The PMP exam evaluates the learners’ understanding of a wide range of topic areas. The skills measures in this certification test are combined in several objectives that are listed below. They are:

• Monitoring and Controlling (25%)

  This subject area is all about assessing one’s skills in using techniques and tools to measure project performance so as to identify and quantify corrective actions and variances; following the change management plan to manage changes to the project; verifying that the project deliverables are conforming to the established quality standards; using the appropriate techniques and tools to meet the business needs and project requirements; monitoring and evaluating risk by determining whether the exposure has changed; evaluating the effectiveness of response strategies; managing the impact of opportunities and risks on the project; reviewing the issue log; determine the appropriate corrective actions; minimizing the impact on the project; monitoring procurement activities on the basis of the procurement plan; etc.

• Initiating (13%)

  Within this first domain, the questions assess the candidates’ knowledge and skills in performing project assessment based on the available information, collaborating with the relevant stakeholders so as to support the assessment of feasibility of new services or products within the given constraints or assumption. Also, within this objective, the examinees need to show their proficiency in identifying major deliverables depending on the requirements of the business; using the appropriate tools and techniques to perform the stakeholder analysis; identifying risks of high inflation, constraints, and assumption; analyzing and compiling gathered information to participate in the development of a project charter; obtaining project charter approval; conducting benefit analysis; informing the stakeholders of any approved project charter; etc.

• Planning (24%)

  Answering the questions from the second topic, the test takers have to demonstrate that they are capable of assessing and reviewing exact project requirements, assumptions, and constraints with the stakeholders; establishing detailed project deliverables so as to use requirement gathering techniques; creating a scope management plan; managing the scope of the project; establishing the project schedule; managing timely completion of all projects; creating the human resource management plan; defining the responsibilities and roles of the project team members; creating the communication management plan depending on the stakeholder requirements and the project organizational plan; creating the procurement management plan depending on the project scope schedule, and budget; creating the quality management plan and defining the quality standards for the project and its products; creating the change management plan; planning for risk management; presenting for the risk management; conducting kick-off meeting and communicating the start of the project; creating the stakeholder management plan; and so on.

• Executing (31%)

  This topic validates the abilities of the individuals in acquiring and managing project resources through following procurement management plans and human resources; managing the implementation of the task according to the project management plan; executing the quality management plan; performing approved changes and corrective actions in accordance with the change management plan; executing approved actions in accordance with the risk action plan; managing the flow of the information plan in accordance with following the communication plan; maintaining the stakeholder relationships according the stakeholder management plan.

PMI PMP Content Outline

Initiating

The initiation phase of the project encompasses a total of 8 tasks including the following:

• Performing benefit analysis with the stakeholders to verify project alignment with the business strategies;
• Informing the stakeholders of the accepted project charter to create a common understanding of the key deliverables, milestones, and their responsibilities.
• Identifying the major deliverables depending on the business needs;
• Completing stakeholder analysis using the right tools and techniques to support projects;
• Getting project charter approval for the sponsor to enact the authority dedicated to the project;
• Participating in the development of the project charter, which involves analyzing and compiling the existing information to ensure project stakeholders approve its elements;
• Performing project assessment based on the existing lessons and information obtained from the previous projects;

Reference: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp

Recommended Study Material

The most helpful books for the PMP exam are as follows:

• SimpliLearn Blended Learning PMP Certification

  It is a training partner authorized by Project Management Institute. This course is focused on the latest industry-best practices mentioned in the PMBOK Guide that one should be aware of to pass the updated PMP exam. It also brings one 35 PDUs and explains contemporary trends, practices, tailoring considerations, and key competencies needed for a project manager. Putting a keen focus on strategic and business knowledge, this PMP course also entails a new section about the project manager’s role in small and large companies.

• A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition.

  It is an official flagship publication and an essential resource for successful project managers working in any industry. For many years, the business has changed significantly, but projects are still the critical drivers of any company’s success. The guide covers the Standard for Project Management, a foundation upon which the huge body of project knowledge builds. This guide captures and summarizes that vast knowledge and serves as great study material for every applicant.

• Official Self-Paced Course for the New PMP Exam

  This training is equivalent to 35 hours of education you need to meet the exam prerequisites. During this program, you’ll go through the five domains, mastering the concepts covered by the test. These include the specifics of creating a team, keeping it on track, all the stages of launching a project as well as working on it, considering the process improvement and business changes. The course costs $699 for both members and non-members.

• Information Technology Project Management 9th Edition by Kathy Schwalbe

  This book helps one to gain comprehensive knowledge of the most modern methods and tools used in the sphere of project management. It tells about recent developments and makes one completely ready for CAPM and PMP exams. This book has taken inspiration from both PMBOK guide and Agile Practice Guide. Moreover, it is supplemented with real-world cases, examples, and self-assessment tasks. This material is a great choice for those aiming to possess the most demanded competencies.

  Some of the training courses the candidates can enroll in for their PMP test are the following:

Career Opportunities & Pay for PMP Certified Individuals

The PMP certification opens numerous doors in project management. Certified professionals can get a job as a senior project manager, technical project manager, director of operations, and others. When it comes to compensation, PMI states that PMP accredited individuals have 25% higher salaries in the US compared to non-certified specialists. The average pay for PMP professionals is about $107k annually, according to PayScale.com.