How to earn 35 contact hours?
12.16.08 Posted in PMP by A. GhodasaraOne will have to complete 35 contact hours before they can buy/book the PMP test from PMI. Do not confuse contact hours with Professional Development Units (PDU’s).
You could earn 35 contact hours by attending Project Management related classes/training at a community college or university or a private training institute. Universities and priviate training institutes charge around 1K-2K and you could either enroll in a one week course (Mon-Fri) or on a Saturday only course that would last for one month.
Alternatively, you could enroll in a distance learning class that would cost between $200-$400. You can google ‘PMP 35 contact hours’ and you will see plenty of companies offering this service.
I however, opted for a podcast ‘Project Management PrepCast’ at http://www.pm-prepcast.com/index.php which costed me $49 dollars. Once you buy their service, they will let you download MP3 audio files which is as detailed and as good as a book. After 2-3 weeks, they will send you a link to a small exam. The exam will have 25 questions and if you get at least 17 questions right then you have earned 35 contact hours. You could give the exam as many times you want in order to get at least 17 questions right. For more information review the site’s FAQ section.
By the way, if you live in the Houston area — The Houston Community College is offering in person PMP exam preparation classes for $115+$115=$250. In my opinion, if you have not started your preparations you may want to opt for these classes. For more information visit http://www.ed2go.com/cgi-bin/oic/render.cgi?webname=hccs&handler=courseListDepartment&departmentCode=CC or google :”Houston Community College PMP Certification Prep”
