Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam from Pluralsight

In this course, designed to align with the PMBOK® Guide 6th Edition and the newest PMI® standards, you'll learn if the PMP®, the gold standard in project management certifications, is right for you and begin your learning journey.

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is recognized worldwide as one of the most valuable certifications for professionals in IT and many other industries. In this course, Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam, you’ll learn if earning a PMP® is the right choice for your career development, what prerequisites must be met in order to take the certification exam, what to expect from the test itself, and how to compile and submit your application. After that, you’ll be introduced to foundational project management principles that can help you better understand what sets project management apart from the day-to-day managerial needs of organizations, and be introduced to the content that will be covered throughout this learning path.

This course, and all others in this learning path, are fully aligned with the newest version of the PMP® exam’s objectives and the 6th Edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Completion of this course and others in the series will help you completely fulfill the mandatory training requirement for the PMP® exam, and can also be used to earn continuing education credit for those who have already earned their certification.

By the end of this course, you’ll know if earning a PMP® is right for you, and take valuable first steps to prepare for the certification.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Getting Started with the PMP® Certification

Qualifying for the PMP® Exam

The PMP® Exam Application Process

Project Management Fundamentals

Key Project Roles & Stakeholders

The Skills of Effective Project Managers

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Meets PMI standards and objectives and may be useful for certification preparation

Taught by Casey Ayers, an instructor recognized for their work in the field

Could be leveraged for continuing education credit for those already certified

May provide a first step in preparing for the certification

Explicitly requires that prerequisite courses be taken first

Fees, such as exam fees, may be required to complete the certification process

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam with these activities:

Refresh Core Project Management Concepts

Show steps

Reinforce your knowledge of core concepts to ensure a solid understanding before beginning the course.

Browse courses on Core Concepts

Show steps

Review notes and concepts from previous project management courses.
Complete practice exercises to test your understanding of key project management terms and methodologies.
Participate in online forums or discussion groups to engage with other project managers and discuss concepts.

Review 'The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)'

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of project management principles directly from the official PMBOK® Guide.

View Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain the latest edition of the PMBOK® Guide.
Diligently read through the chapters, focusing on the key concepts and methodologies.
Take notes and highlight important sections for future reference.
Complete the review and reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
Engage in discussions or share insights with peers or a study group based on your reading.

PMP Exam Overview Tutorial

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the PMP exam structure, content, and strategies for success.

Show steps

Identify a reputable platform or instructor providing PMP exam tutorials.
Enroll in the tutorial and diligently follow the lessons, covering all aspects of the exam.
Complete practice questions and simulations to test your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Seek clarification and support from the tutorial instructor or online forums when needed.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Project Management Study Group

Show steps

Connect with peers to share knowledge, discuss concepts, and provide mutual support throughout the course.

Show steps

Identify or form a study group with fellow students or professionals in the field.
Set regular meeting times and establish a structured agenda for discussions.
Take turns presenting different course topics, facilitating discussions, and sharing insights.
Collaboratively work on practice questions and case studies to enhance understanding.
Provide feedback, ask questions, and engage in active listening to maximize learning.

PMP Practice Questions

Show steps

Sharpen your problem-solving skills and build confidence by practicing real-world PMP exam questions.

Show steps

Obtain a reputable PMP practice question bank or use online resources.
Allocate dedicated time for focused practice, solving questions under simulated exam conditions.
Review your answers thoroughly, analyzing incorrect responses to identify knowledge gaps.
Repeat the practice process consistently to improve accuracy and time management.

Project Management Plan

Show steps

Apply your understanding of project management concepts by creating a comprehensive plan for a hypothetical project.

Show steps

Define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
Identify and analyze stakeholders.
Develop a project schedule, budget, and resource allocation plan.
Create a risk management plan and identify mitigation strategies.
Develop a communication plan and stakeholder engagement strategy.
Present your project plan to a hypothetical stakeholder panel for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers lead teams in planning, executing, and closing projects from start to finish. This involves defining project scope, setting goals, managing budgets, and coordinating with stakeholders. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course provides a strong foundation for aspiring Project Managers. It covers the fundamental principles of project management, including project planning, risk management, and stakeholder management. Completing this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a Project Manager role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers oversee multiple projects that are related to each other. They are responsible for ensuring that all projects align with the organization's strategic goals and that resources are allocated effectively. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be beneficial for Program Managers. It provides a comprehensive overview of project management principles and best practices, which can help Program Managers make informed decisions and manage projects successfully.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing a portfolio of projects or programs. They work with stakeholders to define the portfolio's strategic objectives and ensure that projects are aligned with those objectives. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can help Portfolio Managers develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. It covers topics such as project selection, portfolio risk management, and portfolio governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators assist Project Managers with the day-to-day management of projects. They may be responsible for tasks such as scheduling meetings, tracking progress, and managing project documentation. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be helpful for Project Coordinators. It provides a solid understanding of project management principles and practices, which can help Project Coordinators perform their duties effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to identify and define business needs. They may also be involved in developing and implementing solutions to meet those needs. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be useful for Business Analysts. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Business Analysts understand the project context and contribute to project success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products or features. They work with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, set product strategy, and manage product development. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be beneficial for Product Managers. It provides a framework for understanding project management principles and practices, which can help Product Managers plan and execute product development projects successfully.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Scrum Master

Scrum Masters are responsible for facilitating Scrum teams and helping them to adopt Agile principles and practices. They work with the team to define sprints, track progress, and remove roadblocks. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be helpful for Scrum Masters. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Scrum Masters understand the project context and contribute to team success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Master

Agile Coach

Agile Coaches help organizations to adopt and implement Agile methodologies. They work with teams to improve their Agile practices and processes. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be useful for Agile Coaches. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Agile Coaches understand the project context and contribute to organizational success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Coach

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers lead IT projects and ensure that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They work with cross-functional teams to define project scope, set project goals, and manage project risks. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be helpful for IT Project Managers. It provides a comprehensive overview of project management principles and best practices, which can help IT Project Managers lead their teams to success.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Construction Project Manager

Construction Project Managers plan, execute, and close construction projects. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be helpful for Construction Project Managers. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Construction Project Managers understand the project context and contribute to project success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Project Manager

Event Planner

Event Planners plan and execute events such as conferences, weddings, and corporate events. They work with clients to define event goals, develop event budgets, and manage event logistics. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course can be helpful for Event Planners. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Event Planners plan and execute successful events.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They work with cross-functional teams to develop marketing strategies, set marketing budgets, and manage marketing campaigns. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course may be useful for Marketing Managers. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Marketing Managers plan and execute successful marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead sales teams and are responsible for achieving sales goals. They work with sales representatives to develop sales strategies, set sales targets, and manage sales pipelines. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course may be useful for Sales Managers. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Sales Managers plan and execute successful sales campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. They are responsible for ensuring that operations are efficient and effective. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course may be useful for Operations Managers. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Operations Managers plan and execute successful operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide financial advice to individuals and organizations. They analyze financial data to make recommendations on investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters. The Introduction to Project Management & the PMP® Exam course may be useful for Financial Analysts. It provides a foundation in project management principles and practices, which can help Financial Analysts understand the project context and contribute to financial success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst