If you are selected for a PMP exam audit, don’t worry. It’s actually not that big of a deal. You will simply be asked to provide documentation to verify the information you provided on your exam application form. This may include copies of your education, experience, and PMP training certificates.
As long as you have these documents on hand, you should have no problem passing the audit with flying colors. So relax and don’t let the audit process stress you out more than it needs to.
In this video, I will show you exactly what to do if you are selected for an PMI audit. Before we get started, make sure you like and subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss a single video.
What is a PMP audit?
The PMP audit is a process that verifies whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements to hold a PMP certification. If you are selected for an audit, you will be asked to provide documentation to prove that you have the required experience and education. You will also need to show that you have followed all of the code of conduct and ethical standards set forth by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
While it can be nerve-wracking to receive an audit notice, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of being selected. First, make sure that your application is complete and accurate. Review the eligibility requirements and double-check your work experience and education to ensure that you meet all of the criteria. You should also familiarize yourself with the code of conduct and ethical standards so that you can avoid any potential violations.
How do I know I’m being audited?
PMI will contact you via email within a day or two after you’ve submitted your application. They will notify you that you have been selected for a random audit.
How can you prepare for a PMP audit?
You need to prepare for an audit BEFORE you submit your application. Have all your documents ready to go in case you are selected. Here’s what you need to prepare:
● Make sure you have all of your educational and experience certificates ready. PMI will want to see these to verify your experience.
● Contact all of your previous bosses, or their replacements if they’ve moved on. Let them know about your PMP application and that the PMI may contact them for verification.
● Tell your current boss that you’re applying for your PMP —they’re the most likely candidate to be approached by the PMI if you’re selected for an audit.
What happens during an audit?
On your PMP application, you have to list one contact person for each project you’ve worked on. During the audit process, PMI will ask you to contact all of your contact people and get them to sign your audit form.
The audit form states their name, position and that they verify you’ve worked on the project described. They will need to sign the audit form at the end. It’s actually quite simple and will take your contact only a minute or two to complete.
You will need to complete an audit form for every project on your application. It is a good idea to contact the people you want to list for project verification BEFORE you submit your application so that they are aware and not taken by surprise. If any of your contacts refuse to sign the audit form, you will not be able to pass the audit and take your PMP exam.
How long does an audit take?
Since the process is all manual, the audit can take several weeks to complete. You will need to mail a copy of your degree, a copy of your 35 contact hours certificate, and signed verifications of all your projects from your contacts to PMI.
Sometimes, it can take you weeks to track down your contacts and get them to sign the audit forms. This can add to the length of the audit as well.
Once all the documents are received, the PMI audit team may take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to review them. They will reach out to you if they have any questions.
How can I avoid an audit?
The audits are completely random and there’s no way to avoid them. The project management institute will select a small percentage of of applicants to complete an audit.
What percentage of applicants are audited?
Although PMI do not reveal the actual percentage, we believe it’s in the single digits. Although your chances of getting audited is not great, you still need to be prepared for them in case you do. Before you submit your application, make sure you can submit evidence of all your project experiences and education.
After a PMP audit – what’s next?
If you passed the audit, congratulations! You will have 1 year from the date you passed your audit to write your PMP exam. Passing the audit gives you the eligibility to write the exam. It does not mean that you are certified just yet.
How can I fail the audit?
There are several reasons why you might fail the PMP audit.
One is if the situation is beyond your capability – for example, if your company is closed or your boss is unavailable, and you are unable to verify the information given to the PMI.
Another reason is if you decide not to proceed with the audit.
Finally, if you have provided incorrect information to the PMI, you will fail the audit. If you are found to have falsified information, you will be banned from taking the exam for life. So it’s important to be honest and upfront with the PMI from the beginning to avoid any complications.
What happens if I fail the audit?
Depending on the reason why you failed the audit, the outcome will vary. For example, if you decided to not proceed with the audit, you will not be able to apply for the PMP credentials for one year. However, if PMI found that you have purposely included fake work experiences or education on your application during the audit, they will ban you from taking the exam for life.
Summary
The PMP audit is a random process, and anyone can be selected for it. However, there are some things you can do to prepare for the audit and make sure you pass it quickly. First, make sure you supply the correct information when you apply for the exam. Second, keep all relevant documents with you in case you need to refer to them during the audit. Third, inform your bosses about the audit in case they need to provide additional information or support. By taking these steps, you will be well prepared for the audit and more likely to pass it quickly.