I took my Project Management Professional exam 3 times. It was a hard exam. While I know the fail rate for the PMP exam is pretty high at an estimated 40-50% for first-time test-takers. I was still upset it took that many tries to pass but I knew that I couldn't give up. The PMP exam is a $555, 4-hour long exam with 200 questions. You cannot pass the exam merely by memorizing facts or the ITTOs. ITTOs are the Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs of Project Management. They are the foundation and infrastructure of the Project Management processes discussed in the PMBOK® Guide. You have to understand them. There are also formulas and mathematical equations on this exam.
PMI® announced that the PMP certification exam will change on December 16th 2019 when they release a new PMP Exam Content Outline. It was one of the hardest exams I've ever taken but I don't regret it at all. I was acknowledged by hiring managers as an expert in my field and my salary requirements increased as well. I don't think anyone needs to have a PMP certificate to be a great Project manager but I do believe without question that it improves your options for the future.
There is a sense of pride that comes with the accomplishment of being certified. The studying equipped me to be ready for my roles. It is widely known that the exam is idealistic in its scenarios. There are things you don't learn from studying, how to manage an angry client or a burned-out team but I hope to share my experiences here to help others.
