PMI-RMP: Frequently Asked Questions in 2024

    PMI-RMP Exam Prep

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LAST UPDATED ON JANUARY 9, 2024, BY HARRY HALL

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Wondering what you need to know to pass the PMI-RMP® exam? Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this popular project risk management certification.

What is the PMI-RMP?

The PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP®) is one of the several PMI certifications. Individuals with this certification possess specialized knowledge and expertise in planning for risk management, identifying risks, evaluating risks, developing and implementing risk responses, and monitoring risks.

What is RMP in PMI?

RMP stands for risk management professional. The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP®) certification.

Why should I consider the PMI-RMP certification?

There are several reasons that a project manager may with to obtain the PMI-RMP certification. They include but are not limited to:

  • Increase career opportunities
  • Improve professional status
  • Increase salary
  • Boost your knowledge and expertise
  • Improve project success rates
  • Help organizations with risk management

PMI Salary Survey – Thirteenth Edition

Want to increase your salary? Consider the results of the latest PMI salary survey.


"...survey respondents with a PMP® certification report higher median salaries than those without a PMP certification — 33% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed." –Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey – Thirteenth Edition (November, 2023)

What's Different in the PMI-RMP® Exam?

PMI updated the PMI-RMP® exam with updated terminology and processes, as well as enterprise-level risk management. There are new multiple select questions. Additionally, predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches are included in the exam. PMI started the updated exam on April 1, 2022. 

Should I Go for the PMI-RMP Certification Exam?

You’re in good company. Tens of thousands of project managers have already earned their PMI-RMP certification. Why? Because it’s the best way to show employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge to manage the project, program, and portfolio risk.

Furthermore, if you want to pursue a risk management career, this certification demonstrates your expertise to potential employers. 

What is the PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline?

The PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline and Specifications (May 2022) specifies the domains needed by a Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®. Additionally, this resource describes the PMI-RMP application process, eligibility, fees, and examination information.  The ECO is the basis for the PMI-RMP exam. If you wish to know what's on the exam, start here. 

Grab a Copy of the PMI Certifications Handbook

As you begin your journey towards the PMI-RMP exam, be sure to start with a copy of the PMI Certifications Handbook (October 2023). The Handbook includes:

  • PMI's Certification Program
  • Application and Payments
  • PMI Audit Process
  • Exam Policies and Procedures
  • Certification Policies and Procedures
  • Continuing Certification Requirements Program
  • PMI Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
  • PMI Certification Application/Renewal Agreement

Which edition of the PMBOK should I use to prepare for the PMI-RMP exam?

PMI references the PMBOK® Guide, Seventh Edition. The PMBOK® Guide, Sixth Edition was retired on March 31, 2022. However, I recommend that you study Chapter 11 on Project Risk Management in the Sixth Edition.

Which edition of the Practice Standard should I use?

The current standard is the Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects in 2019. 

The PMI-RMP Exam is Now Online

Great news! You can now take the PMI-RMP Exam online. The online exam is the same as the version administered at a test center. Plus, there is a live proctor.

What books do you recommend?

At a minimum, I recommend that you obtain a copy of the PMBOK® Guide, Seventh Edition and the Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects (2019). See the Reference Materials in the Risk Management Professional Exam Outline.

here is my bookshelf

There are two other books that I recommend.  Each book provides helpful information in preparing for the exam. Equally important, these resources provide helpful tips in the practical application of project risk management.

May I use books and resources during the exam?

You are not allowed to use any materials during the exam including the PMI website, books, and PDFs.

What should I look for in an Online Course?

First, look for a course that is aligned with the latest PMI® standards. Second, the PMI-RMP® Exam Content Outline requires "an end-of-course assessment." Third, the PMI® Certifications Handbook states: "Copies of certificates and/or letters from the training institute(s) for each course recorded on the application to meet the required contact hours of professional education." Therefore, make sure the course provides a certificate.

How hard is the PMI-RMP exam?

The certification exam has 115 multiple-choice questions and you have 2.5 hours to complete it. Like all PMI exams, the exam is challenging. It was not as difficult as the PMP exam for me.

Are you a PMP? Or perhaps you are preparing for the PMP exam now. I strongly recommend that you prepare for the PMI-RMP exam after you've passed the PMP exam, while your PMBOK studies are still fresh in your mind.

PMP vs. PMI-RMP Certification. Which is more difficult?

The PMP exam is more difficult than the PMI-RMP exam. Why? The PMP covers all of the project management knowledge areas; the PMI-RMP has a narrow focus on risk management only. The PMI-RMP exam (like all PMI exams) is challenging. Be sure to study and prepare.

Additional Certification FAQs

I realize that I've not likely answered all of your questions. Here are the common Certification FAQs from PMI.

Help Me Help You!

Please contact PMI Customer Care for the final word concerning any of these questions. I have made every attempt to ensure the information in this article is accurate. If you have additional information or questions for me, please email me at hhall@projectriskcoach.com. Thanks!

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