Whitepaper: I want to apply for the PMI-RMP® Exam – Please Help!
You have decided you are ready to apply for the PMI-RMP® exam, but you’re not sure where to start. You should make sure to read the PMI-RMP® Credential Handbook, which can be viewed for free at www.pmi.org. Don’t let it overwhelm you – the PMI® wants to validate you, not eliminate you. The application should take you only 1-2 hours; your time is better spent studying the Risk Management Body of Knowledge!
Education
You will need to complete 30 hours of risk management related education before submitting your application. This means you cannot submit today if you are claiming a course ending next week. You will need to enter the course title, institution, course hours, and qualifying hours. There are many topics that are eligible for risk training: Project scheduling and related software, EVM, communications management, risk management, and more. The rule of thumb is if it’s discussed in The Practice Standard for Risk Management, it’s eligible.
Experience
You have likely led some projects (or teams) at work; also consider volunteer efforts or projects at home like remodeling your kitchen. Remember, a project is a temporary endeavor to create a product, service or result. Do not count ongoing operations that follow organizational processes.
First, determine the total project risk management hours by multiplying the total project months by risk management work hours per month. For instance, a 12 month project may have 48 weeks of work at 30 hours per week. This would equate to approximately 1,440 hours. Next, guesstimate what percentage of time you spent in each domain, maybe 25% for Communication, 35% for Analysis, 25% for Response Planning, and 15% for Governance. Calculate the percentage of your hours based on the weighting you have given each process group. After entering your hours, you will be asked to enter a summary of project tasks in 300 – 550 characters – keep it high level and simple. Since you have to repeat these steps for each project, try to highlight your experience in as few projects as possible.
In conclusion – don’t let the application overwhelm you, think outside of the box when identifying projects, and if you have 3,000 hours in 1 or 2 projects your life will be a lot easier!
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Christopher Talmont, PMP
Program Management Director
Off Peak Training