What is PMI PMP
certification exam?
The exam comprises of 200
multiple-choice questions, which must be complete in 4 hours. During
the test, no reference material is needed. The questions are broken
into five groups, each of which focuses on the five areas of the PMP
credential. 13% of the questions are taken from the Initiating
domain, 24% from Planning, 30% from Executing, and 25% from
Monitoring and Controlling, while the Closing domain has 8%. These
questions are taken from the PMBOK guide, that is why the applicants
must study the material effectively. You can equip yourself going
through the ExamSnapwebsite to download braindumps and updated
practice tests.
The exam domains are categories of
tasks that each project manager must undergo to effectively improve
his/her skills and successfully manage projects. The PMP domain
consists of skill set and knowledge areas with multiple tasks. Let’s
explore them in detail.
1. Initiating
The primary objective here is to test
one’s ability to perform the tasks required to initiate a project.
Before starting any project, the idea and goal must be checked if it
is feasible. In this stage, the project manager must perform various
tasks to ascertain that the project will be effectively completed.
Some of them involved in this domain include:
• Executing project assessments to
decide its feasibility;
• Pinpointing key deliverables based on project requirements;
• Executing
stakeholder analysis;
• Highlighting constraints, assumptions, and high-level
risks;
• Play a
simulation game to
strengthen the business case and
reduce risks.
The Initiating domain requires certain
skills and knowledge, which include benefit analysis, analytical
skills, estimation tools and techniques, elements of a
project
charter, and
strategic management.
2. Planning
The goal of this domain is to test
one’s capability to follow the task outline. For instance, creating
a schedule of projects, how the finances will be properly managed,
how to deal with changes, etc. The information during this stage is
kept in a separate project management plan file. There are 13 tasks
under this area to be completed by the candidates. The key tasks
include:
• Building a project schedule;
• Developing a cost and
scope management plan;
• Establishing a human resource and
communication management plan;
• Creating a change and quality management plan;
• Creating a risk management plan;
• Developing a procurement management plan.
The Planning phase requires specific
skills and knowledge, which include cost management planning, change
management planning, human resource planning, estimation tools and
techniques, communication planning, etc.
3. Executing
The goal here is to test one’s ability
to carry out tasks required during the planning phase of the
project. The manager must effectively coordinate resources,
understand and implement every plan of this project. Additionally,
the specialistsmust properly communicate information and manage
relationships with the key stakeholders. The tasks for this domain
include:
• Handling information flow by
adhering to a
communication plan;
• Executing approved changes and actions by adhering to a risk
action plan;
• Executing a quality management plan;
• Purchasing and handling project resources by adhering to a
procurement and human resource plan.
The essential skills and knowledge
required in the Executing domain include contract management
techniques, vendor management techniques, quality standard tools,
project budgeting tools, and techniques, etc.
4. Monitoring and
Controlling
The objective of this domain is to
ascertain one’s capability to track and review the overall progress
and operation of the project. The project managers in this phase
must ensure that everything works perfectly and the project is on
schedule. Besides this, the deliverables must be in accordance with
the stipulated standard. The tasks involved in this domain are as
follows:
• Measuring project performance;
• Reviewing issue logs;
• Monitoring and evaluating
risks;
• Authenticating that the project deliverable complies with the
standards contained in a quality management plan;
• Capturing and analyzing lessons learned in the course of the
project.
The Monitoring and Controlling domain
comes with specific skills and knowledge, such as process analysis
techniques (Six Sigma,
Lean), project finance principles, quality
measurement tools, control charts, etc.
5. Closing
The main goal here is to evaluateone’s
capability to perform the tasks required to conclude all activities
and officially close the project. The tasks include:
• Transferring ownership of project
deliverables to the
stakeholders;
• Acquiring legal, financial, and administrative closure;
• Collating lessons learned and acquiring feedback from the
stakeholders.
The Closing stage covers the
following: contract closure requirements, feedback techniques,
project review techniques, performance measurement techniques, etc.
Final thoughts
Project Management Professional is
speedily becoming the most accepted and necessary certification in
the world. Irrespective of your goal – to increase your salary, or
reputation with a client, or your marketability to the potential
customers – PMI PMP is your best option to quickly climb the career
ladder.
Why should you consider the PMP
certification? This is proof that you are an experienced project
manager because you have handled previous projects. Additionally,
the certificate increases your credibility in your industry and
shows your commitment to the profession. Finally, it serves as a
means to earn more money instead of depending on small stipends.
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