Nine Myths and Facts on PMI-PMP Examination

There are a number of myths on PMP Examination like – 35 hour contact program can only be provided by Registered Education Providers, it is very theoretical, etc. However, they are not true.

Some of the most known myths are listed here.

Myth -1: Only a R.E.P (Registered Education Provider) can provide 35 hour mandatory contact program

Fact: No, it can be provided by any one of the following.

The 35 hour mandatory contact program can be from one or more of the following types:

- Courses or programs offered by PMI Registered Education Providers (REP)
- University / College academic and continuing education programs
- Courses or programs offered by training companies or consultants
- Courses or programs offered by PMI Component organizations
- Courses or programs offered by employer / company-sponsored programs
- Courses or programs offered by distance-learning companies, including an end of course assessment

Hence, one need not be a R.E.P to provide PMP training.

For PMP certification aspirants, it assumes more importance. They must check the quality of faculty along with the material.

Myth - 2: PMP is completely theoretical

Fact: No, it is designed scientifically.

It is very scientific and course is designed with a lot of thoughts in mind. Cramming will never work.

Myth - 3: Exhaustive preparation will help

Fact: No, rather conceptual understanding is important.

It is more important to understand the fundamental concepts, various interactions among management process areas. You may read 4/5 books, and it is very possible that you will fail the exam. Conceptual understanding is of paramount importance as many questions are situational and almost all the questions test the understanding. It does not test your memorization ability.

Myth – 4: Only the materials from the R.E.P are authorized for PMP Exam Prep

Fact: No, the materials from R.E.P are reviewed by PMI.

PMI reviews the study material for the potential R.E.P for certain standardization and quality. There can be others who may provide a beautiful understanding on how to go for PMP examination and the examination seekers should not loose out on this.

As a matter of fact, for your reference, only the PMBOK Guide is the complete one. However, it has to be dissected properly by the teaching faculty, instructors and supporting materials to have the maximum benefit. The certification aspirants should do their own research to find the best.

Myth - 5: The score of PMP exam is measured in percentage

Fact: Percentage of score is not available.

PMP Exam rates you on various process groups, like "proficient", "moderately proficient", "below proficient" etc. on five process groups and on professional code of conduct. There is no percentage of score involved. Also, you can be at a “below proficient” level in certain process groups, but can still pass the exam.

Myth - 6: PMP is my ticket to management

Fact: No, it is not needed to be PMP to be good manager, but having a PMP certification definitely helps.

PMP is very much valued in the industry. But finally, it is truly up-to you to be a good or best manager. PMP shows a number of ways to manage scientifically.

Myth - 7: PMP is not needed by product companies

Fact: A number of world class product companies look for PMP certifiedprofessionals.

A number of product companies including Google and Microsoft seek PMP professionals. You can check their advertisements.

Myth - 8: Value of PMP has been diluted in recent years

Fact: No, it is still an exclusive club.

It is one of the best project management courses available with world class practices and methodologies such as EVM, Monte Carlo, Decision Tree, CPM, Six Sigma etc. It is also ISO certified. PMBOK continuously improves itself by adopting new practices and methodologies. Also it is one of the toughest exams to crack.

Myth - 9: PMP can not be applied in real world

Fact: No, it can be truly applied step by step in real world.

As a matter of fact, if you are using MS Project 2007 or Primavera, then it becomes very easy to apply the various principles defined in PMP like WBS, Activity Definition, Activity Sequencing, RBS, Resource Levelling, EVM etc.