Master the PMP Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to complete your Project Management Institute (PMI)®’s Project Management Professional (PM)® application with our step-by-step guide that can help improve your chances of success!

How to Successfully Complete Your PMP Application

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most prestigious credentials in project management. Project Management Institute (PMI)® manages a portfolio of project management certifications, the most widely recognized of which is the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential. PMI predicts that 25 million new project management employees will be needed by 2030 to meet global demand.

You do not need to be a project manager to earn a PMP certification. However, you need to have project manager work experience, including the ability to provide a detailed project description of each effort and education related to project management.

You must understand the PMP application process and requirements to earn a certification. You will need more than your name and contact information to gain approval to take the PMP exam. Use this guide to understand the process, know the requirements, and submit a robust application.

Understanding the PMP Application Requirements

To prepare for your PMP application form submission, you must be ready to:

• Demonstrate your fulfillment of the eligibility requirements,
• Verify your relevant education and
• Have relevant experience description documentation.

PMI will only allow you to schedule your certification exam after you submit and review a completed PMP application form and pay your exam fees.

PMP Certification Eligibility Requirements

Requirements fall into three areas: educational qualification, project management experience, and PMP exam prerequisites.

• High School Diploma or Secondary Degree Holders:
  • minimum of 60 months of experience
  • 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
  • 35 hours of project management education — you can meet this requirement if you hold PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification

• Bachelor’s Degree Holders:
  • a minimum of 36 months of experience
  • 4,500 hours leading and directing projects
  • 35 hours of project management education, — you can meet this requirement if you hold PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification

The level of formal education you have achieved will impact the amount of experience you need to lead projects. However, everyone must have 35 hours of project management-specific training covering project management concepts, methodologies, and best practices.

PMP Exam Application Process

PMI.org suggests (1) confirming eligibility, (2) gathering supporting information, and (3) submitting a completed PMP exam application. The PMP application is online and requires documentation and information regarding your educational background, project management experience, and training.

Each application undergoes review before PMI grants approval to schedule taking the PMP certification exam.

Set up Your PMI Account

The application process begins with the PMI.org website, where you must set up your PMI account. Your PMI account allows you to save your application as you progress, check on your application status, and manage your certification later.

Collecting Contact Information, Education documentation, and Project Management Work Documentation for Your Application

Before starting your PMP application form, you must gather the necessary information. PMI will ask you to provide this information for your application, including the following:

• Contact information: email, address, phone number, PMI member ID.
• Education attained: school attended, level of education attained, degree date, completed courses, and qualifying hours.
• Domain experience: projects, programs, portfolios you have worked on with effort name and objective, qualifying hours, your role in the effort, reference contact, and experience summary.
• Domain education: names of courses completed, institutions attended, dates, qualifying hours.

Submit Information for your PMP Certification Application

Login to your PMI account and go to the PMP certification section to find the PMP section, or open the How to Apply for the PMP page and access your PMI account from the “Apply Now” button.

Section 1: Personal Information

• Submit your name, contact details, and PMI member ID (if applicable)

Section 2: Educational Background:

• For each degree earned, enter the education institution’s name, degree earned, and year granted

Section 3: Project Management Experience:

• For each project/program, enter the title, organization, project objectives, your role and responsibilities, project start and end dates, hours you worked on it

Section 4: Project Management Education:

• Enter the name, training provider, and completed hours for each project management education course.

Section 5: Exam Details:

• Select language for the exam in any desired testing location/format

Review and Apply for the PMP

Carefully review all entered information for accuracy and alignment with PMI’s requirements. Once you have confirmed all entered information, submit your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

PMI must approve the PMP application to take the PMP exam. The most common mistakes that can get your application delayed or rejected include:

• incomplete information
• inaccurate dates (for education or project management experience)
• inaccurate hours (for education or project management experience)
• insufficient project management experience description
• incomplete required fields

The time you spend preparing your information and documentation will help ensure an approved application and prepare you for the audit if your application is selected.

Tips for a Successful PMP Application

Apply the same attention to detail you bring to your project management documentation to your PMP exam application. Consider these tips to increase the chances of the approval of your application by PMI:

• Make sure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements before starting the application process.
• Seek help from mentors or peers.
• Be detailed when describing your project management experience.
• Describe your role and responsibilities in specific terms, including your efforts in leading and directing work.
• Prepare for potential audit with associated documentation for each submitted education and educational item.

With a PMI account, the application is save-as-you-go. Take advantage of that functionality and enter data carefully without rushing. You do not want to receive a rejected application because of poor typing or missing fields!

After Submission: What to Expect

PMI typically completes the application review in five to ten business days. If PMI has any questions or issues regarding your application, you will receive an email.

You can pay the fee and schedule your exam day with application approval. If rejected, you can review the application to update to try again.

Potential Application Audit

Although only a small percentage of applications are flagged for an audit, it is prudent to prepare for the possibility.

• Keep all relevant documents, including diplomas, certifications, and project documentation.
• Keep current contact information for your managers listed as references for your project management experience.
• Keep contact information for the training providers submitted.

PMI uses an audit process for all certifications to ensure the veracity and integrity of applications. For additional details, access PMI’s Frequently Asked Questions about the application audit process.

Approval and Payment

With an approved application, you must pay the testing fee to schedule your exam. Full PMI members have a discounted fee for the exam. Note that having a free PMI account does not equal PMI membership; an annual membership fee must be current to receive PMI discounts on certification exams and resources. As of June 2024, the fees are:

PMI Member:                         $ 425 US dollars

Non-PMI Member:               $ 595 US dollars

The fastest payment method is through the PMI online system. With confirmed payment, PMI provides the required eligibility number to schedule your exam appointment.

Scheduling the Exam

Following payment of exam fees, PMI will send you exam scheduling instructions. You have one year from the approval date to take the exam, in person or virtually. You may attempt the exam up to three times within one year.

Preparations for the PMP Exam

Once your PMP exam application is approved, PMI sends instructions for scheduling your exam. For the content preparation, use a combination of resources:

1. Study A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
2. Use PMI Authorized On-demand PMP Exam Prep.
3. Complete Authorized Training Partners courses and training.
4. Join study groups and use a study plan.

Conclusion

PMI’s Certification Handbook is an excellent resource for understanding the PMI certification process, including that of the PMP. Be sure you meet all eligibility requirements before you begin the application process. Set up your PMI.org account, have your documentation ready, and follow the step-by-step process for a complete application. The application form and potential audit must include documentation for each education and experience application entry. You will better position your PMP application for approval with planning and a focus on thoroughness.