12 Reasons to do PMP Certification Even for pros.

1.

PMP professionals are known to execute projects better than others. Hence its
a great way to overall improve the success rates of projects in your industry.
2.
If you are a seasoned project management professional , then you mostly are used to
doing things in pragmatic way and based on experience PMBoK and PMI has compiled,
standards, techniques, best practices and they keep updating the PMBoK based on current
trends. Hence this will keep you upto date.
3.
Even if you are project manager for many years, the certification will formally recognize
your professional ability
4.
Reading books like Rita Mulcahy and similar will help you in learning new tricks and
techniques to assist you in your project management activities. There are many videos you will
watch which will help you give more insights into any knowledge area.
5.

PMP certified professionals have edge over non-certified professionals when hiring.

6.
PMP credential may help your company win business, especially if you are in consulting
business.
7.
PMP forums like PMZilla and PMI charters will provide networking opportunities with other
PMP professionals and aspirants.
8.
Learning after a long break will open up your mind.
9.
You can even take up teaching profession and take PMP classes for other PMP
candidates.
10. After PMP you can take up other certifications by PMI like PgMP, RMP, SP , ACP etc to
further hone your skills.
11. During recession or in tough job market you may be distinguished over other professionals
and may not be fired.
12. Continuous certification requirements will keep you updated with PM World. You will tend to
read industry news, subscribe to publications or attend PMI chapters.

How to Apply? What are the fees?

The Application ProcessThe PMP application can be completed either online
(at www.pmi.org(link is external))
or with paper forms. The new PMI online application process, allows you
to check on your status throughout the credentialing process. Details
are as below:

Your certification fee must accompany your application (credit card only if
online). The current fee is$405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members.

Application must be submitted in English, ( PMP exam is offered

in several languages ). Application forms are available for review
and/or download anytime at www.pmi.org(link is external). In signing your
application, you agree to abide by the PMP Code of Professional Conduct.

Although PMI asks for 10 to 14 working days to process your

paper-based application, its actually much faster. Online applications
generally are processed within 48 to 72 hours.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an eligibility

letter with identification code and detailed testing information. You
have one year to take the PMP examination, which begins from the
date your application is approved.

To help maintain quality and integrity in the PMP certification

program, PMI audits 10% of applicants, who are notified electronically.
Its best to assume that youll be one of them. The audit process
involves formal verification by your employer(s) and schools. Be
thorough, accurate, and honest with your application information.

For detailed information on the eligibility and application process, download

PMIs PMP Credential Handbook from www.pmi.org(link is external).
Note: PMI now requires candidates to document their
experience in leading/directing projects and performing tasks within
all domains except Professional and Social Responsibility. The
applications should be accompanied by:
1.
A current resume/CV detailing work experience and educational
background (please provide the name and complete address for all
employers and schools attended).
2.
A copy of diploma or transcript for baccalaureate or equivalent university
degree
3.
Experience Verification Form(s) meeting criteria listed above
The Experience Verification Form is used by candidates to properly document and report project
management experience. One Experience Verification Form must be submitted for
each project
within the eligible timeframe. On the form, candidates must indicate
the number of hours worked in each of the five process areas. (
Initiating, planning, executing, controlling, closing )

What to do if you Fail PMP Exam in first attempt

So you have failed the PMP exam. The first thing that comes to the mind is why? Was my
preparation inadequate, was i using the right study materials, What more could i have done to
clear the exam in first try.
On the behavioural side, you must be feeling low, short of confidence and lot of self doubt on
whether you can clear the exam the next try.

In my 5 years experience in supporting PMZilla Forum. I have seen many such cases where
people have failed PMP in first try but by taking the right steps they clear with good score the
next time. The main reason for clearing the next time is the right kind of focus and attention
which people give to PMP preparation.
Some of the top reasons for failure
1.
Not reading the PMBoK properly. Just skimming through it
2.
Not giving the right mock exams or doing very few mock tests.
3.
Silly mistakes in exam, not using common sense. Trying to recall things from
book
4.
Hurrying with PMP preparation just to meet some deadline.
5.
Inability to understand the subject or knowledge area. Leaving huge
knowledge gaps.
How to get back on your feet
First you will need the right kind of mindset a positive one and here are some facts.
1.

You now know what PMP exam questions are. Try to recall some questions and
find right answers.
2.
You exactly know your knowledge gaps. The topics where you got Below
proficient are your key focus areas.
3.
You know the whole experience of sitting through 4 hours, next time you will
not be worried about food, breaks etc. You know your pace of answering
questions.
It takes lot of courage and willpower to again gear up for the exam .Give yourself a pat on the
back that you faced yourself. Speak to someone you trust and who will motivate you. Their words
of trust in you will fill in the requireed encouragement. When you start your study preparation,
Dont give mock exams first. You must read and know the subject well.
So ask yourself a question "If there was anything positive about this incident, what could it be ?"
List down the points and read it to yourself for motivation.
On the study materials side here are the popular choices for second timers.
1.
PMBoK , but this time reading it more throughly
2.
Abhishek's Version of Rajesh nair notes here on PMZilla.
3.
Rita Mulcahy's PMP exam Prep -Do solve all excercises from Rita. Its must for
you. It will help to reinforce the concepts what you have just read.
4.
Headfirst / Andy Crowe / Kim Heldman - any one of these
5.
BrainBok.com forumula challenge Exam-75 Q if you are weak in Maths.
If you have used any other study material and if you feel its adequate. I suggest dont buy
anything more. Just check the free materials here on PMZilla http://www.pmzilla.com/pmpstudy-material-pmp
On the mock tests
1.
PMZilla 200 questions - Yes if you can score 55% here, you will be through in
real exam.
2.
PMStudy tests (2 tests)

3.

Rita mulcahy's fast track - Highly Overpriced , only recommeded if you are
really nervous

Free tests
1.
PMStudy Free 200 Questions http://www.pmstudy.com/enroll.asp(link is
external)
2.
Simplilearn 200
Questions http://www.simplilearn.com/slportal/login/login.do(link is external)
3.
Oliver Lehmann 75 Questions http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-selftest/75-free-questions.htm(link is external)
4.
PMPForSure 100 Questions http://www.pmpforsure.com/pmp/(link is
external)
5.
TechFaq360 200
Questions http://www.techfaq360.com/pmpmockexamstart.jsp(link is external)
6.
Passionatepm 100 Questions http://www.passionatepm.com/free-pmpexam-practice-test-questions(link is external)
7.
Bestsamplequestions 160
Questions http://www.bestsamplequestions.com/pmp-sample-questions/pmpsample-quest...(link is external)
Check this link for details http://pmzilla.com/free-pmp-exam-important-links-best
Some do's and Don't before the exam
1.
Keep your cool and relax. There is no need to get overwhelmed. Know you
can do it
2.
Do not over prepare for the second attempt. Over preparation can be cause of
failure too.
3.
Do not overestimate or underestimate PMP Exam. You will pass the exam if
you have prepared well.
4.
Do not rush to answer the questions. Read it well there can be some
misunderstanding if you rush.
5.
Do not keep gap between preparation and taking real exam. Also do not drag
preparation for weeks or months. make a plan and stick to it.
Comments from PMZillans are welcome

Some Great posts by PMZillian's who cleared on 2nd or 3rd attempt.

http://pmzilla.com/finally-passed-third-attempt-march-2013
http://pmzilla.com/passed-2nd-attempt-july-5th-2013
http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-3rd-attempt
http://pmzilla.com/any-suggestions
http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-second-try-lessons-learned-real-truth

Time Frame - As per PMI each person has 1 year eligibility period to pass the PMP
examination. During the eligibility period, the exam can be taken 3 times . If you fail the
examination three times within your one-year eligibility period, you must wait one year from the

date of the last examination you took to reapply for the credential. If your eligibility period expires
without you passing the examination, you must reapply for the credential.
Reexamination fees - The second or third time re-examination fee for computer-based
testing is as follows:

For a PMI Member: $275 USD

For a Non-Member: $375 USD

The second or third time re-examination fee for paper-based testing is as follows:

For a PMI Member: $150 USD

For a Non-Member: $300 USD

What are Contact Hours ( PDUs) & how to obtain it.?

To satisfy the 35-contact hour requirement, candidates must document formal project
management training occurring in a planned, structured learning activity or experience.
Contact hours can be provided by:

A university/college program can also be distance-learning programs

Employer sponsored programsA training company or consultant

A program offered by a PMI Component organization

Programs offered by PMI Registered Education Providers (REPs)

When taking courses offered by PMI REPs, keep in mind that one PDU generally equals one
contact hour. For example,If you complete 35 hours of education from a leading PMI approved
vendor,you will have contact hours needed to proceed with their PMP application.

Easiest way would be you sit at home and listen to podcast and watch a video and you get 35
Contact hours. There are two options for that.

Check this one for $(link is external)58 - A very good course

This one is $99(link is external) and has been around for longer time.
Both above are good methods.

When You Pass

A great landmark achievement in your life!. Shortly after passing, your name will be posted at the
PMI website and you will receive a comprehensive package of information that includes a:

Detailed analysis or your exam performance

Continuing Certification Handbook
PMP Certificate
PMP Lapel Pin
Prepared news release announcing your new certification

Good LL and Good Posts on PMZilla

Good last minute tips http://pmzilla.com/3-more-days

Generally people have questions on where do I stand ? with respect to my PMP preparation.
There are 100s of Posts you can browse. This is a good one http://pmzilla.com/need-advicewhere-do-i-stand
When you are audited for PMP application, again there are several posts on PMZilla Check this
one outhttp://pmzilla.com/help-needed-pmp-audit-process
When to take the first mock exam http://pmzilla.com/when-take-first-mock-exam

http://pmzilla.com/new-approach-passing-pmp-exam-first-time-lessonslearned - 20th June 2013

http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-first-attempt-2
- 25th June 2013

http://pmzilla.com/done-and-dusted5192013-first-try
19th May 2013

http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-today-28-may-2013-3ps-and-2-mps
- 28th May 2013

http://pmzilla.com/lessons-learned-passed-pmp11july-5ps-first-attempt
July 4th 2012

http://pmzilla.com/lessons-learned-2
- 15th May 2013

http://pmzilla.com/pmp-passed-first-attempt
- 27th Aug 2012

http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-past-weekend-ll
- 27th Aug 2012

http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-aug-7th-2012
- 7th Aug 2012

http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-811-4ps-and-1-mp-see-my-lessons-learned
- 12th Aug 2012

Where can I find Study materials ? What preparations are

needed ?
here is overwhelming amount of information and study
materials available for PMP. If you search on internet its very easy to
get confused and lose focus. However PMP certification does not need
many books. For a vast majority of people the following Study materials are enough and should
be enough for you too. We are assuming that you are already doing Project management in
your current role to meet the PMP Eligibility
1.
The first thing you would need is A Guide to the
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) printed in 2004,
3rd edition. The cost of PMBOK is $ 35.95 and it is available in leading
bookstores and on Amazon.com (10.78% discount i.e it costs $ 25.17) and may
qualify for Free Shipping. You can also get the FREE PDF file from your education
provider where you will take the 35 PDU Course
2.
The 35 hrs education you take from any institute will provide you will some
notes, tips etc.

3.

Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep. This book will clear your concepts and will give
you a good start. This book has lots of tips and tricks for PMP. The questions at
the end of each chapter are also very good. A must have for PMP.
4.
After you have read PMBOK and Rita's book 2-4 times its time to take Mock /
Sample exams .
A.
You can buy (link is external)Rita Mulcahy's PMFastrack. This would be
enough questions for you to clear PMP.
B.
Check the Free PMP Exams here. PMStudy is very good indicator of
what you will get in final exam. Try to solve 4 tests on PMStudy.
C.
To prepare you for Tough questions. Take PM Zilla's Free PMP Tests
If you do 2nd and 3rd step above then you do NOT need Rita's PM FASTRACK.

Materials on this website can help you clear up some of your doubts for
difficuilt questions. We recommend you go through the PMP Study Materials
Sections on this page
Preparations:
If you have 2 weeks full time then you can complete PMP
certification. For more relaxed schedule it can take anywhere from 1
month to 1 year. Generally average people say 18 weeks schedule is
feasible considering you have to work and study.
The key is to get started right away.
Don't get caught up in analysis paralysis. Just start with first
chapter of PMBOK and then u will start understanding things better.
Before the exam, make sure that you have completed test simulations and have comfortably
passed all the test simulations.

Join a PMP Study Group:

Actively participate in a forum of
like-minded people ( Like on PM Zilla). This will help you to review
the PMBOK theory, get clarifications and validations on concepts
difficuilt to understand. Since people on the group come from different
organizations, it will help you understand real-time examples of
concepts. Study groups will also help you to collect your PDUs after
you have cleared PMP.
The best options is to have physical study group of people that meet once or twice a week to
discuss about PMP contact your local PMI Chapter(link is external) for more details.
If physical group is not possible the next best answer is Online. Joining these forums and going
to through their postings at least once every day is highly recommended.
You reputation & success of Online forum is dependent
on your participation. Just like you want others to answer your
questions, make sure you help others. Unlike money knowledge grows when giving.

Exam Details and Study Tips

See the attached StudyPlan.MPP, for approximate Study Scheduling. This file can be opened
using MS Project.
Exam Details:

PMP Exam has200 Multiple Choice Questions, which must be answered within 4
hours. These questions are randomly generated from a question database which has several
hundred questions. There is No Negative Marking. All Questions are Multiple Select
Questions
i.e. the examinee must choose one from the available four alternatives.
The exam is online but a blank sheets of paper are provided.
25 out of 200 questions not be used for scoring
(Dummy questions) . Candidates will not know which ones are dummy when
taking the exam - implies that candidate has to answer 200 questions to
the best of their ability.
To pass the PMP Exam, the candidate must answer 106 out of 175 questions
correctly (i.e. pass percentage is 60.6%).

Make a start:

Master PMBOK-PMBOK is official study guide and several questions

are based on PMPBOK. Understand the PMBOK thoroughly. There may be
discrepancies between terms and concepts in PMBOK & what is used
in your organization. Please realize that for the PMP Certification
Exam, it is important for you to relate to terms and concepts as in
PMBOK - Every term and every page of PMBOK should be well read and
thoroughly understood.
We Recommed the following method to read PMBOK

Glance through PMBOK first to just get a feel or high level view once.

In next reading understanding all the processes, interactions, and all the
terms and concepts. Make notes that suit you.

Refer the notes and keep revising it till you feel comfortable.

You dont have to memorize PMBOK. Try to relate the terms ,

theories and concepts with your experience or with examples. The terms
in PMBOK are inter-related to each other and everything can be mapped
to real-life examples.
Once you have completed reading PMBOK:

Check for materials on this site or elsewhere to step further into the topics
you have doubts.

Take tests chapter wise for each chapter. then move to next chapter.

Take overall simulated test to know how close you are

Study Tips:
Engage while you are learning:
Make notes, Summaries & highlight with colors.

Try to visualize & draw mental picture.

Use memory association tricks

 Make a study schedule. Include time to take practice test each day, even if it is few questions
a day.
Review & revise things you learnt previous day , before
you start next topic, and do little everyday. Next day review two days
topics and then start.

Review the definitions in the glossary of the PMBOK

If you are bored, take breaks, it really helps. Review & revise after break.

Learning Maps - draw your own pictures for each knowledge

area. You are required to remember lot of stuff, so organize in a
format that is best for you. Use colors, shapes, accessories that will
help you recall things easily.

Tips for taking tests

Take the tutorial on computer test (even if you don't need it). You dont want silly mistakes in
exam.

Understand Navigation, marking items and go back to specific items

use the rest of the time allowed (there is a clock in the upper right
corner of the screen) to write down key formulas or other summary
notes, phrases, and pictures you have memorized.

Mark any question you are not reasonably sure of, so you can review later

Skip any questions that will take "a while" to figure out or
understand - you want to answer all the questions you know first, then
go back and spend time on more complex questions

Read all questions at least twice before answering

look for words like "NOT" or "ALWAYS"

Read all answers, even if you see a correct answer

there may be a "more" correct answers

Be calm & positive, Say to yourself, I will pass this test.

Average preparation time

Generally it takes anywhere between 2 weeks to 1 year to complete

PMP certification. It all depends on your level of expertise, the time
you devote to study every day.
Normally a 30-90 days is enough for average people, based on statistics.

First 1-2 weeks to familiarize yourself with PMI, PMP exam, Study
material, time frame, exam dates, Materials to buy & courses to
take.

2- 12 weeks to cover the PMBOK, practice tests, exam simulations, reference

materials, and memorize everthing.

3-10 days for final review summary.

Getting started is the most difficuilt part. Once you get the momemtum going then
you can cover very easily.
One thing that will give you confidence is solving practice tests.
If you score well in all mock exams you take, ( 70% and above) then you
are well prepared for the exam.
The key is to make a start now. Start reading something & things will settle down in your
brain.

How do I know when I am ready?

After studying all the Knowledge Areas, take simulated tests from
reliable sources. If you score more than 70 -80% consistently, then
you are ready to take the PMP Certification Exam.

Passed PMP - First Attempt - 5 P's

First of all i would like to thank "PmZilla forum" for the support i got lot of helpful tips and
suggestions from PMP passouts. here is mine..spl thanks to my wife for her support and timely
help in evaluating my test and remind me of my knowledge gaps.
Do plan ahead, PMP requires atleast 4-6 weeks of dedicated study for an average mind (like
mine). i had scanned through Rita a year ago, but did not get the time then to focus and
complete the PMP process. i took the steps mentioned below to finish the process.
Mainly followed this process.
1) PMP exam prep by edwel.com - student study guide( graphyically explained
PMBOK)http://edwel.com/Free-Resources/PMP-Certification-Overview.aspx(link is

external)
2) PMBOK - few chapters for knowledge gaps from the first book( human resources & quality
management)
3) skillport - pmp prepcourse for 35 hr PDU
4) Exam papers by christopher scrudu (8 - 50 question
sets) http://www.scribd.com/doc/232290997/Pmp-Exam-Prep-Ques-Answers-2013Chri...(link is external)
5) Practice test on examcentral.net (3-4 sets) , i took one more parctice test on a different
website, will find it later. http://www.examcentral.net/pmp/members(link is external)
6) revised the first book day before the exam
7) practice exam paper by oliver lehman (175
questions) http://www.oliverlehmann.com/contents/freedownloads/175_PMP_Sample_Ques...(link is external)
8) PANIC ON THE EXAM DAY! - ( A LIL I WILL ADMIT)
Do make notes and plan to have a brain dump before the exam begins. i did formulas and
motivational theory notes in 7-9 mins.
For the exam, i had planned for 2 * three minute breaks every hour and five mins break at 3rd
hour. So have a statergy and a contengency plan before you get to the exam and prepare
physically for it. practice 2 exam papers on the same time as your exam - the day before and day
before that, try to sit 4 hours in one spot for both of those practice tests, eat your breakfast and
lunch according to your time of test.
In the exam i fell behind in the first 30 questions which took 45 mins for me. i played catch up
from then. i did manage to complete with 12 mins to spare without any breaks. i could only revise
6 out of my 28 marked questions. Answer all questions during the first pass, do not leave any
question unanswered - there is no negative marking so it doenst hurt to guess. In your second
pass, you can spend a bit more time to confirm the answer.
Here is what i got in the exams, some tricky questions like
1) a big paragraph about change management and the question was 'who authorizes the project'
- you dint have to read the pragraph to answer.
2) a huge network precedence diagram and the question was ' what is the float on critical path' again you dint have to calculate anything to answer the question.
Question - topic frequency (updated from someone else's post)
1.

Communication channels 4 Q

2.

Developing Team Techniques 5 Q . Each stage got one question , I am

surprised . FORMING STORMING NORMING PERFOMRING

3.

Inputs and Out puts questions Jus 4-5 Q

4.

Validate scope vs control scope 2 Q

5.

Risk responses strategies Risk transfer, Mitigate , exploit - 6-7 Q

6.

Lessons learned usage OPA- 5 Q situational

7.

Costmangement mathematical questions 5 Q, calculating ETC etc.

8.

Critical patch questions Jus 4 questions on Network Diagram

9.

PERT- estimate- 2Q.

10. 7 QC almost all tools 7 Q.

11. Various contract types choosing 4 Q- situational
12. Conduct ProcurementsTools 2 Q
13. Plan procurements- 2Q
14. Project \Phase closure- 3-5 Q
15. Organization structure selection Functional- matrix advantages , dis
advantages , situation questions 7-8 Q
16. Project charter questions more than expected 7-8 Q
17. Conflict resolution techniques 6-8 Q
18. SPI, CPI interpretations 5-6 Q .Just interpretations.
19. ChangeManagent plan \ CCB questions So many questions 25- 30 Q
20. Motivation theory Theory of X- only 1 Q- in entire exam.
21. Staff Management plan usages 3-4 Q
22. Authorization system 4-5 Q
23. resource optimizations Techniques Leveling and smoothing 3-4Q . both
techniques
24. Plan quality 2Q
25. WBS usages 3-4 Q
26. 26 Communication management plans 4-5 Q
27. Expected Monetary value questions 6-7 .
28. Quality assurance and Control quality questions 7-8 Q
29. Crashing/Fast tracking 3-5 Q
30. Graph Intrepretation, Risk register Interpretation, RACI chart
interpretation - 3Q
Good Luck!

Memorizing inputs and outputs ?

A common question for most people starting PMP Certification preparation is , do I have to
memorize Inputs, Tools and outputs for each process. ?
The answer to this question is both YES and NO.
You need to memorize some key inputs, tools & techniques and outputs (ITTO). But not all of
them. If your concepts are clear, then by the time you read the PMBOK and Rita's book few
times you will already have memorized quite a lot of them.
However you do not have to memorize ITTO for each process outlined. You need to have a
general understanding as to what would be ITTO for Planning, Executing and Monitoring and
Control.
Check out the article on PM Zilla to help you in memorizing ITTO and also to help you answer
key questions in exam.

PMP Study Plan

Its generally a good practice to make a study plan in MS project or similar software. List down the
tasks needed and put dates against each task. If you miss completing a task on a given day you
can easily adjust the dates.
Below is a sample pmp study plan. This is typical for a Project Manager having 3 to 10 years of
Project management experience. You can use this sample to create a plan that best suits you.
The plan below assumes that you have completed the 35 hrs of PM training required for PMP
exam
We do strongly recommend that you create a Study Plan. Do not worry about missing out on
completion dates. Remember 97% people are achieve their goals, because they have put their
goals in writing.

Round1
Week1: PM Framework , PM Context and PM process
Week 2: Integration and Scope Management
Week 3: Time Management
Week 4: Cost and Quality Management
Week 5: HR and Communications management
Week 6: Risk and Procurement Management
Week 7: Sample test and questions to find gaps.
Round 2 (Repeat)
Week 8: PM Framework , PM Context and PM process and Integration Management
Week 9: Scope and Time Management
Week 10: Cost , Quality and HR Management
Week 11: Communications, Risk and Procurement management
Week 12 : Take a simulation tests and see if you can score around 70% consistently
Week 13 : Relax and Take PMP Exam if you can score 70% in simulation test. If not continue
taking the simulation tests till you feel confident.
You can adjust your plan depending on your pace.

Recertification and Continued Education

As with many other credentialed professionals, a PMP must commit to

ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain
the credential. PMIs Continuing Certification Program ensures that
PMPs adhere to this standard by requiring PMPs to obtain a minimum of
sixty (60) Professional Development Units (PDUs) every
three years. The initial three-year clock starts running on the date of
certification and ends on December 31 of the third year.

PDUs may be obtained through formal education,

self-directed learning, REP educational programs, or
community/professional service. Many local PMI Chapters are now
qualified as REPs and issue PDUs for attending the after-dinner
education program at monthly meetings. A PMP can obtain half their
Continuing Certification PDUs by simply attending their monthly Chapter
meetings. All of the detailed specifics and documentation forms may be
reviewed or downloaded from PMI Website(link is external)

As you will learn, the PMP Certification Process is an

extremely demanding experience. You will not want to go through the
exam ordeal again. Its best to simply plan upfront to maintain your
certification by accumulating PDUs. PMI charges a recertification fee
of $60 (US) for PMI members, $150 (US) for non-PMI members.

PMP vs PRINCE2 vs ITIL Comparison

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Home New to PMP? PMP vs PRINCE2 vs ITIL Comparison

PMP vs PRINCE2 vs ITIL Comparison

Submitted by admin on Fri, 03/30/2012 - 04:13

A common question is what really is the difference between PMP and

Prince2 and which one I should go for. Here are some high level
differences between the project management standards namely , PRINCE2
(PRojects IN a Controlled Environment) and the PMP (Project Management
Professional).

PRINCE2

PMBOK for PMP

Levels

3 Levels, Foundation,
Practitioner and
Professional

1 Level PMP.

Organizatio
n

APM Group, UK

PMI , USA

Recognition

Worldwide

Worldwide

Approach

Process based defines

What, How , When , and
who can do series of
management processes. It
dictates right process to
follow

Knowledge based Tools &

Techniques and best practices
that can be applied when
managing projects

Roles

Defines the roles of

everyone involved in a
project

Focuses on the project

manager's role

Content

Business case, Products/

Project planning, Project
Assurance, Management by
Exception, Clear roles and
responsibility Definition ,
these topics not fully
covered by PMP

Covers Procurement, EVM,

Critical Path, Communication
Management , HR
Management, not covered by
PRINCE2 . PMP gives details of
PM Roles and not much details
on others roles.

What

Practical Project
Management Methodology

PMP / PMBoK comprehensive

info about all aspects of project
management.

Numbers

70K PRINCE2 Practitioners

240K PMI members and 200K

PMP certified

Countries

Popular in UK, Europe

Popular in USA, India etc.

Highly prescriptive on
processes

Large descriptive, some places

prescriptive.

Business case driven

Customer requirements driven

Questions

75 , 50% passing

200, 61% passing

Hours

4 hours

1 hours

Eligibility

Not Mandated

4500 of PM experience

Training

Not Mandated

35 contact hours from

Registered education provider

Price

200 Pounds

555USD

Recertificat
ion

N/A for Foundation. All

PRINCE2 Practitioners
should be re-registered
within 3-5 calendar years
of their original

Required every 3 years. 60

PDUs needed

certification.

I think PMP takes the good approach for purposes of teaching the subject
content of each knowledge area, but not as effective when it comes to
providing guidance for running a particular project.
Prince2 would be applicable more if you are looking for a PM job in the UK
or for a company that utilised the Prince2 methods. Prince2 and PMP are
not competitors, but mutually exclusive. PM can benefit by doing both of
these certifications.
PRINCE2 or PMP just by itself may not make you a better project manager,
you need project management experience, take the course, study and
get certified, when you go back to managing projects, you are equipped
with a whole new set of tools, techniques and knowledge. Its cyclic
process since when you apply your newly learnt skills , you will earn more
skills and with time become a better project manager. Those who do not
put the knowledge into use will not become better PMs. If you are looking
at a certification from the point of view of gaining knowledge, then they
both complement each other. However if you are looking at it as a
marketing tool, then it depends upon which country you are working. PMP
appears to have a wider following in North America and parts of Asia,
whereas PRINCE2 appears to have its followers in Europe ( and maybe
Australia). Both certifications are good and has lots of benefit , I strongly
encourage you to take up atleast one of them,.
Further reading and Comparison
http://www.maxwideman.com/papers/comparing/comparing.pdf(link is
external)
http://www.aipm.com.au/resource/RANKIN__FULL_PAPER_AIPM2007_0018_Comparing_PMBoK_and_PRINCE2_V1.0.pdf(l
ink is external)
http://www.pm-partners.com.au/files/PMPartner_%20Session_
%20Handout_PMBOK_PRINCE2V2.pdf(link is external)
Comparison with ITIL
ITIL is one of the fastest growing frameworks, and helps organizations
increase IT efficiency, improve quality, and control costs. ITIL is a

framework is mainly for management of IT Services across the entire

lifecyle. Activities in the framework are combined in processes to focus on
continual improvement of process, product, people and partner relations.
ITIL addresses how IT organisations as a whole should operate, PMP
addresses how individual projects within the organisation can be
delivered. They are both complementary and mutually exclusive. ITIL
applies mainly to IT industry where as PMP claims to be universal and
independent of domain.
ITIL is process focussed (like PRINCE2) and not technology focussed,
meaning you dont need to know the technology. In todays competitive
market, ITIL certification is a big plus as it positions you as service
management expert. The world is shrinking so its no longer true that only
IT services professionals will do ITIL. So if you do that in addition to doing
PMP then you will definitely have an edge in market.

PgMP vs PMP
The project Management institute offers PgMP Program Management Professional and PMP
Project Management Professional . A common question is, which certification should I go for , or
should I do both. ? Which would be having more market value.
Lets see some difference. To be eligible for the Program Management Professional (PgMP)
certification, your must have, within the last 15 years, satisfied these requirements:
With High School Diploma, Associate's degree or equivalent:
4 Years (6,000 hours) of project management experience along with 7 years (10,500 hours) of
program management experience.
With Bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent:
4 Years (6,000 hours) of project management experience along with 4 years (6,000 hours) of
program management experience. Additionally, if Bachelor's degree or equivalent is obtained by
from a PMI accredited university, the individual receives 1,500 hours toward the requirement for
program management experience.
PMP is an indicator of Project management experience and is one of the most popular PM
certifications today. PgMP is aimed at those project managers who also have significant
experience in managing PROGRAMS, essentially those who manage multiple, complex projects
to achieve strategic and organizational results.. In essence, the PgMP is the next level of PMP.
Hierarchy of certifications would be somewhat like this - CAPM, PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, PgMP,
and, PfMP - Portfolio Management Professional.
So what is the motivation to do PgMP if you are already a PMP

Drastically increase your knowledge on Program management.

Learn additional knowledge and skills required for Program Management.
Program managers are much better paid compared to PMs.
PgMP is like a career progression after PMP and will be valued in organizations
which deliver large scale programs.
Cost of PgMP is US $1,500 (PMI member) and $1800 for Non PMI member