The Application Process
The PMP application is done entirely online at PMI.org. Here is every step.
Create a PMI.org account
Go to pmi.org and create an account. Consider joining as a PMI member — member discounts on the exam typically offset the membership fee.
- Member exam fee: $405 USD
- Non-member exam fee: $555 USD
- Annual membership: $139 USD
- Net savings with membership: ~$11 + member resources
Complete the online application
The application is completed in PMI's online portal. You'll enter your education, contact hours, and project experience.
- Application typically takes 2-4 hours to complete
- You can save progress and return later
- Application is valid for 90 days — complete within that window
Document your project experience
For each project, provide: project title, organization, your role, start/end dates, PM approach, team size, and a description of your responsibilities.
- PMI requires at least one project per application (no maximum)
- Focus on PM responsibilities — not just what the project delivered
- Use first person, active voice: 'I led...', 'I managed...'
- Avoid vague language: 'assisted with', 'supported', 'helped'
- 500-word maximum per project description
Log your 35 contact hours
List each training course, webinar, or seminar that contributed to your 35 hours. Include provider name, course title, date, and hours.
- One long bootcamp course can cover all 35 hours
- You can mix multiple courses across different providers
- No minimum per-course requirement
- Provider does not need to be PMI-affiliated
Submit and pay
Review your application, submit, and pay the exam fee. PMI processes applications within 5-10 business days.
- Payment options: credit card, PayPal
- Exam fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 30 days of exam
- You can request a refund if your application is not approved
Wait for approval or audit notice
PMI reviews applications and randomly audits approximately 10-15% of applicants. Most applications are approved within 5-10 business days.
- Approval: you receive an email with your eligibility code
- Audit: you receive an email with audit instructions
- Rejection: rare, usually due to incomplete information
If You Get Audited
PMI audits roughly 10-15% of applications at random. An audit does not mean you did anything wrong.
What you must submit during an audit:
- • Copies of degree/diploma (official or certified)
- • For each project: signed letter from supervisor/manager on company letterhead confirming your role and dates
- • Copies of contact hours certificates of completion
You have 90 days to complete an audit. All materials are submitted in a sealed envelope to PMI.
Preparation tip
Keep your supervisor contact information and project documentation before you leave a company. It is difficult to get audit documentation from former employers years later.
Writing Strong Project Descriptions
❌ Weak example
"Assisted with the implementation of a new CRM system. Helped coordinate meetings and supported the project manager with various tasks."
✓ Strong example
"Led the end-to-end implementation of Salesforce CRM for 200 users across 4 departments. Defined project scope and WBS, managed a $450K budget, coordinated 8 vendors, facilitated weekly steering committee meetings, and maintained the risk register with 15 identified risks. Delivered 2 weeks ahead of schedule through fast-tracking of the QA and user training phases."
* Fees shown (member $405 / non-member $555 / membership $139) were accurate at publication. PMI periodically adjusts pricing. Always verify current fees at pmi.org before applying.