Notes · 7 min · Free
Applying for the PMP: eligibility, experience and audit
Who qualifies, how to describe your projects so the application is approved first time, and how to be ready for an audit.
Check you qualify
| Education | Experience leading projects | Training |
|---|---|---|
| Four-year degree | 36 months in the last 8 years | 35 contact hours or CAPM |
| Secondary school or diploma | 60 months in the last 8 years | 35 contact hours or CAPM |
| GAC-accredited degree | 24 months in the last 8 years | 35 contact hours or CAPM |
Overlapping projects count once per calendar month. Our Application Helper adds up your months for you.
Describe each project well
Write about what you did, in project language, across the whole life cycle:
- Objective: one line on what the project had to achieve.
- Initiating: business need, stakeholders, charter, success criteria.
- Planning: scope, schedule, budget, risks, approvals, procurement.
- Executing: leading the team, managing suppliers, engaging stakeholders.
- Monitoring and controlling: progress, cost, quality, risk and change control.
- Closing: acceptance, handover, contract close-out, lessons learned.
Aim for 200 to 500 words per project. Use "I led", "I negotiated", "I approved". Avoid confidential figures.
Be audit ready before you submit
- Keep copies of your degree or diploma and your 35-hour certificate.
- Tell the people you list as verifiers that PMI may contact them, and confirm their details.
- Make sure dates and titles match what your verifiers would sign.
- If selected for audit, respond within the deadline; your application is paused until it is complete.
After approval
You have one year to pass, with up to three attempts. Book a date that gives you a full study cycle, then follow the PMP Journey stage by stage.