Here are some other questions that come up regularly when it comes to applying for the PMP exam.
And of course, we'll provide you with the answers.
Let's go ...
The PMP application is available online from the PMI website but there are quite a few clicks to go through to find it.
Go to the PMI website and login to mypmi.org. If you are not already a PMI member, you will need to create a free account in order to start the process.
Once you have logged in, navigate to your Dashboard. From there, you will see the link to learn more about PMI’s certifications. Click on that, and then choose the certification you wish to apply for from the Certifications page.
In this example we are choosing the PMP certification, but the process is broadly similar for all the PMI certifications.
Click to learn more about the PMP certification, and then from the PMP page you’ll see the link to apply.
Your mypmi.org dashboard also shows the application status of any past applications that have expired or are pending, which means you’ve started the process but not yet completed it. You can also access the online application form by clicking to reopen your application (for expired applications) or continue working on your application (for pending applications).
The PMP application form can NOT be downloaded from the PMI website as a file (for example, as a PDF) to be completed offline. The only way to apply is by filling in the online form.
The online form is easy to navigate and convenient for most people to use. It’s designed to be user-friendly. You don’t have to worry about completing it all at the same time. You can save your responses and go back to the form whenever you like, as long as you do complete it within 90 days of starting.
Once you have completed your application, you can download it for your records.
There are three steps to complete: education, experience and exam details.
You no longer need to add references on your PMP application. However, if your application is selected for audit, you will need to provide supporting documentation to prove you did work on the projects you stated, which could include signatures from your manager at the time.
You will need to be able to get in touch with them if you are audited, so it’s helpful for them to know that you are applying. It also means that you have the correct contact details for them! If you do need to involve them in your application audit you’ll want to get in touch with them quickly so that they can provide any necessary information. In particular, they will need to confirm that you acted in a role that was leading and directing the work, not simply a project contributor. With this in mind, it is worth sharing your application form with them so that they agree with what you have written before you submit it. This can help avoid disputes later.
Therefore, here is my recommendation for you: Talk to your project sponsors or managers before you apply and let them know you are submitting an application for PMP certification. Tell them that if your application is selected for audit, they will be asked to verify your experience including the hours you worked.
Verifying your experience isn’t a big job for your references but it’s still polite to ask them in advance!
If they are not willing or able to provide verification for you in case you are audited, I would consider using other projects for your application evidence.
Markus
PS: If you think we have missed something; if you find some wrong or outdated information, if you want us to add something, or if you just want to let you know your feedback - which is highly appreciated - then just write a short comment below. Thank you!