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.
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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.
