

In addition to a higher salary and better career opportunities, having a PMP® certification lends credibility to your expertise. It proves that the foremost authority in the field of project management has validated your experience and knowledge. Remember, having a project management certification doesn’t just mean you passed a test; it also demonstrates that you’ve successfully proven your experience to PMI, which verifies your experience leading projects before awarding the PMP ® certification.