HOW TO FILL PMP APPLICATION?

The application process for the PMP® exam is conducted online through the Project Management Institute (PMI)® website. If you haven't filled out an online application like this before, it might seem intimidating at first. The website will prompt you to gather various pieces of information and input them into the form. You'll need to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria for taking the PMP exam, including having relevant project management experience across various domains.

However, don't let this step deter you from pursuing your goal of obtaining the PMP credential. Once you understand what to expect and are well-prepared, completing the online form becomes much more manageable.

In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of what you can anticipate during the PMP exam application process, the specific information you'll need to provide, and what the reviewers of your application are looking for. Armed with the right knowledge and preparation, you can compile a strong PMP application that stands a good chance of being approved.

While the majority of the content in this article is tailored to project managers applying for the PMP exam, those applying for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® or the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® may also find the information valuable. Towards the later sections of the article, there is dedicated information to assist CAPM® and PMI-ACP® applicants. As you continue reading, consider how the principles discussed can enhance your CAPM® and PMI-ACP® applications, as many best practices for a well-structured application form are common to all these certifications.

How Do I Apply for PMP Certification?

To apply for PMP certification, you should follow these steps:

1. Visit the PMI website.
2. Access the PMP application form.
3. Complete the online application form, providing details about your project management education and experience to determine your eligibility for the exam.

 What is the PMP Application Process? 

The PMP application process consists of the following steps:

1. Initiation: Start filling out the online application form.
2. Duration: You have 90 days to complete the application from the date you begin.
3. Completeness Review: After submitting your form, PMI will review it for completeness, which typically takes up to 5 days.
4. Eligibility Notification: PMI will notify you of your eligibility to take the PMP exam and request payment of the exam fee.

 Where Can I Get the PMP Application Form?

You cannot obtain a PDF version of the PMP application form from the PMI website. The PMP application form is exclusively available online, and you must complete it on their website. The online form is designed for ease of use and allows you to save your progress, making it convenient for applicants. You have 90 days to complete the online application once you start it.

The application process includes three main steps: education, experience, and exam details. The education section is where the initial review of your eligibility takes place, as you must meet specific criteria to qualify for the PMP exam. These criteria vary based on your educational background and project management experience.

Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or global equivalent)

Minimum five years/60 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience*

35 contact hours of formal education unless you are an active CAPM holder

OR

Four-year degree (bachelor's degree or global equivalent

Minimum three years/36 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience*

35 contact hours of formal education unless you are an active CAPM holder

OR

Bachelor's or post-graduate degree from a GAC accredited program (bachelor's degree or master's or global equivalent)

Minimum two years/24 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience*

35 contact hours of formal education unless you are an active CAPM holder

How Do I Complete The Education Information Section?

In the next section of the PMP application form, you are required to document your project management education, specifically the completion of 35 contact hours of training for the PMP application. You should provide information about your training provider, the dates when you attended the training, and the name of the training program. It's essential to have these details readily available before you begin filling out your application.

It's important to note that your project management education must be completed by the time you submit your application. While you may receive a certificate of attendance from your training provider as evidence of completing the course, you are not required to upload these certificates unless your application is audited.

How Do I Fill in PMP Experience Hours? 

The project management experience section of the online PMP application form is often considered one of the most challenging parts. However, it's crucial to complete this section accurately as it's essential for demonstrating your eligibility to take the PMP exam.

In this section, you will be required to provide detailed information about your work experience on various projects, including:

• The project's title.
• The organization where the project was conducted and its primary domain.
• Your job title.
• Your functional reporting area.
• The approach or methodology used (options include traditional, agile, or hybrid).
• The project team size.
• The project budget, which should be provided in USD.
• The project dates, with an option to indicate if the project is ongoing.
• A description summarizing your role, including information about the project's objectives, outcomes, deliverables, and specific responsibilities. PMI recommends that typical responses in this section range from 200 to 500 words.

You can add multiple projects to your application to meet the required experience criteria. You will not be able to proceed to the final step of the application process until you have included enough project experience to meet the eligibility criteria, which are as follows:

• If you have a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), you need to demonstrate 60 months (5 years) of project management experience.
• If you have a bachelor's degree, you need to show 36 months (3 years) of project management experience.
• If you hold a degree accredited by the Global Accreditation Center (GAC), you need to demonstrate 24 months (2 years) of project management experience.

What Do I Put For PMP Experience Examples? 

The months of experience you report in your PMP application are a measure of the time you spent actively leading, managing, and directing projects. PMI's requirement is to accumulate between 24 and 60 months of experience, depending on your highest level of education.

Consider these qualifying months as similar to elapsed duration and effort duration in a project schedule. It's acceptable for your project dates to overlap, as many professionals manage multiple projects concurrently. However, the time spent leading overlapping projects only counts as per the elapsed time. For instance, if you managed three projects in January, it still counts as one month of experience.

To reiterate, each calendar month is considered as a single month of experience, even if you managed multiple projects during that time.

It's advisable to limit your reported hours to 40 hours per week. There's no need to try to impress PMI with the number of hours you work or the number of projects you handle simultaneously. However, in the real world, there might be legitimate reasons for recording more than 40 hours in a week. For instance, during significant project milestones, you may need to work extended hours. This is not uncommon, especially for specialized contractors who may have long gaps between projects.

If you do report excessive hours in the PMP experience hours section (i.e., over 40 hours per week for an extended period), you should be prepared to justify these hours if necessary. You may need to provide written documentation to PMI, such as timesheets or client invoices that clearly state the hours worked and the nature of the work performed. This documentation is crucial in case your application is audited.

How Do I Complete the Exam Details Section?

The final section of the PMP application online form is the exam details section. In this section you complete your contact details.

You’ll need to enter:

• Your address
• Your name in the form it appears on your ID as it must exactly match
• The name you want to appear on your certificate, which does not have to be the same as on your identification
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• The country where you want to take the exam.

You’ll also be asked to state if you wish to request any exam accommodations, for example due to disability and/or other conditions that may impair your ability to take the exam.

How Do I Submit My PMP Application? 

Submitting your PMP application is the final step in the process once you have completed all the sections of the online application form. Here's what you need to do to submit your PMP application:

1. Review Your Application: Before submitting, carefully review all the information you've entered in the application form to ensure its accuracy and completeness. Make sure you've included all the necessary details about your education, project management education, and project management experience.

       2. Download a Copy: It's a good practice to download a copy of your application for your own records. Having a copy on hand can be helpful in case you're audited or need to reference your application in the future.

1. Read and Agree to Terms: Read through the terms and agreements provided on the screen. Make sure you understand and agree to the terms. There are usually checkboxes that you need to tick to indicate your agreement.
2. Certify Accuracy: Certify that all the information you've provided is accurate. This is a crucial step, as providing false information can lead to your application being rejected or your certification being revoked.
3. Submit Application: Once you've reviewed, agreed to the terms, and certified the accuracy of your information, click the "Submit Application" button. This action sends your application to PMI for review.
4. After submitting your application, you'll need to wait for PMI to review it for completeness and eligibility. This review process typically takes up to 5 business days. If your application is found to be complete and you meet the eligibility criteria, PMI will notify you about the next steps, including instructions for paying the exam fee.
5. Make sure to follow these steps carefully to ensure your PMP application is submitted accurately and efficiently.

What is a PMP Audit?

A PMP audit is a quality assurance process conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided in a PMP certification application. Here are some key points about the PMP audit process:

1. Random Selection: PMP audits are typically conducted on a random basis. However, it's essential to note that PMI reserves the right to audit any application at any time, even after an individual has obtained the PMP certification.

1. No Additional Fees: There are no additional fees associated with being selected for a PMP audit. If your application is audited, it won't cost you extra money beyond the standard certification fees.

1. Audit Notification: If your application is selected for an audit, you will receive a notification by email. You will not be able to proceed with payment of the certification fee until the audit process is successfully completed.
2. Audit Requirements: The audit notification email will contain specific details and instructions on what you need to do to complete the audit process. Typically, you will be required to provide supplementary documentation to support the information you provided in your application.
   1. Diploma or Degree Certificate Copies: You may need to provide copies of your diploma or degree certificates as evidence of your educational qualifications.
   2. Signatures from Project Sponsors/Supervisors: You might be asked to obtain signatures from the project sponsors, direct supervisors, or managers of the projects you listed in your application. This is to validate your project management experience.
   3. Certificates for Training Hours: If you claimed 35 contact hours of project management education, you may need to submit certificates or evidence from your training provider(s) to confirm your completion of the required training hours.
3. Timely Submission: It's crucial to prepare and submit all requested documentation promptly. You generally have 90 days to gather and post the relevant information back to PMI in response to the audit.
4. Audit Duration: Once PMI receives your evidence, the PMP audit process usually takes around 5 to 7 business days to complete. During this time, PMI will review the submitted materials to ensure they align with the information provided in your application.

Successfully passing the audit is a critical step in the PMP certification process. It's essential to be honest and accurate in your application and provide the requested documentation promptly if audited.