There are two requirements that you as a candidate need to fulfill before you are even allowed to pay for the privilege of taking the exam. Those requirements are: Project management experience; Project management education; The details of the first PMP certification requirement will differ depending on your educational background. Eligibility Requirement 1: Project Management Experience If you have a high school diploma, you are required to have a minimum of five years or 60 months of project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing the project.