PMP Certification: the complete guide

What is the PMP certification?

The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is awarded by PMI (Project Management Institute). It is the most recognised project management certification in the world: it certifies that its holder can lead projects and teams, whatever the approach used, predictive, agile or hybrid.

PMP is not tied to a single method. Since its redesign, the exam assesses three domains: people (leading a team), process (running the technical work) and business environment (connecting the project to strategy). This broad scope is what gives it its market value: a PMP-certified profile is recognised by employers well beyond any one industry or country.

Who is the PMP for?

The PMP is for people who already lead projects and want that skill formally recognised: project managers, team leads, coordinators, consultants, or technical professionals who deliver work. It is not an entry-level certification: it assumes real project leadership experience.

• Project managers who want to validate and showcase their experience
• Team leads and coordinators who run projects
• Consultants and technical professionals moving into project management
• Managers who want a common, internationally recognised language

Eligibility requirements

PMI sets two eligibility paths depending on your level of education. In both cases, 35 hours of project management education are required (or a valid CAPM certification): this is exactly what an accredited PMP course covers. The conditions below are those in force at the time of writing; PMI remains the authoritative source.

• Higher education degree (bachelor or equivalent): 36 months leading projects within the past 8 years, plus 35 hours of project management education.
• Secondary school diploma or associate degree: 60 months leading projects within the past 8 years, plus 35 hours of education.
• Alternative to the 35 hours: hold a valid CAPM certification.

The PMP exam

The PMP exam has 180 questions to complete in 230 minutes, with a break. Questions mix multiple choice, multiple response, matching and hotspot items. They cover the three domains (people, process, business environment) and deliberately blend predictive and agile approaches: it does not test the recitation of a method, but the ability to decide in context.

The exam is taken either online with proctoring, or in an authorised Pearson VUE test centre. Once earned, the certification is maintained with 60 PDUs (professional development units) every 3 years.

How much does the PMP cost?

The cost splits into two distinct parts: the preparation training on one hand, the examination fee paid to PMI on the other. At Atypix, the training price depends on the country of enrolment (grids are specific to each market):

Price of the training and support. The examination fee paid to PMI is invoiced separately.

How to prepare, and why in Dakar or Cotonou

The most effective preparation combines the 35 hours of education required by PMI with intensive exam practice. Atypix is a PMI Authorized Training Partner at Premier level: the training uses official PMI material and fully covers the 35 hours required for eligibility.

The decisive advantage in French-speaking West Africa: Atypix operates an authorised Pearson VUE test centre in Dakar (ID 90280). You prepare your certification and sit the exam in the same place, without leaving Senegal. Candidates based in Benin prepare in Cotonou or remotely and sit the exam online or in Dakar.

• 35 hours of official training, satisfying the eligibility requirement
• Bilingual French / English training, in person in Dakar and Cotonou or remotely
• Pearson VUE test centre on site in Dakar (ID 90280)
• PMI Authorized Training Partner Premier status

Upcoming sessions

• Project Management Professional (PMP)September 1, 2026 — September 24, 2026
• Project Management Professional (PMP)October 5, 2026 — October 22, 2026
• Project Management Professional (PMP)October 6, 2026 — October 29, 2026
• Project Management Professional (PMP)November 3, 2026 — November 26, 2026
• Project Management Professional (PMP)December 1, 2026 — December 22, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a specific degree to take the PMP?

No, but your level of education changes the experience required: 36 months of project leadership with a higher education degree, 60 months with a secondary school diploma. In both cases, 35 hours of project management education are required.

How long does it take to prepare for the PMP?

The official training represents 35 hours. Beyond that, expect several weeks of personal revision and mock exams. The total time depends on your experience and pace; Atypix support is designed to aim for a first-attempt pass.

Where can I sit the PMP exam in Senegal?

In Dakar, at the authorised Pearson VUE test centre operated by Atypix (ID 90280). You do not need to travel abroad. The exam can also be taken online with proctoring.

Is the PMP recognised in Africa and internationally?

Yes. The PMP is an international PMI certification, recognised by employers worldwide, including in Senegal, Benin and across French-speaking Africa. Its international reach is precisely what makes it an asset on a CV.

What is the difference between the PMP and the CAPM?

The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) is PMI's entry certification: it requires no prior project leadership experience and targets junior profiles. The PMP targets people who already lead projects. Many start with the CAPM before aiming for the PMP.