PMI (Project Management Institute) is a world-renowned project management association for project and program managers. It offers many benefits to its members and has different membership plans to suit every category of professionals. So, whether you are a student, professional, or retiree, there is a membership plan for you.
However, before you enroll in any plan, you must know how to register at their online portal.
Steps to Register at the PMI Website
- Visit pmi.org
- You will see two options: become a member and buy a PMI membership
- Register as a free member first.
- Click the sign-up button.
Input your basic details:
- First and last name
- Email address
- Country of origin
- Set password
- Enter the security question (it will ask it if you forget your password)
- Check the email subscription option (it is optional)
In tell us more about you section, enter your work experience details:
- Your company name
- Birth year
- Job title
- Years of experience
- Project management experience over the last four weeks
- How do you view your project management profession
- Your primary organization
- Area of focus
After this, click on create an account. It will generate your login credentials. Once you log in, you can see your name at the top, as you are now a registered user at pmi.org.
Now you can explore the different memberships PMI offers and apply for the one that suits you the most. This free registration is also required to apply for the exam.
You can skip this step and log in with your credentials if you already have a free account.
Types of PMI Memberships
Individual Membership
Anyone who wishes to join PMI can opt for this membership by paying a first-time fee of US $139 and the US $129 on renewal.
Student Membership
As a student, it is a great option to be a part of the world’s largest project management network and also avail all the member benefits. It will cost you the US $32 per year. The eligibility criterion for this membership is that you must be enrolled in a degree-granting full-time college or university program having US accreditation or the global equivalent.
Retiree Membership
It is a membership for those with a good track record while being a PMI member for five consecutive years. So, if you have retired from active employment, you can still be a part of the PMI community by paying a renewal fee of US $65 per year.
Group Options
The Group membership option allows you to save time and money. You can join PMI and a local PMI chapter both. So, if you have a group of more than 15 people, you can apply for group membership. However, it is available only for universities and organizations.
PMI Membership Benefits
PMP Certification Exam Fees Savings: PMI membership costs US $139, and the PMP exam costs US $555. Members need to pay the US $405 for the exam.
Free Access to PMI Standards and Publications: You can access free e-copies of all PMI standards and download PDFs from PMI’s Global Standards library. Also, you can download the latest edition of the PMBOK guide if you are preparing for the PMP exam.
Access to Research Papers: PMI has various published papers in its library. Most of them are free, and you can access the paid ones at discounted rates.
PMI Marketplace: Here, you can find several books related to project management. Hard copies of all PMI standards are also available that can be purchased at a discounted rate.
Career Central and Headquarters Resources: There is a vast collection of resources to help boost your career growth. You get guidance on writing your resume, keeping yourself updated about the latest trends, learning new skills, and searching for jobs.
PM Network and PMI Today: PMI publishes PM Network and PMI Today magazines every month. As a PMI member, you are eligible to receive them free of cost either as hard copies at your address or in a digital format in your email. These magazines cover interviews, case studies, and detailed articles to enhance your knowledge.
Project Management Journal: PMI publishes a project management journal five times a year, and you get a free copy of it. It helps you learn about the project, program, and portfolio management.
PMI Chapter Meetings: If you join the PMI local chapter and membership, you can attend local chapter meetings free of cost or at discounted rates.
Networking: As a PMI member, you can connect with other project management professionals during chapter meetings or communities of practice. You get a chance to upgrade your knowledge and increase your chance to land a job by collaborating with experienced professionals.
Earn Free PDUs: You can earn free Category-A PDUs by watching free webinars. These PDUs automatically get reported to PMI.
The Final Words
As a PMI member, you can access numerous benefits that smoothen out your PMP certification journey. However, to avail of these perks, you need to enroll in a membership program.
You get a chance to upgrade your current knowledge, collaborate with professionals, attend local chapter meetings, and get access to several free resources. So, it is highly recommended to become a PMI member to give wings to your career growth.