How to Prepare and Fill a PMP Application Form

Project managers oversee the accomplishment of a team's project objectives.

The Project Management Institute offers the Project Management Professional credential. According to the PMI website, the PMP certification represents the most important project management industry-recognized certification attainable. Holding the PMP credential indicates you have the competency, education and experience for successfully directing and leading projects. According to its website, credentialed project management professionals earn 10 percent more than non-credentialed colleagues.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Test preparation materials

1. Verify that you have attained the education and experience required for the PMP credential. If not, you do not qualify to apply.

2. Register with the PMI website's online system.

3. Log into the PMI website with the information you submitted during registration.

4. Familiarize yourself with the 13-page PMP application form. Print it if you like or use the online version of the form. By scanning the application early in the process, you answer many of your initial application questions.

5. Choose whether you wish to become a PMI member. Members get a discount on the cost of the exam and any later re-examinations.

6. Read PMI's PMP Handbook. Available on the PMI website, reading the entire handbook is a PMI requirement. This 53-page document explains every aspect of attaining the PMP designation. Pages five through 15 of the handbook address the application, credential and payment details associated with your application. The left-hand navigation bar allows you to scan through the contents and click on any topic you wish to revisit.

7. Determine that the PMP credential is best suited to your career goals and experience. Three other credentials are offered by PMI: risk management, scheduling and program management.

8. Complete all fields of the application form either online or by hand in blue or black ink using all capital letters. If you opt to complete the online form, links in the PMP Handbook direct you to the online version of the application. If you complete it online, it takes five days for verification that your application is complete. Once fees are paid, you can schedule and take your exam.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not qualify to apply for the PMP designation, consider the Certified Associate in Project Management certification.

• All information you supply on your application must be in English.

• If you have any questions about the application, contact PMI. See page three of the handbook for contact information.

• Use exam preparation materials to ensure you are adequately prepared for the certification exam.

• Take your time in properly completing the application form to avoid having your application rejected.

References

• Project Management Institute: Project Management Professional
• Project Management Institute: PMP Credential Application
• Project Management Institute: Project Management Professional (PMP) Handbook

Resources

• Global Knowledge: Certifications: PMP® - Project Management Professional
• Butrain: PMP Certification