When I was young, I used to play video games.  It was fun to work your way through the game solving puzzles, fighting bad guys, and saving the princess.  But in many games, there would come a point that I would get stuck and not be able to move forward. With the accessibility of the internet and the sharing of ideas, this all changed. People starting posting the most wonderful articles:

THE WALKTHROUGH

These were detailed steps of how to beat any game and how to find all of the treasures. In this post let me provide you with my own copy of the PMP Certification Walkthrough.

Step 1: Verify that you want to improve your life

There are many reason to want to get your PMP certification, but before you do, I would suggest that you evaluate your situation and make sure that you are willing to commit the time, money, and effort needed to earn your certification. Do not fool yourself, this will take a commitment. I would ask these three questions:

1. Do I want to be better at my job?
2. Do I want to earn more money?
3. Am I willing to take the time to improve myself?

Step 2: Check your Pre-Req’s

Earning your certification requires some previous work as a project manager. It is not an entry level certification. The chart below explains what the 3 prerequisites are.

Step 3: Earn your certification hours

There are multiple ways of earning your 35 hours of project management education. The big difference comes down to cost and time. How much do you want to spend for the 35 hours? There are online courses available at udemy for $10. They allow you to go at your own pace and learn in the comfort of your own home. If that is not your learning style, there are other options for courses that are instructor led at a physical location, or a hybrid of instructor led online learning. But realize if you are using an instructor it will probably cost more than $10.

Step 4: Sign up and apply

After you are finished with your 35 hours of PM education it is time to sign up for the test. Signing up for the test involves a review process of your prerequisites, so make sure you have your documentation ready. Once you start your application you have a time limit to finish it. Don’t worry, the time limit is days, not minutes, but it is much easier to have all your documentation at hand and ready to go. We will discuss the application process in more detail on another post so you are not surprised. After you submit your application it will take a few days for PMI.org to review your paperwork. Once the application is approved you are allowed to sign up for the test and pick the day you will become a Certified Project Management Professional.

Step 5: Study, Study, Study

Your test day is picked, you have committed yourself to a time, and now you are down to the final push! Study, Study, Study – but follow a plan.  Set aside time each day to study. Use flash-cards, practice quizzes, brain dumps, and anything else that works for you. The goal is to reinforce everything you have learned and solidify the principles of good project management.

Step 6: Take the test

As test day approaches, you may be getting nervous. That is understandable. There are a few things you can do to help out. The week and/or day before the test, drive to the testing center. Make sure you know how to get there, how long it takes, and what traffic is like. It is important that you are not late the day of the test.  Beginning your test stressed out because you are late, or because traffic was unexpected is not a good start! Review your testing center’s rules. Know what is expected of you inside the center. Wear comfortable clothes. And most of all relax. You have been studying, you have been practicing, you can do it!

Step 7: Celebrate

After you finish your test and have passed, it is time to celebrate. You have accomplished something big. You are working on improving your life and have succeeded. Pat yourself on the back, and if you are like me – take a nap!