Project Management Institute (PMI) offers project management certifications such as the PMP, PgMP, RMP, ACP, CAPM, and PBA, which are considered as the highest credentials worldwide. Candidates’ applications will be audited for these certification exams to ensure that they have satisfied the PMI standards. Without clearing the audit process, candidates are not able to appear for the Certification exams. As a result, candidates are necessitated to have a comprehensive understanding of the auditing process.
Jump ahead to
PMI Audit process
The PMI audit process is conducted to maintain its credibility and to examine whether a candidate meets the PMI requirements. It is not a mandatory process for every applicant to be part of the audit process. PMI randomly chooses only a certain percentage of applications for PMI audit. Candidates will be notified through e-mail if their application is selected for PMI Audit. If the application is not selected for the audit, candidates can pay the exam fee and schedule their exam. When a candidate’s application is selected for audit, he/she is required to submit documents for verification purposes. Thereafter, candidates can schedule the exam only after the completion of the audit.
Steps in the PMI audit process
- The audit process begins after candidates submit their applications to PMI.
- If the application is selected for audit, PMI will send an email before payment of the exam fee with instructions on how to comply with the audit.
- PMI will provide 90 days to submit the required documents.
- Candidates have to submit all required documents in one envelope and send it through postal mail or courier to the address specified on PMI website.
- PMI will take about 5-7 business days to verify the documents.
- Candidates will be notified if they pass the audit process. On completion of the audit process, candidates can proceed to initiate the exam procedure.
Documents for audit process
PMI requests the following documents from candidates as part of the audit process.
Education:
Candidates have to submit photocopies of their diploma or degree certificate as per the requirements stated by PMI.
Training:
Candidates have to submit photocopies of certificates or letters from training providers for each course recorded on the application to meet the required contact hours of project management education. Following are the PMI contact hours requirements for each certification.
PMP: 35 contact hours
CAPM: 23 contact hours
PBA: 35 contact hours
RMP: 30 contact hours
ACP: 21 contact hours
PgMP: 21 contact hours
Experience:
Candidates have to get a signature from their respective supervisor(s) or manager(s) for the project listed on the experience section of the application.
Prerequisites for PMI Certification
PMP
- A secondary degree or high school diploma
- 36 months of experience in leading projects
- 35 hours of project management education
(or)
- four-year degree or bachelor’s degree
- 60 months of experience in leading projects
- 35 hours of project management education.
CAPM
- A secondary degree or global equivalent
- 23 hours of project management education
PBA
- A secondary degree
- 5 years of experience in Business analysis
- 35 contact hours of Business Analysis education
(or)
- A bachelor’s degree
- 3 years of Business Analysis experience
- 35 contact hours of education in Business Analysis.
RMP
- A secondary degree
- 4500 hours of experience in handling project risks
- 40 hours of project risk management education,
(or)
- A bachelor’s degree
- 3000 hours of experience in handling risks,
- 30 hours of project risk management education.
ACP
- A secondary degree
- 12 months of general project management experience
- 8 months of agile project management experience.
PgMP
- PMP Certification or 48 months of experience in managing projects
- 84 months of program management experience gained within 15 years
(or)
- PMP or 48 months of experience in managing projects
- 48 months of program management experience acquired within 15 years.
Tips to pass audit process
- Candidates have to provide valid information while applying for the exam. Failing to do so can make a candidate ineligible for attending the certification exam. Also, providing false information can prohibit a candidate to achieve PMI Certification.
- Individuals taking up PMI Certification are further necessitated to fact check with the PMI website before filling the application form.
- Aspiring professionals should have their education, training, and experience verified by an experienced project manager or a peer.
- Audit materials have to be verified before submitting to ensure that only genuine documents are sent to PMI as per requirements.
Conclusion
The purpose of the PMI audit is to enhance the credibility of its certificate and the reliability of the certification holders. The audit process ensures that only qualified applicants apply for the exam and earn the certification. PMI Audit process further evaluates the accuracy of the data provided by the applicants and ascertains that only people with the required skills and experience can achieve the certification. Candidates do not have to fear the audit process, as they can easily clear it if they provide valid information and documents. However, providing inaccurate information or false details can lead to termination of the application process. It is highly recommended to visit the PMI website or read the handbook for more detail about the PMI audit process.
Summary
The PMI Audit Process randomly verifies applications for credentials like PMP and CAPM, upholding the high standards of project management certification. If selected, candidates must submit hard copies of their diplomas, training certificates proving required contact hours, and supervisor-signed forms verifying project experience within a strict 90-day window. This verification ensures only qualified professionals proceed to the exam.Ready to take the next step in your career and Enroll’s in Unichrone Training PMP Certification
FAQs on PMI Audit Process
1. What is the PMI audit process for PMP?
The PMI audit is a random verification process that checks the validity of a PMP candidate’s claimed education, project management training hours, and professional experience.
2. What documents are required for a PMI audit?
Required documents include photocopies of your diploma/degree, certificates for project management training hours, and experience verification forms signed by supervisors.
3. How likely am I to be selected for a PMI audit?
PMI selects a small percentage of applications randomly for an audit; the exact probability is not published, but generally it’s about 5% to 10% of applicants.
4. How long does the PMI audit process take?
Candidates are given 90 days to submit the required documentation; PMI typically takes 5 to 7 business days to verify the documents after they are received.
5. What happens if I fail the PMI audit?
If you fail or do not submit the required documents within 90 days, your application will be deemed ineligible, and you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
6. Do I have to pay the PMP exam fee before the audit?
No, the audit selection notification is sent before you are allowed to pay the exam fee; payment occurs only after successfully passing the audit.
7. How do I get my project experience verified for the audit?
You must have the experience verification forms for each project signed by your respective supervisor(s) or manager(s) listed on the application.
8. Does the CAPM certification require an audit?
Yes, the CAPM certification application, like the PMP, is also subject to the same random selection for the PMI audit process.
9. What happens after passing the PMI audit?
Once the audit is passed, PMI will notify you, allowing you to proceed with paying the exam fee and scheduling your certification exam.
10. Can I submit my audit documents online?
No, PMI requires all audit materials to be submitted together in one package via postal mail or courier, not electronically.
