November 20, 2008 Create New Account | Login 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the requirements for certification?
A: Two certifications are available:

CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management):
  • Experience: 1,500 hours (or meet the educational requirement)
  • Education: 23 contact hours (or meet the experience requirement)
    Exam
  • Exam: 150 questions, 69% to pass
PMP (Project Management Professional):
  • Experience: 4,500 hours (3 years) in the past 6 years if you have a college degree; 7,500 hours (5 years) if you have a high school diploma
  • Education: 35 contact hours
    Exam
  • Exam: 175 (+25 pretest) questions, 61% to pass 
Q: Do I have to have the title “Project Manager” to qualify for certification?
A: No. Your formal title can be anything –you just need to prove that your job included project management work –initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing projects.  Titles such as project lead, team lead, manager, project coordinator, project administrator, project expeditor, etc. typically include the project management activities required.

Q: What kind of training counts toward the educational requirement for certification?
A:
Any education related to project management.  This can be internal company training, public classes, college classes, and PMI-sponsored seminars and even project management software training.  There is no “expiration date” for training, so you can go as far back in your past as you need to in order to find the hours required.  If you have a business degree or an MBA you may count classes that covered project management topics such as project accounting, leadership, communication, and planning.

Q: Does the PMP Boot Camp count toward the 35 hours of education required to become certified?
A:
Not exactly.  Because you take the real exam after camp, you have to submit your application to PMI some time before you attend camp.  Therefore, you have not actually completed the training at the time of application.  PMI rules state that you have to have already completed the training to list it on your application.  If however, you attend the camp first, then apply for certification and take the test, then the camp would count toward the 35-hour requirement.  

Q: Does the course also prepare you for CAPM certification?
A:
Yes. In fact, you will be prepared to score high and start immediately working toward PMP certification.   We also offer a CAPM Boot Camp since PMI is starting to clearly differentiate between the two certifications and emphasizing CAPM as a stepping stone to PMP®.

Q: Who do I call if I have questions about whether I qualify or not?
A:
You may call the certification helpline at PMI or you may contact us for assistance.

Q: How successful is PMP Boot Camp?
A:
We have 92% pass rate for students who participated in PMP Exam Boot Camp and took the new exam within 2 weeks of attending camp and 100% pass rate for those who took the exam a 2nd time.  

Q: Do you have any guarantees of success? What happens if I fail?
A:
Yes. If you attend camp, follow all of the rules and regulations and still don't pass the exam, then we will give you a free seat in a future boot camp or will provide you with a customized study and learning plan to help you prepare for your retest.   You can also attend any other Praxis Boot Camps (full week or partial) for free.  

Q: Where is the class held?
A:
 Most of our classes are held at a Praxis Learning Center either in Indianapolis, IN or in Chicago (Lake Forest, IL).   If your organization has 6 or more people who will be taking the Boot Camp or training course, we will bring the training to you when you want it.

Q: How is this class different from other PMP preparation courses?
A:
We provide focused time on the right content, computer exam simulation experience and PMP-certification instructors who know the test and are trained in instructional design and adult education.  Class size is always 10 students or fewer so each person gets individualized attention and customized class content.

Q: What do I need to do to prepare for a class?
A:
Use the following checklist to prepare for camp:

Due Date

Activity

Done

T -45

days

Submit application for PMI membership



T -45

days

Submit application for PMP Certification Examination

  • www.pmi.org
  • After your application has been processed, you will receive an exam eligibility letter (2 days to 3 weeks after your application has been submitted)



T -40

days

Register for class and make travel and lodging arrangements for PMP Boot Camp



T -30

days

Receive your pre-Boot Camp Study plan materials; begin studying



T -20

days

Schedule exam appointment at Prometric Test Center



T -1

days

Pack your duffel bag, complete with the following items:

  • PMP Certification Examination confirmation letter
  • PMP Certification Examination test appointment confirmation number
  • Two forms of identification, including at least one photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, credit card) - make sure your name appears on both pieces of identification exactly as it appears on your PMP Examination Confirmation letter from PMI





Q: You mentioned a Study Plan?
A:
Yes, the pre-Boot Camp Study plan helps you make the best use of your preparation work prior to coming to Camp.   It includes study tips and specific recommendations on information you need to really learn and the information you should skim before coming to Camp.

Q: Can I take the class now and test later?
A:
Yes, but results will depend on information in your short-term memory.  Try to take the exam as soon after your camp session as you can to increase your chance of success.

Q: Do you offer any discounts?
A:
Yes.  If you register two people, you get a third registration for free.  You do not have to attend the same class to qualify for the discount.  You do not have to have the third person identified in order to qualify.  We can provide you with a coupon for the third registration that will not expire for a period of one year from the purchase date. 
 
Q: Does the cost of the class include the exam fee?
A:
No.  The exam fee is paid directly to PMI when you apply for certification.  The PMP® Boot Camp course fee includes your registration, laptop rental, breakfast, lunch and snacks, as well as all of the following course materials:

The Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
PMP® Exam Prep book
PM Final (web-based testing tool)
Customized study plan

Q: Do you offer any onsite classes?
A:
Yes.  For any group of six to ten people we will bring camp to you when you want it.  There are no additional fees for scheduling an onsite class.  We just need about 30 days notice to schedule the session.

Q: I've heard that the exam is more difficult now.
A:
Although the passing score has been changed to 61%, the exam is still very difficult.   There are a number of new topics covered in the latest edition of the PMBOK that are included on the test.   The prequalification work is also more rigorous.  So yes, the test is harder than it used to be.

Q: What is your payment policy?
A:
To reserve your seat you must make a minimum payment of $300 at the time of registration or be approved for direct invoice.   Payment in full is required no later than 14 calendar days prior to the start of your boot camp.   Most people make full payment at the time of registration using a credit card - that way there is no question about losing your seat.

Q: What is your refund policy?
A:
Boot camps have limited space and require special logistics.   No-shows and late cancellations may prevent others from attending.   In general, fees are refundable as defined below.

Fees are refundable up to 30 days before the start of boot camp less the $300 deposit, and then they are non-refundable. (The $300 deposit covers the pre-work materials you received--these materials are non-refundable)

If you cancel after the 30 day deadline, you will be given a full credit to be applied to a future boot camp.  Your credit must be used within six months

No refunds or credits will be given to campers who fail to cancel their registration prior to the start of boot camp

No refunds will be given for campers who start but do not complete boot camp

If Praxis cancels a boot camp, you will receive full refund of all paid fees within 10 business days of the cancellation.
Copyright 2006 Praxis Learning Networks Terms of Use | Privacy Statement