If you’re an aspiring project manager preparing to apply for the PMP certification, having a clear checklist for PMP experience requirements can simplify the process and ensure you meet all necessary criteria. This article provides a comprehensive checklist to help you verify your eligibility and organize your application effectively.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Do you have a four-year degree (bachelor’s or higher)?
- If yes, you need 36 months of project management experience.
- If you hold a high school diploma or associate degree, you need 60 months of project experience.
- Have you completed 35 contact hours of formal project management education?
Meeting these education criteria is mandatory before applying.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Have you led or directed projects in a professional capacity?
- Does your experience include responsibilities such as planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects?
- Have you worked on multiple projects with verifiable start and end dates?
- Can you categorize your experience into PMI’s five process groups?
- Have you documented your role clearly and accurately for each project?
DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
- Have you listed project titles and organizations for each experience entry?
- Are the project durations and dates correctly recorded without overlap confusion?
- Have you estimated hours worked for each project phase?
- Did you describe your project leadership tasks using strong action verbs?
- Have you prepared supporting documents like emails, project plans, or supervisor contacts in case of PMI audit?
APPLICATION READINESS
- Have you reviewed your total months of experience to ensure you meet the minimum?
- Is your project management education certificate ready for submission if required?
- Have you verified that all information on your application form is consistent and accurate?
- Did you double-check PMI’s guidelines and terminology to align your descriptions?
TIPS FOR ASPIRING PMS TO MEET PMP EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Keep a detailed project log with dates, roles, and hours worked as you gain experience.
- Volunteer for project leadership roles within your organization or community to build hours.
- Take a PMP exam prep course to complete your 35 contact hours and strengthen your knowledge.
- Use reputable resources and templates to draft your application.
FINAL CHECK BEFORE SUBMISSION
- Review your application form thoroughly to catch errors or missing information.
- Ensure your experience meets the PMP experience requirements exactly as PMI expects.
- Prepare for a possible audit by organizing supporting documents.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This checklist provides aspiring PMs with a clear path to fulfilling PMP experience requirements and submitting a strong application. Following these steps diligently increases your chances of success and moves you closer to earning the valuable PMP credential. Don’t rush—take your time to get every detail right and set yourself up for a rewarding project management career.
