Business acumen is now considered a critical skill because the project manager's role has shifted from a tactical executor to a strategic partner. According to PMI's 2025 Pulse of the Profession report, business acumen is the key differentiator for success, separating strategic value creators from tactical troubleshooters. (Source)

• Redefining Success: Success is no longer just "on time, on budget." It is now defined as "delivered value that was worth the effort and expense."

• Performance Gap: Professionals with high business acumen are shown to have higher project success rates, meeting business goals 83% of the time versus 78% for their peers. (Source)

• Skills Gap: Only 18% of project professionals currently demonstrate high business acumen, making it a major opportunity for growth. (Source)

• Value Creation: High-acumen PMs move from a defensive (risk-mitigation) role to an offensive (value-creation) one.

The total time to get PMP certified is divided into three parts: meeting the experience prerequisite, completing the 35 hours of training, and studying for the exam. The experience itself takes 3-5 years. The training and study period varies greatly.

• Experience Prerequisite: This is the longest part, requiring a minimum of 36 or 60 months of professional experience.

• Mandatory Training: The 35 contact hours of training can be completed in an intensive 4-week bootcamp or over a longer period.

• Exam Study: This is highly personal. Most candidates spend several weeks to a few months studying, using simulation exams to prepare.

Enrolling in the Simplilearn PMP certification course is a straightforward online process. Interested individuals can apply through the company website. The process for applying for the official PMP exam, however, is separate and done through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

• Course Enrollment: Apply on the Simplilearn website. The admission panel shortlists candidates, and an admission offer is made. The program can be started after paying the program fee.

• Exam Application: This is a separate process. You must apply on the official PMI website, documenting your experience and 35 contact hours.

• Application Support: The course includes expert assistance to help you properly fill out and submit your PMI exam application.

• PMI Audit: A random percentage of PMI applications are selected for an audit. This PMP Certification course provides guidance on how to prepare for and pass the audit process.

No, the PMP certification exam fee is not included in the Simplilearn course fee. The training fee is paid to Simplilearn for the 35 contact hours, instruction, and study materials. The exam fee must be paid separately and directly to the Project Management Institute (PMI)® when you apply to take the exam.

• Simplilearn Fee: This covers the training, digital PMI materials, simulation exams, and support

• PMI Exam Fee: This separate fee is paid to PMI during the exam application process

• PMI Membership: The exam fee is typically lower for PMI members, though membership itself has an annual fee