How to Correctly Fill the Online PMP Application Form?
Once you have registered an account on the PMI website, you will be able to find the online application form for the PMP Certification under “myPMI” section.
Filling the online PMP application form is a project in itself.
In addition to filling the personal particulars and details, PMI requires you to record your Project Management Experiences in details which requires you a lot of time and efforts.
This article will spell out all the points you should note when filing your application.
I passed the PMP Exam with 4 Proficient and 1 Moderately Proficient, check out my free study notes, resources, tips and more.
Article Highlights
When to Fill the PMP Application Form?
Some PMP aspirants will wait until they are fully prepared before filling the online PMP certification application form. While this may work for some people, it is more advisable to submit the PMP application earlier in your exam preparation. The benefits are listed below:
- After submitting the PMP application, you will be “forced” to write the PMP exam within one year. This gives PMP aspirants a tangible target (or deadline) to work with and helps them remain focused during the exam preparation. I have heard a lot of aspirants lost focus amidst their hectic schedule and just postponed (and postponed again) the PMP certification. Some of them even postponed the exam for over 2 years.
- You will have up to 90 days to begin your exam application. Once you begin filling in the details online, PMI would store your information for 90 days before deletion. This will give you another tangible target to work on and focus on this project of filing the online PMP application.
- Filling the application form would take up much longer than you think. PMI requires you to record in details all the projects that you have handled during the required project experience period and each of them should be documented separately. You need to calculate the time spent on the different project management process groups one by one and write up a “concise” description of your role in the project. You are also highly advised to seek consent from the supervisors for your documented projects in your role as well as your time in preparation for an audit.
- If you have made up the mind to get PMP certified and have already begun reviewing the reference titles for the PMP exam, don’t wait until a new version of the PMP exam comes up and you will have to study from the ground up again (note: the new PMP Exam will be administered in early 2018).
Completing the Online PMP Application Form
General Advice
- The most important rule is “be honest”. This is expressly spelt out in the PMI conducts requirements. If PMI found out you had supplied misleading or wrong information on purpose, it would ban you from applying all of their certification forever.
- Double check the information you have entered. As you are allowed to print out a copy of your application for your record, do take advantage of this function and ask other to help you to check your information in the printed copy.
- Read the PMBOK® Guide at least once or attend PMP exam prep courses before completing the PMP application form. This will help you understand what is the most important information from PMI’s perspectives.
- You will need to agree to the Project Management Institute’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct before the form can be submitted. Don’t skip this step, do read the code and learn it by heart. (The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct will be tested on the PMP exam in the form of situational questions, i.e. asking what you would do in a particular situation.)
Filling the PMP Project Management Experiences
- The start date of the first project and the end date of the last project should at least cover a period 3 years (degree holders) or 5 years (secondary degree holders) as required by the PMI.
- In order to well prepare for an audit, you are highly advised to contact your project supervisors and notify them of the hours you will claim for each project. Their help is vital in case you are selected for an audit. Some PMP aspirants failed the audit because they could not find their supervisors or their supervisors refused to sign the experience verification forms.
- It is not required nor advised for each and every project you have handled. Include only enough number of projects to reach the required minimum number of hours (i.e. 4,500 hours for degree holders / 7,500 hours for secondary degree holders). Include large projects first as this would save you considerable time in case of an audit.
- When adding details of project management experiences to the application form, you will need to:
- Give a title to each project (usually the project title)
- Give your project role (not your job title) – you can use PMI terms like project leader, project manager, project coordinator, etc.
- Insert your supervisor‘s name and contact methods (note that you need not fill in the name of the CEO of your company, but someone who works closely with you and you have gained the consent form)
- Calculate and add the time (in number of hours) spent on each project management process groups (you might need to refer to the PMBOK® Guide if you don’t know what these exactly mean):
- Initiating the Project
- Planning the Project
- Executing the Project
- Controlling and Monitoring the Project
- Closing the Project
- PMI advocates work-life balance and will only allow 40 hours for each work week, don’t fill in more than 40 hours for each week of work or PMI will ask you to amend.
- Try to estimate your project hours offline (e.g. using Excel or a notebook) first and insert the hours once finalized. Though PMI has not mentioned it, to amend and save the project hours repeatedly on the web server might trigger the need for an audit.
- Write the project description of the project (in around 500 characters) including the following:
- a brief description of the project
- objectives
- key deliverables
- project outcome
- your personal role
- When composing the project descriptions for each project, make good use of PMI terms to demonstrate that you understand what project management is. Include terms found in the PMBOK® Guide like project charter, sponsor, scope, project deliverables, stakeholders, schedule, acceptance of deliverables, quality management, etc. at least 5 times in your description. PMI has the right to require you to rewrite the project description should they found it inadequate.
- The above steps have to be performed for each and every project you would submit. Below is a sample form of the project experience record:
Preparation for the PMP Audit
Follow the advice below while filling the PMP application form to help you well prepared for a PMP audit (as PMP audit is selected on a random basis, you don’t know whether you will be selected before settling the PMP certification fee):
- Keep all supporting documents for your education, project management education as well as work experience in folders (supporting documents may include certificates, e-mails, project plans, meeting minutes or project charters). Do gather enough documents for each and every project you have submitted on your PMP application form.
- Contact and seek endorsement from your supervisor/manager on the number of hours to be reported for each and every project on the application form so as to avoid a disagreement during the audit process.
Further reading: Common mistakes in PMP application and how to avoid them
After You have Submitted the Application
You will need to wait for about 5 days as PMI carry out the “Application Completeness Review”. Should your application form is considered complete, PMI will send you an approval email, asking you to pay for the PMP Certification fee. You can settle the fee online.
In case you are not a native English speaker and your mother tongue is available as a language aid from PMI, you must specify the language aid while you are confirming the payment. The language aid is provided free of charge and is often overlooked by many PMP aspirants. The translated question in the language you have chosen will appear on the same page as the original English question on each screen of the PMP exam, this feature is extremely useful when dealing with wordy questions.
Currently, PMI provides the following language aid for the PMP exam:
- Chinese (Traditional)
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Arabic
- Japanese
- French
- Korean
- German
- Portuguese (Brazilian)
- Hebrew
- Spanish
- Italian
- Russian
- Turkish
After you have paid the PMP Certification fee, check your email immediately. You will be notified if a PMP audit is needed in an email from PMI.
What’s Next?
If a PMP audit is required, get to know what is required to help you pass the audit smoothly. Or if you are not selected for an audit, you will be given the instruction to schedule your PMP exam on the Prometric website.
Most Popular PMP Certification Exam Articles
- My Exam Prep Tips and Free Resources (I got 4P and 1 MP)
- How to Get 35 Contact Hours Fast and Easy?
- Detailed Comparision of online PMP Courses
- Over 1000+ FREE Quality Mock Exam / Practice Questions
- A FREE Guide to Formulas and Calculation (with explanation and sample questions)
- 47 Commonly Confused Terms with detailed explanation
Hi, my name is Edward Chung, PMP, PMI-ACP®, ITIL® Foundation. Like most of us, I am a working professional pursuing career advancements through Certifications. As I am having a full-time job and a family with 3 kids, I need to pursue professional certifications in the most effective way (i.e. with the least amount of time). I share my exam tips here in the hope of helping fellow Certification aspirants!
Hi, I am planning to subscribe pluralsight for PMP certification. Is it really worth going there or would you suggest any alternative approach, as I could not see much reviews on pluralsight for PMP preparation.
Hi Edward! Any advice for the updated application form? I can’t find information on what the PMI is looking for now! Also, since we can no longer account for hours on the new application, I’m struggling to figure out how to handle the 4 months I took of maternity leave. I started many of my projects before my leave and picked up the projects again upon my return, but I have no way on being honest about the four months I was absent. Thank you!
Hi Stephanie,
I will look into the updated application form and update this article asap.
Wish you exam success!
Hi Edward,
This is a very helpful post – kudos to you for creating this detailed post. I am humbled by your attempt to help fellow PMP aspirants. I have just started digging into PMP exam and qualification criteria and I am confused. I have tried googling this information, but did not find answer. Per the criteria, if you have a 4 year GRADUATE degree, you need 36 months or 4500 hours of Project mgt experience. I have a 3 year graduate and 2 year post graduate degree. I hope this means I qualify in the 36 month/4500 hours category. Is this correct? Kindly help.
Yes, you should be qualified. By the way, I only have a 3-year graduate degree and PMI accepted my application readily. Thanks!
Hello Edward, Greetings!!
Thank you for the overview on the PMP application process however I have few queries on the audit process of PMP, which I hope you can clarify. Waht type of supporting docs in specific should we be having in case of audit? Because several companies are very particular of not disclosing the work done for their customers and maintain the confidentiality of documents. So I assume having the docs will be quite challenging for showing the proof. Can you please provide your suggestions and let me know what can be done for the application to be successful.
Appreciate the help!
Regards,
Would just need to have a signature from your supervisor/colleague to testify that you have actually worked in the project and this would be fine. No need to disclose any project documents.
Wish you exam success!
Hi Eduard,
I am applying to take the PMP exam. Could you please let me know your thoughts about my project descriptions?
Thanks!
Project 1:
OB: The objective of this project was to renovate the first retail store of a company that was only operating online. The project included renovation, equipment installation, and setup. As a project manager, I participated in all stages of the project, from planning to closing.
IN: I Identified stakeholders and defined the high-level objectives, constraints, scope and risk.
PL: I created the scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary, I also planned scope, and scheduled and budgeted for the project
EX: I managed a team of four and executed the work as planned. I also helped with development, and the acquiring and management of project resources.
MC: I monitored all of the work on a daily basis and kept the stakeholders informed, following the project’s communication plan.
CL: I prepared the project documents and lessons that were to be learned.
Outcome: This project had a small delay due to changes requested during the execution, but the new store renovation was finished, all of the objectives were achieved, and all of the stakeholders’ expectations were met.
Project 2:
OB: The main objective of this project was to renovate a customer support center, upgrade all of the equipment, and set them up to be ready for operation. I had the role of project manager in this project.
IN: I developed the project charter with stakeholders. Also in this phase, I identified key deliverable and overall project risk.
PL: I participated in the creation of the communication plan, listed out approved vendors, and analyzed procurement risks and prepared responses for these risks.
EX: As project manager, I led my team in executing the necessary work. I also resolved issues when necessary.
MC: I tracked project progress and validated deliverables. Additionally, I checked the installation process and took corrective actions if required.
CL: I updated the lesson plan and the project registry with the closing documentation.
Outcome: This project was completed on schedule and all requirements were met. This new customer support center was ready to start operating after we were finished.
Project 3:
OB: In this project we had the objectives of the development and launching of a new product, creating a new website to sell the product online, and creating other offline distribution channels. Also we had to plan and execute the initial marketing strategy for the launch stage.
IN: I developed the stakeholders registry.
PL: Created detailed plans including scope, schedule, resource, and budget
EX: Acquired and managed project resources and tracked team performance.
MC: Prepared procurement documents, technical evaluations, and document quality procedures.
CL: Obtained final acceptance of project deliverables and transferred the deliverables’ ownership
Outcome: Successful development of the product and product launch activities were successful and achieved by the deadline.
Project 4:
OB: During the project, we renovated an empty space into a new retail store. This was part of an expansion plan of the company in order to build retail stores in different areas of Miami. I was appointed as the project manager for this project.
IN: I worked closely with the CEO to develop the project charter and identify other stakeholders.
PL: I developed the Project Management Plan and conducted a kick-off meeting.
EX: I developed and managed project teams, assigned work, executed tasks defined in the project plan, coordinated activities across different project objectives, ensured quality standards were in place, and implemented all of the approved changes.
MC: I monitored project scope and schedule and I created status reports.
CL: I facilitated closing meetings and I recorded the lessons learned.
Outcome: The renovation was completed on time and the budget was defined in the Project Management Plan.
Project 5:
OB: This project sought to improve the CRM of a company; it implemented new customized functionalities to get more information about customers’ habits and implemented an activity tracker system into the company website. The project also included the processing of all of the gathered information, created trends, also created a wide set of filters to use to segment the customer, and created marketing campaigns for each customer segment. I had the role of project manager for this project.
IN: I evaluated the project feasibility and performed project assessments. I also participated in developing the project charter.
PL: Collected project requirements. Created activity list and duration.
EX: I acquired and managed project resources. I also led a team of four members and tracked their performance.
MC: Tracked and reviewed progress. Monitored stakeholder engagements and communications. I controlled quality using testing techniques.
CL: I updated organizational process assets with operational and support documents for this project. I transferred knowledge to the operation team.
Outcome: Project deliverables were successfully delivered and accepted by stakeholders. The new functions were incorporated into the system and a a new version 2.0 was released.
Project 6:
OB: The development of an E-commerce website.
IN: Identified stakeholders and defined the High-Level Objectives, Constraints, Scope, and Risk.
PL: Created detailed plans including Scope, Schedule, Resource, and Budget
EX: I managed project teams. I managed conflict between team members when it was necessary, using techniques for resolving conflict depending on the case and original nature of conflict. Worked with quality teams to ensure quality standards are in place.
MC: Performed procurement. Controlled changes to scope, schedule, and budget. I also measured project performance. I maintained and shared issue logs and shared status reports with stakeholders.
CL: Obtained feedback from stakeholders. Performed financial and administrative closure.
Outcome: The new e-commerce site was developed successfully.
Your project descriptions are great! Wish you success!
Thank you Edward Chung
Could person worked as project co-ordinator take PMI exam, and would her application be accepted by PMI. My friend is having only Project co-ordinator exeperience. Please advise
Hi Amy,
PMI does not require the candidate to have the functional title of “Project Manager” to be eligible for the PMP Exam. What PMI looks for is the experience – i.e. whether they have the experience in all the PM domains.
Wish you friend PMP success!
Hi Edward,
If you could review my PMP Application .
Project Title 1: Capacity Expansion at JSW Steel Ltd from 3.5 to 5 Million Ton per annum.
Job Title: Installation of 1.5 Mtpa at Bar Mill JSW Steel Ltd
IN: Identified the stake holders and their expectations. Uncovered the initial requirement, risk, constraints. Developed stake holders register
PL: Developed Project Plan, Created Scope Statement and WBS and WBS Dictionary, Created Activity List and Developed Schedule
EX: Executed the work as per the Plan. Managed resources and stakeholders. Work with quality team to ensure quality standard are in place
MC: Tracked the project performance. Performed inspection; Record quality documents. 84
CL: Prepared the project document and lesson learned
Project Title 2: Process Enhancement at Bar Mill – JSW Steel Ltd.
Job Title: Installation of a New Weighing System at Bar Mill
IN: Developed Project Charter and Identified the Stakeholders
PL: Developed Project Plan and planned the Scope Schedule and Budget for the Project.
EX: Executed the work as per the Plan and developed the product. Acquired and Managed project resources. Tracked team performance
MC: Control changes to scope, schedule, and budget and Measure project performance. Shared status report with stakeholders
CL: Documented project closure and met the stakeholder’s requirements. Outcomes is New Charging System for the Process.
Project Title 3: Revamping of the GCP Blower at SMS#1 – JSW Steel Ltd.
Job Title: Installation of 145000 m3/hr capacity Blower
IN: Identified Stakeholders and defined the High-Level Objectives, Constraints, Scope and Risk.
PL: Developed Project Plan and planned Scope, Schedule and Budget for the Project. Identified key risk and response plan
EX: Managed the work as per the Plan and developed the product. Manage a team of 40.
MC: Monitoring the installation as per standard. Monitored project cost and schedule and reported progress to stakeholders
CL: Documented project closure and met the stakeholder’s requirements. Outcomes is New High Capacity Blower for the GCP at SMS#1
Project Title 4: Installation and Commissioning of a Billet Weighing System at Bar Mill
Job Title: Installation of a Billet Weighing System
IN: Developed Project Charter and Identified the Stakeholders
PL: Created detailed plan including Scope, Schedule, Resource and Budget
EX: Install the system at the site as per plan. Coordinated between the teams to avoid any conflict
MC: Checked the installation as per the drawings and take corrective action if required. Managed communications and stake holder engagement
CL: Documented project closure and met the stakeholder’s requirements. Outcomes is New Billet Weighing System
Please let me the Job title are appropriate or not?
Yes, you descriptions are great. You can omit the company names if you want to. Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward!!
Glad to inform that I have successfully completed the PMP Exam and earned the PMP certification!!
Thank you for being a part my success!!
Congratulations Rajendra! You well deserve the success!
Hi Edward,
I am in the process of drafting my PMP Experience Log, however, I am still confused with overlapping projects.
For example: Jan 2017 – October 2017 for Project A and August 2017 – December 2017 for project B.
Do I write them in the project log as Jan 2017 – Oct 2017 for Project A and Nov 2017 – Dec 2017 for Project B? And when I describe project B, do I only consider the process groups taken during those 2 months (Nov- Dec 2017) or do I desribe it as a whole project from Aug to Dec 2017?
Thank you,
Joice
Hi Joice,
Thanks for your queries. For overlapping projects, you can fill in the actual duration of the projects, i.e. Jan 2017 – October 2017 for Project A and August 2017 – December 2017 for project B. Just make sure the total number of working hours for each week is reasonable.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello! I am applying to take the PMP exam. I cover the 4500 hours leading projects in only 27 months (my formal role in the companies was project manager, so I was managing projects full time, covering all 5 areas of knowledge).
However, in order to comply with the 36 months requirement, I have also added 14 months in which I was part of the Project Management Team (helping the Project Manager with project activities). Not full time doing project management activities, just a few hours a day.
Please can someone tell me if it that will be okay to cover the PMI requirements to sit for the exam?
Thank you very much!
Dear Patricia,
Yes, you don’t need to work full-time or carry the title of “project manager” in order to have your experience counted.
Wish you PMP success!
I am wondering if you can review my entries to see if I have an obvious issues I should address before turning in my application. I am submitting them to managers now to confirm their approval prior to submitting the application as well. I don’t see a way to send it to you and it doesn’t format in this reply location. Is there an email address I can send it to?
Hi Heather,
Sure, you can send me via the green “Help” tab located on the right side of every page.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello Edward,
I am in the process of submitting my application but if possible i would like your valuable advices on the wordings i am using for the project description:
Design and Implementation of a new Airspace
Deputy Project Manager towards the project life-cycle
IN: Performed data collection and stakeholders identification
PLAN: Collected requirements via workshops, defined scope and exclusions, developed the work breakdown structure and the procurement management plan
EXE: managed the tender process in coordination with client and delivered the final evaluation report
M&C: monitored the contract performances and changes implementation, ensured verification of deliverables and validation via simulation
CL: obtained final acceptance of project deliverable and transferred deliverables ownership
Outcome: delivery of safe airspace and staff training before airport opening
Great! The project description is very detailed and to the point. Thanks!
Hi Edward,
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide pertinent information to Certificate Aspirants like myself seeking a PMP. I have been debating for quite sometime on whether or not I am qualified to pursue the PMP certification. I have been a Marketing Project Manager for 5 years managing and leading projects for a Top Automotive brand. My projects are more Direct Response focused such as (Email, Direct Mail, Social Engagement, Landing Pages, etc…). My concern is that I managed an On-going project throughout the 5 year period. The only change was that it was different fiscal years. I’m afraid that my application will look repetitive. Will this experience be considered qualified PM experience? I was responsible for Strategic Development (Objective) , Budget, Scope, Deliverable, and Analysis.
Hi Kendra,
I am sure each project is different (e.g. each email campaign, etc.) and you can separate your portfolio of projects into different projects that are unique.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello Mr.Edward,
I am filling the project hours for my PMP application. I have worked in 2 project simultaneously in the same duration from June 2014 to June 2016. And another project in Mar 2015 to April 2017. Can I consider each project individually while mentioning the hours? Does PMl consider the hours as overlap ?
Will be thankful for your advise.
Yes, but make sure you report only around 40 hours per week in total for overlapping projects.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello EDWARD, Thank you for reviewing other aspirants’ descriptions. Unequivocally, the article has been a great source of knowledge so far. I have prepared my description using the available information here. I would be grateful if you will point out the mistakes and provide me guidance. Thank you in advance.
PROJECT 1
PROJECT ROLE: Project Engineer
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (545 WORDS):
OB: Installation & Startup of Process Automation (PA) System
Ex (65%): Manage team; Execute project to achieve interim & final deliverables; Manage int. & ext. stakeholders; Generate change requests; Implement changes
M&C (26%): Tracked progress; Manage changes to scope/schedule baseline; Perform inspection using checklist & OPAs; Prepared & recorded QC/progress reports; Validated deliverables; Identify critical tasks, apply crashing/resource smoothing
CL (10%): Obtained acceptance on fully functional PA system Construction & Commissioning Package and Dossier.
PROJECT 2
Project Role: Project Manager
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (558 WORDS):
OB: Design-Build service for Copper Smelting Unit
IN (5%):Identified stakeholders; Submit deliverables list/risks/budget/assumptions
PL (20%):Collected requirements;Defined scope & boundaries;Defined/sequence activities;Prepared budget/schedule;Prioritized risk
Ex (60%):Manage project work/resources/stakeholders;Resolve issues;Vendor evaluation/Award contract
M&C (10%):Tracked execution;Prepared progress/manpower/performance reports;Analyze impacts/lead changes; Perform inspection; Record quality documents.
CL (5%):Handed over Operating plant & Drawings to perform technical closure.
PROJECT 3
Project Role: Project Coordinator
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (549 WORDS):
OB:Procurement & Construction(P&C) services for Refinery Expansion
PL (18%):Identified requirements/standards using benchmarking; List out approved vendors ;analyzed procurement risks & prepared responses
EX (72%):Reviewed Drawings, Prepared procurement documents; technical evaluation & vendor selection; document quality procedure
M&C (10%):Performed procurement/quality surveillance;ensured & recorded quality documents;review changes & analyze impacts. Maintain/share Issue log, progress/technical/regulatory updates using PMIS
CL:Completion of (P&C) activities.
Question: Is it necessary to include Key deliverable and cost in Project descriptions?
Thanks for your comments. It is highly desirable to include Key deliverables but no need to include costs.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello Edward ,
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and helping PMP aspirants. I believe that the article gives an easy guide for filling pmp application .
With help of this article I too have written my job description of my projects. Please advice !!!
Project 1
Project Role: Project Leader
OB- Develop High temperature Alloy for xyz
IN(5%)- Defined high level scope
PL(25%): Collected project requirements. Created activity list and duration.
EX(30%): Acquired and Managed project resources. Tracked team performance.
MC(30%): Monitored variations in resource utilization and implemented corrections.
CL(10%): Archived project documents and materials.
Outcome-Successfully developed the alloy
Project 2
Project Role: Project Leader
OB- Develop Titanium casting for abc
IN(5%)- Defined high level scope
PL(25%): Collected project requirements. Created activity list and duration.
EX(30%): Acquired and Managed project resources. Tracked team performance.
MC(30%): Monitored variations in resource utilization and implemented corrections.
CL(10%): Archived project documents and materials.
Outcome-Developed the casting
Project 3
Project Role: Project Leader
OB- Pilot project for electron beam melting equipment
IN(5%)- Identified key deliverables. Performed key stakeholder analysis.
PL(30%): Assessed detailed project requirements, constraints, and assumptions with stakeholders.
EX(30%): Acquired and managed project resources. Executed tasks as per project plan
MC(30%): Monitored variations in resource utilization and implemented corrections.
CL(5%): Archived project documents and materials.
Outcome-Qualified the equipment for volume production
Project 4
Project Role: Project Manager
OB- Customer satisfaction Index report for 15-16
IN(10%)- Prepared feasibility study, identified key stakeholders & obtained approval on project charter
PL(30%): Established project deliverables ,Developed procurement plan and project schedule.
EX (25%): Managed communications and stake holder engagement
MC (30%): Tracked and reviewed progress. Monitored stakeholder engagement and communications
CL(5%): Obtained final acceptance on the project deliverables. Transferred ownership of deliverables
Outcome-Customer satisfaction report
Project 5
Project Role: Project Leader
OB- Develop components for 123
IN(10%)- Prepared feasibility study, identified key high level risks, assumptions and constraints
PL(30%): Developed cost and communication management plan.
EX (25%): Managed communications and stake holder engagement
MC (30%): Monitored stakeholder engagement and communications
CL(5%): Obtained feedback from stakeholders. Performed financial and administrative closure
Outcome-Successful development of the components
Great! Your project description is excellent indeed. Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
Thank you so much for all the information and resources you provided. I’ve been following the suggestions for my PMP preparation, and it’s really helping me out.
I’ve just completed the 35 credit hours and moving on my application. By now, I’m struggling about the structure of my management experience. I’ve briefly listed out my job description and background as follow. It would be extremely helpful if you can provide some suggestions.
We are a contract manufacture provide service of PCBA and box build for electric product. As one of the program managers, I do handle multiple customer accounts as a connection between customer and company. I have to work on the quote, check material cost/margin with purchasing, assign schedule with production, deal with customer service team after delivery and follow up with customer for potential opportunity with forecast. Every customer has their own cycle of products. Some are still running and some have been gone. We support customer to build prototype and work with customer for further mass production orders. For every single order no mater prototype or repeat job, we will have to go through the material monitoring and production schedule control.
Back to the application. I have been thinking if I should go for “each customer account” or ” each prototype build projects” I have done. (Probably not repeat orders since there are more then hundreds and most are still alive which has no closing phase.)
Would you please kindly advise. Much appreciate.
BR,
ICHIH
Thanks ICHIH for your comment.
I would highly suggest you to select some projects in which you follow through the whole processes (i.e. from initiation to closing) to demonstrate that you have accumulated the required type and amount of working experience in project management. Plus, you are highly advised to make use of the terminology of project management as described in PMBOK Guide.
Wish you PMP success!
Thank you very much for the feedback Edward!
Hi Edward!
First of all, thank you for sharing all your insight about PMP! It has helped me a lot and I’m sure it will keep helping a lot of other PMP applicants as well.
I’m preparing my application and I have a couple of doubts regarding the “Attained Education” I hope you can help me with.
I have a bachelor in Civil Engineering, attained in 2004, and a Masters Degree (MBA) attained in 2017.
The PMP application form asks me to state the highest education attained at the time of my application. That would be my Masters Degree.
I have decided not to consider any project management experience during the time I was taking the Masters (from September 2015 till January 2017), since, at that period, I had to divide my time with project management, classes, and studying, leading to a lower number of hours spent on managing projects.
As a result, the project management experience I’m thinking of presenting for the application includes projects managed until September 2015 and projects managed after January 2017. Do you think there is a problem in having that gap, of almost 2 years, in between projects? Can I be penalized for it?
Also, could the fact that my degree shows up in a date in between my project management experience compromise my application? Even though it is a Masters degree, which implies having previous bachelor degree, I don’t know if PMI may dislike my situation, of having it in between my PM experience.
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi Fil,
Thanks for your comment. I think it is fine as long as you have included the required number of hours and duration of project management experience. PMI will not penalize you for a “gap” in your experience as it is not required to include all project experience.
It is also fine for the Masters degree to be entered in the application form.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello Edward,
I have been working as a project manager in the past and now for many years as a Contract & Bidding Manager.
Since, I want to apply for the PMP certification, my question is if I can add to my “Professional Experience” in the application my recent experience as a Contract & Bidding Manager.
In other words, can I state as projects:
i.) the Answer to an RFP (this is considered as a project for my company, normally this takes up to 3 months leading internal teams writing the response, finding subcontractors to deliver part of the work, monitoring and managing teams to provide parts of the response and the final deliverable is the financial and technical offer to the client issuing the RFP).
ii.) The same question applies for contract management (again this is considered as a project for my company, from initiation of request from the client to entering to an agreement, negotiating terms, finding & signing subcontractors, managing internal teams to provide input and signing main agreement with the client, thus closing the project).
Are the above i.) and ii) considered projects to PMI, and thus can be included in my application? And is there a mapping of the Bidding or Contracting activities to PMI relevant terms?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
BR Alar
Hi Alar,
From your description, I would say your experience is a good fit as a project manager. PMI doesn’t require you to carry the job title of “project manager” but your experience should be about project management.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello Edward, I recently got audited and failed audit 🙁 I barely had time to go through multiple resources to find what the issue was so I called PMI and they said I have to review my project description and that it seemed ongoing . bellow is what i provided them with and what they answered
I was in charge of a project aimed at reviving the (xxxx) Coffee industry by penetrating USA market. I conducted feasibility, SWAT and PEST analyses, negotiated with stakeholders, created WBS, used APF, oversaw importation, production and branding. Recruited skilled staff, obtained permits, supply chain was designed and quality control was implemented. Managed the development of coffee Lounge using imported materials. Results were analyzed. Adjustments were implemented. Franchise and sale agreements were signed with new investors.
their fail audit response
After thorough review of your application, it has been determined that your application does not meet the minimum eligibility requirements. At this time your application has been closed.
Eligibility Not Met: Domains are not included
It is required that candidates show that they led and directed the project as identified with the tasks, knowledge, and skills specific in the PMP Exam Content Outline. The PMP candidate is not required to show experience leading and directing projects in all five project domains for each project, but must have this experience within the total number of experience hours and in their project deliverable descriptions.
Review Feedback:
The deliverables were incomplete and all not summarized by key project deliverables and outcomes by domains (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing). A brief, one-sentence project objective, Project deliverables summarized by process areas (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing abbreviations are acceptable IN, PL, EX, MC & CL). A brief, one-sentence project outcome.
Additional Comments:
We are in receipt of the documentation to validate your attained education and project management training. In the event that you submit a new PMP application, it will not be necessary to resend this documentation.
If you wish to submit a new application, you may do so at any time. Please note, if you choose to submit a new application for this certification, your application will again be audited. For your convenience, please visit Things to Consider When Applying for tips and guidelines on how to better present your experience.
Sorry to hear that, Suni.
But the good news is that you can reapply right away by re-writing your projects in more details according to the suggestions by PMI. They would need you to follow their project management framework in the project description (i.e. Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing) and specify which deliverables are included in each process.
Wish you PMP success next try!
Could you please review my below project description for PMP application
Objective: Urology department interior refresh
IN: Evaluate the project feasibility. Perform project assessment. Develop project charter
PL: Create project WBS. Establish project deliverables, develop cost and communication management plans, project schedule
EX: Obtain and manage resources. Information flow
MC: Monitored project cost and schedule and reported progress to stakeholders
CL: Managed deliverable sign off and knowledge transition during closure
Outcome: Interior completed and handed over to client
Objective: Office Lobby and reception renovation
IN: Identify key stakeholders and high-level requirements. Develop and obtain approval for project charter
PL: Detail scope along with the assumptions and constraints. Develop schedule, budget, procurement plan. Conduct Kick-off meeting
EX: Manage team to execute tasks as defined in PM plan
MC: Manage approved changes to the scope, schedule, and costs.
CL: Document lessons learned and archive project artifacts.
Outcome: Renovation completed and handed over to client
It looks great Vidhi!
Hi Edward,
Could you please review my below project description for PMP application,
“”To create an integrated flowlines simulation model of XXX producing fields for flow assurance
Being a project leader 1st I developed project scope/charter and Identified the key stakeholders (IN), prepared & presented the execution plan with detailed WBS to management (PL), obtained the resources and executed the tasks as per plan along with some approved changes (EX), measured the project performance and periodically shared work performance reports periodically with management (MC), and measure the management satisfaction on final product and collated lessons learned (CL).
Final simulation product accounted all the concerns from all key-stakeholders and was highly admired.””
Please bear in mind that my 1st application has been rejected by the given reason that “My experience doesn’t fit with all the required areas of project management which are required to direct and lead the project”
Will be very grateful for your cooperation in this regard.
Great! I think you have covered all the areas as required by PMI. Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
I have a question about the experience. In one of my projects, my responsibilities where partitioned about 60/40 with 60% being project responsibilities and the rest where different. My concern is that the 2 years of experience and then the breakdown in hours does not match the amount of work hours in that period. Is this OK or should I reduce the period? I am concerned about reducing the period because if there is an audit it might be a bit confusing for my supervisor since the period will not match the timeframe of the role. Thanks in advance for your answer!
That’s a quite difficult question indeed. I advise you to ask PMI directly for their direction.
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
I am in the process of writing my PMP application. I have around 12 years of work experience in Refinery and Petrochemical Construction Industry. I have the opportunity to work in 4 construction projects as an Inspection Engineer. My company is a Public Sector Undertaking Company dealing mostly with Refinery and Petrochemical Industry as EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction management) consultant. My latest project was to construct a 0.7 MMTPA Diesel Hydrotreater Unit (DHDT) for an existing refinery plant to meet Euro-IV and Euro-VI standards. The unit is constructed, commissioned within schedule and budget. My role was to oversee QA/QC part of the project. Now the main problem which I am facing is what should i write in Initiating process group as i was never been involved in initial phase. Your expert comment will help me a lot in writting my PMP application description. Thanking you in anticipation.
Thanks for your sharing. You may try harder to think about any tasks/experiences you have that is relevant to project initiation (e.g. hiring staff, defining scope/regulations for QA/QC, etc.). You will qualify for the PMP Exam even if you have one 1 hour of experience in initiation.
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
I am submitting my application and appreciate your advice please. I have 2 projects which I took over the first project at planning stage and finished within 2 years, then I started the 2nd project since initial stage and still ongoing. When I submit the 2nd project, what is the outcome of the project that I should put since it is still ongoing? As for the jobs and responsibilities for 2nd project, should I list down the full responsibilities too as it is still not reach closing stage？
Thank you.
Hi Soo,
Thanks for your comment. You may list the anticipated outcome of the project there. Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
If my project description does not have the PMI terms, will I need to rewrite or rewrite only if audited?
Thank you.
This is actually not required. However, including those terms will show that you “know” project management. You may consider leaving your description as it is now.
Wish you PMP success!
Good morning Edward,
Thoughts on how someone like me who works on hundreds of small projects each year (in the form of contracts – from the initial RFC to the negotiation, drafting, implementation, etc stages) can transfer our experience into PMP project hours? Each contract is its own micro project of sorts; however, I’d prefer to not have to list every single one as it’s own 5-10 hour project. Thoughts?
Good morning Alan,
Maybe you can include only those projects which are longer in duration? Or can you group your mini-projects into a large project? The best way may be to ask PMI directly.
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
I am about to submit my application for the PMP certification, but I have a lot of overlapping projects, so they are only counting mostly the first 2 for the Qualified Months (see below) requirement. Will they look at and consider my experience with the other projects listed? (I changed the project names for confidentiality). Or will they dismiss the details and only look at the hours? I hope that makes sense, i am just worried the others are all for not. The most recent ones were my most extensive projects!
project a – website
From 12/2010 Through 11/2013
Actual 36 Qualified 36
project b website
From 09/2015 Through 02/2018
Actual 30 Qualified 30
project c Office
From 02/2016 Through 06/2016
Actual 5 Qualified 0
project d Software
From 04/2016 Through 02/2017
Actual 11 Qualified 0
project e Seminar
From 08/2016 Through 03/2017
Actual 8 Qualified 0
project f Build
From 09/2016 Through 03/2018
Actual 17 Qualified 1
Walnut Processing, Hulling, and Bulk Storage Plant Expansion
From 01/2017 Through 03/2018
Actual 15 Qualified 0
Hi Carmen,
The qualified months are not that important as you have already over 5 years. It is the actual hours that counts. Presumably, you have a bachelor degree, you will have to at least 4500 hours of project management experience. And as a reminder, there is no need to enter all your project experiences if you have over this amount.
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
I worked as a Project Manager in my last company for about 8 years; worked on 2 projects each spanning 4 years. I hope it would be fine if I mention only these 2 projects (totaling 8 years) in the PMP application.
Also, I resigned in Nov 2016 and am currently taking a break. I hope this shouldn’t be any issue. Please suggest.
Regards
Pavan
Hi Pavan,
Yes, your experience would satisfy the eligibility requirements of the PMP Exam if you have experiences in all the PM process groups (The working experience must be across all process groups and within the last 8 years to be counted on the PMI PMP application).
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
My position title was Senior Program Manager, however, I oversaw and implemented multiple projects at one time throughout the year. I’m trying to find some clear understanding as to whether my experience qualifies me for the PMP or PgMP, or both. I’ve combed through the PMI website and the descriptions are pretty vague at best. Would you be able to assist in pointing me in the right direction to obtain this clarification? TIA 🙂
Your qualifications should definitely qualify you for PMP and even PgMP. However, as I have not studied the PgMP requirements in details, I may not be able to offer any assistance in this regard. But, to the best of my knowledge about PMP requirements, you will be able to apply without problems.
Wish you PMP / PgMP success!
Hi Edward – Thanks for the great articles. I work for a web development agency as a project manager. All of my projects are for outside clients.
When I am filling in the Organization Contact section do I put my contact at our client (Who may not even remember me, I work on a lot of small projects) or my supervisor at the agency I work for.
I would advise you to put your own supervisor that would have intimate knowledge of your role in the projects as in the contact section as outside clients are difficult to reach in the case of a PMI audit.
Wish you PMI success!
Hi Edward, was wondering if you can give me some help to properly word and submit the application. The change coming on late March makes every day count and i would like to pass the application the first round to avoid delays on taking the exam, thanks . would you reach me at yinki at hot mail do tc om?
Sure. Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward I have few queries. Could you please care to offer some insight?
1. One of my supervisor under whom I was working has left the organisation and is now working in his own firm. Can he still verify my project experience (in case I get audited) with his new job title and email.
2. I was previously in a Government Bank in which I supervised and managed the implementation of various government schemes implemented under mission mode. Will these be considered as a project?
Hi Saahil,
Below please find my answers:
1) Sure, you can ask the supervisor to verify it for you (if you are selected for an audit) or you can ask other colleagues who know your role in the projects to verify for you (this is no need to have exactly the person you named on the experience forms as your supervisor to verify the forms for you).
2. Sorry that as I don’t know the details of your work, I cannot answer this one. But you may review your experience according to the definition of “project” by PMI.
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward, thanks for your time on the topic. Can you kindly help to review and advice if the below is suffice so i can have a rough idea on how the format works?
Bulk Credit Project
Objective: To complete Bulk Credit project within 3 months time with a budget of 13k SGD.
Key Deliverables:
(IN) I was appointed as the PM by the Senior Managers. I worked closely with Operations Manager and Client to develop the project charter and identify other stakeholders.
(P) My main tasks were creating the detailed planning including defining project scope, developed project plan, participated in WBS, engaged Workforce, Finance and HR team to developed project schedule and cost estimate, planned communication requirement, identified key risk and response plan.
(E) During the execution I developed and managed project team to ensure the bulk credit are processed on time within the budget. I also worked with the quality team to ensure that the quality standard are in place.
(M&C) I tracked the Bulk Credit Project progress, and provide project performance updates to managers and clients. Meetings were also conducted to ensure work performance and corrective action taken for Bulk Credits processed incorrectly. I also worked with the quality team to audit the credits processed to control the quality.
(CL) I facilitated the closing meeting. We manage to complete the Bulk Project within 3 months and the cost is lesser than 13k which the client is very happy for and gladly accepted the results I’ve also recorded lessons learned and archived project documents such as templates, reporting formats that could be used for future bulk projects.
Outcome: The Bulk Project is completed within the timeline and budget provided by clients
That’s great. You have described the project very clearly! Wish you application and PMP success!
Thanks so much for reviewing Edward :). Just one more question. Must every project objective consist of schedule and budget?
Some of the projects is aimed to improve/enhance an existing service to customer and there isnt any significant cost/budget to it.
Can we include this type of project?
Looking forward to hear from you 🙂
Sure, anything considered as a project can be included. PMI does not require the projects to have significant budgets to be eligible to be included in the PMP application.
Wish you success!
Thanks Edward, i passed the PMP application this week. Credit goes to you. Now i need to put effort for the exam 🙂
Great Edmund, can’t wait to hear your good news! Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
I have left my worked company and my supervisor has retired too. Is it okay to fill in those project experience and his personal contact in the online PMP Application Form?
Thanks in advanced.
Hi Margaux,
Yes, you can name them on the PMP Application form but you are highly advised to contact your supervisor / colleagues who knew your role in the projects so that once you were required a PMP audit, you will be able to find someone to verify for you (the one to sign the experience verification form needs not be the person you named in your application).
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
I found your discussion very helpful, thanks!
Would you please advise me in the following:
I have PM experience in Romania July2010-Febr 2011 and March2011-Oct 2012 (total 28 months) and then in Canada July2016-Oct2016, May2017-Aug 2017 (8 months), total hours 4700 for 2010-2017 period.
Does it fit the criteria to have 36month within 8 years? I am a bit concerned that I had a gap Nov2012-July2016.
Please advise!
Thanks
Don’t worry, your experience should qualify for the PMP Exam. PMI doesn’t mind the gaps between different projects as PMP Aspirants may want to select some remarkable projects to include only. In short, if your working experiences are gained during the last eight years over a minimum period of 3/5 years, that would be accepted.
Wish you PMP success!
Multa bafta, Tania! :o) Cum ti s-a parut examenul?
Hi Edward,
I am preparing the documentation for PMP application. Regarding my PM experience I am working in a multinational Company having Sites across the globe and I have managed several projects for some of those Sites. Every Site have a different legal entity/address from the Site where I am actually based. Within the application form “edit organization details” do you think should I enter my Site location (therefore always the same for all the projects) or the specific Site location for each specific project ? In my opinion the 2nd option should be better but I am not sure. In any case I understand “Job title” is for me not for the sponsor ? Your help will be appreciated
I think you may include just your Site location only for simplicity’s sake. I suppose PMI is more interested to know the details of your project than the legal entity/address.
Yes, the job title is YOUR job title (which is not necessarily “project manager”, any title will do).
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward,
Do you know what is the acceptable time frame of project experience? I had been working from 2005 to 2010 but staying at home since then. My project related experience was from 2007 to 2010. When I tried to fill these working experience into my application, it showed the qualified hour is 0. Is it because my experience is outside of the acceptable time frame?
Thank you.
Alice
Hi Alice,
Sorry to let you know that only working experience in the last 8 years qualify for the experience requirements for the PMP Certification..
Dear Edward,
First of all i would like to thank you for your support with our PMP applications.
i submitted the application before and the ask me to amend the work experience, now the applications is expired and i have to re-submit it again which gives me extra months to add in my work experience, i also have doubts if PMI would accept working in pharmaceutical research in a university as a project as a work experience or not.
Below is a description of my work experience and i want your advise if any amendments needed:
1-project no.1:
Objective: An evaluation of the level of knowledge about probiotics among pharmacists and a analytical comparison between available probiotics products in Jordan.
My role(IN):Perform project assessment and perform cost benefit analysis.
(PL):Develop project management plan.
(EX):Manage project resources and maximize team performance.
(MC):Perform integrated change control and measure project performance.
(CL):Obtain acceptance by sponsor to formally close project.
Outcome: a research that will help in developing knowledge about probiotics in Jordan.
Project no.2:
Objective:To register pharmaceutical product at Jordan Food and Drug administration.
IN:Identifying stakeholders and perform key stakeholders analysis.
PL:Develop WBS, WBS dictionary and project management plan.
EX:Collect work performance data,acquire and manage the project team and manage stakeholder engagement.
MC:Measure project performance,control changes and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
CL:Obtain acceptance by sponsor to formally close project and document lessons learned.
Outcome:product was successfully registered by JFDA.
Project no.3:
Objective: a successful launch of a pharmaceutical product.
My role:
IN:Develop project charter and identify high-level risks and constrains.
PL:Develop project management plan and conduct a kick-off meeting.
EX:Obtain and manage project resources, perform quality assurance and manage the project team.
MC:Control changes to scope, schedule, and budget and Measure project performance.
CL:Obtain final acceptance of project deliverables and archive all project documents in PMIS.
Outcome: product launch activities were successful and held upon timeline.
Also kindly advise if i should only consider my experience hours only as 40 hrs per week or i can add more than that because i exceeded the 40 hrs in the first time i submitted the application and i didn’t get any inquiry to amend it.
Finally thanks again for your help and advise.
Best Regards,
Ali Darras.
Hi Ali,
Thanks for your comment. I think PMI will accept any working experience in any industry provided the experience is about project management.
You have written your experience in a clear and concise way that should be readily accepted by PMI. Plus, you have made use a lot of PMBOK Guide terms which is very good.
Wish you PMP success!
Thanks alot for your prompt reply and support and sorry for submitting the comment again, kindly exclude it i thought you didn’t receive it by mistake.
Thanks again.
Regards
Ali.
Hi Edward,
I have worked in various projects as an Implementation manager and also assisted Clients in migrating from one version to another (Time tracking software) through a Project plan. Could you please help me with some ideas as to how should I show these experiences while filling the project experiences part with PMI.
Please guide me as I need your assistance.
Thanks and regards,
Hi Biprajit,
Just compose an honest description of the projects and your role involved in about 500 characters. And it will be helpful to make use of PMBOK Guide terms.
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Edward, first of all, I would like to thank you for the creation of the extremely useful resource which is vital for PMP applicants as me.
At the current moment, I am trying to re-write my experience according to PMI requirements. I have doubts regarding my project role (obtained position). In several projects, I was the deputy project manager however, my role was acting on behalf of project manager due to his minor time inputs. In fact, the scope, time and budget were managed by me, but I’m afraid If the word “deputy” will be mention, it makes lead to rejection of the application. I’m wondering what will be more suitable and honest to write in my application? Perhaps it may be a role of the project coordinator? Please, could you give you opinion on this matter? Thank you in advance!
Edward, could you help me with one more question? I am trying to reach 500 characters in the description of my experience and it is a hard task. Do you know, in case of an audit, will it be allowed to provide a wider description?
Hi Maksym,
Thanks for your comments.
1) PMI will NOT determine whether you are the project manager or not based on your job title. No worry to put “deputy” there. But remember to explain clearly and briefly (in 500 characters or so) your actual role in the project. PMI does not require you to go to the details/facts of your project, just an overview will do!
2) If you have explained clearly in the application form, the audit will not require you to provide additional description on your role.
Wish you PMP success!
Thank you so much for explaining how to fill out this form! I have been thinking about taking the PMP application form to take the test after but can never figure out where some of the information goes. Now that you’ve helped me out with some of the details it shouldn’t take long to finish it.
Glad that my sharing here is useful to you.
Wish you PMP success!
Hi Ed – I have 25 years in telecom industry and past 15 or so in management role where my team ran programs that I oversaw and made sure that delivery was done properly including direct client interaction. I ran many projects prior to 2000.
Here are my questions if you give me your inputs/thoughts.
– Can I take exam by taking the course realizing that this could be easier for me based on what I have done over years.
– Should I first focus my energy into putting the details of my app first? I am more eager to prepare and pass the exams and worry about app. later. I don’t know if that’s allowed.
– I will have to hunt down my past managers who can certify on my experience in case any audit takes place.
– I don’t know that I have documentation details from those projects. I can recall and write the details required.
Please provide your thoughts in this matter.
I thank you in advance for your inputs.
Thanks,
D. Shah
Hi Shah,
Thanks for your query.
– Sure, it is highly recommended to take a PMP exam prep course (online or face to face) even though you have already got the 35 contact hours from other project management courses before as the PMP exam is about the PMP knowledge rather than general project management knowledge.
– You can study first but to play safe, it is highly recommended to have your PMP application accepted first — that’s what I did for my PMP Exam. But I did read the PMBOK Guide before submitting my application as the terminologies contained there will help you tremendously with your project description.
– It is highly recommended to document only those projects that add up to the required minimum number of hours of project management experience (and the more recent ones preferred). You are advised to contact your managers to agree on the hours and project descriptions you are to submit to PMI but even if you can’t find your manager, it is totally acceptable to ask anyone intimately involved in the project (e.g. colleagues, co-workers, etc.) to verify your experience.
– There is no need to present documentations on your projects. Even in case of PMP audit, you will only need to ask your managers to sign the forms, no documentation required.
Hope this helps with your PMP journey. Wish you PMP success!
Thank you so much for clarifying the best way possible for me to move forward and getting my PMP certification.
D. Shah
Hello Edward;
Could you please help me reviewing the below project description for my pmp application. Please suggest if any changes are required (I am not sure what info should be included/excluded to respect the constraint of 550 characters ! ).
Thank you for you comments.
The project objective was to migrate the old Provisioning system to a new one with higher capacity & that allows the activation of all mobile services in ONLINE mode
Deliverable:Provisioning system & doc
I was acting as a PM
I’ve assessed the feasibility,identified stakeholders & their requirements
Developed the detailed PM plan
Managed & supervised project team
Monitored project scope & schedule & created status reports
Recorded lessons learned & obtained final acceptance
The project was a success & added flexibility to MKT for promotion’s development
Hi Sihem,
Your description is detailed enough. If I were you, I would add a bit more details specific to your project in the later part of your project description (e.g. how’s the project going, how’s the team doing, any special lessons learned, etc.). Right now the description seems a bit too board.
Just my two cents.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello Edward,,
Could you please help me reviewing project description for my pmp application. Please suggest if any changes are required. Thank you and appreciate you comments.
Tripoli National Public Park Project -1950 hours
Objective: To build and construct national public park over 34 acres. This project was comprised of restaurants, playgrounds, landscaping, lakes, and administration buildings in addition to buildings the complete infrastructure for 34 acres of land.
I was appointed the project manager for the project. I led and managed a team consisting of engineers and senior engineers’ team members to perform project management and supervision on behalf of the client.
Key Deliverables:
– IN: I worked closely to support the designer and the client to develop project charter and identify key stakeholders and their expectations.
– PL: my major tasks were creating the detailed planning including defining the project scope, developed the project plan, participated in WBS, developed project schedule and cost estimate, planned communication requirement, identified key risk and response plan. Moreover, I worked with the client to develop policies and procedures to support the achievement of the project objectives.
– EX: during the execution I developed and managed project teams, assigned work, executed tasks defined in the project plan, coordinated activities across different project objectives, ensured quality standard are in place, implemented approved changes.
– MC: I also monitored and controlled key project constraints, tracked project progress, reported project performance, motivated team members, conducted meeting to ensure work performance, managed changes to scope, determined and taken corrective actions, controlled procurement, performed quality control and quality assurance.
– CL: I participated in a closing meeting. Recorded lessons learned and archived project records such as technical reports, project photos and as build drawings.
Outcome: Completed project with 95% success rate. The project was opened on scheduled date.
Perfect! You have described your project in a concise yet detailed enough way for PMI to appreciate it. I have no further comments.
Wish you PMP success!
Many of my projects overlapped as I worked at a small company. But I know that experience required is ‘non overlapping’. Do you expect an audit if I list the project separately without the overlap, but this will create an exact date sequence i.e. February to May, May to October, October to December, etc.?
Hi Frances,
I also did a lot of overlapping projects. You can actually document overlapping projects (pls refer to the PMP Handbook page 8):
“For each month in which you worked on multiple, overlapping projects, you can only count the time spent on ONE of those projects toward fulfilling your eligibility requirements.”
And you would need to actually spilt your working hours between the overlapping projects instead of simply counting 8 hours for each day of working.
But otherwise, there is nothing stopping you to document your overlapping project experiences.
Wish you PMP success!
hereunder the PMI’s feedback on my application:
PMI requires that qualified PMP candidates:
* Perform their duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project
* Lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget and resources
* Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to appropriately apply a methodology to projects that have reasonably well-defined project requirements and deliverables.
We are unable to ascertain from the project descriptions you have provided if you served as a leader in the capacity on the projects per the aforementioned role definition.
Candidates do not need the title of project manager to apply for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential, as organizations may have different titles to reflect the work performed in a project management role. However, you do need to record your experience leading and directing projects in the credential application.
Project descriptions should be documented clearly enough to ascertain whether or not the projects documented truly are projects (please refer to PMBOK®Guide, 5th Edition, Section 1.2).
Further, project descriptions should consist of the following:
* A brief, one-sentence project objective
* Project deliverables summarized by process areas (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing – abbreviations are acceptable IN, PL, EX, MC & CL)
* A brief, one-sentence project outcome
Project descriptions should be a high level summary of the tasks you led and directed on the project (e.g. Initiating: develop project charter, WBS etc.; Planning: Scope definition etc.; and so on). Project management experience is required in each of the process areas when all projects are totaled, but not on each project. Project descriptions must be provided for all projects submitted on application.
Your application has been moved to a pending status so that you may address the aforementioned concerns. To edit your application, please use our online certification system at https://certification.pmi.org/Default.aspx. You may also view and download a copy of your submitted application.
When complete, please submit your edited application. Upon review of your re-submitted application, you will receive notification of your eligibility status via e-mail. If the information received is not sufficient, your application may be formally closed.
please advise
Hello Edward,
Please help me, reviewing project description for my pmp application. Please suggest if any changes are required.
Please note that I’ve already submitted my application, PMI re-opened it & ask me to adress it. Herunder the description of one of the project.
Description :
– Assess the feasibility, divide the project into phases, define the solution description the scope of work & the work breakdown structure
– Execute the project steps according to the project plan.
– Track project activities, measure project performance, escalations & the whole project reporting.
– Verify & manage changes to the project scope, schedule & as defined in the PM plan.
– Work with the Provisioning team on the improvement of the processes & methods.
– Plan and co-ordinate Acceptance Test Procedure related to Provisioning Area.
– Plan & co-ordinate the Migration/Cutover Strategy.
– Prepare documentation on the completed Solution & the lessons learned
Hi Massi,
Thanks for your comment. Your project description seems to be not “tailored for PMI” and not specific enough. There is not much information and description specific to your project (i.e. this can be used to describe any project). And the use of the terminology here does not reflect the PMI standard.
I would highly suggest you to follow PMI’s requirement on the format of the project description, e.g.
“Objective: To create a solution for ….
I was appointed the project leader for the project. I first collect the requirements, assess the feasibilities, ….
Key Deliverables:
– IN: Project Charter…
– PL: Project Management Plan …
– EX: (the product of the project)
– MC: Status Reports, etc.
– CL: lessons learned, project archive …
Outcome: The project was a success and the solution has facilitated ….”
Hope this helps.
Wish you PMP success!
Hello Edward,
Thank you for your feedback.
I’ve followed you recommendations, here under a new project’s description, could you please review it & suggest if any changes are required:
“Objective: To integrate a new Network element – NTHLR (Next Generation Home Location Register)
Deliverables: The new Network Data base (NTHLR) & documentation.
In response to increasing number of clients; a project for new Network Data Base (NTHLR) was initiated by senior management. I was appointed project coordinator to handle the Provisioning area. I’ve assessed the feasibility, identified stakeholders, collected technical & functional requirements, defined scope, created WBS/activities & RAM, developed schedule, supervised team, tracked project’s activities, handled changes, reported the project performance to senior management, documented the final solution for maintenance, operation’s needs & lessons learned”
Hi Massi,
Your project description is much clearer now. There is a high likelihood that PMI will accept it without questions.
Wish you PMP Exam success!
Although this is great info overall, I think your sample for each project is incorrect. I just spoke to someone from PMI customer service a week ago. I did not pass an audit because I did not provide a breakdown in the description of each project of how many hours I worked on each stage of the project. This was the primary reason they denied me and I see you did it the same way as me. Maybe it worked in the past but not as of today.
Sorry to hear that you did not pass the audit and thanks for the update. It is quite strange that PMI would require in the project description “a breakdown in the description of each project of how many hours you worked on each stage of the project” as you have already entered this info in the number of hours in each project management stage for this project in another field which shouldn’t need to be included here in the project description.
Anyway, don’t lose heart, wish you success next time!
Hi Edward,
You have done a great job by posting this series of articles and reading this particular page about filling in the details on various projects carried out has given me a doubt.
In the last 12 years I have managed two products (one for 9 years and another for 3), meaning that I do not have multiple projects as experience, but was responsible for all aspects of delivery (requirements, scope, development, testing, delivery etc.). The first one was an ERP for textile industry and next (current) one is an RPA tool. Each product has multiple customers (projects), but they were managed by different teams. How should I mention my experience?
You mention that there are two products but a lot of projects, right? I would recommend you to fill in your experience based on the “projects” instead of the “products”. You could mention the definite “deliverables” for each projects (e.g. the parts of the product that got improved). Try to include just enough hours in the application form (not every single project under your management).
Wish you PMP success!
Hello,
Please help me, reviewing project description for my pmp application. Please suggest if any changes are required.
“Objective: To create an operational data store for 14 client policy systems in 1.5 years.
In response to the need, I was appointed as a project leader on information management project to deliver operational data store.
I’ve created project charter, identified stakeholders, their level of interest & expectations, collected requirements, defined scope, created wbs & ram, defined activities, estimated resources, developed schedule, planned communications, identified risks & responses, supervised team & reviews and obtained acceptance from client.”
Hi Rajat,
Your description is perfect. Wish you PMP success!
Thanks for your advice Edward. I would like to ask more info about prerequisites.
To be qualified to take exam, it requires 7,500 hours leading and directing projects. Does it have to be project manager for all the 7,500 hours or just workstream lead / coordinator is fine?
I have counted my working experience on projects within 6 years by roles below.
– Project manager : 2,900 hours
– Workstream leader : 5,800 hours
Number of project working hours in the last 3 years = 3,500
Not sure am I qualified to register for the exam. Can you please give me recommendation?
Hi Kitty,
There is NO need to have the title of “Project Manager” in order to qualify for the PMP Exam. You can include experience in any capacity (worksteam lead, coordinator, etc.)providing that the experience is related to leading and directing projects (kindly note the definition of project according to PMI).
It seems that you are well qualified for the PMP Exam.
Wish you PMP success!.
Thanks a lot Edward
the PMI sentence between brackets did not copied. Here it is :
Upon further review of your application it has come to our attention that the experience entries listed on your application do not meet the requirements of the PMP credential.
The PMP credential recognizes the competence of an individual to perform in the role of a project manager, specifically experiences in leading and directing projects. The PMP Role Delineation states that candidates for the PMP credential meet all of the following qualifications:
· Perform their duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project
· Lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope
· Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to appropriately apply a methodology to projects that have reasonably well-defined requirements and deliverables
The project management experience that you have listed on your application does not meet this requirement because your project management work experience descriptions do not align with the five key process areas of project management and we are unable to determine how you lead and directed the projects.
hello Edward, thanks for this post. I should have read it some weeks ago before I filled the forms. My file has been selected for audit and has just been rejected by PMI. I am now very disapppointed…
I am also not living in US so I believe the lucky ratio is closer to 1/5 – 1/6.
I first received on friday a notification from PMI that my letter containing information for audit was not received on time which was not true. It was distributed 4 days before deadline (it is 60 days nowadays).
> I strongly recommend further applicants to send it with tracking record option because internal mail service in PMI seems to be defective.
I then received the following monday an email informing me it was received and 4 minutes later another email informing my application was rejected… It took 4 minutes to someone not knowing me, located on another continent, to read 3 boxes to assess that I have not the required knowledge and experience to be a good candidate to become a certified project manager. They even didn’t make effort to pick up the phone to call the supervisor who kindly approved my experience records. I am 50 years old and managed many projects in my life so it is a little bit hard to accept this sentence…
No appeal in front of an impartial board seems to be possible. This audit really looks like an arbitrary and randomly managed process by an omnipotent individual in PMI. The sentence was on monday and the judge probably got a tiring week end ?
> I strongly recommend further applicants to be careful with words used in the description of their experience and to have at least one recent experience as global project manager with overall responsibility for scope, budget and schedule. It was clearly stated in PMI’s advice for audit prep that global project manager experience was not required so I used word ‘project contributor’ when I was contributor and ‘project leader’ when I was leader. May be I should better have used flattering terms to boast my experience but I preffered to keep honest. I certainly have to work to progress in selling myself.
> I strongly recommend to put hours above zero in all 5 key areas for all experiences because I suspect the brain of the omnipotent judge is only activated when it finds a zero in ‘initiating project’ and ‘closing project’.
Here below is extract of PMI sentence.
<>
I was expecting this certification to give a plus to my CV because recruiters nowadays often seek for certificated candidates to minimize their risk. In the meantime I found a job as project manager so I hope I will not require soon this certificate which is only a piece of paper committing only those who are credulous in fake promises.
Hi Ulysse,
I am sorry to hear that you have got your audit rejected by PMI. Yes, PMI has its specific way of judging whether the job experiences are valid according to their own framework and standards and we have no say in it. Thanks a lot for giving us your observations and tips on PMP application which is very helpful to fellow PMP Aspirants. I will surely develop another post based on the information you have provided. Thanks again!
But it great to know that you have got a job as project manager. This does tell experience and knowledge is more important than certifications. PMP Certification is a plus for job search, but after all, it is your wealth of knowledge and experience in project management do help in your every day work!
Hi Edward, Thanks for this post. Your blog is very helpful. I have been helping PMP candidates with a lot of the same issues lately.
Hi Tim,
You are welcome. It is my humble hope that my experience can help fellow PMP Aspirants.
Regards,
Edward
Hi Edward, I found your article very very informative and enlightening! Thx so much. I decided last Friday that I am now ready to take the plunge, be it htou AFTER they have changed the PMP exam back in 2013 🙁 Now I am sorry I waited but I felt sooo intimidated … ad still do but … trying to develop my confidence along the way. Do you take questions? Let me know. Thx again…..S