The Day I Became a PMP

Some achievements hit differently. They carry the weight of discipline, the satisfaction of perseverance, and the quiet joy of finally seeing months of effort come together. Last Sunday (New Zealand time) was one of those days for me — the day I became a PMP® Certified Professional.

Table of Contents

• The Goal

• The Exam Experience

• The Result

• What the PMP Taught Me

The Goal

I’ve been preparing for this milestone for months, and crossing the finish line felt incredible. The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is one of the most respected and demanding credentials in project management — and for good reason. It doesn’t just test what you know; it challenges how you think under pressure.

The happiness I felt after passing was similar to when I earned my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, but this time it felt even more rewarding. Back then, I was celebrating the start of my career. Now, this achievement marks a new stage — one that validates years of hands-on project experience, study, and growth.

The Exam Experience

The process began at 9:30 a.m., with the proctor verifying my setup before I officially started at 10:00 a.m. The PMP exam has 180 questions, split into three blocks of 60, with two optional 10-minute breaks. That means about 1 minute and 15 seconds per question — a true test of time management and focus.

You can flag questions for review, but the timer keeps running, so every second counts. I chose to trust my preparation and keep moving forward. By 2:20 p.m., I clicked that final “Submit” and felt the mix of exhaustion and happiness that comes from giving your best.

The Result

The next morning, I opened my inbox to an email from PMI:

That was the moment it became official — PMP® Certified.

It was one of the happiest moments of my career. Passing on my first attempt was proof that consistent effort pays off — even when the process feels long, demanding, and at times overwhelming.

What the PMP Taught Me

Even after years of leading projects and holding a diploma in project management, this exam pushed me further than any classroom ever did. It reminded me that learning isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about stretching yourself beyond what’s comfortable.

If you’re preparing for the PMP, start with the Examination Content Outline (ECO) — it’s your map. The exam focuses on three domains:

• People (42%)

• Process (50%)

• Business Environment (8%)

P.S. Visit vandersonbaril.com for more insights on engineering and project management.

See you next Saturday!