What is the best way to obtain PMP certification?

2014-11-11T20:22:28-05:00

To the PMPs out there or those in the process, what way did you use to become certified? did you use a specific company? how did you determine which company offered the best quality for your investment? what did you discover were advantages of having the credential? what is the appropriate amount to invest for the credential (have seen everything from $500-$2500)?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 9:10 PM

2014-11-11T21:10:35-05:00

COL Private RallyPoint Member while at ECCC they had some offers. I did not take part of it as I was working on my PhD, but if you contact them they might be able to answer for you.

http://www.wood.army.mil/usaes/554TH.html

The United States Army | Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri | U.S. Army Engineer School

The 554th Engineer Battalion conducts training to produce technically and tactically competent, values based engineers for the Armed Services; conducts leader development training to produce engineer leaders for the Regiment; supports the Regiment and MANSCEN. We teach a variety of schools including Horizontal skills, Maintenance, Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Captains Career Course, and Warrant Officer Engineer Course

Response by CMSgt Mark Lewis made Nov 12 at 2014 11:32 PM

2014-11-12T23:32:00-05:00

Ma'am, I recently retired from the Air Force and I am currently looking to earn my PMP certification. I too was looking for the best route to complete the educational requirements. I have looked at on-line training companies as well as colleges and university programs. Recently, I had a fellow retired CMSgt recommend the Syracuse University's Veteran's Career Transition Program at: http://vets.syr.edu/education/employment-programs/

The program is fully funded by JP Morgan Chase so there is no cost to veterans. There are numerous certification tracks to include Project Management. Training is on-line and once completed you receive a Certificate in Project Management from Syracuse University and the program will pay for the actual certification exam from PMI.

Career Transition | IVMF

Effective immediately, military spouses can: Apply to the Professional Skills Track to learn professional (or "soft") skills necessary to gain and maintain employment outside the military, including content developed in partnership with MOAA specifically for military spouses. Apply to the Tech Track to learn industry related skills surrounding information technology, project management, and human resources. Apply to the Independent Study...

Response by LTC Michael W. made Nov 13 at 2014 4:27 PM

2014-11-13T16:27:04-05:00

This is the best I have seen. As mentioned, Syracuse University but specifically its IVMF VCTP program (JP Morgan funded) will also waive the $1,800 exam fee (only once), for qualifying veterans or within 18 months of separation for active duty. The agreement commits the applicant to 20 hours/week for six months. The acceptance process requires a pre-counseling screening and pathway to graduation MOU.

Response by CMSgt Michael Corson made Dec 10 at 2014 11:53 AM

2014-12-10T11:53:00-05:00

Colonel, I used PMCampus. I purchased one of their on-line bundles and studied on my own for about 2 months. When I was done, I had about $700 invested. http://www.pmcampus.com/

A boot camp is the fastest way to get certified and that will run you around $2500.

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Response by CPT Laurie H. made Dec 10 at 2014 5:09 PM

2014-12-10T17:09:00-05:00

CPT Treg Ogborn Have any insight?

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Dec 10 at 2014 5:18 PM

2014-12-10T17:18:24-05:00

What is the best way to obtain PMP certification? A few points:
- The basic PMP model is: apply, test, maintain.
- Application: Can apply online. Application consists of contact information, education, project management experiences, and references. Education and experience levels vary. Higher education means less experience required and vise versa. 35 hours PM education required. Several different ways to get these 35 hours. Generally higher cost means better quality for this various ways.
- Test. 200 multiple choice test in 4 hours. 175 questions are graded and 25 are not but the testee does not know which are graded or not. Cost is about $550. Person does not have to be a member of PMI to obtain PMP but cost reduction in test by being a PMI member makes it worthwhile. Test covers five processes (initiation, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing) along with nine areas (integration, scope, time, cost, quality, communication, human resources, risk, procurement).
- Maintain. 60 PDUs are needed in a 3 year period in order to maintain PMP certification. This is 20 PDUs a year and can be earned via a variety of means. It is easier than it appears to at first glance.
- Recommended TTPs. Get a PMP mentor early and engage often throughout the process, research various ways to meet the application requirements, study hard and deliberately, contact me direct for more specific recommendations.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 5:29 PM

2014-12-10T17:29:35-05:00

Ma'am,
In order to complete the classroom requirement, you can either bring someone in (we had a guy named perry jones come to Leonard wood and give the course when I was in ECCC. Dont recall the name of his company though) or you can take online classes through the army eLearning portal (on ako). The army eLearning portal has a ton of PMP courses and you can also use them for the continuing education requirement when renewing your certification.

Response by SSgt Joshua Briggs made Mar 10 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-03-10T16:03:25-04:00

Col. Smith,

I am currently in pursuit of my PMP as well. I am making efforts to become a Technical Project Manager. I transitioned from the Intel community to IT about two years ago. The resources listed below are great for both Technical and non-Technical PM's. I used the IVMF VCTP program others have referenced as well. It was beneficial, but the modules were choppy and the material was dry. That said, it is free and worth the time investment.

YouTube:
I've put together some playlist going over Project Management methodology and software training.
1) Excel 2010: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDFE10CBB8840370D
2) Excel VBA Basics: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw8O1w0Hv2ztGjIkrW7suD6oNDaOk3vbR
3) PM Excel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIdHQSe0kATZxN-bRjkw9-tfjhjKBLThu
4) PM SQL training: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIdHQSe0kATZ5V84V9g2o8jMSmY8rSPtL
5) PM Methodology and Techniques: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIdHQSe0kATakC_uI3nVAW38ndKWwJZfa
6) MS Project/Project Server: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIdHQSe0kATbEnI8Cqd6BkruQIVQMm41-
7) SQL videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA2668C17D988806E

Udemy:
Here are some Udemy courses to help you with Excel. (I recommend purchasing through the Udemy app—some over 90% off. Also, wait a couple of days to register. They usually send a 50% coupon email).
1) Excel - From beginner to Expert in 6 hours ($5 with coupon): https://www.udemy.com/thebestexcel/
2) The Excel Programmer Course (VBA's) ($9 through app): https://www.udemy.com/ultimate-excel-programmer/#/

Jeff Minder:
Jeff is a former SERE instructor who has an online course to help you ace the PMP. I spoke with Jeff the other week for about 20 minutes. He seems like a great and engaging instructor. I recommend reaching out to him if you have any questions (he's here on RallyPoint).
[Full disclosure: I have yet to sign up for his course ... but I plan on it. I'm currently juggling 3 night classes, so I don't have the time to invest in his course just yet.]
1) All things PM related ($149): http://www.jeffminder.com/#!all-things-project-management/c1lam

PM Training online:
1) PMP® Premium Exam Prep Course Bundle (PMBOK® 5th Edition) - 30 courses, 52 Contact Hours/PDUs PLUS Premium Exam Simulation PLUS PM Prepcast Podcast ($439): http://www.pmtrainingonline.com/product/PMTO-PMP-5th-Ed-proj-02

Response by LTC Randy Bartley made Mar 18 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-03-18T11:46:02-04:00

I took the PMP exam and passed in 2002. Several related jobs contributed to understanding PM requirements, especially having been a PM for a year right after retirement. The company President told me as I left to go to the site: Focus on budget, cost, technical and schedule. It took me awhile to fully understand that. Before taking the PMP test I attended a week long review that was pretty good for about $500. Another job I had included earned value management system implementation and certification, and understanding how it all fit together. I have found that having the credential is important in the private sector, and somewhat in the Government, but the most important aspect is understanding and applying the basics, and how they are all tied together. My biggest issue with the PMP is that initially the terms utilized DOE "lingo", and a lot of terms did not necessarily tie in with my military and contractor experience. My recommendation is practice the art as a PM and ask someone experienced in the business specific questions about project execution. I have been fortunate enough to have worked for a great PM, and have helped several to understand the process. Another source for PMP preparation is the local PMI Chapter - they offer courses several times a year, cost is minimal, and are usually taught by a good experienced instructor. Thanks Alicia for asking the question! (four months ago) and keeping up with the comments.

Response by MSG Wally Carmichael made Feb 9 at 2016 8:12 PM

2016-02-09T20:12:29-05:00

Another option is http://www.vets2pm.com

Vets2PM

We help Military Veterans become Project Managers. Turn your military leadership experience into your next career!

Response by COL Jeffrey Carra made Mar 3 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-03-03T15:11:34-05:00

Apologies for the length of this (and these are my own thoughts, I don't work for PMI or any other company mentioned in this). Also, I am writing from the perspective of an Army officer with military education through CGSC and AWC.

1. You need the minimal requirements for the application, so don’t overthink it. You need a four-year degree, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.
a. Four-year degree. Any four-year degree works.
b. 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. This is easier than it sounds. First, PMI takes a broad perspective on defining a “project” as “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result”. You decide how to split this up, but all PMO wants to see 4500 hours over at least three years. PMI also likes to see a spread across the five domains (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing).
c. 35 hours of project management education – you should be able to come up with this based on prior training – either as part of your four-year degree, or some later training. (If you do the PMP boot camp that I recommend, that also fulfills this requirement).
2. The experience sounds like a tough requirement to fill – it is not. I broke my experiences down by year, tracking my OERs in the Army, and lumped them into big chunks. I got audited. I panicked. I should not. All they want to respond to an audit is you fill out a form, send it to the person you said was your supervisor for the period in time, and they sign a form that verifies that you worked for them, did the hours you claim. That was it. I worried about nothing. All PMI wants is a signature that supports your claim. I suspect I got audited because some of my experiences were two years while deployed, and I claimed more than 2000 hours in a year (in three separate jobs). For the “typical” job that works 40 hours a week and 50 weeks a year, claiming 2000+ hours in a year managing projects sticks out, even if it was the reality of life deployed. I recommend staying around 1500-1600 hours to keep it under the PMI radar. You decide how to count hours – I just took a guess, to be honest – and PMI is not looking for some detailed spreadsheet. By splitting it up to match OERs, I rolled multiple projects into the one job – make it easier on yourself.
3. Training. You know what you know. You do not need another formal class on project management. I knew I needed to immerse myself in the technical language of PMI, not general concepts. A friend pointed me to Edwel and their four-day boot camp, which I highly recommend. It was four days of intense class, multiple practice exams, and I learned a lot about project management, PMP, and PMI. I came home, continued to read, review my notes and boot camp prep book, and did at least four full practice exams, then took the PMP exam about 10 days after the boot camp – and passed. I used Edwel, and have referred several others to it – and everybody has been satisfied with the training. http://www.edwel.com They offer an expensive version with guaranteed pass (basically, they pay for your re-test if you don’t pass on the first try). If you sign up in advance, it’s about $1500 but well worth it, in my opinion. Syracuse has a program, but for me - I didn't need more formal training. I understood the processes - I just needed to immerse myself in the PMI language so I could take and pass the test. To be brutally honest - MDMP and PMI's processes are very similar, so if you understand MDMP, you should handle getting the PMP.
4. When you apply, go ahead and join PMI, for two reasons
a. First, you can download PMI materials for free – like the PMBOK. I also recommend getting it in hard copy from Amazon or somebody – and only buy the current edition, don’t try and cut corners and get an old version – they do change.
b. Second, you can join groups within PMI, and do webinars for free. You will need 60 hours of continuing education (Professional Development Units or PDUs) every three years, after you pass the PMP exam. You can claim 5 hours a year just for being a project manager, so you need another 45 hours of PDUs. You can listen to free PMI webinars – you register, log in, and stay on until the end – then you automatically get credit. It is listen only, so I used to connect to the lunchtime webinars, and work on email or other things with the webinar playing in the background. There are no tests. Some people pay thousands of dollars to fly to conferences to accumulate their PDUs … what a waste of money when you can do the webinars for free.
5. The exam. It is offered at designated exam centers, and your application has to be approved before you can sign up for the exam. It is four hours, didn’t take me that long, all on a computer. At the end, you have to do a survey about the test center – the exam is being graded in the background, so you will know before you leave if you passed or failed.
6. I hope this helps. Feel free to email me at [login to see] if anybody wants more detail.

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Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Jun 28 at 2016 12:12 PM

2016-06-28T12:12:27-04:00

Make sure that you have documented your experience well, with contact numbers in case of an audit. I have taught the boot-camp course several times using several different books as a reference. The boot-camp course should provide you with the number of training hours you need to qualify. I highly recommend the Rita Mulcahy PMP exam prep book; http://www.rmcls.com/index.aspx. Many of the boot-camp courses include the book; it is not cheap so check. I always tell my students that I did'nt know how much I didn't know, until I started studying for the test. Best of luck.

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Response by LTC Jay Hicks made Jul 19 at 2016 8:45 AM

2016-07-19T08:45:38-04:00

COL Smith, There is a wealth of great information in this posting chain for inexpensive training. Thank you so much for initiating.

I am sure you have your PMP by now!

However.... for those still seeking, I highly recommend you join your local PMI Chapter. Many of the Chapters have a low cost training program. Further, seek out the PMI Military Liaison near you. 42 Chapters have liaisons now. I also recommend joining the PMI Military Liaison LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6798540

Here is a link to PMI's brochure for Military Personnel desiring PMP.
"Take Your Military Experience and Transition to a Career in Project Management!"
http://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/business-solutions/military-experience.pdf

Finally, here is a link to a very helpful and all encompassing book on transitioning into the career field of project management.

http://gr8militarypm.com/

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2016 7:15 PM

2016-07-22T19:15:45-04:00

I went with a company called New Horizons, they had an online study program that I worked through for a few weeks and then a one week boot camp. The online work prepared me for the boot camp and the boot camp prepared me for the test. I don't know if there are any better ways to get the certification, I just know this one was relatively easy for me. http://www.newhorizons.com/

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Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2017 11:58 AM

2017-02-18T11:58:32-05:00

Would anyone on this post be willing to offer their experiences with PMP Boot Camps? I see that they vary widely in price and location. Thanks.