What to Know About Taking a PMP Certification Exam

Some people don’t mind taking tests. For others, it’s an excruciating ordeal. Either way, anybody who wants PMP certification needs to go through the process. IT Business Edge reached out to Charlie Kernan, the CEO and president of Prometric, the only firm authorized to administer the exam. Kernan responded to questions from IT Business Edge.

IT Business Edge: What should candidates expect when they show up at a Prometric test center to take the PMP certification exam?

Kernan: Candidates can expect to enter a professional, high stakes testing environment. They will be greeted by a test center administrator who will verify their identification and their eligibility to take the exam. They will be asked to store their belongings in a secure locker before entering the testing area. Testing center staff will instruct candidates on break and other PMI exam policies and once again confirm their identity and conduct a security inspection before accompanying the candidate to their exam station. The process is intended to maintain Prometric and PMI’s commitment to security while creating an encouraging atmosphere in which candidates are able to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

 

IT Business Edge: How many multiple choice questions does the PMP exam include?

Kernan: There are 200 questions.

 

IT Business Edge: How much time is given at a Prometric center for taking the PMP certification exam?

Kernan: Candidates have 4.5 hours to complete the exam.

 

IT Business Edge: How often is the PMP exam administered at a Prometric center?

Kernan: The PMP is delivered continuously, meaning that candidates take the exam every day throughout the world.

 

IT Business Edge: What are some best practices that candidates should consider if they’re preparing to take the PMP exam?

Kernan: Preparation is the key to passing the exam. PMI publishes the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide, considered the “bible” to project management practitioners. Thorough knowledge of the PMBOK guide is essential for success on the exam. In addition, candidates should consider training and education that is delivered through an authorized channel of corporations, consultants, universities and specialized training companies with a focus on project management.

 

IT Business Edge: Is Prometric the only service provider offering the PMP exam?

Kernan: Yes, the PMP exam is delivered exclusively in Prometric’s global testing center network.

 

IT Business Edge: How many markets (geographies) is the PMP exam available in via the Prometric network of testing centers?

Kernan: The PMP exam is available in all U.S. states and territories, plus 160 countries around the world. We can and do bring the PMP and other exams to wherever candidates are located.

 

IT Business Edge: Does the PMI/Prometric relationship extend beyond the PMP exam?

Kernan: PMI offers eight credentials across the project management discipline, from entry level through specialized offerings such as program management, portfolio management and risk management. All of these exams are delivered throughout Prometric’s testing center network. PMI and Prometric partner and work together in a variety of ways. We collaborate on test development initiatives, contact center processing, and innovative solutions to enhance the discipline of project management and the future of test-taking. 

 

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at cweinsch@optonline.net and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.