What to Expect After Passing the PMP Exam

Introduction: This article is the third in a series detailing my experience with the PMP examination. For more information on preparing for the PMP exam, refer to my previous posts.

As soon as you see the congratulatory message on your CBT PMP Examination screen, you officially hold the PMP certification for three years. While you might not be able to verify your status on the PMI website immediately, you are authorized to use the PMP credential right away. Depending on your time zone, you should receive an email titled "Congratulations, you have obtained a PMP" within a couple of days (I received mine after two days).

This email confirms your new status as a PMP and informs you that your credential certificate will be sent within six to eight weeks. If you're interested in obtaining a free PMP lapel pin (who wouldn't want one?), you can order it at no cost (including postage) from the PMI marketplace, which will also arrive in six to eight weeks.

Additionally, you can start accumulating Professional Development Units (PDUs) immediately after passing the exam. If you're a PMI member, you'll receive another email shortly afterward detailing various resources (mostly free) available for earning PDUs on pmi.org.