Disclaimer

I have made every effort to give you my best advice, tricks, and techniques. However, there is no
guarantee that you will pass the exam by utilizing the techniques or ideas mentioned in this
eBook.
Ideas and guidelines given in this eBook are for informational purposes only. Your level of
success depends on you, how you plan your strategy, and how you devote yourself to the exam
preparation. I am not responsible for any actions or damages caused by reading or applying the
guidelines or techniques given in this eBook.
This eBook has many links to recommended sites, resources, and books that I consider useful for
your PMP exam preparation. Before purchasing or downloading any product or service, you
must verify the suitability and integrity of the source. I do not take any responsibility regarding
the performance, effectiveness, applicability, content accuracy, current validity, or any other
implied or explicit purpose of any site, product, or book listed in this eBook.
Although I will try my best to keep this eBook updated and current, there is no guarantee that the
information and resources referred to within this eBook will remain valid or updated.
For the most accurate, recent, and authenticated information about the PMP exam, please browse
www.pmi.org and read the PMP handbook.
If there is any conflict between the information given in this eBook and the PMP handbook, you
should assume the PMP handbook to be correct.
This eBook is not intended as legal advice. The reader of this eBook assumes all responsibility
for the use of these materials and information.

Copyright 2015 by PM Study Circle

All rights reserved. Youre free to use the material available in this eBook for your personal use as
you wish. However, no part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means without the express permission from the author.

http://PMStudyCircle.com
fahad@pmstudycircle.com

PMP, PMBOK Guide, PMI and REP are registered trademarks of Project Management Institute
(PMI), USA.

Affiliate Disclosure
This eBook contains some affiliate links from which I may earn commission. However, this will
not affect your purchase price. If you are in doubt as to whether a particular link is such an
affiliate link, you should assume it is an affiliate link.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Initial Preparation
Final Preparation
Attempt the Exam
What If You Failed the Exam
A Few FAQs
How to Earn 60 PDUs

Preface
Back in 2011 when I was preparing for the PMP certification exam, I did not find a single
resource which could give me complete guidance about how to prepare for the PMP exam and
become a PMP.
I struggled a lot and eventually passed the PMP exam, and then I attempted another PMI
certification exam and passed it as well.
Therefore I am now writing this eBook for professionals aspiring to become a PMP.
If you want to become a PMP, you are preparing for the PMP, or you already hold the PMP
certification, this eBook is for you. Here I will provide you with all the information that you will
require in your preparation.
This eBook is divided into eight chapters.
The first chapter is the preface, the second chapter is the introduction, and the third chapter will
let you know about the initial preparation. Here you will learn about how you should collect
information about the PMP exam.
The fourth chapter is dedicated to the final exam preparation. Here I will explain how you should
prepare for the PMP certification exam. In the fifth chapter I will walk you through the exam
process and how you should attempt the test.
In the sixth chapter I will explain your next steps if you failed the exam. In the seventh chapter I
will answer a few questions that are commonly asked by aspirants, and lastly I will explain how
you can maintain your PMP certification once you become a PMP.
I hope you will find this eBook useful for your studies.
Although I tried to provide you with all the information possible regarding the PMP exam, if you
still have any questions in your mind, you can contact me any time.
Thanks and regards,
M Fahad Usmani, PMP, PMI-RMP
fahad@pmstudycircle.com

Introduction
The PMP stands for the Project Management Professional and is awarded by the Project
Management Institute (PMI) USA. The PMP certification is world's most sought after
certification in the field of project management.
This certificate offers you many benefits, such as:
You Will Learn Many New Techniques
To pass the PMP exam you will have to go through many stages, such as attending a training
program, reading the PMBOK Guide, studying reference books, and then finally attend a test.
This procedure makes sure that you are aware of the latest tools and techniques being used
worldwide by project management professionals.
Your Knowledge Will be Streamlined
Since you have attended a training program, gone through the PMBOK Guide which is
developed by professionals working in different fields and living in different geographical areas,
and have passed the PMP exam, your knowledge is aligned with the best project management
practice.
You May Receive More Interview Calls
The job market is very competitive and many candidates fight for a single vacancy. In this case,
having the PMP certification helps you gain a competitive edge. If youre a PMP, you will be
separated from the rest who dont possess it. You will more likely be the candidate to receive the
interview call.
Earns You Respect and Credibility
This certification establishes your credibility as a high-level professional because you have
demonstrated the required level of education, experience and competency to lead and direct the
project within the standard established guidelines.
Your Skills Will Be Globally Recognized
The PMP certification is a globally recognized certificate, and many top organizations
recommended that their employees have it. Once you pass this certification, your skills will not
be questioned and clients will trust in your abilities.

Plus many more benefits.

Because of these benefits every professional who is involved in project management has a desire
to earn this certification.
The process to earn this prestigious certification is not easy. To pass the PMP exam you will
have to go through many stages set by the PMI.
This eBook will guide you through every step, highlighting the procedures that will help you
pass the PMP certification exam.
The valuable information youre looking for doesnt stop there! In this guide, you will discover
how you can earn 60 PDUs and complete the CCR (Continuing Certification Requirements)
Cycle, so that your PMP credentials can be renewed for an additional three years.
Okay, lets get started.

Initial Preparation
First of all check your eligibility. In order to apply for the PMP certification exam, you must
fulfill these three requirements:
1) Education: You must hold a four year bachelors degree or a diploma (or any equivalent) in
any discipline.
2) Experience: You must have a minimum number of hours of project management experience.
If youre a degree holder you should have at least 4,500 hours (three years), and if youre a
diploma holder you should have at least 7,500 hours (five years) of experience in leading and
directing projects.
3) Training: You are also required to attend a 35 hour training program for formal project
management education.
Ensure that you satisfy these requirements before applying for the PMP certification exam.
Collect Information
Next, you will have to collect all of the information available for your PMP exam preparation.
Visit www.pmi.org, download the PMP handbook and read it one word at a time.
Go to http://PMStudyCircle.com and browse the PMP FAQs. Here you will find many frequently
asked questions that will help you out significantly.
(If you do not find the answer to your particular query, post it in the comments section or send
me an email. I will reply to your query.)
Collect Study Materials
Once youre equipped with all of that valuable information, start collecting the study materials.
Your study materials may consist of reference books, slides, notes, videos, podcasts, exam
preparation software, question banks, simulated tests, and so on.
I suggest you buy any two good PMP exam preparation books. Some renowned books are as
follows:

Head First PMP

Rita Mulcahy
Kim Heldman

Andy Crowe

Pre-Study
Before you go any further, it is highly recommended that you sign up for a PMI membership
because it will help you tremendously in your preparation.
Some benefits of a PMI membership are:
You will get a discount on the PMP certification exam fee and this discount will outweigh
the membership cost you paid to PMI.
You can download a digital copy of the latest version of the PMBOK Guide free of cost.
You can also download other standards and frameworks published by the PMI for free.
You will get discounts for many online courses and books available at the PMI store.
Youll get several magazines published by the PMI on a monthly and a quarterly basis free of
charge; for example, PM Network, PMI Today, and Project Management Journal.
You will be able to access many online books available on eRead and Reference for free.
This will help you prepare for the PMP exam.
You will get free access to Career Central & Headquarters. Here you can submit your resume
and search for jobs. It also provides you with guidelines to help you develop your career.
Your PMI membership also provides you with an opportunity to network with local chapters
and experts to help you build your professional network.

I hope these benefits are enough to motivate you to get your PMI membership.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand.
Once you have collected all of the information, study materials, and joined the PMI, I highly
advise you to start your pre-study immediately.
Im calling it pre-study because you dont know about anything as of yet, and you dont have
your 35 contact hours.
It is extremely important for you to start with your pre-study because once you study the subject,
you will get a much better idea about the various project management concepts and PMP
methodologies.
Start with any good PMP exam reference book and complete it. Then, read the PMBOK Guide. I
recommend not starting with the PMBOK Guide because it tends to be a very dry read. As a
result, if you start your studies with the PMBOK Guide, Im afraid you may lose interest
entirely. Start with any good PMP reference book and then read the PMBOK Guide.

In my exam preparation, I made a grave mistake and I dont want you to repeat my mistake.
When I started my preparation for the PMP exam, I collected some information and joined the
training program. However, before joining the training program, I didnt read any reference
books or the PMBOK Guide. This was my biggest mistake.
During the training program, there were several topics which were new to me. Many of my
classmates were discussing those topics, and I was sitting silently listening to them. It was an
embarrassing situation for me, and I certainly dont want you to go through the same experience.
I wished that I had studied a reference book or the PMBOK Guide at least once. That being said,
I suggest that you read any good PMP exam reference book and the PMBOK Guide before
starting the 35 contact hours training program.

Final Preparation
Now, its time to commence the 35 contact hours training program.
Nowadays, you will see different types of training program providers who provide training for
the 35 contact hours. However, there are two types of training providers who have proven to be
more popular than the rest:
Classroom Training Providers
Online Training Providers
Classroom Training Providers: In this type of training model, you will have class for a few
days, and upon completion of the training program you will get a certificate of attendance.
Benefits of Classroom Training Programs:
The sessions are interactive.
Youll complete the course in a short time span.
You will get the chance to meet with cross-industry professionals.
Drawbacks of Classroom Training Programs:
It is very costly.
These programs are usually held in large cities. If you dont live there, you may have to
travel.
The seats are limited.
The schedule is fixed, so you have to make time as per their schedule.
Online Training Providers: These days, online training programs are becoming more popular
because of their flexibility and ease of use.
Benefits of Online Training Programs:

They are much cheaper than classroom training programs.

You can join them at any time from any place in the world.
There are no seat limitations.
You can complete the course on your schedule.

Drawbacks of Online Training Programs:

The sessions are not very interactive.
Responses to your questions may be late.
Since these programs provide you with a lot of time to complete them, you may feel lazy
and not take full advantage of it.
Here are a few renowned & affordable online PMP 35 contact hours training program providers:

 PM Prepcast
Whizlabs
Its all about the type of training program and its up to you which training program you choose
for yourself. However, beware: try to get your contact hours from PMI approved REPs only.
There are many benefits to getting the contact hours from PMI approved REPs:
Their course content is in line with the PMBOK Guide. It is reviewed and approved by the
PMI.
In case of an audit, you will not be required to submit the course content because you
already attended a pre-approved course. It will save you a lot of headaches.
Apply for the Exam
After completing the training, I strongly recommend that you apply for the PMP exam. You have
two options to apply for the PMP certification exam. The first option is in paper format, and the
second one is online.
The information required in both formats is the same, but processing for the online method is
much quicker than the paper method. Therefore, I suggest you go with the online option.
The application form is categorized into three sections. The information required in each section
is as follows:
In the first section, you have to fill in general information.
In the second section, you have to fill in your project management experience.
In the third section, you will be required to provide details of your 35 contact hours training
program.
You have the option to fill in this form over a course of many sessions. You can fill in part of the
form and save it. Then, when you have time, you can go back to complete it.
* Please note: Once you start the process, you must complete it within 90 days.
Fill in the form completely, and submit it to PMI.
PMI takes at least one week to review the application. Once your application is reviewed and
approved, they will send you an email with instructions on how to proceed further. Now you can
make the payment.
PMI Audit
When you make the payment, there is a chance that you may be selected for an audit.

A PMI audit is a normal process to ensure that you are providing the correct information to the
PMI. You should not afraid of this process.
Its not just you; almost every PMP aspirant who applies for this exam has an audit phobia, and
they are scared about what could happen if they are selected to be audited.
Believe me, a PMI audit is nothing that you should worry about. I have never seen a single
candidate fail it. Some people do fail the audit, but it is rare.
During the audit process, PMI asks you to provide them with some documentation; e.g.
photocopies of your education certificates, experience certificates, and the 35 contact hours
program.
Send them these documents via mail and you are done.
PMI may also contact your previous bosses to see whether the information provided to them is
correct or not, so be sure to inform your bosses about your audit process.
After receiving the document, within a weeks time PMI will inform you of your audit outcome.
If PMI is satisfied with your documents, they will send you an email containing a code. You can
now go to the Prometric site and schedule the exam with this code.
However, if they find some discrepancies in your documentation, they may ask you for
clarification.
Once youre selected for an audit, you have 90 days to complete it.
Schedule the Exam
This is a very important step! You must schedule your exam within three months time from
when your application gets approved.
You may be unable to seriously focus on your studies until you schedule your exam. Once you
schedule your exam, the clock will start ticking and you will start your test preparation seriously,
aggressively, passionately and punctually.
Also, once you have scheduled the exam, do not try to postpone it unless you have a strong
reason to do so. I have seen many aspirants postponing their exam because of a lack of
preparation and thinking that next time they will be well prepared, and they finally either end up
losing their eligibility period or attempt the exam without any proper preparation.
Please dont do this; schedule the exam and stick with it.
Exam Preparation
No one can tell you how you should prepare for your exam, and you should not follow the study

blueprint of any other person. You should plan your strategy according to your own requirements
and stick with it. Otherwise, you wont be able to enjoy your reading and may feel like its a
burden.
Some people say that early morning is best time to study, although I have never studied in the
morning. Honestly, I tried many times, but failed miserably. I find it very difficult to wake up
early in the morning, so I used to study in the evening as well as at night.
Youre free to follow your own style. If youre comfortable with early morning studies, go with
that. Otherwise, dont force yourself.
Now we come to creating your study plan. Im not going to dictate to you the exact procedure,
but Ill try to guide you in such a way that no page is left unturned, and you will be able to study
more efficiently.
Strategic Study Plan
Pick any good PMP exam reference book (I suggest you go with Head First PMP), and read it
from cover to cover. Once you read it, go through the PMBOK Guide. Try to understand the
concepts and logic behind each process. Pay attention to process flow. Visualize the relation
among the Input, Tools & Techniques and Output (ITTOs) and process flow.
Refer to the manuals, notes, and the slides that you have collected or you have been given by
your training provider.
Repeat this process as many times as necessary until you are comfortable with it. Try to read the
PMBOK Guide at least three times. It will give you a better understanding about the process
flow and ITTOs.
Solve the questions given at the end of each chapter of your reference books.
Now youre ready for the next stage.
Try to purchase a good PMP exam simulator from any well-known source. Some good resources
are:
PM Exam Simulator by OSP International
Whizlabs PMP Exam Simulator
These packages contain a good amount of practice questions. Attempt them and find your weak
areas and then work on improving them. Then do the simulated tests and see where you are
ranking. Change your focus to account for any issues, if required.
Self-Promotion
I have written three eBooks to help you pass the PMP exam. These eBooks are:

1. PMP Question Bank

2. PMP Formula Guide
3. EVM for the PMP Exam
PMP Question Bank
This PMP Question Bank has 400 PMP exam sample questions which cover all project
management process groups and is based on the fifth edition of the PMBOK Guide. No question
is duplicated in any way, so you get a new concept with each question.
This Question Bank helps you understand the PMBOK Guide, provides you with a glimpse of
the real exam, and elevates your confidence in the exam.
PMP Question Bank
PMP Formula Guide
This is my second eBook for you. In this eBook I have explained all of the mathematical
formulas mentioned in the fifth edition of the PMBOK Guide.
This will help you understand and solve mathematical questions in the exam.
This guide has enough practice questions for you to gain practice and confidence.
PMP Formula Guide
EVM for the PMP Exam
In fact, the PMP Formula Guide is enough for you to understand all PMP exam formulas
including the earned value concepts.
However, if you are interested in digging deeper into earned value management and need more
practice questions, this guide is for you.
EVM for the PMP Exam
On several PMP exam forums, I see that many PMP aspirants are desperately seeking sample
PMP questions and study materials. Believe me, if you have the materials suggested by me in
this guide, you wont have any difficulty passing the exam.
Attempting too many questions and mock tests will waste your time, and can demoralize
you .Try to solve questions available from authentic and reliable sources only.
The PMP exam is based on the PMBOK Guide. Therefore, read this guide as many times as you
can.

Attempt the Exam

Try to reach the Prometric center half an hour before the scheduled test time. This will give you
enough time to complete the formalities. If you dont know the location of the exam center, visit
it ahead of time and find the correct location.
It will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the formalities, and then you will be allowed to enter
the test room.
The Exam
The Prometric staff will walk you to the desk and open the test window for you. Now you will
have to click the start button to start the exam. Once you click the start button, you will be
immediately familiarized with all display options and how to use them - e.g. how to select an
answer, how to use a calculator, etc.
The time allotted for this session is 15 minutes, though you may complete it sooner and start the
exam.
I suggest that you do not end this session early. Go through the awareness session quickly, and
use any remaining time to write down any important and critical formulas or concepts that you
find difficult to remember. You can use the paper provided by the Prometric staff. Utilize the full
15 minutes.
After you complete the familiarization session, your test will begin.
You have to complete 200 questions in four hours (1.2 minutes per question). I assure you that if
youre well prepared, four hours are sufficient to answer 200 questions.
I have seen in many forums and blogs that people who passed their PMP exam on average (most
of them) took two and half to three hours to complete the test. The remaining time they utilized
to review answers.
During the test, youre allowed to take breaks, but there is no concession in time. Your clock will
be continuously ticking; therefore take only a short break if necessary. During my exam I took
two breaks to freshen myself.
Take your time, complete the exam, and submit the answers. After you submit your answers, you
will be taken to a survey. After completing the survey, your result will be displayed.
I hope you see the congratulatory message!
Please note that in the PMP exam there is no negative marking. Therefore, it is in your best
interest to attempt all questions. For a few questions you will be clueless about the answers, so
select your best guess in this case. The point is: never leave any question unanswered.

If you pass the test, hopefully within seven business days you will get an email from the PMI and
your name will be added to the PMI online certification registry. You will receive your
certificate within eight weeks of passing the exam.
Before going further, let us summarize all the important steps once again:

Check your eligibility.

Collect all information regarding the PMP certification exam.
Collect study materials (e.g. books, notes, manuals and slides, etc.)
Get your PMI membership.
Start reading PMP exam reference books.
Go through the PMBOK Guide.
Attend a 35 contact hours training program for formal project management education.
Apply for the PMP exam and schedule it.
Start preparing rigorously.
Take the exam and pass it.
Come to PM Study Circle and share your lessons learned.

What If You Failed the Exam?

Dont worry if you failed in your first attempt. You still have two more chances to pass the
exam. I have seen a survey (I dont remember where I saw it) which says that the chances for
passing the PMP exam the second time increase drastically. Therefore, you now have a higher
probability of passing the exam than you did on the first attempt.
The PMP exam is not as tough as many people think. Most people who failed the exam blame
their poor preparation for their failure. I believe that if you follow the guidelines given in this
eBook and prepare accordingly, passing the PMP exam will not be difficult for you.
Many people become very desperate after failing the test and they think they will never be able
to pass it. Don't worry; you can pass the exam in your next attempt if you follow the proper path.
In the PMP exam you are going to see six types of questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

ITTO based questions

Definition based questions
Situation based question
Formula based questions
Interpretational questions
Questions on Professional and Social Responsibility

Out of these, ITTO based questions, situation based questions, and formula based questions are
questions which many aspirants find difficult to solve.
If you are having problems with ITTO based questions, you should read the PMBOK Guide
thoroughly and understand its processes. Never ever try to memorize the ITTO; it is very
difficult to do so and trying will only demoralize you.
The best option to solve ITTO based questions is to understand them. Memorizing them will
waste your time and defeats the purpose of the certification exam.
For situation based question, you will have to assume that you are working in an ideal world and
things will go as discussed in the PMBOK Guide. To answer correctly, you have to think the
way PMI thinks.
Lastly are the mathematical questions. Many people avoid these types of questions because they
find them very difficult to solve. This is not the right approach and you should avoid doing this.
Mathematical questions are very easy to solve if you understand the concepts; therefore,
understand the formulas and practice questions, and it will help you get a good score on the
exam.
(If you are facing problems in solving formula based questions, you can refer my PMP Formula
Guide.)

How to Prepare for Your Next Attempt

It is difficult to digest failure and identify faults. I have had interactions with many professionals
who failed the exam.
Some of them say that the exam was very tough and they could not get over it, and others say
that the exam was okay and they failed with a very thin margin. There are very few aspirants
who accept that they went to the exam without proper preparation.
Recently a student posted a comment on my blog saying that his preparation very good. He has a
good command over his preparation and was getting high scores in all the mock tests. Moreover,
in the exam he felt he performed so well that he was sure that he would pass the exam, but alas,
he failed. He was not able to digest that he failed the exam.
Remember a failure is a failure, and it is rare that PMI makes a mistake because the whole
process is controlled by computer algorithms that do not require any human intervention.
So once you fail the exam, don't panic; you have your chance to pass the exam next time.
Prepare better for next time.
Now I am going to give you a general idea about how to prepare for the exam if you failed the
exam in your first or second attempt.
Step-I: Perform a Self-Audit
If you failed the exam, the first step is for you to perform a self-audit. Review the exam report
and see in which process group you performed badly. Find your knowledge gaps and fill them.
To do this note down the process group where you performed poorly and identify all processes
under this group.
Take help from Page: 61 PMBOK Guide 5th Edition.
Step-II: Fill the Knowledge Gaps
You have identified your weak spot, so now you have to work hard to fill these gaps. Here you
have to focus on areas where you performed poorly in the exam.
At this juncture, I would suggest you buy another good PMP exam reference book. If you started
your study with one book buy a second book, and if you started with two books the first time buy
a third book.
Although this depends on you and it is okay if you started out with two books and stick with two
books only. However, it will help you if you buy a new book because you have already studied
your old books. A new book will give you new insight on the subject. Also, read the PMBOK as
many times as you can.

Step-III: Schedule the Exam

The next step is to schedule the exam. As I have said earlier, once you schedule the exam, your
studying will pick up speed automatically.
This is an important step and you should not take more than two months to schedule the exam.
Since you have already studied the material the first time, two months is more than enough for
you.
Step-IV: Attempt Mock Tests
Now you have to start trying mock tests. Start attempting mock tests at least one week before the
exam date.
Try to do mock tests which you havent tried yet. If you don't find any, you can try doing mock
tests you havent done in a while.
Step-V: Take the Test
This is the final step and here I have nothing more to add.
Try to reach the Prometric center 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time, complete the
formalities and finish the exam.
I wish you good luck on your second attempt for the PMP exam.

A Few FAQs
In this chapter I am going to provide you with some common frequently asked questions. I
suggest you visit PMIs official FAQ page for the latest information and read the PMP
handbook.
You can also visit my own FAQ page to read many more FAQs.
Okay, lets get started.
Is it necessary to have a PMI membership to apply for the PMP exam?
NO, it is not required. You dont have to be a PMI member in order to apply for the PMP exam;
however, it is highly recommended because the fee for the PMP examination is 555 USD for a
non-member and 405 USD for a PMI member. The difference in the fee between non-members
and members is 150 USD, and the cost of a PMI membership is 129 USD.
It is obvious that if you become a member of PMI, you will save 21 USD, and also get a lot of
benefits, including a free e-copy of the latest version of the PMBOK Guide.
Therefore, it is in your best interest to sign up for a PMI membership before applying for the
PMP exam.
What is the passing score for the PMP exam?
Until November 2005, the passing score for the PMP exam was 61%, and after November 30th
2005 PMI has stopped publishing the passing percentage for the exam.
Therefore, nobody currently knows what the passing percentage is.
What percentage of candidates is selected for an audit?
The audit process is completely random and PMI never discloses what percentage of people gets
selected for an audit.
Therefore, it will be in your best interest to prepare for audit before applying for the PMP exam.
What will happen if I fail in a PMP audit?
If you fail the audit, you will get your money back and PMI will deduct a 100 USD processing
fee. There is also a chance for further action, which will be decided by PMI on a case-by-case
basis.

Im selected for an audit. What will happen I decide not to proceed with it?
If youre selected for an audit and you decide not to go ahead with it, your audit will be
considered as a failed audit. In this case your money will be returned to you with a deduction of
the processing fee.
After this failed audit, you can re-submit your application form again after one years time.
How I can avoid an audit?
If you are asking me how you can avoid a PMP exam application audit by PMI, my answer is,
you cannot, because this is a completely random process. As per PMI:
All applications are subject to an audit, although only a percentage of applications are selected
for audit. The selection of an application for audit is random.
I got my PMP training a few years back. Is it expired or not?
Your 35 contact hours are never going to expire. You can use these contact hours to be eligible
for the PMP certification exam at any time. However, you must earn these contact hours before
the submission of your application form to the PMI.
When will I be able to see my certification information on the online PMI certification
registry after passing the PMP exam?
Wait for at least one week. After one week you will receive a congratulatory email from PMI and
then you will be able to see your name on the online PMI certification registry.

What is the PMP exam refund policy of PMI?

The PMIs PMP exam refund policy says:
If you have applied for the PMP certification exam, your application is approved, the exam fee
is deposited, and then you decide not to go ahead with the PMP exam certification process in
this case you can get your money back.
To get a refund, you have to submit a written request at least one month before the exam
eligibility expiry date to PMI Customer Care.
Your money will be returned to you minus the processing fee of 100 USD if you have not yet
scheduled or taken the exam.
You are also entitled to get a refund if you failed the PMP exam application audit. PMI will
retain a processing fee of 100 USD, and the rest will be returned to you.

Please note in the following cases you will not get a refund, and your entire fee will be forfeited:
If your one-year eligibility period has expired and you have not scheduled the exam.
If you scheduled the exam and did not attend it, and you also couldnt provide a proper
reason to cancel/reschedule the exam to Prometric.
If you failed the PMP exam.
Can I reschedule or cancel my PMP exam appointment?
You can reschedule or cancel your PMP certification exam appointment, but this service is no
longer free. As of the 1st of April, 2012, PMI has implemented a new policy to reschedule or
cancel the exam appointment. It says that if you cancel or reschedule your exam within 30 days
of an appointment, you have to pay a 70 USD cancellation or rescheduling fee.
According to the PMI,
Effective April 1, 2012:
You can reschedule or cancel your exam at any time, as long as you do so more than two full
calendar days before your scheduled exam appointment. However, a 70 USD fee will be charged
to you if you reschedule or cancel your exam within 30 days of the scheduled appointment. If
you wait until you are within two days of your exam appointment, you wont be able to
reschedule or cancel your exam and you will forfeit the entire exam fee.
Therefore, before making an appointment for the exam, make sure to double-check that you
wont need to change or cancel it; otherwise you have to pay a 70 USD fee to PMI.

Bonus Section: 60 PDUs

The beauty of the PMP certification is that it helps you to keep yourself updated with new skills,
participate in various project management activities, and help the community.
PMI encourages this practice by incorporating a CCR cycle clause. Under the CCR cycle you
have to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) within three years, and report them to
PMI. If you do so, your credential will be renewed for another three years. Otherwise, you may
have to take the PMP exam again to retain this credential.
There are many categories under which you can earn these PDUs - e.g. by participating in
webinars and PMIs local chapter meetings, self-directed learning, continuing education, and
giving back to the community, etc.

Earning PDUs
Although there are various ways and hundreds of resources to earn the PDUs, Im going to give
you few free and paid resources that will help you to achieve your target.

Free resources: Here you can find categories A, B, C & F PDUs.

Category-A & B
Corped Group: They have about 45 recorded webinars, and some are scheduled. By
attending or watching the recorded webinars you can claim about 30 category A PDUs.
Browse Corped Groups Webinars
IAG Consulting: Here you can earn 12 PDUs. I asked IAG Consulting about the
category of these webinars and they said that it is category 2 (old classification), however
I believe that now they are under category B.
Browse IAG Consultings Webcasts
PMI Communities: PMI also provides you with many opportunities to earn PDUs by
participating in their activities. The easiest way is to join their various communities and
attend their webinars to earn category A PDUs.
Browse PMI Communities
The good thing about PMI webinars is that you dont need to report them. If you watch
any full category A webinar, the PDU will be credited to your account automatically.

Category-C

Category-C is for self-directed learning. It is the easiest category to earn PDUs. To earn PDUs
under this category, you have to read, listen or watch something related to project management.
To earn PDUs under this category, I suggest that you buy or borrow any project management
related book and read it. Once you complete the reading, you can claim the PDUs.
In this category, you can earn 30 PDUs.

Category-F
If youre working as a professional in project management, you can claim 15 PDUs per CCR
cycle or 5 PDUs per year.
I believe that the above links are more than adequate to provide you with the required 60 PDUs
to complete the CCR cycle.

Paid PDUs
If you want to gain a lot of Category A PDUs in one shot, or are interested in learning new skills,
you may choose the paid option.
Here Im going to list few paid resources from PM Simplify with discount coupon codes for you.
PM Fundamental
For 150 USD you will get 35 PDUs.
In this course you will learn the basic fundamentals of project management. The course content
is aligned with the 5th edition of the PMBOK Guide, and it reviews your knowledge of all
project management processes.
Course access will be for one year.
Click here to buy
(Use coupon code PMSC to get a discount of 15 USD)
Business Analysis Fundamental
For 200 USD you will get 25 PDUs.
This course teaches you the fundamentals of business analysis, and the course content is aligned
with the BABOK Guide Second edition.
Course access will be for one year.
Click here to buy

(Use coupon code PMSC to get a discount of 20 USD)

Six Sigma Overview
For 100 USD you will get 15 PDUs.
This course teaches you the basics of Six Sigma, its elements, and barriers in the implementation
of Six Sigma, etc.
Click here to buy
(Use coupon code PMSC to get a discount of 10 USD)
Principles of Leadership
For 75 USD, youll get 10 PDUs.
This course will give you a brief outline of the traits of leadership, leadership models, team
building activities, communication, mentoring, etc.
Click here to buy
(Use coupon code PMSC to get a discount of 7.50 USD)
Non-Verbal Communication
For 75 USD, youll get 10 PDUs.
Here you will learn about communication models, types, methods, the significance of non-verbal
communication, etc.
Course access is for one year.
Click here to buy
(Use coupon code PMSC to get a discount of 7.50 USD)

Bundle Courses from PMSimplify

PM Simplify also offers bundle courses where two or more courses are combined as a single
package and given at a discounted price.
The following are the bundle courses from the PMSimplify:
60 PDU Bundle
The price of this bundle is 300 USD, and it consists of two courses: PM Fundamentals and
Business Analysis Fundamental.

Click here to buy

(Save 30 USD with discount coupon code PMSC)
Course access is for one year.
55 PDU Bundle
This bundle is available for 270 USD, and it includes three courses: PM Fundamentals,
Leadership Principles, and Non-Verbal Communication.
Click here to buy
(Save 27 USD with discount coupon code PMSC)
Course access is for one year.
50 PDU Bundle
The price of this bundle course is 240 USD, and it consists of two courses: PM Fundamentals
and Six Sigma Overview.
Click here to buy
(Save 24 USD with discount coupon code PMSC)
Course access is for one year.
45 PDU Bundle
This course is available for 210 USD, and it includes two courses: PM Fundamentals and NonVerbal Communication.
Click here to buy
(Save 21 USD with discount coupon code PMSC)
Course access is for one year.
40 PDU Bundle
The price of this bundle course is 180 USD, and it consists of two courses: Business Analysis
and Six Sigma Overview.
Click here to buy
(Save 18 USD with discount coupon code PMSC)
Course access is for one year.

Thank you for reading this eBook.