Eligibility trips up more candidates than the exam does, mostly because people find out about a requirement late. Here is the whole list.
Path 1: a four-year degree
With a four-year degree you need 36 months of experience leading projects, plus 35 hours of project management education or training.
Path 2: a high-school diploma or associate degree
Without a four-year degree you need 60 months of experience leading projects, plus the same 35 hours of education.
The 35 hours
The 35 contact hours are required on both paths and must come from a qualifying course. Career Focus Area does not provide them; we provide the simulator you use once you are ready to practise. Keep your course certificate, because you will need to reference it in the application.
What "leading projects" means
The experience requirement is about leading and directing projects, not about your job title. Many candidates have led projects as analysts, engineers, coordinators or team leads. When you write up your experience, describe what you did on each project in plain terms: the objective, your role, the outcome.
Before you apply
- Count your months carefully and keep evidence for each project.
- Line up your 35-hour course certificate.
- Read the current certification handbook for the application steps and the audit process.
Applications can be selected for audit, so accuracy matters more than volume.
Sources
- The certification body's certification handbook (eligibility requirements and audits).
- Eligibility on the PMP page.
