Are you looking to enhance your project management skills and boost your career prospects in the sunny state of Florida? Project management skills are a valuable asset in any career, as they equip professionals with the ability to effectively plan, organize and execute tasks, manage resources and timelines and navigate complex projects across various industries and roles.
Whether you are just starting your career in project management or have years of experience under your belt, obtaining a Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification could be the key to unlocking new opportunities, strengthening your skill set and helping you stand out in a competitive job market.
Recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence in project management, the PMP certification demonstrates your expertise, experience and dedication to the field. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of obtaining the PMP certification in Florida. Read on for more about the eligibility criteria, application process, recommended study resources and much more.
If you're ready to take your project management career to new heights in the Sunshine State, let's dive in and explore how you can achieve PMP certification in Florida.
What is PMP certification?
PMP certification1 is a globally-recognized credential that signifies someone’s competence in project management. It is the gold-standard certificate in the industry and is sought after by employers, clients and stakeholders. PMP certification comes from the Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit professional organization for project managers.
Why PMP certification is important
You may be wondering if PMP certification is worth it or questioning its importance. Well, PMP certification is important because it demonstrates that the individual has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to manage complex projects successfully. The certification can also make you more competitive for project management roles..
Employers often seek out PMP-certified project managers because they know they are getting a skilled and knowledgeable professional who can deliver results. That can be you. The PMP certification is a valuable investment for anyone looking to advance their career as a project manager.
What do PMPs do?
If you’re unclear about what PMPs do, you’re not the first. After all, the term is a bit vague. So what do PMPs do?
Project Managers (PMPs) handle many tasks and initiatives. They oversee projects from start to finish. A project management professional ensures that projects finish on time, within budget and to stakeholders' satisfaction.
PMP training includes managing resources, scheduling tasks and communicating with team members. Project management training also includes identifying and mitigating risks as well as opportunities for improvement. The training may be challenging, but the reward of obtaining certification (and all that comes with it) could fuel your career endeavors.
Where can PMPs work?
With their versatile skill set, PMPs in Florida have a wide range of career opportunities to explore. Project managers can work in various industries, such as construction, healthcare, finance, IT and more. PMPs can find employment in both the private and public sectors.
Some common job titles for PMPs include project manager, program manager, project coordinator, and project analyst. Additionally, PMPs can work as consultants or as self-employed professionals offering project management services to various organizations.
How long does it take to become a PMP?
The time it takes to become a project manager can vary depending on several factors, including your prior experience, availability for study and dedication to the PMP certification training process.
The Project Management Institute has certain requirements candidates must fulfill during PMP certification training. These requirements include 36 - 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years (this number depends on your education). You will also be required to complete 35 hours of project management education/PMP training course or CAPM® certification.
Assuming you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to prepare for the rigorous PMP exam. This typically involves studying the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide, which is the primary reference for the exam. On average, candidates spend several months studying and preparing for the exam.
Once you feel prepared and confident in your PMP training, you can schedule the PMP exam at multiple test centers or online. After passing the exam, you will need to complete an application process to officially obtain the PMP certification. This process includes documenting your PMP experience and agreeing to adhere to the PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Remember, when it comes to PMP certification training, try to create a realistic study plan and allocate sufficient time to adequately prepare for the exam to increase your chances of success.
5 steps to obtaining PMP certification in Florida
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before you prepare for the PMP exam, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Project Management Institute. You should have at least three years of experience as a PMP or in a related role, along with a bachelor's degree or equivalent. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, you'll need at least five years of experience in a PMP-related role. Check out the complete eligibility list below.
Step 2: Prepare for the exam
After confirming your eligibility, you can begin PMP training. You can take a PMP training course, a practice exam, or self-study using prep materials like the PMBOK Guide.
Step 3: Apply for the exam
Once you feel confident in your PMP training, you can apply for the PMP exam through the PMI website. You'll need to pay the exam fee and submit your application, which PMI will review and approve. Once your application is approved, you'll receive an email confirmation.
Step 4: Take the PMP exam
You can schedule your PMP exam at a testing center in Florida or online. The current version of the PMP exam has 180 multiple-choice questions and a 230-minute time limit. Make sure you arrive at the testing center early and bring your identification documents.
Step 5: Maintain your certification
This is important: once you pass the PMP exam, you'll need to maintain your certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. You can earn PDUs by attending training programs, volunteering or writing articles.
Eligibility requirements for PMP Certification
PMI has implemented two pathways to obtaining PMP certification. One pathway is for students who have a four-year degree, the other pathway is for those who possess a high school diploma or associate’s degree. If you meet these requirements, then you are eligible to take the PMP exam.
Pathway 1
- Have a four-year degree
- 36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification
Pathway 2
- High School Diploma or associate’s degree
- 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification
The PMP certification exam
The PMP certification exam is designed to test candidates' project management knowledge, specifically the PMI's PMBOK.
The exam covers ten knowledge areas of project management, including:
- Project Scope Management
- Project Time Management
- Project Cost Management
- Project Quality Management
- Project Resource Management
- Project Communications Management
- Project Risk Management
- Project Procurement Management
- Project Stakeholder Management
- Project Integration Management.
10 helpful test-taking tips to prepare for the PMP certification exam
Preparing for the PMP certification exam requires a systematic and comprehensive approach to ensure you have a solid understanding of key PMP concepts and the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Here are some steps you can follow to effectively prepare for the PMP Certification exam:
- Understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the exam format, including the number of questions, time limit and question types. Understanding the structure and expectations of the exam will help you manage your time effectively during the test.
- Familiarize yourself with the PMP exam content outline: The Project Management Institute provides an exam content outline that lists the domains, tasks and knowledge areas covered in the exam. Review this outline and other course materials to understand the exam structure and topics you need to focus on.
- Study the PMBOK guide: The Project Management Body of Knowledge is a primary reference for the PMP exam. Read and study this guide thoroughly, paying attention to key concepts, processes and best practices outlined in each knowledge area.
- Utilize PMP exam prep resources: The PMBOK is essential, however if flipping through a textbook isn’t your best study method, there are numerous resources available to aid in your PMP exam preparation, including interactive online study tools. Consider using PMP exam prep books, online courses, practice exams and study guides specifically designed to help you understand the exam content and format. These resources often include sample questions, explanations, and tips for success.
- Join a PMP exam prep course: Participating in a PMP exam prep course or a PMP boot camp can provide structured guidance and a comprehensive understanding of the exam material. These instructor-led courses are often offered in-person or online and can help you clarify complex concepts, engage in discussions and solve practice questions with the guidance of an experienced instructor.
- Create a customized study plan: Develop a study schedule that suits your availability and learning style. Break down course materials and topics into manageable study sessions and dedicate time each day or week to reinforce concepts, review study materials, complete practice questions and reinforce your understanding of project management principles. Consistency and regular revision are key to retaining knowledge effectively.
- Practice with sample questions: Solve a variety of sample questions and practice exams to familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your knowledge. Pay attention to the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers to improve your understanding of the concepts and identify areas that require further study.
- Join study groups or discussion forums: Engage with fellow PMP aspirants through study groups or online discussion forums. Collaborating with others preparing for the same exam can provide valuable insights, support and the opportunity to discuss challenging topics.
- Review and revise: Continuously review and revise the material you've studied. Focus on areas where you feel less confident or where you've struggled in practice exams. It is helpful to review important key terms. Use flashcards, mind maps or other memorization techniques to reinforce key concepts.
- Manage your time effectively: During the exam, time management is crucial. Read each question carefully, but avoid spending excessive time on any one question. If you encounter a challenging question, mark it for review and move on. Answer the easier questions first to build momentum and maximize your score.
Remember, to pass the PMP exam, dedication, thorough preparation and a confident mindset are a must. By following these tips, staying disciplined in your study routine, leveraging interactive online study tools, and applying critical thinking skills, you can increase your chances of passing the PMP certification exam and earning your well-deserved credential.
How to maintain your PMP certification
Once you successfully complete your project management training, receive your course completion certificate and pass the PMP exam, you will obtain your PMP certification. To maintain it, keep up with the continuing certification requirements set by the PMI.
Achieve 60 PDUs in three years
Currently, you need to earn a certain number of PDUs (professional development units) within a three-year certification cycle to maintain your PMP credential. The requirement is 60 PDUs (an average of 20 PDUs per calendar year). You can earn PDUs through continuing education, online resources like webinar-hosting or article-writing and volunteering in project-management-related activities.
Pay the certification renewal (and course fees if applicable)
Renewal fees are $60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members.
Some helpful PMP resources to study for the exam
These resources will help you facilitate your studying and PMP exam prep.
- Authorized training courses
- PMI Training, including the 2023 training catalog and eLearning online courses
- Request a training proposal
FAQs/Important considerations
What is on the PMP exam?
The PMP exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover various aspects of project management. Here's an overview of the domains tested and typically covered in the PMP exam:
- Initiating the Project: This domain focuses on tasks related to project initiation, including defining project objectives, identifying stakeholders, conducting feasibility studies and developing project charters.
- Planning the project: This domain covers tasks related to project planning, such as defining project scope, creating a work breakdown structure (WBS), developing a project schedule, determining project resource requirements and establishing project communication and risk management plans.
- Executing the project: This domain addresses tasks related to project execution, including managing project deliverables, implementing quality control measures, acquiring and managing project team resources and coordinating project activities.
- Monitoring and controlling the project: This domain focuses on tasks related to project monitoring and control, such as tracking project progress, managing changes, performing risk assessments, ensuring quality assurance and managing stakeholder expectations.
- Closing the project: This domain covers tasks related to project closure, including obtaining final project approvals, archiving project documentation, conducting lessons-learned sessions and transitioning project assets to the appropriate stakeholders.
- People: This domain emphasizes the leadership and interpersonal skills required for effective project management, including managing conflicts, motivating team members and communicating with stakeholders.
- Process: This domain involves understanding project management processes, tools, and techniques across the project life cycle, including:
- Project integration management
- Scope management, time management
- Cost management
- Quality management
- Resource management
- Communications management
- Risk management
- Procurement management
How much does the PMP certification cost?
The PMP certification exam costs $405 for PMI members and $575 for nonmembers. Renewal fees are $60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members.
Who is the accrediting body of the PMP certification?
The accrediting body for PMP certification is the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI is a global professional association that specializes in project management. It sets the standards and guidelines for project management practices and offers various certifications, including the PMP certification.
PMI is responsible for establishing the eligibility requirements, designing the exam content and administering the PMP certification process. It also provides resources, education and professional development opportunities to PMPs. The PMP certification is internationally recognized and highly regarded in the field of project management, and PMI serves as the authoritative organization behind this prestigious certification.
What is the job outlook for PMPs?
The PMP role is projected to grow by 7% over the next eight years, projecting nearly 70,400 openings each year, on average, according to the BLS.2
What are some essential skills necessary to be a successful PMP?
There are many skills that contribute towards becoming an effective and successful PMP, the following are some of the most important skills to possess, according to the BLS.2
- Project planning and organizing
- Leadership
- Communication
- Risk Management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Adaptability
- Negotiation and influencing
- Quality management
Consider your future with project management
Obtaining PMP certification in Florida could be a valuable asset to your career. Passing the PMP exam signifies a level of expertise and professionalism in project management that is highly-respected in the industry, helping to boost credibility and career earning potential.
Additionally, the knowledge and skills you’ll gain through the certification process can greatly benefit the organizations you work for.
Next steps
If you're ready to begin the journey (or continue) towards improving your PMP career, check out these 12 Project Management Tips Beginners Should Know.
Rasmussen University does not offer this external certification.
PMP and CAPM are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute.
1 What is PMP Certification? The Project Management Institute [accessed May 2023] https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed May 2023]. www.bls.gov/ooh Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries, and employment conditions in your area may vary.
