If you have decided that you want to become a Project Management Professional (PMP), follow the advice in this post to complete the application to take PMI’s PMP certification exam.
You might be feeling a little overwhelmed at the task, but this guide will take the stress out of the application process!
Are you a PMI Member?
NB: Before you begin the PMP application we strongly recommend that you consider becoming a PMI member. As a member, you will gain access to valuable resources including an electronic version of both the PMBOK Guide and the Agile Practice Guide. Becoming a member and writing the exam as a member works out cheaper than simply writing the exam as a non-member.
How Do I Apply for the PMP Exam?
First, you’ll need to have an account to access the PMP application on PMI’s website. You’ll be required to complete the application and submit it online.
The application process for the PMP exam begins as soon as you open the application to start entering your information. Some good news is that you don’t need to finish it all in one sitting. PMI saves it and gives you 90 days to complete the process.
How long does it take for my PMP application to be approved?
Typically, it takes around 5 to 10 business days for PMI to respond to your application.
A percentage of applications are randomly selected for auditing, and if yours is selected, then PMI will advise you what information to provide so that they can verify your education and experience.
Could my application be rejected?
Your application may be rejected for reasons such as failing to provide clear descriptions of the work you’ve done, or the education you’ve undertaken.
Rest assured that you can reapply after being rejected. Just be sure to carefully read PMI’s reasons for rejecting the application and update your information accordingly.
How Do I Complete the PMP Application?
Filling out the application online is easy, but it’s critical that you have all the information you need on hand. That way, you can move through it efficiently.
There are two categories under which you can qualify to take the PMP exam:
- Have a four-year degree, 36 months of experience in leading projects, and 35 hours of project management training or get your CAPM certification.
- Possess a high school diploma or associate’s degree, have 60 months of experience in leading projects, and 35 hours of project management training or get your CAPM certification.
How do I reflect my education in the application?
This section should include information about your formal education, as well as the 35 contact hours of project management training you’ve completed.
How do I describe my experience in the application?
This section takes a bit of time to complete. Start with your most recent project, and work backwards. Once you have indicated sufficient non-overlapping months of experience, the application will automatically take you to the next step of the application. You may only include projects worked on during the 8 years preceding the date of your application .
Aim to show PMI that you accomplished a variety of tasks and include relevant keywords from the PMBOK Guide and the Agile Practice Guide.
Every project you list must meet the definition of a project according to PMI. This includes the creation of a new product, service or result, within a temporary timeframe, and within specific constraints like scope, schedule, cost, and resources.
How do I describe projects for a PMP application?
Get ready for this because you’ll have to provide several details. For each project, you’ll need to give the following:
- Project Title: it should be concise and unique.
- Organization: On whose behalf the project was carried out.
- Job Title: Your job title at the organization.
- Functional Reporting Area: Pick a functional area that most resembles your team.
- Organization Primary Focus: Industry that best fits your organization.
- Approach/Methodology: Choose from Traditional (Waterfall), Agile, or Hybrid
- Project Team Size: Pick the range of team members involved in the project (or select ‘Classified’ if applicable).
- Project Budget (in USD): Give your best estimate of the budget (or select ‘Classified’ if applicable).
- Project Dates: Provide the start and end date (month) of the project. You can also select “In Progress” if the project is ongoing.
- Project Description: Provide a high-level description that summarizes your experience and includes the project objective, outcome, your role on the project, your responsibilities and deliverables. A typical response is 200 to 500 words, and the minimum response is 100 words.
PMP application contact and exam preference
The third and final step of your PMP application requires you to provide your personal details, contact information, and exam preference. It is now possible to take the exam online or at a Pearson Vue Test Centre.
Submit PMP Application
Review your application. Check for accuracy and make sure there are no errors before you click on the Submit button. PMI has provided this useful checklist that you can use to validate your application.
Once you submit the application, you will not be able to change it at all. If you want to change it after you submit the application, the only thing the audit team can do is to reject your application, and you will need to complete the whole application again.