Ashlee Chen asked 7 years ago Does student/internship/project coordinator experiences count towards PMP working experience?
Hi Edward,
I just finished my PMP application but I haven’t submitted yet. However, someone told me that student/internship/project coordinator experiences do not count towards PMP experience. I am confusing about that right now. I remember my Prof. from UofT mentioned that student project does count to the experience. Also, my current title is Events Coordinator and I am leading non-profit projects for the church. I am a paid employee. Does that count to the PMP experience?
Thank you very much in advance!
Regards,
Ashlee
Edward Chung Staff answered 7 years ago Thanks Ashlee for your questions regarding the validity of certain types of working experience towards PMP Application.
Let’s begin with the easier question first. You mentioned you currently work as an Events Coordinator for a church. If your role involves leading and directing projects, the experience will definitely counted towards project management experience for PMP Application. PMI has made it clear that the job title is not important as long as your role is about project management. Carrying the title of “Project Manager” is not a must for the experience to be counted. Therefore it all depends on whether you are tasked with the responsibility on leading and directing the project (NOT just carrying out what the project manager asks you to do — that’s the traditional role of the project coordinator). Internship would also be counted if the job responsibility involves leading and directing projects.
As for student projects, I am not quite sure and you may need to ask PMI directly. But according to the requirements of PMP as laid out in the PMP Handbook, you need to work for an organization / a company with a supervisor / sponsor for the experience to be counted as valid. If you work for the University as a student helper on University projects, the experience will be counted. However, if you just work for your own assignments / projects, the experience would seem to be regarded as not actual working experience. You are highly advised to ask PMI directly with details of your student projects.
Wish you PMP success!
