By Quick answer: How do I pass PMP?
- Plan — 10 weeks.
- Exam — 240 minutes, 180 questions.
- Fee — $425 PMI members / $675 non-members.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
PMP rewards a structured plan. This 10-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PMP – Project Management ProfessionalPMI | $425 PMI members / $675 non-members1 | 240 minutes, 180 questions | Free test |
| 2 | CAPM – Certified Associate in Project ManagementPMI | $225 PMI members / $300 non-members2 | 180 minutes, 150 questions | Free test |
| 3 | Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum.org | Check the official page3 | Check issuer | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- PMP Practice ExamPractise for PMP – Project Management Professional before you pay.Start free test →
- CAPM Practice ExamPractise for CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management before you pay.Start free test →
- PSM I Practice TestPractise for Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) before you pay.Start free test →
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- PMIPMP – Project Management ProfessionalThe exam$425 PMI members / $675 non-members
- PMICAPM – Certified Associate in Project ManagementEarlier step$225 PMI members / $300 non-members
- Scrum.orgProfessional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Agile add-onCheck the official page
PMP – Project Management Professional
- Cost
- $425 PMI members / $675 non-members1
- Format
- 240 minutes, 180 questions
- Entry
- 3–5 years leading projects (by education) plus 35 hours of training
$425 PMI members / $675 non-members. Format: 240 minutes, 180 questions. 3–5 years leading projects (by education) plus 35 hours of training. PMI's Project Management Professional is a 240-minute, 180-question exam covering predictive, agile and hybrid approaches. It needs 3–5 years leading projects plus 35 hours of training and costs $425 for PMI members or $675.
Best forthe exam
CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management
- Cost
- $225 PMI members / $300 non-members2
- Format
- 180 minutes, 150 questions
- Entry
- Secondary diploma plus 23 hours of project management education
CAPM. PMI's entry credential is a 180-minute, 150-question exam for people early in project roles. It needs a secondary diploma plus 23 hours of project management education and costs $225 for PMI members or $300.
Best forearlier step
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
- Cost
- Check the official page3
PSM I. Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Master I is exam-only, with no course required, and it doesn't expire. Study the free Scrum Guide and practise before booking; check Scrum.org's page for the current fee.
Best foragile add-on
A 10-week study plan
- Week 1 — Download the official objectives and take a free baseline test.
- Weeks 2–8 — Study one domain at a time with official or trusted materials.
- Week 9 — Timed full-length practice tests; fix weak domains.
- Week 10 — Light review, rest, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Objectives first — Map every study session to an exam objective.
- Active recall — Quiz yourself instead of rereading.
- Mistake log — Write down why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Timing — Practise full-length tests under time limits.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for PMP, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for PMP?
About 10 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does PMP cost?
$425 PMI members / $675 non-members.
What is the PMP exam format?
240 minutes, 180 questions.
Does PMP cover agile?
Yes, with predictive and hybrid.
Is there a free PMP practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- PMI — PMP – Project Management Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- PMI — CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Scrum.org — Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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