Passing the PMP audit can be daunting for aspiring project and program managers, but it doesn’t have to be. The PMP audit process ensures that qualified professionals earn PMI certifications. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you understand the PMP audit requirements and confidently prepare for the audit process. Whether you have been randomly selected for a PMP audit or are proactively preparing for one, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that you are well-prepared for the PMP audit.
This article – Pass The PMP Audit A Step-By-Step Guide is intended for aspiring project and program managers seeking the PMP certification and may be selected for a PMP audit.
Introduction
The PMP certification is a globally recognized designation for project managers, demonstrating mastery of the skills required to lead and direct projects. The PMP certification process involves an initial application and a rigorous exam, and a percentage of PMP certificate holders are randomly selected for an audit.
Passing the PMP audit is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the PMP certification. In addition, the audit helps PMI verify that PMP certificate holders have met the requirements for the certification, including Education and experience.
Why PMI conducts Audits for PMP Certification
The PMP certification is a highly sought-after recognition for project and program managers, and PMI, the governing body behind the certification, is committed to maintaining its value and credibility. One way they achieve this is through the PMP application audit process. During the audit, PMI verifies the experience and Education listed on the certification application to ensure that only the most qualified individuals are eligible to take the exam and earn the PMP credential. Ensuring that PMP-certified professionals meet high standards benefits the individual and the industry. In addition, the PMP certification represents a symbol of excellence in project management, and PMI’s application audits help to uphold that reputation.
Understanding the PMP Audit Requirements
The PMP audit process involves submitting verification of three key components: academic Education, project management education, and project management experience.
- Academic Education A photocopy of your degree or sub-degree is required as proof of academic Education.
- Project Management Education A photocopy of a certificate for a PMP exam prep course is required, along with a course outline for courses outside of PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.).
- Project Management Experience PMI requires verification of project management experience, including:
- Printing out individual PDF files in the myPMI section on the PMI website
- Preparing an envelope for each supervisor (or grouping multiple projects with the same supervisor into one envelope)
- Sending the forms for signatures from supervisors/managers
- Having supervisors/managers return the sealed envelopes to you, not directly to PMI
- Mailing the verification documents to PMI
It is essential to carefully review and follow PMI guidelines for the PMP audit process to ensure that the audit goes smoothly and that the required documents are submitted correctly.
Preparing for the PMP Audit
- Review PMI guidelines: Before beginning the PMP audit process, review PMI guidelines and requirements to ensure that you have all the necessary information and documents.
- Gather required documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including photocopies of your academic Education, project management education certificates, and project management experience verification forms.
- Contact your supervisors/managers: Before sending out forms for signatures, reach out to your supervisors or managers to ensure their availability and willingness to sign the forms.
- Follow PMI instructions: Carefully follow PMI instructions for preparing and submitting the PMP audit package, including sealing envelopes and mailing the documents to PMI.
- Plan for processing time: PMI may take 5-7 days to process the PMP audit package, so plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for the audit process to be completed before any deadlines or important dates.
PMP Certification Application and Audit Process
- Submit your PMP certification application to PMI.
- PMI will review your application. If approved, you will receive an email with exam scheduling instructions, and your one-year eligibility period begins.
- Pay the exam fee within your one-year eligibility window, ideally as soon as possible, to allow enough time for scheduling and re-examination (up to 3 times).
- If your application is selected for audit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to comply. Once you pass the audit, your one-year exam eligibility begins. Keep reading to learn more about the audit requirements.
PMP Audit Process
The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a highly coveted credential in the project management field. PMI (Project Management Institute) audits select PMP applications to verify the credibility of the certification program and its holders. If your PMP application is set for an audit, don’t worry. This blog will provide a step-by-step guide to help you successfully comply with the PMP audit process.
- Download the Audit Package: After receiving an email from PMI, you’ll need to download the audit package from the PMI Online Certification System.
- Print the Audit Forms: The audit package contains all the forms you need to complete the audit process. Be sure to print all of them.
- Get Manager Signatures: The Experience Verification form requires signatures from your manager(s) or supervisor(s) for each project listed in your application. Each manager/supervisor should sign a separate copy of the form.
- Make Photocopies of Certificates: You’ll need to make photocopies of your diploma/degree certificates and any certificates or letters from your training provider(s) for the 35 contact hours of project management education.
- Package and Send the Audit Materials: PMI requires you to send all audit materials in one envelope through regular postal mail or courier service. Do not fax or email audit documents.
The PMI address to send your audit package to is PMI Attn.: Certification Audit 14 Campus Blvd. Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USA.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to successfully comply with the PMP audit process and earning your certification. Good luck!
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the PMP Audit
- Not following PMI guidelines: Be sure to carefully review and follow PMI guidelines to avoid errors or omissions in the PMP audit process.
- Incorrect documentation: Ensure that photocopies of all required documents are clear and legible and that all forms are filled out correctly.
- Late submissions: Allow sufficient time for the PMP audit process, and submit all documents promptly to avoid delays or additional fees.
- Neglecting to inform supervisors/managers: Before sending out forms for signatures, ensure that your supervisors or managers know the PMP audit process and can sign the documents promptly.
- Miscommunication with supervisors/managers: Communicate clearly with your supervisors or managers about the PMP audit process and the required signatures to avoid misunderstandings or mistakes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to Expect If your PMP certification application is selected for an audit, you’ll need to submit certain key documents to PMI through postal mail. These documents help PMI verify your experience and Education as outlined in your application. See the comprehensive list of documents required for the PMP Audit for more information.
You have 90 days to submit the requested documents for the PMP audit.
PMI gives you 90 days to submit the documents for the PMP Audit.
The processing time for the PMP Audit mainly depends on how quickly you send the required information to PMI and the shipping time of your audit package. Once PMI receives your documents, they usually take five business days to complete the audit. Therefore, the overall processing time also depends on how promptly you end the audit package and the shipping time for the package (to PMI). You can expedite the process by using a reliable courier service.
No, they cannot be avoided. However, you can prepare by following best practices to ensure a smooth audit process in case your application is selected.
PMI does not disclose the exact number or basis of audited applications. Based on training institutes’ estimations, roughly 10% of applications may get audited. However, the number may be lower based on personal experiences.
You will know if your application is selected for an audit before paying the PMP exam fee after applying.
The 1-year eligibility clock starts after the audit is complete.
PMI provides a link to download the latest form version from their website if your application is selected for an audit. You need to submit one form per project listed in your PMP application.
A colleague from the same project or a current manager/supervisor with knowledge of the project can sign your experience verification form.
Your application will be canceled if you don’t meet the PMP Audit requirements. PMI reserves the right to audit candidates, even after they’ve achieved PMP credentials. You won’t receive a refund if you fail the audit after becoming PMP certified.
You can reapply after a one-year suspension period.
Submitting incomplete documents is automatically considered a failed audit.
PMI has a list of over 30 FAQs about the audit process on their Certification FAQs page (scroll down to the “Audit” section).
