Get Started

Get Started

Welcome to our Candidate Zone!

Are you ready to get started on your journey to certification? 

PMI professional certifications prepare you for working in projectized environments across the globe.  Our candidate zone aims to help you navigate this process, and guide you toward achieving your certification of choice. 

You can also view and download the Certification Handbook,which focuses on requirements, the application process, and timeline. 

While we try to make the process as simple and clear-cut as possible, please feel free to review our FAQ page, or direct any additional queries to our chapter co-ordinator, we look forward to helping you.

The road to certification

The road to certification can broadly be summarised as:

	Confirm your eligibility Before embarking on your journey, ensure that you are familiar with, and meet, the pre-requisites specific to your chosen certification.
	Track and log your experience Keep track of your project experience and training records. In order to apply for certification, you will need to complete your online profile, and log your experience.
	Prepare for and write the exam Once your application is approved, exam preparation can begin in earnest. You have 12 months to write and pass your exam.
	Maintain your certification Obtaining your certification is just the beginning - now maintain it! PMI South Africa Chapter offers countless opportunities to earn PDUs.

Confirm your eligibility

All PMI certifications have different requirements that candidates are to meet before applying.  Detailed descriptions of these requirements are listed here. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® is the gold standard of project management certification, and has the following pre-requisites:

• A four-year degree, and
• 36 months leading projects, and
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification

           OR 

• A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent), and
• 60 months leading projects, and
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification.

Although your project management experience and education may be in excess of the pre-requisites, we encourage candidates to prepare vigorously for the exam. PMP candidates should explore all preparatory options, including formal courses, self-study, information sessions and study groups.

Do you know?

PMI South Africa Chapter has a number of Authorised Training Partners that can assist candidates in preparing for the certification exams.  Contact our Chapter ATP Outreach VP for assistance in finding a suitable ATP in your area.

Log your experience

Once you are satisfied that you meet the eligibility criteria, it is time to prepare and submit your application for verification. The application process is simple, and provides an opportunity for you to document your experience and training, in preparation for review.

Gather your information Once you have verified that you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the following information: Your contact information (Phone, email and address) Details of your senior qualifications (What, where and when you studied) Your chosen certifications' pre-qualification experience (Projects, portfolios, and programs you worked on)  Details of all preparatory formal education you gained while preparing for your application

Register your profile Once you're ready, it is time to register a profile on PMI.org. Follow the prompts to create your online profile, and complete the application process.  Your application will remain open for 90 days from the time it is registered.  During the 90 day period, you will be able to save your progress and return to your application if you need to.

Submit your application Now that all your information is logged, proceed to submit your application. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by PMI.  The review process typically takes between 5 and 10 days, depending on the selected certification.  Applications may be randomly selected for audit. If your application is randomly selected, you will receive emailed instructions on how to provide further information.

Book your exam You will be notified of your successful application via email, and will be prompted to proceed to payment.  The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through our online certification system.  Once payment is received, you will be emailed an eligibility number that you can use to schedule your exam appointment.  Your eligibility number is valid for a year and entitles you to take the exam up to three times during the 12 month period.

Prepare for your exam

Once you've successfully completed your application, it is time to prepare for your certification examination.  

Adequate preparation for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam is the single most important step in your certification journey.  Candidates oftentimes make the mistake of trying to prepare for the exam by study alone.  Of much greater importance is to gain a thorough understanding of the principles of Project Management. 

We encourage candidates to explore all preparatory opportunities available: Structured learning, formal education, preparation courses, group study sessions, advanced reading, and social discussion groups will all assist in exploring the nuances of the certification, with the benefit of being able to draw upon the collective experience of your peers.

PMI South Africa Chapter offers monthly candidate information sessions co-hosted by our Authorised Training Partners, to answer any questions our candidates may have - visit our events page to see when the next session will be hosted and join the discussion. You can also find many more hints and tips, here.

Do you know?

In response to an ever-changing environment, you are now able to take the exam from the comfort of your home or office. 24/7 testing options are available to suit every schedule! 

Maintain your certification

Congratulations on achieving your certification! 

Earning your certification has taken years of work and commitment - maintaining it is simple.  Certifications require a set number of PDUs per cycle to maintain and to ensure that the renewal process is painless.  View the PDU Breakdown and Requirements for your certification, here. 

Visit our Member Zone to learn more about PDUs, how to explore earning opportunities, and how to report your earned PDUs.