PMP Timeline - How long does it take to get the PMP Certification?
PROCESS APPROXIMATE TIME
1 Review the certification requirements
PMP vs. CAPM
pmi.org - PMP
pmi.org - CAPM
2 Download and fill out the PMP Application from www.pmi.org 8 hours
3 Use your paper application as a reference to fill out the on-line application at www.pmi.org. Five days after submitting your application, you will receive an e-mail saying that your application has been validated and that you can now pay your credential fee 5 days
4 Log into www.pmi.org and pay your credential fee. Within minutes you will receive a confirmation e-mail saying 1 of 2 things:
  • Thank you...here is your test code...here are the exam scheduling instructions
  • Thank you...your application has been selected for audit...here is your audit welcome packet
 Immediate
5 If you are audited, complete all audit forms and mail them to PMI. In five days you will receive an e-mail saying 1 of 3 things:
  • Thank you...here is your test code...here are the exam scheduling instructions
  • Thank you...we require further information...here is what we need
  • Sorry...you have failed to meet the audit requirements...please refer to the PMP Handbook for our refund policy procedure
 5-10 days

5 days
6 When you have your test code, go to www.prometric.com/PMI to schedule your exam 1 day - 2 weeks

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The PMP Application is very lengthy and can be a time consuming process. We have developed an Application Assistant Spreadsheet that can be very helpful in documenting your experience requirements. If you would like a copy please e-mail us and we would be happy to send it to you.
ALWAYS prepare for audit. Although the audit is randomly generated, one out of four applications is selected. To best prepare, do not add experience or education to your application that cannot be verified with the appropriate documentation.
Keep in mind that you will not be notified of audit until after you have paid your credentialing fees.
You must have at least some documented experience within each of the project management domains (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing)
Although your project management education does not have a date limit, you can only go back eight years for your project management experience.
In order to complete your application online, you will be required to create a PMI login. This will save your application information for a period of 30 days in the event you are not able to complete it in one sitting. (Note: there is no save button, just exit your browser)
If you are pursuing the PMP® certification, it will save you approximately $30 to purchase a PMI membership before paying your credential fee. Here is more information on the benefits of PMI membership.
The Prometric sites tend to fill up quickly for Friday and Saturday appointments. If you would like to test on Friday or Saturday, be prepared to book at least two to three weeks in advance. Many times there are last-minute cancellations and a spot will open up during that week, so continue to check the site availability online.
Prior to your test date, confirm the location and directions to the testing site to be sure that they have not relocated.