How to Fill in the PMP® Certification Exam Application

Ready to take the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam? The next key step is filling out the application form. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started.

Getting Started

The PMP application is available online through the Project Management Institute (PMI)® website. If you’re new to online forms, it might seem overwhelming at first. However, with the right preparation, the process becomes much easier.

To apply, you’ll need to provide details about your project management education, experience, and eligibility. Don’t let this step discourage you—understanding what’s expected will help you confidently complete the application.

What to Expect

This guide will explain:

• What information you need to gather.
• What reviewers look for in a strong application.
• Tips to ensure your application is successful.

While the focus is on the PMP exam, this information is also useful for those applying for other PMI certifications, like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® or the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®.

How to Apply for PMP Certification

1. Visit the PMI Website: Start your application online at mypmi.org.
2. Provide Eligibility Details: Enter information about your project management education and experience to confirm you meet the exam requirements.

PMP Application Process Overview

1. Start Your Application: Begin filling out the form online. You’ll have 90 days to complete it.
2. Submit and Wait for Review: PMI will review your application for completeness, which typically takes up to 5 days.
3. Next Steps:
   • If approved, you’ll receive instructions to pay the exam fee.
   • If selected for an audit, you’ll be asked to provide supporting documents to verify your details. This is standard, so there’s no need to worry if your information is accurate.

With preparation and attention to detail, you can confidently submit a strong application and move closer to earning your PMP credential.

If your application is selected for an audit, there’s no need to worry. As long as the information you provided is accurate and truthful, the process is straightforward.

The audit simply verifies the details you submitted, such as your education, training, and work experience. We’ll explain how to handle an audit later in this guide.

For a complete overview of the application process, refer to the PMP Handbook available on the PMI website. It contains essential information about the PMP exam and is highly recommended reading.

Where to Find and Complete the PMP Application Form

Getting the Application Form

The PMP application is available exclusively online through the PMI website. Follow these steps to access it:

1. Visit PMI’s Website: Go to mypmi.org.
2. Create an Account: If you’re not a PMI member, set up a free account to begin.
3. Navigate to the Form:
   • Log in and go to your Dashboard.
   • Click on “Learn More About Certifications.”
   • Select “PMP Certification” and then click the “Apply” link on the PMP page.

You can also view the status of past applications on your Dashboard, whether they’re expired or pending. If you started an application but didn’t finish it, you can reopen and complete it within 90 days.

Steps to Complete the Application

The application is divided into three sections:

1. Education: Provide details about your academic background, including institution, field of study, and attendance years.
2. Experience: Outline your project management roles and responsibilities to show eligibility.
3. Exam Details: Confirm training hours and readiness to take the PMP exam.

By following these steps, you can efficiently complete your PMP application and move closer to certification.

How to Complete the Education Section

Step 1: Enter Your Education Details

In this section, provide information about your highest level of education, including:

• The degree or diploma you attained.
• The years you attended.
• The name and location (country) of your school, college, or university.
• Your field of study.

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Eligibility Requirements for PMP® Exam

Your education determines the experience and training hours required to qualify for the PMP exam:

Educational Background	Project Management Experience	Project Management Training
Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or equivalent)	Minimum 5 years (60 months) of professional project management experience (non-overlapping)*	35 contact hours of formal education (unless you are a CAPM® holder)
Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)	Minimum 3 years (36 months) of professional project management experience (non-overlapping)*	35 contact hours of formal education (unless you are a CAPM® holder)
Bachelor’s or post-graduate degree from a PMI-accredited program (GAC)	Minimum 2 years (24 months) of professional project management experience (non-overlapping)*	35 contact hours of formal education (unless you are a CAPM® holder)

*Unique non-overlapping experience means that the time frames of the projects you claim must not overlap.

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Checking Accreditation

If your degree is from a PMI-accredited institution (Global Accreditation Center or GAC), the application system will prompt you to select your program from a drop-down list.

• Benefits of a GAC Degree: You’ll receive a 12-month credit toward the experience requirement, meaning only 24 months of project management experience is needed.
• Verify Accreditation: Check if your institution is accredited at the PMI Global Accreditation Center.

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If You Don’t Meet PMP Eligibility

If you don’t meet the PMP requirements, consider other credentials, such as:

• CAPM® Certification: Requires 23 hours of project management training but no formal degree.

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How to Complete the Project Management Education Section

Step 2: Provide Training Details

Here, you must document your 35 contact hours of project management training by including:

• The name of the training provider.
• The training program title.
• Dates attended.

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Important Reminders

• Complete Your Training First: Only fill out this section after finishing your course. The system won’t save this part if the course’s end date is in the future.
• No Certificates Required: You don’t need to upload certificates unless your application is selected for an audit.

By accurately completing these sections, you ensure your application is strong and meets PMI’s requirements.

How to Fill in PMP® Experience Hours

The Project Management Experience section is often the most challenging part of the PMP application. It requires detailed information to demonstrate your eligibility. Here’s how to approach it effectively:

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Details to Include for Each Project

1. Project Title: A concise name summarizing the project.
2. Organization: Name of the organization where the project was executed and its primary domain (e.g., IT, construction, healthcare).
3. Job Title: Your role on the project.
4. Functional Reporting Area: The department or area within the organization where the project was based.
5. Approach/Methodology: Select from Traditional (Waterfall), Agile, or Hybrid.
6. Team Size: Indicate the number of people in the project team.
7. Budget: Provide the project budget in USD.
8. Dates: Enter the start and end dates. For ongoing projects, check the “Ongoing” option.
9. Description: A summary (200–500 words) covering:
   • Project objectives.
   • Deliverables (outcomes and project management deliverables).
   • Your responsibilities across Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing phases.

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How to Meet Experience Requirements

The total project management experience required depends on your education:

• Secondary Degree (high school or equivalent): 60 months of experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree: 36 months of experience.
• GAC-Accredited Degree: 24 months of experience.

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What Counts as Experience Months?

• Non-Overlapping Time: PMI counts only elapsed months, not overlapping project durations. If you managed three projects simultaneously in January, it still counts as one month.
• Reasonable Weekly Hours: Aim to report up to 40 hours per week. Overextended hours (e.g., >40 hours/week) should be justified with documentation like timesheets or client invoices.

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Tips for Completing This Section

1. Start with Recent Projects: Work backward through your career until you meet the required months.
2. Be Concise Yet Detailed: Focus on what you did, not the technical details of the project. PMI recommends staying within 500 words per project description.
3. Highlight Key Activities: Include relevant tasks, like developing a project charter, managing the team, controlling scope, or closing the project.
4. Avoid Jargon and Acronyms: Use project management terminology aligned with the PMBOK® Guide. Avoid technical terms specific to your organization.
5. Use Keywords: Showcase skills PMI looks for, such as stakeholder analysis, risk management, or resource allocation.

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Sample Project Descriptions

Example 1: Design of Training Material for Telecom Resellers

• Objective: Develop and deliver educational presentations on telecom principles.
• Role:
  • Initiating: Developed project charter; identified stakeholders.
  • Planning: Scoped project, considering time, cost, and quality.
  • Executing: Coordinated material development with graphic designers.
  • Monitoring: Ensured schedule adherence and quality standards.
  • Closing: Documented project closure.
• Outcome: Training materials successfully presented at a conference.

Example 2: Installation of Session Border Controller (SBC)

• Objective: Replace end-of-life SBC equipment for the finance department.
• Role:
  • Initiating: Created project charter, highlighting the business case.
  • Planning: Facilitated requirements workshops; developed budget and schedule.
  • Executing: Led engineers during implementation and QA.
  • Monitoring: Tracked schedule, budget, and risks.
  • Closing: Delivered SBC solution and decommissioned old equipment.
• Outcome: Fully operational SBC system approved by sponsor.

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How to Complete the Exam Details Section

The final section requires your personal and contact details:

• Name: Must match your official ID exactly.
• Certificate Name: The name you wish to appear on your PMP certificate.
• Address, Email, Phone Number: Ensure accuracy for communication and certificate delivery.
• Exam Location: Specify your preferred country for the exam.
• Accommodations: Indicate if you need special accommodations due to disabilities or other conditions.

By carefully preparing and presenting your experience, you increase your chances of a smooth application process and approval for the PMP exam.

How to Submit Your PMP Application

The process of submitting your PMP application online involves several clear steps. Here’s a concise guide to help you ensure a smooth application process:

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1. Complete the Online Application Form

• Fill in every section of the online PMP application form accurately.
• Save your progress as you go if you can’t complete it in one sitting. You have 90 days to complete and submit the form.

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2. Review and Verify Details

• Double-check your entries: Ensure that all project descriptions, contact hours, and personal details are accurate.
• Download a copy of your completed application for your records. This will be useful if you’re audited or need to refer to it in the future.
• Confirm your exam location in the designated section of the form.

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3. Agree to Terms and Submit

• Read and agree to PMI’s terms and conditions. Tick the boxes confirming your agreement and the accuracy of your information.
• Click “Submit Application” to finalize the process.

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4. Prepare for a Possible Audit

• References: While references are not initially required, ensure that the managers or sponsors you list on your application can verify your project work if needed. Inform them in advance about your application.
• Documents for an audit: Have the following ready:
  • Copies of diplomas or degree certificates.
  • Evidence of 35 contact hours of project management education.
  • Signed verification from supervisors, if requested.

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5. Application Processing Timeline

• PMI reviews applications within 5 calendar days. Possible outcomes include:
  1. Eligibility confirmation to pay for and schedule the exam.
  2. A request for additional information.
  3. Application rejection.
  4. Selection for audit.

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6. Dealing with Audits and Rejections

• Audit Process: If selected, provide all required documents within 90 days. PMI typically completes the audit in 5–7 business days once all materials are received.
• Rejections: Understand and address the reasons for rejection before reapplying. Avoid vague descriptions or terminology that doesn’t align with PMI’s criteria.

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7. After Application Approval

• Once approved, pay the exam fee. PMI members benefit from lower fees, so consider membership before submitting your application.
• Schedule your PMP exam after receiving payment confirmation.

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Key Tips for Success

• Be thorough and truthful in your application.
• Ensure you demonstrate leadership and project management experience, not just participation.
• Familiarize yourself with PMI’s terminology and expectations.

By following these steps and ensuring accuracy, you are well on your way to completing your PMP application successfully. Good luck!