You can take the exam almost any time at a local test center, once you have accomplished steps 1 and 2 below. See the details below.

1. Make sure you meet the project management experience and education requirements

In order to take the exam, you must first understand that there is an experience requirement (expressed in hours of time spent in project management activities) and an education requirement (expressed in hours of classroom contact time). Experience and education requirements for each of the credentials are clearly descibed on the credential pages.

2. Complete and Submit the Exam Application Paperwork

Once you have completed the PMI Exam Application Package - which can be accessed and printed from the PMI Global website - PMI will review the application. If they approve the application, they will send you paperwork with a control number and phone numbers to call to schedule your exam. At that point, YOU CAN SCHEDULE AND TAKE THE EXAM ANY TIME.

3. Schedule the Exam

The only near-term constraints are your own schedule and the availability of seats at the exam center. The specific test center schedules are given below.

The long-term constraint is more critical. You must take the exam within 90 days of the time your application is approved. Otherwise, you will forfeit your exam fee.

Within the West Virginia/Ohio Valley area, exams are administered at the following locations (among others):

PROMETRIC TEST CENTER
1104 Fledder John Rd
Ashton Place Shopping Ctr Suite R
Charleston, WV 25314

Phone: 304-345-1986
Prometric Site Code: 5224

PROMETRIC TEST CENTER
6 Riddle Ct.
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26505-2693

Phone: 304-293-0699
Prometric Site Code: 5354

To find other locations, please visit the Prometric Website.

4. Take the Exam

Exams are computer-based and multiple-choice. You have 4.5 hours to answer 200 questions. You can take the exam at your own pace. Although the questions appear in sequential order, you can mark questions that you want to answer or review later. The procedure is quite simple and straightforward, and the staff at the test centers are very helpful - they'll make sure you understand how to take the test.

You tell the computer you're done, and your score will appear within a few seconds. If you pass, the test center notifies you immediately, and also informs PMI, who will forward your verification and recertification information within a few days.

Click here for information on how to join PMI; membership entitles you to significant discounts on exam fees. 

Click here for more information on Obtaining Credentials from the PMI website.