Obtaining your Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is an important step in advancing your career in project management. The PMP Exam is a challenging assessment that tests your knowledge in the practice of project management and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

Deciding whether to take the exam online or in person can be a deciding factor in your ability to pass the exam and there are a few key differences to consider. In this blog, we’ll look at the procedure & rules for writing in person or online and the pros and cons of each, so you can make the best decision for your personal and professional goals. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method, from the cost and convenience of the exam to the types of questions you’ll be asked and the resources you’ll have access to. We’ll also discuss the types of preparation needed for each exam, so you can make sure you’re ready to ace the test.

PMP Exam Writing Procedure

In order to write the PMP Exam, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The eligibility criteria include:

• A four year bachelor’s degree or equivalent,
• At least three years of provable project management experience,
• And at least 35 hours of project management education, which our PMP Exam Preparation courses cover (50 hours of training to ensure you pass).

OR

• A matriculation certificate / equivalent high school diploma
• At least five years of provable project management experience
• And at least 35 hours of project management education.

PMI also requires proof of experience and education by submitting supporting documents. Once the eligibility requirements have been met, the next step is to register for the PMP Exam.

• You can register online through the PMI website or by filling out a paper application.
• Once you have registered and paid the PMP Exam fee ($405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members) you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from the PMI.
• You can then schedule the exam date and time and select an in person or online exam option.
• The PMI typically allows up to 365 days for a person to take the PMP Exam. You are allowed to fail twice and rewrite three times in the space of that year.
• It is important to be aware of the rules and regulations that surround both of the PMP Exam writing procedures.

Online procedure

Checking in

• Please run the system test and exam simulation again to make sure your computer is ready to take the online proctored exam.
• Log in to PMI.org and navigate to Review Application Status under my PMI.
• The Begin Exam link will be available 30 minutes before your scheduled exam.
• You will be directed to the Pearson VUE site to start the exam.
  • Once at the Pearson VUE site, you will see your scheduled exam listed under Open Online Exams. Select your exam to proceed.
  • Click on the blue Begin Exam button. The next screen will display three steps to follow:
  • Click on Copy Access Code button
  • Click on the Download PV proctor button to download the software. Once the software is installed, the application will open.
  • After the application has opened, follow the prompts to complete your check-in process to begin your test session:
    • Click on the blue Submit button
    • Select the microphone that will be used during your session
    • Select the webcam that will be used during your session
    • Turn up your speakers and volume until you can clearly hear the music
    • Capture a picture of your headshot, and confirm the photograph is clear and acceptable
    • Capture a picture of your ID, and confirm the photograph is clear and acceptable
    • Confirm the phone number that can be used in case the proctor needs to contact you. If you don’t have a phone number available, select this option.
    • Review and agree to the listed exam policies
    • Confirm that your workspace is ready and clear of prohibited items
    •  You are now ready for launch! A greeter will contact you to begin your testing session. You may have to wait up to five minutes before connecting with a greeter.

Grounds for Online Exam Termination

• Any person who violates the PMI test security & confidentiality policy will be subject to disciplinary action(s) by the PMI certification department.
•  The test supervisor is authorized to dismiss you from an examination administration and/or the PMI certification department may cancel your scores, or take other appropriate action, when there is a reasonable basis for concluding that you have engaged in any of the following conduct:
  • Using or attempting to use someone else to take the test
  • Failing to provide acceptable personal identification
  • Having access to or using notes or any prohibited aid related to the test
  • Communicating, in any manner, with another person other than the test supervisor about the test during the administration
  • Attempting to remove scrap paper from the testing room, or tearing the scrap paper in any way
  • Eating or drinking in the testing room
  • Leaving the testing room without permission
  • Attempting to tamper with your computer
  • Engaging in any dishonest or unethical conduct
• Failing to follow any other examination administration regulations set forth in PMI certification program policies given by the test supervisor, or specified in any examination materials. The PMI certification department reserves the right to take all actions including, but not limited to, barring you from future testing and/or cancelling your scores, for failure to comply with the test administrator/supervisor’s directions or with PMI certification program policies.
• If your scores are cancelled, you will be notified of such action and its basis, and your examination fees will not be refunded.

In person procedure

Identification

• In order to be admitted into the testing centre, you must bring a valid and current (non-expired) form of government-issued identification. Your identification must include:

1. English language characters/translation

2. your photograph and

3. your signature

• If your government-issued identification does not display a photograph or a signature, a secondary form of identification may be used, which includes a photograph and/or signature (whichever is missing from the government-issued identification), and your name printed on the identification. All identification must be current (non-expired)
• Your identification documents must be in good condition, and cannot be bent, frayed, taped, cracked or otherwise damaged in any way.
• The identification documents must be the originals, and cannot be photocopies.
• The following are acceptable forms of government-issued identification:
  • Valid driver’s license § Valid military ID
  • Valid passport
  • Valid national identification card
• The following are acceptable forms of secondary identification:
  • Valid employee ID
  • Valid credit card with signature
  •  Valid bank (ATM) card
• The following are not acceptable forms of identification:
  • Social Security cards
  • Library cards
• If you will require an update or change of your name for the purposes of taking the certification examination, you must contact PMI as soon as possible in order to request the change.
  • Email: customercare@pmi.org
  • Subject Attn: Name Change for Exam
  • The email body should include the following information, exactly as it appears on the government-issued identification documents that you plan to present at the testing centre: First Name [Given Name] Middle Name Last Name [Surname/Family Name]
  • There is no guarantee that any updates can be made to the name within five business days of a scheduled examination.

Checking in

• Arrive at least a half hour before your scheduled appointment. Candidates who arrive late to an appointment will not be permitted to test.
• You must sign in, present the required identification, and provide your unique PMI Eligibility ID.
• You will be required to have your photo taken and provide a signature during the check-in process.
• You may also be asked to provide the confirmation number received when scheduling the appointment.
• You may NOT bring ANYTHING or ANYONE into the testing area or to the desk where you take the exam.
• You will be provided with a locker on the day of your examination to store your personal belongings. Once your items are stored, you cannot access your locker until you have completed your examination appointment.
• The testing centre administrator will ask you to empty your pockets and roll up your sleeves and will scan you with a metal-detecting wand. After which you will be provided with your locker and key, and will be asked to relocate all personal items to your secure locker.
• The only items that may remain on your person at all times are your government-issued identification and your locker key.
• You will normally be provided with testing aids should you need them between a booklet of scratch paper and two pencils or two erasable marker boards, two markers and an eraser. Calculators are built into your testing system but at any point, you may raise your hand and request a hand-held calculator.
• Items such as sweaters and jewellery may be worn into the testing centre, but cannot be removed once you have entered the testing room.
• If you require any personal items in the testing room due to a medical condition you will need authorization from PMI prior to scheduling your examination appointment.

Writing the Exam

• You will then be escorted into the testing room by the testing centre administrator, who will seat you at your workstation and begin your examination.
• On the first screen, you will be asked to verify both your name and the examination you are taking. Once this information is verified, the examination tutorial will begin.
• A clock is built into the exam and will begin to count down as soon as the tutorial has begun.
  • A candidate may exit the tutorial at any time
  • If a candidate does not voluntarily end the tutorial, once the 15-minute time window has elapsed, the tutorial will automatically end and the examination will begin.
• There are 2 scheduled breaks during the examination.
  • If you wish to take an unscheduled break, you may get up from your terminal and exit the testing room.
  • All candidates will have to sign in and out of the testing room and present their government-issued identification documents at each entrance and exit.
• All examination appointments are monitored by continuous audio and video recording. If you observe any irregularity in the testing centre or experience any issues during your examination appointment, you are required to raise your hand and inform the testing centre administrator as the issue is occurring.

Grounds for In-person Exam Termination

• The test center administrator is authorized to dismiss you from an examination administration and/or the PMI certification department may cancel your scores, or take other appropriate action, when there is a reasonable basis for concluding that you have engaged in any of the following conduct:
  • Using or attempting to use someone else to take the test
  • Failing to provide acceptable personal identification, as outlined previously
  • Having access to or using notes or any prohibited aid related to the test
  • Creating a disturbance (disruptive behaviour in any form will not be tolerated; the test administrator has sole discretion in determining whether specific conduct constitutes disruptive behaviour)
  •  Communicating, in any manner, with another person other than the test administrator/supervisor or proctor about the test during the administration, including attempting to give or receive assistance
  •  Attempting to remove scrap paper from the testing room, or tearing the scrap paper in any way
  • Eating or drinking in the testing room
  • Leaving the test centre vicinity without permission
  • Removing or attempting to remove examination-related material or portions of a test in any format from the testing centre
  • Attempting to tamper with a computer
  • Engaging in any dishonest or unethical conduct
• Failing to follow any other examination administration regulations set forth in PMI certification program policies given by the test administrator/supervisor, or specified in any examination materials The PMI certification department reserves the right to take all action including, but not limited to, barring you from future testing and/or cancelling your scores, for failure to comply with the test administrator/supervisor’s directions or with PMI certification program policies.
• If your scores are cancelled, you will be notified of such action and its basis, and your examination fees will not be refunded.
• Although tests are administered under strict supervision and security measures, examination irregularities may sometimes occur. You are required to contact PMI as soon as possible to report any observed behaviour that may lead to an invalid score—for example, someone copying from another test taker, taking a test for someone else, having access to test questions before the examination, or using notes or unauthorized aids. All information will be held in confidence.

PMP Exam Writing Options Pros & Cons

Online PMP Exam

Pros of writing online

• You can take the exam from the comfort and privacy of your own home or office, so you don’t have to travel to a test centre
• It’s convenient for you, as there are no time restrictions or seating limitations.
• You have the flexibility to take the exam at any time, as long as it is within the allotted time window.

Cons of writing online

• There is a far higher frequency of online exams which are terminated (for multiple reasons), than in-person exam terminations.
• You can only access the digital scratch paper and pencils/markers provided and calculator via the online proctoring software no physical resources.
• You must run a possibly invasive system test to make sure your computer is compatible with the proctoring software and give it administrative access to the computer you are using.
• You must adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the online proctoring software.
• You must have a webcam and microphone in order to take the exam.
• Taking the exam online may be less comfortable than taking it in person, as there are fewer resources available to provide assistance if needed.  
• The online format may also require more self-discipline, as you must be able to stay focused and stick to a schedule (in terms of allowed breaks) to complete the exam.

Most PMP candidates say writing online

• is more convenient and allows for more flexibility with their schedule.
• it can be easier to focus and concentrate when in a comfortable environment eg their home.
• the lack of freedom to use calculators, and paper for memory dump before writing is difficult.
• the monitoring is much stricter than in person and the margin of being penalized for some head movements is high.

In Person PMP Exam

Pros of writing in person

• You have the ability to access the scratch paper and pencils/markers provided in the testing centre.
• You can work through the exam at your own pace and take breaks as needed.
• You are in a secure environment with no distractions or interruptions such as loadshedding, and noisy neighbours/colleagues.
• You are allowed to mouth the questions (subvocalise) during the exam if reading to yourself helps you understand the question better.
• Allows you to interact with other test takers in a physical setting, which may help you to better focus, ease nerves and understand the material.
• You may be able to receive a more personalized experience when taking the exam in person, as the test proctor can provide additional support if needed.
• You are able to access the lockers provided to store your personal items during breaks.

Cons of writing in person

• Depending on your location, there may be limited availability of testing centres and may be located far away from your home or work, making it difficult to find a convenient location.  
• Test centres may also have limited seating, so you may not be able to take the exam when you want or need to.
• You must allow for travel time and adhere to the policies and procedures of the testing centre.

Most PMP candidates say writing in person

• is a more secure and comfortable environment.
• is easier to focus and concentrate in a proctored environment.
• eliminates the risk of technical issues or distractions.
• is a guaranteed finish (no software glitch).

Preparation for PMP Exam Writing

No matter which method you choose to take the PMP Exam, it is essential that you have the proper preparation and resources in order to be successful.

PMP Exam Preparation

• Before you are ready to write:
  • Take a comprehensive PMP Exam preparation course that covers the latest edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) as well as the other 9 prescribed books for the PMP Exam. Practice with PMP Exam level questions to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked.
  • Ensure you are able to sit and write an exam for long periods and have good time management to complete all 180 PMP Exam questions in the allotted time.

NB! Our PMP Certification – Exam Preparation course is an all-in-one package that includes over 50 hours of guided training, experienced lecturers available to consult,
 + Classic Seminars’ exclusive PMP Exam First Time Pass GUARANTEE for all Comprehensive courses– if you don’t pass the exam on your first try, we will continue coaching you and pay for your rewrite to attain the PMP certification.
+ Our exhaustive Project Management Professional Training Manual, this companion textbook summarises the entire content you need to know for the exam and will get you to the certification finish line.
+ A copy of “The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try” by Andy Crowe as an added Study Guide.
+ Access to 1000+ PMP Exam practice questions on our dashboard.
+ Classic Seminars’ exclusive PMP Simulation Exam– this final mock exam is a regularly updated and accurate simulation of the PMP Exam. It gives a benchmark of your readiness and with the feedback we provide from your results, you’ll know the areas to make the extra push before going in for the official exam.
+ Multimedia study material including audio seminars, extra study notes, and class video recordings.

• When you are ready to write:
  • Familiarize yourself with PMI’s exam rules and regulations as well as the policies and procedures for the option you choose to take.
  • Practice doing memory dumps using scratch paper and markers/pencils that will be provided in the testing centre if you intend to write in person.
  • Practice using an online or downloaded software scratch paper and calculator if you intend to write online.
  • Review your government-issued identification documents to make sure they are valid and current.
    
• On the day you write the PMP Exam:
  • Allow for extra time to set up the online proctoring software and to complete the check-in process or to travel to the testing centre and to complete the check-in process.

Choosing the best method for writing the PMP Exam is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Both in person and online exams have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to decide which method is best for your situation. Preparing for the exam is essential regardless of the method chosen, and it is important to have the proper resources and preparation in order to be successful.