PMI-SP Certification – An Overview

What is PMI-SP?

PMI-SP stands for ‘Project Management Institute – Schedule Professional.’ It is a certification awarded to qualifying candidates who meet specific requirements and pass an examination. It is an internationally recognized designation. This certification applies to various disciplines, sectors, and industries.

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PMI-SP Numbers are Increasing

The graph shows a growth of  PMI-SP designation holders over the years.

In 2009, PMI-SP designation holders were  238 and crossed 200 figures in 2020.

The continuous increase in numbers displays professionals’ and employers’ popularity, interest, and confidence in PMI-SP certification.

Who are PMI-Schedule Professional?… and what they do?

PMI-SP designation holders demonstrate the proficient level to develop and manage project schedules. They possess advanced level knowledge of  Project Scheduling Practices. They are responsible for communicating project schedules and progress to project teams. The Monitor, Track, and Control; Project Schedule, Resources, and Budget. Overall, they contribute to project success as a subject matter expert in Scheduling.

PMI-SP Certification Eligibility Criteria.

Eligibility Criteria is based on three major items: 1. Education, 2. Project Scheduling Experience and 3. Project Scheduling Training. PMI-SP Experience Requirement is dependent on the candidate’s education.

Secondary School Diploma holder candidates must meet 36 months of Project Scheduling experience to apply for certification.

For four years Bachelor’s degree holders, the scheduling experience requirement is  24 months. And for Post Graduate degrees or Master’s degree holders, it is 12 months.

The project scheduling experience shall be non-overlapping and earned within the last five consecutive years.

Project Scheduling Training requirement is 40 Contact Hours for Secondary School Diploma Holders. However, this requirement is 30 Contact Hours for undergraduate and post-graduate degree holders.

One  Hour of Classroom Instructions equals one contact hour. 

Where to get required Scheduling Training?

Applicants can receive Project Schedule Training from; employer, PMI Authorized Training Partner, PMI Registered Education Provider,  a training company,  a university college academic course, or a continuing education course.

PMI-SP Exam Fee

Schedule Professional Exam Fee varies based on candidate Project Management Institute (PMI) membership status. For PMI members, the fee is US$ 520, while for non-members, it is US$ 670.

Is On-Line Proctor Exam available for PMI-SP?

PMI-SP Exam conducted as Center Based Testing or CBT. In it, the candidate sits in the exam at a local Pearson VUE Testing Center. Online Proctor Testing or OPT, which is available for PMP Exam and CAPM Exam, is not available as yet for PMI-SP Exam. 

PMI-SP Exam Contnet Outline

PMI-SP Certification exam follows the content outline issued by PMI. Percentage of Exam Questions distributed among Five Domain areas as represented in this pie chart.

• Schedule Strategy 14%,
• Schedule Planning and Development 31%,
• Schedule Monitoring ad Controlling 35%,
• Schedule Closeout 6%,
• Stakeholder Communication Management 14%.

PMI-SP Exam Format

PMI-SP® Exam is Available in the English language only. Exam Time is 210 Minutes or three and half hours. The total number of questions in the exam is 170, but the questions to be graded are 150 only. Format of Questions in the exam is a multiple choice exam performance report that is immediately available after the exam’s closing. Passing candidates receive a printed copy of the preliminary test result and a pass/fail status.

PMI-SP Certification Maintenance and Renewal

PMI-SP credential holders must earn 30 PDUs, during three years. Pay Renewal Fee and get a Renewal Certificate for the next three years. PDU stands for Professional Development Unit. One hour of learning accounts for one PDU.

PDUs required can be earned in a variety of ways.