A Step-by-Step Guide for PMP Audit Process

If you have come here looking for details of the PMP Audit Process, you must know the importance of PMP certification for Project Management Professionals. Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognised credential offered by Project Management Institute (PMI). Individuals have to clear the PMP exam to obtain the PMP credential.   

The value of PMP - certified individuals can be known by the fact that they are paid 25 per cent more annual income than those without the PMP certification. Every organisation across sectors is looking for PMP’s to improve their business performance. The objective of the PMP Audit Process is to manage the credibility & value of the PMP certification. It takes 5 business days or more to approve your PMP request. Read below to know more.

Table of Contents

1) What is PMP Audit?

2) What is the purpose of the PMP Audit?

3) Why does PMP conduct an Application Audit?

4) Step-by-step Process of PMP Application and Audit Selection

5) PMP Audit Process

6) How much duration does it take to complete the PMP Audit?

7) Tips for completing PMP Audit successfully

8) Conclusion

What is PMP Audit?

As PMP certification is a gold standard in the Project Management field. PMI holds the responsibility that only the most capable Project Managers gain the PMP certification. PMI has the duty to ensure that only the suitable candidates complete the PMP Audit Process, pass the exam and earn the certification.

The PMP Audit Process upholds the standards and reputation of the certification. So, not all individuals who apply for the exam get selected after the PMP Audit Process. Companies rely on PMI for the quality of PMPs they employ; therefore, the Audit procedure is necessary. 
 

What is the purpose of the PMP Audit?   

PMP Audit Process selects candidates randomly for thorough reviewing of their eligibility, education and Project Management experience. It also ensures that the candidate qualifies for all the prerequisites of the PMP exam.    

After ensuring that you qualify for the PMP Certification Requirements, you have to apply for the PMP exam on www.pmp.org. The application will ask for general information about you, your Project Management experience, and the details of Project Management training or Project Management certifications. Ensure that everything is correct while filling out the application, as you will not get another chance for the corrections.

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Why does PMP conduct an Application Audit?

PMP certification exam has certain prerequisites to be fulfilled. The reason behind conducting an application Audit is to check whether those prerequisites are met or not. Thus, reviewing the eligibility of the candidates that have been randomly selected. Application Audit also determines that the right candidate appears for the exams.

Step-by-step Process of PMP Application and Audit Selection

Following are the steps that will help you understand the process of PMP application and Audit selection:

a) Make sure you are eligible

Before applying for PMP exam it is important to check your eligibility, or you will not be able to appear for the exam. You should be able to meet the educational qualification, experience and training criteria. These criteria are as follows:

1) You should have a University Diploma with 7500 hours of experience in Project Management. Or,

2) You will require to have completed a four-year degree with 4500 hours of experience in Project Management.

3) 35 hours of formal training in Project Management is also required.

b) PMP application Audit Process – steps

1) Register for PMI – After checking the eligibility, the next step is to register yourself for the PMI membership at www.pmp.org. This membership will provide you with various benefits like discounts and easy availability of handbooks.

2) Fill the application form – The application form of PMP exam contains three sections that need to be filled.

a) Section one is for general information

b) Section two is to mention your Project Management experience

c) Section three is to fill in the details of 35 hours of PMP training

c) Plan your PMP examination

It typically takes five to ten days for the PMP Audit team to verify your application. After this, you will have to pay the exam fee and schedule your exam. You’re given only three attempts to clear the exam, and your time to take the exam will begin from the day the PMP audit team approves your application.

The PMP exam payment can be either made through credit cards or you can become a member by applying for an annual membership.

The PMP certification cost you £100.43 for membership and a joining fee of £7.78. If you do not wish to go for a membership, the application fee will be £432.05.

PMP Audit Process

After the PMP Audit team selects your application, you will receive an email. You must submit the documents necessary for the PMP Audit Process. Next, send all the PMP audit materials to PMI - Attn: Certification Audit, 14 Campus Blvd, Newtown Square, PA 197033299, USA. You should follow the following steps to ensure a smooth Audit Process:

1) Download the Audit package from the online certification system of PMI.

2) Get a hard copy of the PMI audit forms that you received in the audit package.

3) Send the required documents in an envelope through regular postal mail or courier services at the specified address.

Documents needed for PMP Audit

The documents that you need to submit during the PMP Audit Process are as follows:

1) Proof of your higher secondary school, associate degree/diploma and master's degree if you have one.

2) Proof of your employment from your Manager.

3) Proof of your Project Management training that satisfies the 35 contact hours requirement.

You get a total of 90 days to submit these documents. You will get your eligibility number after the PMP  Audit is successful.

Time allotted to submit PMP Audit Documents

The Project Management Institute (PMI) provides a total of 90 days to submit the above-mentioned documents. Once, you have passed the review Process, you will be notified with a confirmation mail or message along with your eligibility number.

How much duration does it take to complete the PMP Audit?

The duration to complete the PMP Audit Process depends upon the candidates’ response frequency. In simple terms, the sooner you respond to the mail requesting documents, the more will be the probability of your Audit Process getting completed successfully.

Once PMI receives your documents, it only takes five business days to complete the Audit Process. Also, you will get the schedule for the examination.

The PMP Audit Process is a standardised working Process to complete the applications of the candidates. So, you should be mindful of certain factors to reduce the duration of your application Process.

Tips to shorten the Audit Process’s duration

If you want to reduce the duration of the Audit period follow the below-mentioned steps:

1) Add each and every Project you have worked on: No matter if it is a big or a small project, ensure that you have filled even a minimum amount of experience hours. This will save you from repeating the Process of work experience verification.

2) Be truthful with your information: Do not exaggerate or even hide information while filling up the application. This will suspend you from appearing in PMP exam forever. Take some time and collect accurate information about each project that you have undertaken.

3) Update PMI in case of incomplete documentation:  If you find any that you have missed a document or information is incomplete; notify PMI with logical reasons. It will save you from getting into any kind of trouble or penalty imposition.

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Tips for Completing PMP Audit successfully

Here we will give you a few tips on how to successfully complete the PMP Audit Process.

1) As you may already be aware, the PMBOK Guide is the essential book for the PMP exam. This book will give you all the information about filling out the PMP application.

2) Ensure that you discuss the main projects you managed and how they were successful during the Audit Process.

3) Select a project to talk about that you are confident of passing in the Audit. Ensure that you mention the deliverables of the project and the role you played in it.

Conclusion

Follow all the steps we have given you in this blog to ensure that your PMP Audit Process is successful. Ensure that you have gone through the guidelines in the PMBOK Guide to enhance your chances of selection.  

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