PMP Application: A Step-by-Step Application Filling Guide with Tips

Let's assume that you’re on the brink of advancing your Project Management career, but the PMP Application process stands in your way. Does the thought of navigating this detailed process feel overwhelming? If so, you’re not alone. Many aspiring Project Management professionals face the same challenge. This comprehensive blog is here to simplify the process by breaking it down into manageable steps and offering practical tips. 

In case you're unsure about how to document your Project Management experience or need guidance on meeting the eligibility criteria, this blog has got you covered. With clear instructions and valuable insights, you’ll be well-prepared to submit a strong application. Let’s dive into the details and make your PMP Application process smooth and successful. 

Table of Contents 

1) PMP Application Sections 

2) PMP Experience Examples 

3) PMP Application Examples 

4) PMP Application Tips 

5) Conclusion 

PMP Application Sections 

The application process for PMP involves the submission of a number of documents of which PMP Application is very essential in the whole process of attaining the prestigious certificate in Project Management. Let’s dive into the Project Management Professional (PMP) Application sections and ensure you’re well-prepared for a successful submission: 

1) Fill in Academic Education Details 

This is where one gets his/her PMP exam eligibility determined. Therefore, it is to consider revisiting the PMP exam requirements for its understanding and proper further planning. You are required to disclose the highest level of education that you have reached (for example, Master’s or Bachelor’s degree), the start and end years of your education, the country and the name of the institution where you attended.

2) Complete Professional Education Information 

The requirement to display the Project Management education in the Professional Education section is to provide documentation with the contact hours achieved from the PMP training supplier, which must be not less than 35. In order to finish this section, you have to name the given course, the PMP Certification training provider’s name, starting and ending date of the course, and the Total Professional Development Units (PDUs) or Qualifying hours that are generally 35 hours. 

Ensure you have these details ready when you reach this section. Upon completing a course with a training provider, they will issue a contact hours certificate. Although you don’t need to upload these certificates in this section, they will be required if your application is selected for an audit. 

3) Document PMP Project Experience 

For most candidates, the PMP Application experience section is the most challenging to complete. PMI will meticulously review your PMP project descriptions before granting approval. Therefore, you should anticipate dedicating significant time to this section, as accurately completing it is crucial for your application’s success. 

4) Submit Exam Information 

The crucial section of the PMP Application online form is the exam details section. Here, you’ll need to provide all the information related to the PMP exam and your contact details. You will need to enter the following information:
 

5) Answer Common PMP Application Questions 

Commonly asked PMP Application questions often revolve around eligibility, documentation, and the application process itself. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the application with ease: 

1) Within how Many Days Should you Finish the Application Once Started? 

Once you begin the PMP Application, you have 90 days to complete the online form. Note that you cannot cancel the application once it has been started. 

2) Can you Edit the PMP Application? 

Yes, you can edit your PMP Application as many times as needed before submitting it to PMI. However, once submitted, no further edits are allowed. 

3) How Long Does PMP Application Approval Take? 

PMI takes up to five business days to review your application and provide a decision. Certain applications may be randomly selected for an audit, in which case you will have 90 days to submit the requested documents and references. 

4) How to Schedule Your Exam Once the Application is Approved? 

When you are qualified for the PMP, you can go ahead and arrange for the exam. After approval of the application you have up to one year of schedule and take the exam, which gives you enough time to prepare for the test. 

Most of the candidates prefer to expend this time conducting extra studies preparing for the exam at the time they are most prepared. 

PMP Experience Examples 

Documenting your Project Management experience is a crucial part of the PMP Application. Let’s dive into the PMP Experience Examples to see how you can craft compelling project experiences: 

Example 1 of PMP Experience 

Objective: Create and launch a new product line for a retail clothing company targeting female consumers aged 18-25. The project had a budget of $4 million and a deadline of 16 months. 

Role: As Senior Project Managers, they oversaw the overall Project Life Cycle, from initiation to closure. 

Responsibilities/Deliverables: 

a) Initiating (IN): Conducted stakeholder analysis 

b) Planning (PL): Led the kickoff meeting and managed stakeholder expectations 

c) Executing (EX): Directed task execution by leading the project team  

d) Monitoring and Control (MC): Measured project performance using appropriate tools. 

e) Closing (CL): Collected stakeholder feedback to assess satisfaction (CL) 

f) Outcome: The project was done within budget and the timeline, successfully transitioning the product line to operations. 

Example 2 of PMP Experience 

Objective: Develop, design, and deliver training materials for onboarding new individuals at an internet and cable installation company. The project had a budget of $5,000 and was planned to be completed within six weeks. 

Role: As the Project Manager, they managed the project from kickoff to the handoff of the training material to the HR team. 

Responsibilities/Deliverables: 

a) Initiating (IN): Developed the project charter and WBS, obtaining approval from key stakeholders 

b) Planning (PL): Prepared the project plan and developed the work breakdown structure, considering time, cost, and quality. 

c) Executing (EX): Coordinated the execution of research and development of the material. 

d) Monitoring and Control (MC): Monitored the project timeline to ensure milestones were met on schedule 

e) Closing (CL): Archived project documents and materials following generally accepted practices to comply with statutory requirements. 

Outcome: The training resource was presented to the key stakeholders on schedule and within budget, and once approved, it was handed off to the HR team for future use in new employee training sessions. 

PMP Application Tips 

Preparing a strong PMP Application requires careful planning and attention to detail. Let’s dive into these tips to ensure your application stands out and meets PMI’s standards: 

Step 1: Choose Projects to Include 

The first step is to organize your timeline and projects accordingly. While prioritizing and selecting the longer projects first is important, here are some additional considerations: 

a) Ensure that what you document is a project, not an operation. Understand the difference between the two. PMI refers to a project as “a temporary endeavor to create a product, service, or result.” 

b) Choose projects where you had a leadership role and managed the project. Select projects where you led and directed the efforts rather than just participating or coordinating. 

Step 2: Prepare PMP Application Template 

Creating a PMP Application template can help streamline the process and ensure you have all the necessary information organized. Start by listing all your projects, including key details such as project objectives, roles, responsibilities, and outcomes. This template will serve as a reference, making it easier to input accurate information into the application form. Additionally, having a template allows you to review and refine your project descriptions before submission, ensuring they meet PMI’s requirements. 

Step 3: Draft Project Descriptions for PMP Application 

The project description section is a significant part of the PMP Application, so it is the key to create clear and concise descriptions of your projects. You must be careful on promoting your accomplishments which should demonstrate your strong command in leadership and managerial assignments. Use PMI’s terminology and structure your descriptions to align with the five process groups:  

These are the five phases of Project Management; they include Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Make sure that your accomplishments and descriptions about the project are clear and show that you have experience in directing and leading projects. 

Conclusion 

Completing your PMP Application doesn’t have to be daunting. With this step-by-step guide and practical tips, you’re well-equipped to navigate the process smoothly. Keep in mind that thorough preparation and attention to detail are your keys to success.