The PMP audit: what happens and how to prepare

How selection works

PMI's Certification Handbook says selection is random, and PMI can audit a candidate at any time, even after they've been certified. If you're selected, you get an email before you pay the certification fee. Your one-year exam window starts only once PMI tells you that you've passed the audit.

What you'll be asked for

Three things: a copy of your diploma or degree (or the global equivalent), signatures from a supervisor or manager for each experience you listed, and certificates or letters from your training provider for each course counted toward your 35 contact hours.

The supervisor signatures take the longest, because you depend on other people's time. Work out who you'll ask before you apply.

How long it takes

You have 90 days to submit the documents PMI requests. Once PMI has the complete set, the audit takes about 5 to 7 business days. You can't move ahead with certification until it's finished.

What happens if it goes badly

If you fail the audit or don't comply, PMI's handbook says you face a one-year suspension before you can reapply. If a failure comes after you've been certified, there's no refund. The takeaway is simple: accuracy on the application matters far more than speed.

Preparing before you apply

Write each project summary in your own words and keep it within PMI's limits: the form asks for at least 100 words and allows up to 500, covering your role, the objective, what you contributed and the outcome. Our experience guide shows how to structure them.

Tell your supervisors early what they may be asked to sign. Keep your degree copy and training certificate in one folder. And record only experience you can back up. If you're unsure what qualifies, this article on PMP experience is a good starting point.

Where 3FOLD fits

Learners on our PMP® course get one-to-one application support, including help structuring experience summaries and preparing for an audit, should PMI select them.

Frequently Asked Questions