How to Fill Out the PMP Application

Professional managers can enhance career options with the PMP credential.

Management professionals can increase their career potential by obtaining a Project Management Professional (PMP) credential. The Project Management Institute (PMI) provides the PMP credential to leaders who have experience in overseeing projects and project personnel. Applicants must also take the PMP exam to receive the PMP credential. After obtaining the required experience, applicants need to get and fill out the PMP application. Applicants can then schedule the PMP exam after PMI approves the application.

Things You'll Need

• PMP application
• Work records
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Access the PMP Credential Application printable form (see Resources). You may print and fill out a PMP application and send it to PMI. However, the form states that PMI prefers that you use the online credential application. You must log in or create an account on the PMI Login page to find the online PMP application (see Resources).

2. Fill out your name and contact information on the form. Be sure that you list the exact name on your government-issued identification in Section 2. Otherwise, the exam administrator will not let you take the exam on test day.

3. Fill out your educational background. Your educational level determines how much work experience you need to get credentialed as a PMP. High school graduates must obtain 7,500 hours of experience in project management over five years. Applicants with at least a bachelor's degree may meet this requirement with 4,500 hours of experience over three years.

4. Use the Experience Verification Form sections to document your work experience. You must also provide a primary contact so that PMI can verify your experience.

5. Document your education in project management with the Project Management Education Form. All applicants must obtain 35 clock hours of project management education. If you have not completed this education, you may use the PMP Credential Handbook to find eligible educational programs (see Resources).

6. Fill out the optional application information and the Credential Payment Form portion of the application. As of 2010, the credential and exam fees for paper-based exams are $250 (205 euros) for members and $400 (335 euros) for nonmembers. The fees are $405 (340 euros) for members and $555 (465 euros) for nonmembers if doing a computer-based exam. Click on the "Locate a Paper-Based Test Event" link on the Prometric PMI page to determine whether there is a paper-based test in your area (see Resources).

7. Fill out credit card details or make out a check or money order to PMI. You may also pay by wire transfer. Use the following address to submit the application and fees:

   Project Management Institute
   14 Campus Blvd.
   Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299

Tips & Warnings

• You have the option of purchasing a PMI membership. In addition to the application-fee discount, you will receive access to various educational resources and training from PMI. Refer to the Types of Memberships page on the PMI Web site for the various kinds of memberships and registration options (see Resources).

References

• PMI: Project Management Professional (PMP)

Resources

• PMI: PMP Credential Application
• PMI: Login
• PMI: Project Management Professional (PMP) Credential Handbook
• Prometric: PMI: Project Management Institute Certification
• PMI: Types of Memberships