Many aspiring project management professionals looking to obtain a PMP certification often ask, 'How long does it take to get PMP certification?
The fact is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the timeline depends on various factors, including project management experience, the time dedicated to exam preparation, and the chosen study method. Some candidates can prepare for the PMP and earn their certification in two months or less, while others with work and family commitments may take longer.
To help you estimate your PMP timeline and create a realistic study plan, we will break down the time required for each step in your certification journey in this blog.
How Long Does it Take to Get PMP Certification? Understanding timelines
In this section, we will cover the end-to-end PMP certification process and the amount of time it may take to complete each step. However, these timelines should be considered approximations, as the time may vary for each individual due to various factors.
While working towards the PMP, there are 2 major steps that you need to complete to achieve the certification:
Write and submit the PMP Application and get an approval - approx. 2 weeks to a month
Prepare for the exam and take the test – approximately 2 to 4 months, or up to 6 months if your study isn't inconsistent.
Step 1: Writing and submitting the PMP Application
Before you can sit for the PMP exam, you need to apply for PMP certification and get your application approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The PMP application process isn’t just about filling out a simple form, as it involves a few key steps and careful planning and execution.Â
You’ll need to check if you meet the PMP exam eligibility criteria, check the number of months or years of experience you need to include, write your project descriptions in PMI language and then submit them for approval. The required experience you’ll need to show depends on the highest level of education you’ve attained.
Getting this part right is extremely important because PMI won't approve the application if it does not meet their requirements.Â
Understanding PMP certification requirements
To apply for the Project Management Professional certification exam, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements. According to PMI, here’s what you need:
If you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher (or a global equivalent):
36 months (or three years) of experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years.
35 hours of project management education or training.
If you have a High School Diploma or Associate Degree (or a global equivalent):
60 months (or five years) of experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years.
35 hours of project management education or training.
Once you have determined the number of months of experience you would need to show on the application, you need to write your PMP application project descriptions and apply for the exam.
Writing the PMP application experience section can be difficult and time-consuming for some people, and it may take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks to get it right.
You need to ensure that the projects on the application are written in a way that meets PMI's standards, format, language, and structure, or PMI may reject the application. A rejected PMP application will only delay the time it takes to obtain the certification and cause unnecessary frustration.
To avoid rejections and avoid the tension that comes with it, consider using our PMP Application Review and Rewrite service, which has been utilized by over 500 successful PMP exam applicants to pass the PMP application process.
We've helped people from various backgrounds, such as IT, finance, marketing, construction, healthcare, telecommunications, engineering, military, teachers and even self-employed individuals to pass the PMP application process.
Consider the time to pass a PMP Application Audit (if selected)
PMI's application review process may also involve randomly selecting applications for an audit. However, audits aren't necessarily a negative thing and do not impact how PMI views your application or increase your chances of rejection. Therefore, if your PMP application is picked for an audit, you will need to complete the audit formalities to get the application through.
Audits are part of PMI's routine checks to ensure that the experience listed in your application is accurate and can be verified by a reference.
Once selected for a PMP Application audit, it's recommended that you act fast to provide the audit materials. Because the longer you delay providing the audit information and materials, the longer it will take to get approval from PMI.
Typically, PMI approves the application within 24 to 48 hours after submission of the audit, so they're pretty fast that way.
Step 2: Submitting the Application
To submit the PMP Application, you will need to login into the PMI portal. You need to submit your academic education and the PMP certification training details [under professional education] along with your drafted project management experience.Â
After submission, you will need to wait five working days for PMI to review and approve the application. So, hold tight while they do their part!
Preparing for the PMP exam (6 Weeks to 6 Months)
This is undoubtedly the most time-consuming part of the PMP certification process, but it's also where you lay the groundwork for success. How long you need to prep depends on your familiarity with the exam content and how much time to study you can realistically carve out from your daily or weekly schedule while working toward your project management certification.
So, aim for a study plan that challenges you but remains manageable within your job and life commitments.Â
Several factors will shape how long it takes for you to prepare for the PMP exam:
Your project management experience – If you’ve been managing projects for years, you might need less prep time than someone new to the field. Your real-life project management experience can be instrumental in helping you pass the exam.
Your study approach – The type of study approach you choose, such as a self-paced course, classroom program, or personalized PMP coaching, would also impact your study timeline.
Your study resources – Your study resources are key to how effectively you prepare for the PMP certification. Whether you're relying on the PMBOK Guide, comprehensive prep courses or PMP prep guidebooks, the quality of these materials will significantly impact how quickly you grasp essential project management concepts.
Your availability – Finally, your time investment in the studies will also play a massive role in how quickly you obtain the certification. If you're balancing a full-time job while working through the PMP study materials, you may need a longer timeline compared to someone who can dedicate full-time hours to studying.
How long does it take to prepare and pass the PMP exam?
Before you kick off your PMP exam studies, you should consider answering the following questions at least at a high level: 'By when do you need the certification?' and 'How will you get it?
Answering these questions will help you develop a preparation strategy that would be better aligned with your goals, timelines, and learning preferences.
Setting a deadline is also a good idea since it helps you prioritize your PMP prep and creates a healthy pressure to study and get it done.
Using a fast-track approach, you can target 4-6 weeks of prep time, which equates to more than 20 hours of learning per week. This approach would work better for experienced project management professionals.Â
For most working professionals, a standard PMP preparation timeline is around 3–4 months.
That said, we've seen candidates take 5–6 months to complete the certification as well. What’s important to realize is that PMI gives you up to one year to take the exam after your PMP certification application is approved.
Recommended PMP Certification Exam Study Timelines:
Fast-track (4–6 weeks): Suitable for experienced project managers who can dedicate 25+ hours per week.
Standard (3–4 months): Ideal for working professionals studying around 10–15 hours per week.
Slow-paced (5–6 months): Best for those new to project management or with limited study time.
To pass the PMP exam, taking practice exams is essential for evaluating exam content knowledge and improving test-taking skills.
 Scheduling and Taking the PMP Exam (1–4 Weeks)
After completing exam preparation, the final step is scheduling and taking the PMP certification exam.
Steps in Scheduling and Taking the PMP Exam:
Pay the PMP exam fee and receive your exam eligibility ID.
Schedule the PMP certification exam through Pearson VUE (online or in-person).
Choose a test date based on availability and readiness.
Possible Delays in Scheduling the PMP Exam:
If you plan to book the exam at a test center, it is advised that you book it at least 30–40 days ahead of your desired test date, as there could be delays due to the reasons below:
High demand for exam slots, especially during peak periods such as Nov/Dec.Â
Limited availability for in-person exams at testing centers.
Personal schedule conflicts or the need for additional study time.
How to Get PMP Certified Faster?
Many professionals aim to earn their PMP certification as quickly as possible, whether due to company deadlines, organizational requirements, or the need to accelerate their job search.
While the urgency to become certified is understandable, it is important to strike a balance between speed and thorough preparation to ensure success on the exam.
For those who want to accelerate the PMP certification process, here are some effective strategies:
Follow a structured PMP prep plan – Set clear milestones and stick to a study schedule that aligns with the PMP exam content outline to ensure steady progress. Focusing on key domains from the outline helps you cover all essential topics.
Join an intensive deadline-driven PMP prep course – Enrolling in a structured PMP training course with set deadlines can significantly cut down study time by keeping you accountable and providing expert guidance to streamline your learning.
Do several practice exams – Taking multiple practice exams helps you identify weak areas early and improve overall exam readiness by simulating actual testing conditions.
Avoid delays in application submission and scheduling – Proactively complete each step, from submitting your PMP application to scheduling the exam, to prevent unnecessary setbacks and ensure a smooth certification process.
By following these strategies, many candidates can pass the PMP exam within 2–3 months instead of 6 months or longer.
Conclusion: How Long Does It Really Take?
On average, the amount of time it takes for aspiring PMP candidates to complete the exam ranges from 2 to 6 months. The exact timeline depends on factors such as prior project management experience, availability for exam preparation, and the PMP exam prep course you choose.
Irrespective of the study strategy used, to be able to pass the exam, you will need to familiarize yourself with the PMP exam content and mindset, stick to a structured exam prep plan, and take various PMP practice tests to pass it successfully.
Whether you take a fast-track or gradual approach, success depends on commitment, consistency, and the right resources. With effective planning, you can earn your PMP certification and advance your project management career.
PMP Certification and Exam Preparation FAQs
#1 Can the PMP exam be cleared in a month?
Trying to clear the PMP exam in one month is an ambitious goal and will require some serious studying. However, there are people who have been able to achieve their PMP in that timeframe. To do this, you'll need to make every single day count and likely eat, sleep, and breathe PMP for the entire month. You'll mostly need to dedicate approximately 37 to 50 hours per week and follow a well-structured study plan to pull this off in a month.Â
#2 Is getting a PMP certification hard?
Yes, getting a PMP certification is challenging due to several factors. The exam has an extensive syllabus covering traditional and Agile project management, requiring deep conceptual understanding. Questions are scenario-based, testing real-world application rather than rote memorization, and multiple answers may seem correct, adding complexity.
Time pressure is another hurdle, as the exam format requires answering 180 questions within 230 minutes. However, with sincere preparation, enough practice questions practice and a well-thought-out test-taking strategy, you can clear the exam on the first try.
For strategies to tackle these challenges, check out How Hard Is the PMP Exam? Proven Strategies to Pass.
#3 Can I pass PMP in 3 months?
Three months is a realistic and comfortable timeline to prepare and pass the PMP certification exam. It’s not too short that the preparation feels too cumbersome, yet not so long that it feels like an endless process. This timeframe allows you to properly complete both parts of PMP exam prep—getting your application approved and studying for the exam.
The PMP Blended Programme, which we offer, enables you to complete your PMP in 2-4 months due to its key element of coaching and guidance with a coach. As part of the programme, we also help you write and get your application approved and provide a comprehensive e-learning course, cheat sheets, visual aids, and practice papers for thorough preparation.