Project Management Professional (PMP) offered by Project Management Institute (PMI) (http://www.pmi.org/info/default.asp) is regarded as one of the most valued certification available. The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have a strong foundation of project management knowledge that can be readily used beneficially in the workplace.

The PMP Certification demonstrates high level of expertise and knowledge of project management concepts and practices. PMP Certification aspirants have to fulfill certain educational and professional experience requirements before they can take this certification. Furthermore, they are expected to adhere to the code of professional conduct and maintain their commitment to project management profession after attaining the PMP Certification by satisfying the PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements Program.

PMI stands as a global leader in the field of project management. It is well known that PMI certification involves a rigorous, examination-based process that represents the highest caliber in professional standards. Therefore, the certification offered by them is of much value and importance, and recognition. As project management grows in scope, importance, so do the related career and certification options available.

Why PMP?

Major companies and government agencies worldwide recognize the PMP certification. Several Fortune 1000 companies demand that all of their employees or subcontractors that are engaged in project management activities should be PMPs. In other words, the PMP certification has become a market differentiator; companies that do not have PMP certification programs are at a competitive disadvantage. There are many companies across the world that supports project management certification.

PMP is by far the project management credential of choice across a vast array of industries and companies. By attaining the PMP credential, your name will be included in the largest and most prestigious group of certified professionals in the project management community.

This certificate in Project Management recognizes professionals who have attained the knowledge and experience to oversee all aspects of project management, including initiation, scheduling, quality, and procurement and communications issues.

Obtaining PMP certification will give you the project management skills to excel at your company. These skills will make you a more productive and valued contributor to current and future employers. In other words, you can enhance your project management skills and marketability by working toward your PMP certification. Even if we look at this certification from a purely materialistic standpoint, it has been noticed that employers are willing to pay more money for a PMP-certified professional. This stems from the belief that, although there are never any guarantees, a PMP-certified person probably has a background and skill level that is higher than his or her non-certified peers.

What you require for PMP?

This advanced certification is for project management professionals with extensive experience. The qualifications and testing are rigorous, making this a widely respected certification. The PMP experience and exam requirements focus on five process groups: Initiating; Planning; Executing; Monitoring and Controlling; Closing; Professional and Social Responsibility.

To be considered for PMP certification, candidates must first meet specific education and experience requirements and agree to meet PMI's strict code of professional ethics. The final step to receiving PMP certification is to pass a multiple-choice examination designed to measure project management knowledge. PMP certification exam questions are created by other professionals who already have achieved PMP certification. Those who receive PMP certification must continue to demonstrate ongoing project management expertise by completing continuing education requirements that supplement PMP certification.

What are the details of PMP exam?

PMP Credential Examination is a computerized test of 4 hours comprised of 200 four-option multiple-choice questions that were developed and validated by PMPs. Out of the 200 questions, 25 questions are pretest questions, placed randomly throughout the examination to gather statistical information on their performance and future use. These pretest questions however are not considered for pass/fail determination and the candidates are evaluated on basis of the remaining 175 questions.

Examinees must correctly answer 106 questions out of 175 in order to pass the examination. Which means the minimum percentage score to be obtained should be 60.6%. The examination is reviewed and revised annually to satisfy the examination test specifications and to ensure that each question has a referenced source.

PMI also requires that you earn 60 hours of continuing education every three years following certification and that you adhere to the PMI's Project Management Professional code of conduct. To earn a Master's Certificate in Project Management, you must successfully complete seven courses within four years.