TOPIC: Various Exam Authorization Questions

Hi All,

I'm a newbie to the process, so have a couple questions about getting authorization from PMI to take the Exam.

1) When I input my number of Proj Management Hours, should I try to create a semi-comprehensive list of my whole experience (going WELL above the 4,500 hours). Figure if I get audited, just in case PMI find some issues with one or two of my projects, there will be others to "fall back on."
a) Or should I just list the projects I'm most certain of adding up to just 4,500 hours?

2) I see in the authorization form I can select "stakeholders" as an option to verify. Is it permitted to use a stakeholder who worked on a project but also reported to me? I could use my director/bosses, but that would involve listing multiple bosses, while this one stakeholder worked on multiple projects so I could use him for many.

3) Do I need to earn my 35 PDU's PRIOR to applying for authorization to test? I was hoping to get authorization in parallel while studying to help save time. I want to take the test prior to the Jan 11, 2016 test change.

Apologies for the many questions in one. But figured it would be more efficient to batch.

Thank you!
Tim Cheng

Hi Tim,

Welcome to the forum!

Regarding:
1-I would lean towards a more comprehensive list that would go above the 4,500 hours. As you said, if you get audited, there will be some projects to fall back on.
2-You can certainly use the "stakeholders". However, it's not be a good idea to only use that same person as your contact for multiple projects if there are other contacts you can use.
3-Yes you need to earn your 35 contact hours prior to applying for the test. Part of the application process is showing that those contact hours are fulfilled.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with your application process. Always feel free to ask questions!

Hi Tim:

To add to Dawn's comments. As a best practise, I would also notify anyone you list on your application that you are working through this application and that you may need their support/verification in the event of an audit. I would also advise them of the information you listed on the form to ensure alignment.

Good luck!
Tracey

I totally agree with Tracey, when I was submitting my application,I discussed and agreed on the content with the people I am referring to in the application before submission. this will ensure their approval in case you get audited.

Thank you all!

Also - once I get authorization, GENERALLY how soon are exam dates available to book? ie. If I get authorization on Day 1, are open slots pretty hard to come by (i.e. Next 1 - 2 weeks full, need to book 3 weeks out) or is booking pretty available (ie. could even book next few days)?

Since I need to get my 35 PDU's first (will take a couple months), and want to schedule well before Jan 11, 2016 date, want to ensure I account for this lag time.

Hi Tim -

Going back to your original questions ... I can't recall exactly as I have more recently started working on my PHR certification and am confusing the two forms, but I seem to recall that the form stopped letting me add projects once I had satisfied the minimum hours. Whether or not this is the case, keep in mind that there is no "extra credit" for padding this section with extra projects, and in fact I would argue that including extra projects that are perhaps weaker examples of your past work may draw unwanted scrutiny if you do happen to get audited. Even if you can show evidence of 9,000 hours of work, I would suggest selecting the 4500 that are the strongest examples of your qualifications, and don't worry about the rest.

And yes, absolutely coordinate with your references before submitting the application. You may discover through those conversations that one of them doesn't necessarily remember the project or your role the same way you do, and that may have an impact on which projects you decide to include on your application.

Regarding the "lag time" after getting signed up, I submitted my application in early June and had an option of a test date a week later, so it's certainly possible that you'll find something. However, given the number of people trying to get in before the deadline, and the number of people who may be trying to find test dates that let them take advantage of vacation days in December and early January, it's probably a good idea to assume space will be very limited around that time of year in general. My advice would be to try to complete your hours and submit your application as quickly as you can, ideally within the next month or so if practical, as that should give you some additional flexibility (and if there do happen to be slots open in early January, you can just use that time for extra study).

If you're using the PM PrepCast for your hours (I recommend this), you should be able to complete the course within that timeframe provided you are able to find enough time outside of work. The ability to listen as you're driving to/from work or watch a couple of hours late at night definitely makes it easier to work into an aggressive timeline than a traditional course with fixed classroom hours.

Also worth considering re: scheduling is that the center may only offer the PMP exam on certain days of the week, which can affect how many slots are available. If you're in a larger city or are willing to drive out to a nearby city, you might find alternate testing sites have openings that work better for your schedule than those offered at the one closest to your house.

Thanks Jonathan!