PMP Audit Process: A Step-by-Step Guide! [2024 Updated]

The project management institute (PMI), USA, offers the PMP certification course, one of the challenging and in-demand projects management credentials. The PMP audit process is a selection procedure that ensures that talented students pass the process and earn the certification.

Every individual in the project management profession aspires to achieve the PMP certification. KnowledgeHut offers the best PMP course, designed with the latest practices to help you crack the exam on your first attempt.

What are the PMP Audit and Its Purpose?

Candidates who apply for PMI certifications, not all of them, are subject to the audit process. This process is necessary to uphold the high quality of the certification process. Employers trust the certifications, which is why they must stand up to the reputation and follow the PMP audit reference guidelines.

Why Does PMP Conduct an Application Audit?

The key benefit of the PMP audit process is carefully reviewing the eligibility of randomly selected candidates. There are certain prerequisites set for the PMP certifications. The PMP application audit process is conducted to ensure that those prerequisites are met. It enhances the credibility of the certification holders by determining that only the right candidates are appearing for the exams.

What Does PMI Check in PMP Application Audit?

The Project Management Institute randomly audits a specific percentage of Project Management Professional certification applicants. This verification process guarantees that the information given in each application is reliable and complete.

If your PMP application is chosen for an audit, PMI will normally seek the specific types of verification:

• Verification of Project Experience: You must prove the projects stated in your application. This contains project titles, descriptions, time commitments, and deadlines.
• Confirmation of Educational Background: PMI may request proof of your academic accomplishments, such as scanned copies of diplomas, degrees, or relevant certificates.
• Contact Information for Project Supervisors or Managers: PMI may request contact details for project managers or supervisors to verify your participation. PMI maintains the right to contact these people at random.
• Supplementary Documentation: More proof or clarification may be sought based on the circumstances.

It is essential to ensure that the information provided in your application is accurate and legitimate. Anything inconsistent uncovered during the audit might lead to your PMP certification audit being delayed or even canceled.

I suggest keeping comprehensive records of your project assignments, educational experiences, and relevant supervisor contact information. If your application is audited, you must be adequately prepared with extensive documentation.

PMP Application and Audit Selection Process [Step-by-step]

Working towards the PMP exam audit process could be a little overwhelming. To help you out, here we have mentioned Step-by-step to register for the PMP exam.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

To apply for the PMP exam, you need to meet certain requirements in the criteria of education qualification, Project management experience, and formal management training. It includes,

• High School Diploma with 7500 hours of experience in project management or
• 4-year degree with 4500 hours of project management experience
• 35 hours of formal Project management training

1. Register for PMI - Once you are sure that you are qualified to apply for the PMP audit process, it's time to register for the PMI membership at www.pmp.org. The membership can offer countless advantages, from getting PMBOK's latest edition to a discount on examination fees.

2. Fill out the Application Form - The application form for the PMP exam has three sections:

• Section 1 - general information.
• Section 2 - project management experience
• Section 3 - details of 35 hours of project management training.

While filling out the application form details, provide the actual and accurate information as you cannot modify the given information once submitted. This will help you to avoid any hassles in the PMP audit process.

Step 2: Steps In the PMP Audit Process

• If the audit team selects your application, you will receive a selection email.
• The email will have the necessary details and guidelines.
• During the PMP audit process, you have to submit the essential documents within 90 days.
• The PMI audit materials have to be enveloped and sent to the address (PMI, Attn: Certification Audit, 14, Campus Blvd, Newtown Square, PA 197033299, USA).

Step 3: Schedule Your PMP Exam 

The PMP audit team will verify your application which will take 5 to 10 days. After you have received your approval confirmation, you should make the payment and schedule your exam appointment immediately with the given eligibility number. Remember, the eligibility for your PMP certification will begin from day one once your audit is approved. Also, you will have only three attempts to clear the exam.

Step 4: PMP Exam Payment 

You have the option of paying the exam fee through crest cards. In case you have taken the annual membership, which costs Rs.9,963 for membership and Rs.772 as a joining fee.

The non-member fee for the application process is Rs.42,863. The fee gets reduced to Rs.23,459 for those who are a member.

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PMP Audit Process

If your application gets selected for the audit process, you will receive a mail which mentions the instructions for the audit. Here are the steps you must follow to comply with the smooth audit process.

• Download the audit package from the online certification system of PMI.
• Print the PMI audit forms that were received in the audit package.
• Send the necessary documents in one envelope through regular postal mail or courier services at the mentioned address.

Documents for the PMP Audit process

During the audit process, you will be required to submit some of the essential PMP audit materials:

• Copies of degree and diploma
• Signature from the manager/supervisor
• Copies of certificates, including the letter of training from training institutes for each course recorded in the application. These hours should meet the contact hours of project management education specified.

Prerequisites for PMP Certification 

There are three requirements for PMP certifications.

• 35 contact hours project management education
• Project experience requirement (at least three years)
• A secondary or higher-level background

Here are the three alternatives that can satisfy the criteria to appear for the PMP exam.

High School Diploma, Associate's Degree /Global Equivalent

• Minimum of 60 months of unique, not overlapping, professional project management experience
• 35 contact hours of formal project management education

-OR- 

Bachelor's Degree (Four-year Degree) /Global Equivalent

• 35 contact hours of formal Project Management online course.
• 36 months of individualized professional experience in project management.

-OR- 

Bachelor's Degree /Postgraduate Degree from a GAC accredited program (Bachelor's Degree or Master's or Global Equivalent)

• At Least 24 months of professional experience in non-overlapping projects.
• Project management education with a minimum period of 35 hours.

How Much Time Do I Get to Submit the Requested Documents for the PMP Audit?

PMI provides you with a total of 90 days to submit the above-required documents. After passing the review process, you will be notified with the confirmation message with the eligibility number.

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How Much Duration Does It Take to Complete the PMP Audit?

The time to complete the PMP audit process depends upon the frequency with which the applicant reverts to the mail with the required documents. Once PMI receives the documents, they take five business days to complete the audit process. Once you clear the audit process, the PMI shall give you the schedule for the exam.

Tips To Reduce the Time Period of the Audit Process

The PMP audit process holds high standards in working and educational requirements from applicants. Hence, before filling in your application form, you need to understand some factors that will accelerate the process.

1. Add Every Project in Your Professional Life.

Whether you have worked on large or small projects, make sure to fill even a minimum amount of experience hours to save the efforts in verifying your working experience.

2. Include Truthful Information in Your Details

Collecting false information will suspend you from applying for the PMP exam forever. Remember to take time to document your experience and time for each project management process accurately by asking for consent from the supervisors.

3. Respond to Audit Request Regarding Incomplete Documentation

In some cases, if you cannot submit all the necessary PMP audit materials, you can still notify the PMP with appropriate reasons. You won't get any penalty in the case and will be allowed to proceed with the application. This will save your effort and time in completing the audit efficiently.

How to Know If your PMP Application is Being Audited?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) generally audits PMP applications at any time to check the accuracy of the data submitted. After you have uploaded your application and paid the exam cost, PMI will inform you via email if your application has been selected for an audit.

PMI will furnish precise instructions on what papers they seek for verification throughout the course of the audit, such as photocopies of your degree credentials, project management training certificates, and verified project management expertise. They normally assign you a timeframe by which you must submit the required paperwork.

If you filed your application but did not receive any notification of the PMP audit process within a couple of days, your application is most likely continuing without an audit. If an audit is required, PMI will be in touch directly with you and will offer you support throughout the entire PMI audit process.

Who is Selected for PMP Audit? How to Avoid It?

The PMI conducts the PMP application audit process randomly to ensure the legitimacy and authenticity of the certification procedure. Certain characteristics, however, may enhance the likelihood of being chosen for an audit:

• Random selection: PMI chooses applications for audits based on a random selection procedure, irrespective of their submitted application specifics.
• Application inconsistencies or discrepancies: An audit may be initiated if the application has errors or inconsistencies, such as incorrect project hours or incomplete information about the project. 
• High number of contact hours: Claiming an unusually high percentage of contact hours may trigger red flags and result in an audit. 

To avoid audit-related concerns, follow these steps: 

• Provide correct information: Ascertain that all information given in your application, including project hours and expertise, is accurate and meets PMI's guidelines. 
• Keep documentation: If you are audited, keep accurate records of your project managerial experience, education, and hours of involvement. Project descriptions, references, and certifications are all included. 
• Stick to the PMI guidelines: To guarantee that your application fits PMI's standards and rules for the PMP certification, I recommend familiarizing yourself with their criteria and standards. 

Tips To Pass the PMP Audit Process

Every PMP aspirant has chances to get selected in the PMP certification audit process. Here are some effective tips to follow that will smoothen your chance.

1. Read PMBOK, The Guide for The Application Form: PMBOK talks about filling the experience description that should be according to the project management framework. Every applicant is required to have at least some experience in the Project Management process.
2. One Project Where You Were the Project Manager: PMP Credential holds high value for Project Managers, as they are responsible for directing and leading the whole project. Therefore, during the audit process, make sure to highlight a project, where you have served as the project manager.
3. Select Projects ‌You Are Confident With: Select only those projects with which you are confident of passing. Try including just enough hours for the projects, after verifying with the supervisor.
4. Project Description: When you mention the project descriptions, one important aspect is mentioning key deliverables or output and your role in the project. This will give PMI a clear explanation and understanding of the scope of your projects and your involvement in the same.

Final Thoughts

Despite the other factors that decide one's PMP audit percentage, following certain good practices before submitting your application will ensure a smooth PMP audit process and enhance your selection chances. The PMP certification can potentially grow your career as a project management professional. If you are preparing to start the course, knowledgeHut's best PMP course will help you excel in your skills in PMP exam certification.

Check out the blog post on a step-by-step guide to get PMP.