PMP Application Status Guide: Pending, Closed, In Audit, Rejected, In Progress
- Rohit Gupta
- 21 hours ago
- 21 min read
You've just submitted your PMP application, and now you're staring at a status screen that says "In Progress." What does that actually mean? How long will you be waiting? Should you be doing something right now, or is everything on track?
If you're feeling anxious about your PMP application status, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of project management professionals spend days refreshing their PMI portal, wondering when they'll finally get approval.
Understanding your PMP application status is crucial. From "Submitted" to "In Progress," "Pending," "In Audit," "Approved," or "Denied" - each status has a specific meaning, typical timeline, and recommended action.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every possible PMP application status, explain what each means, provide realistic timelines based on actual PMI processing speeds, and give you clear action items for every stage. Whether your application is smoothly progressing, requires clarification, is selected for audit, or facing challenges, you'll know exactly what to expect and how to respond.
If you're uncertain whether your project descriptions meet PMI's standards, our PMP Application Review and Rewrite Service can ensure your application gets approved on the first try.
Table of Contents
Understanding PMP Application Timelines and the Review Process
Before diving into individual statuses, it's important to understand how PMI reviews applications and what timeline you should realistically expect.
Standard Processing Timeline
PMI typically takes 5-6 business days to review your PMP application from submission to approval. Note that these are business days (Monday through Friday), which means weekends and PMI holidays don't count toward processing time.
For example, if you submit your application on a Wednesday, you can reasonably expect a decision by the following Tuesday or Wednesday, assuming no holidays interrupt the timeline.
Peak Period Considerations
Application volume affects processing speed. PMI experiences higher application volumes during certain months, which can extend processing times by an additional 2-4 business days:
January - New Year's resolutions drive applications
June - Mid-year career advancement goals
September - Fall planning and budget cycles
December - Year-end professional development initiatives
If you're applying during these peak months, factor in slightly longer processing times but still expect approval within 7-10 business days for straightforward applications.
Business Days vs. Calendar Days: If you submit on Friday afternoon, Monday is day 1 of processing - not Saturday. A 5-business-day timeline starting Friday means the following Friday at the earliest (8 calendar days total).
PMP Application Status Overview
Here's a quick reference table showing all possible statuses, what they mean, typical duration, and what action you need to take:
How to Check Your PMP Application Status
Checking your application status is straightforward, but many candidates aren't sure where to look or how often they should check. Here's the simple process:
Step-by-Step Portal Access:
Visit the PMI Certification Portal - Go to certification.pmi.org and click "Sign In"
Log in with your credentials - Use the email and password you created when registering with PMI
Navigate to your applications - Click on "Certifications" in the main menu, then select "Applications"
View your status - Your current application status will be displayed prominently next to your PMP application
Your status updates automatically in the portal when PMI makes changes, though there may be a slight delay between when PMI updates their internal system and when it reflects in your view.
Email Notifications
PMI sends email notifications for major status changes, particularly when:
Your application is approved
Your application is pending and requires your attention
Your application is selected for audit
Additional information is needed
However, PMI does not send an email for routine status transitions like moving from "Submitted" to "In Progress." For these intermediate updates, you'll need to check the portal directly.
Troubleshooting Access Issues
If you can't see your status or the portal isn't loading properly:
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Try a different browser (Chrome and Firefox work best)
Ensure you're using the correct login credentials
Check if PMI has scheduled maintenance (rare but happens)
If problems persist beyond 24 hours, contact PMI customer service directly.
PMP Application Status: In Progress
What "In Progress" Means
When your application shows "In Progress," it means PMI has received your submission and is actively reviewing your eligibility. This is the primary working status where PMI staff verify that:
Your education credentials meet the requirements (bachelor's degree with 36 months of PM experience, or high school diploma with 60 months)
Your project management experience totals the required months
Your 35 contact hours of project management education are documented
Your project descriptions demonstrate that you led and directed projects
This is a completely normal status, and seeing "In Progress" indicates your application is moving through PMI's review pipeline exactly as it should.
Typical Timeline
For most candidates, the "In Progress" status lasts 3-6 business days. During peak application periods (January, June, September, December), this can extend to 6-8 business days.
Here's what a typical timeline looks like:
Submit on Monday → Status shows "In Progress" by Tuesday → Decision by Friday or the following Monday
Submit on Wednesday → Status shows "In Progress" by Thursday → Decision by the following Tuesday or Wednesday
What's Happening Behind the Scenes
While your application is "In Progress," PMI reviewers are:
Conducting automated eligibility checks against your education and experience claims
Manually reviewing your project descriptions to ensure they demonstrate project management work (not operational tasks)
Verifying your 35 contact hours documentation
Determining whether your application will proceed directly to approval, require clarification (pending status), or be selected for audit.
What You Should Do
Nothing. Resist the urge to contact PMI or make changes. Your application is in the queue and will be processed in order.
Instead, use this waiting time productively:
Start your PMP exam preparation - Don't wait for approval to begin studying
Join PMP study groups - Connect with other candidates for support and resources
Ensure your email is working - Check that you're receiving PMI emails (check spam folders)
Review exam preparation strategies - Get ready for the next phase
💡Expert Tip from Rohit Gupta, CareerSprints Application Writing Expert: Most anxiety at this stage is unnecessary. If your application met the eligibility requirements and you submitted complete, well-written project descriptions that demonstrate leadership across the project lifecycle, approval is highly likely. We've helped over 500 candidates get their applications approved, and the vast majority breeze through the "In Progress" status without issues. Use this time to begin your exam prep rather than obsessively checking your status.
PMP Application Status: Submitted and Closed
Understanding "Submitted" Status
Some candidates see a "Submitted" status immediately after completing their application, while others go directly to "In Progress." Both are normal initial statuses.
"Submitted" simply means PMI has received your application and it's queued for initial review. This status typically lasts 1-3 days before automatically transitioning to "In Progress."
You don't need to take any action when your status is "Submitted" - it will move to "In Progress" on its own as PMI begins active review.
What "Closed" Status Means
A "Closed" status is different from other statuses because it indicates your application is no longer active. This can happen in several scenarios:
Voluntary Withdrawal
You can withdraw your application at any time before PMI makes a decision. Reasons candidates withdraw include:
Realizing they don't yet meet the experience requirements
Discovering errors in their submission that they want to correct
Deciding to postpone their PMP pursuit
System Closure Due to Incompleteness
If you start an application but don't complete it within the 90-day window, PMI will automatically close it.
After Denial
Once PMI denies/rejects an application, the status changes to "Closed."
What Happens After Closure
If your application is closed for any reason:
You cannot reopen or edit the closed application
You next submission will go as a new application.
Your previous application details are not carried forward [they don't matter]
There is no waiting period - you can submit a new application immediately after a closure.
PMP Application Status: Pending / Requires Your Attention
What "Pending" or "Requires Your Attention" Status Means
When you see "Pending" or "Your PMP Application Requires Your Attention," PMI has identified specific issues with your application that need to be corrected before they can proceed with approval.
Unlike an audit, this status means PMI needs you to edit and resubmit your application to address the problems they've identified. This is actually an opportunity to fix issues before your application gets denied. PMI is giving you a chance to strengthen your submission.
Common Reasons PMI Puts Applications Into Pending Status:
"The deliverables appear to include multiple projects/programs and not individual project experience as required"
"Your project descriptions are unclear about the tasks and role you performed"
"We can't tell if your project experience fits these guidelines"
Project descriptions don't demonstrate that you were responsible for project management activities for the whole project
Not clear that you led teams to meet schedule, budget, and resource goals
Missing demonstration of applying project methods with requirements and outcomes
Common Triggers for Pending Status
When PMI identifies issues with your application, you'll receive a detailed email explaining the specific problems. Here are the most frequent reasons applications receive pending status:
Project Description Issues:
"The deliverables appear to include multiple projects/programs and not individual project experience as required" - You've lumped multiple projects together instead of providing separate descriptions for each
"Your project descriptions are unclear about the tasks and role you performed" - Descriptions are too vague and don't clearly demonstrate project management work
"We can't tell if your project experience fits these guidelines" - Not clear that you led teams to meet schedule, budget, and resource goals, or were responsible for project management activities for the whole project
Multiple projects sound too similar - Appearing operational rather than project-based work
Missing information about specific process groups - No demonstration of Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, or Closing activities
Role appears to be Program Manager work rather than Project Manager work - PMI distinguishes between these roles and their requirements
Date and Timeline Problems:
Overlapping project dates that don't make mathematical sense
Gaps in your experience timeline that need explanation
Project durations that seem unrealistic (too short or too long for the scope described)
Contact Information Issues:
Missing or incorrect supervisor contact information
References that PMI cannot reach
Education Verification:
Degree from an institution PMI cannot verify
Missing transcripts or unclear education documentation
Contact Hours Documentation:
35 contact hours certificate is unclear or doesn't meet requirements
Training provider is not recognized by PMI
How to Respond to Pending Status
PMI's email will provide specific solution guidelines. Based on their feedback, here's what you need to do:
1. Carefully Read PMI's Feedback Email
Don't skim the email - understand exactly what PMI is asking you to fix. They typically provide:
The problem they identified
Guidelines for what they expect
Solution recommendations
2. Edit Your Application
Log into the PMI certification portal at certification.pmi.org and access your application. You can now make edits to address the issues PMI identified.
For project description related Issues, PMI typically wants to see:
A one-sentence project objective
A high-level description of your role, responsibilities, and deliverables
A one-sentence project outcome
Clear demonstration that you were responsible for project management activities for the whole project
Evidence that you led teams to meet schedule, budget, and resource goals
Application of project methods with requirements and outcomes
Transform weak descriptions into strong ones by using PMBOK terminology and explicitly mapping your work to the five process groups.
3. Ensure Separate Project Descriptions
PMI requires separate descriptions for all projects. Don't lump multiple projects together in the deliverables section. Each project should stand alone as an individual experience.
4. Use PMI's Recommended Structure
Based on PMI's guidance, structure each project description to include:
Project Objective: One clear sentence stating what the project aimed to achieve
Your Role and Responsibilities: High-level description demonstrating you led the project across all phases
Deliverables: Specific outputs you were responsible for delivering
Project Outcome: One sentence describing the results achieved
Refer to the PMBOK Guide Process Groups [Page 25 of PMBOK6] for additional information on project management processes, as PMI often references this in their pending feedback.
5. Resubmit Your Application
Once you've made all necessary edits, resubmit your application through the portal. PMI will review your updated submission and notify you of their decision via email.
Timeline for Pending Status Resolution
Once you resubmit your edited application, PMI typically reviews it within 3-5 business days and either:
Approves your application
Requests additional clarification if issues still exist
Selects your application for audit
Denies the application if requirements still aren't met
The faster you respond with high-quality edits, the faster you'll move forward in the process.
How to Prevent Pending Status
If you haven't submitted your application yet, you can avoid pending status by:
Writing clear, detailed project descriptions that explicitly demonstrate project management responsibilities
Using PMBOK language and terminology throughout your descriptions
Ensuring each project is described separately with objective, role, responsibilities, deliverables, and outcome
Demonstrating that you led and directed teams, not just participated
Mapping your experience to the five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing)
Providing complete, current contact information for supervisors
Double-checking all documentation before initial submission
If you're unsure about how to fill your PMP application form effectively, reviewing detailed examples can help you understand what PMI expects to see.
💡Expert Tip from Rohit Gupta, CareerSprints Application Writing Expert: The pending status is actually an opportunity from PMI - they're telling you exactly what's wrong and giving you a chance to fix it before rejection. Most candidates who receive pending status and carefully address PMI's feedback get approved on resubmission. Don't rush your edits; take time to truly strengthen your project descriptions according to PMI's guidelines.
PMP Application Status: In Audit
Understanding the Audit Selection
Approximately 10-15% of PMP applications are selected for audit (this is a community estimate based on candidate experiences, as PMI doesn't publish official audit rates).
If you see "In Audit" status, don't panic - this is a standard verification process, not an indication that something is wrong with your application.
PMI selects applications for audit through two methods:
Random selection - Purely by chance to maintain certification integrity
Triggered selection - Certain application patterns may prompt additional verification, such as frequent job changes, unusual project types, or experience descriptions that need clarification
Being selected for audit DOES NOT mean your application will be denied. In fact, if your documentation is complete and your project descriptions are well-written, approval typically happens quickly once you submit your audit materials.
The Audit Notification
You'll receive an email from PMI with the subject line similar to "Your PMP Application Requires Additional Documentation" or "PMP Application Audit." Your portal status will also change to "In Audit."
The email will specify exactly what documentation PMI needs from you and provide a 90-day deadline to submit everything.
Required Documentation for Audit
PMI typically requests the following materials, all submitted through their online portal (nothing needs to be mailed):
For Project Experience Verification:
Your supervisor or project sponsor must complete an online verification form
PMI will send them an email with a digital form to complete
The reference simply confirms the information you provided about the project
This is a quick digital signature process, not a lengthy questionnaire
For Education Verification:
Copy of your degree or diploma
Official transcripts (if degree is from outside North America)
Degree verification if transcripts are unavailable
For 35 Contact Hours:
Certificate of completion from your PMP training provider
Course details showing it was 35+ hours of project management education
The Audit Submission Process
All documentation is submitted online through the PMI portal:
Log into your PMI account
Navigate to your application
Click on the audit documentation upload section
Upload each required document (PDF format recommended)
Submit for review
References receive an email directly from PMI with a link to verify your project information digitally. They do not receive phone calls, and nothing needs to be mailed in. The entire process is online.
Audit Review Timeline
Here's where the timeline differs from what many candidates expect: If your documentation is complete and your project descriptions clearly demonstrate project management work, PMI often approves audit submissions within just a few days.
We've worked with candidates whose audit documentation was approved in as little as 2-3 business days after submission when everything was in order.
However, if PMI needs additional clarification or your documentation is incomplete, they'll request more information, which extends the timeline.
Common Reasons Audit Documentation Gets Delayed
References don't respond promptly to PMI's verification email
Documentation doesn't clearly match what you stated in your application
Employer letters are missing required information (dates, supervisor contact, etc.)
Project descriptions don't adequately demonstrate that you led and directed the work
Audit Success Strategies
To ensure quick approval of your audit submission:
✅ Respond immediately - Don't wait days to start gathering documentation
✅ Alert your references - Give them a heads-up that PMI will email them and ask them to respond promptly
✅ Ensure documentation completeness - Double-check that employer letters include all required information
✅ Keep copies of everything - Save all materials you submitted in case clarification is needed
✅ Follow up with references - If a week passes and your status hasn't updated, check that your reference completed their verification
For detailed guidance on navigating the audit process successfully, refer to our comprehensive PMP Application Audit: The Ultimate Passing Guide.
PMP Application Status: Approved
Congratulations - You're Eligible!
When your application status changes to "Approved," it means PMI has verified that you meet all eligibility requirements for the PMP certification. You're now authorized to pay the exam fee and schedule your PMP exam.
Important: PMI does not send an email when your application is approved. You need to log into the PMI portal to check your status and see the approval.
What Approval Means
✅ Your education credentials have been verified
✅ Your project management experience has been accepted
✅ Your 35 contact hours of training have been confirmed
✅ You have a 1-year window to schedule and take your PMP exam
Immediate Next Steps After Approval
Step 1: Pay Your Exam Fee
Before you can schedule your exam, you must pay the PMP exam fee:
PMI Member: $425 USD
Non-Member: $675 USD
Note: If you're not yet a PMI member, consider joining ($154 annual fee in USA) to save $250 on the exam, plus you'll get access to PMI resources and the PMBOK Guide digital copy.
Payment is made through the PMI portal. Once processed, you'll receive a confirmation email with your eligibility ID.
Step 2: Create Your Pearson VUE Account
PMI partners with Pearson VUE to deliver the PMP exam. After paying your exam fee:
Go to pearsonvue.com/pmi
Create an account using the same name as on your PMI application
Enter your eligibility ID from PMI
Step 3: Schedule Your Exam
You have two exam format options:
Test Center: Take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center
Online Proctored: Take the exam from home with an online proctor
Choose your format, select your date and time, and confirm your appointment.
Understanding Your Application Validity Period
Your PMP application approval is valid for 1 year from the date of approval. This means you have 12 months to:
Pay your exam fee (if you haven't already)
Schedule your exam
Take the exam (your exam appointment itself can be scheduled beyond the 1-year mark, as long as you schedule it within the year)
What happens if the 1-year period expires?
Your application becomes invalid
You cannot take the PMP exam
You must submit an entirely new application
You must pay the application fee again
Can you extend the 1-year validity period?
No, PMI does not offer extensions to the 1-year eligibility window. Plan accordingly.
Strategic Scheduling Advice💡Expert Tip from Rohit Gupta, CareerSprints Application Writing Expert: Don't rush to schedule your exam immediately just because you're approved. Many students refocus their efforts to prepare for the exam even more diligently after approval. Take 6-8 weeks of focused study if you need it - that's perfectly fine and often leads to better exam performance. However, don't procrastinate either. Life happens, and you don't want to find yourself approaching the 1-year deadline feeling rushed and anxious. A good rule of thumb: schedule your exam for 6-10 weeks after approval. This gives you adequate preparation time while keeping momentum high.
What If You're Not Ready to Take the Exam?
Being approved doesn't mean you must take the exam immediately. You have options:
Take your time to prepare properly - Use the full year if needed, though most candidates are ready within 2-4 months
Delay payment - You don't have to pay the exam fee immediately upon approval, though you'll need to pay before scheduling
Adjust your study timeline - Create a realistic study plan that fits your schedule
Many of our students use the period after approval to engage with structured exam preparation that includes practice exams and personalized coaching to ensure they're fully ready for exam day. Our PMP Certification Training: PMP Blended Programme by CareerSprints offers comprehensive support throughout this preparation phase.
Tracking Your Approval Status
Your PMI portal will show:
Approval date
Eligibility expiration date (1 year from approval)
Eligibility ID number (needed for Pearson VUE registration)
Payment status
Save screenshots or a PDF of your approval for your records.
PMP Application Status: Denied / Not Approved / Rejected
Understanding PMP Application Denial and Rejection
Receiving a denial or rejection on your PMP application is frustrating, but it's important to know that PMP application rejection is relatively uncommon and, more importantly, not permanent. PMI provides specific feedback about why your application wasn't approved, and you can address those issues and reapply immediately.
We've helped numerous candidates who faced PMP application rejection rewrite their applications and achieve approval on the second try. Denial is a setback, not a roadblock.
Common Reasons for PMP Application Rejection (And How to Fix Them)
Based on our experience reviewing hundreds of PMP applications, here are the most frequent reasons PMI denies applications and exactly how to fix them for reapplication.
(Note: Many of these issues are similar to what triggers pending status - the difference is that PMI gives you a chance to fix pending issues before denial.)
#1. Project Descriptions Don't Demonstrate Project Management Leadership
This is the #1 reason for PMP application rejection. Your project descriptions must clearly show that you led and directed projects and teams, not simply participated as a team member or subject matter expert.
How to fix this:
Use leadership verbs - Led, directed, managed, coordinated, facilitated (not assisted, supported, helped, participated)
Map to all five process groups - Explicitly show what you did in Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing
Use PMBOK terminology - Include terms like stakeholder management, risk register, WBS, baseline, scope management
Write 300-500 words per project - Provide sufficient detail to demonstrate the breadth of your PM work
Include quantifiable results - Show the impact and outcomes you delivered (budget, timeline, team size, business results)
For detailed before/after examples with full process group breakdowns, see our 10 PMP Application Experience Examples: Project Descriptions That Get Approved.
#2. Projects Appear Operational Rather Than Project-Based
A project is a temporary endeavour with a defined beginning and end, undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. If your projects sound too similar to each other or appear to be ongoing operational work, PMI will reject the application.
How to fix this:
Ensure each project has a clear start and end date
Describe a unique objective and deliverable for each project
Avoid describing routine, repetitive tasks
Show variety across your projects (different objectives, teams, challenges, outcomes)
#3. Insufficient Project Management Experience Hours
Bachelor's degree holders need 36 months (4,500 hours) of PM experience
High school diploma holders need 60 months (7,500 hours) of PM experience
How to fix this:
Recalculate carefully - Count only PM role hours, not total employment time
Reduce overlapping projects - Minimize overlaps to gain more months
Add another qualifying project if you're still short on hours
Ensure dates align correctly across all projects
If you're unsure whether your experience qualifies or how to calculate your hours correctly, see our detailed guide on how to meet PMP certification requirements.
#4. Education Requirements Not Met
Your degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by PMI. If PMI cannot verify your education credentials, they'll reject the application until proper documentation is provided.
How to fix this:
Provide official transcripts from your institution
If your degree is from outside North America, include a credential evaluation
Contact PMI if your institution is legitimate but not in their database
The Denial Notification
PMI will send you an email explaining specifically why your application was denied or rejected. Read this email carefully - it's your roadmap for what to fix before reapplying.
Your portal status will change to "Closed" once the denial is issued.
Reapplication Process After PMP Application Rejection
#1 Can you reapply if your PMP application is rejected?
Yes, absolutely. There is no waiting period - you can submit a new application immediately.
#2 Should you fix and resubmit the same projects, or use different projects?
This depends on the reason for rejection:
If rejected due to poor project descriptions: Fix your existing projects by rewriting them to clearly demonstrate PM leadership and PMBOK process groups. You can use the same projects but must substantially improve how you describe them.
If rejected due to insufficient hours: Add another qualifying project to your experience, or extend the duration/scope of existing projects if accurate.
If rejected due to projects appearing operational: Use different projects that more clearly demonstrate temporary, unique endeavours.
Avoiding PMP Application Rejection
If you want to avoid a PMP application rejection on your first submission, focus on:
Clearly demonstrating project management leadership in every project description
Using PMBOK language and mapping to the five process groups
Ensuring each project is unique and temporary (not operational work)
Meeting the exact hour requirements for your education level
Providing complete and verifiable documentation
For detailed examples of project descriptions that get approved, review our collection of 10 PMP Application Experience Examples that clearly demonstrate the level of detail and leadership PMI expects to see.
Getting Expert Help After Rejection
If you've faced PMP application rejection and aren't confident about how to strengthen your reapplication, we can help.
We analyze PMI's feedback, identify the specific weaknesses in your original submission, and rewrite your project descriptions to clearly meet PMI's standards. We've helped dozens of previously-rejected candidates achieve approval on their second attempt through our personalized support and expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About PMP Application Status
General Timeline Questions
#1: How long does PMP application approval take?
PMI typically reviews applications within 5-6 business days. During peak periods (January, June, September, December), this can extend to 7-10 business days. Remember that weekends and holidays don't count as business days.
#2: Do weekends and holidays count toward processing time?
No, PMI processing timelines are based on business days (Monday-Friday), excluding PMI holidays.
#3: Will PMI email me when my application status changes?
PMI sends emails for major status changes (approval, pending/requires attention, audit selection, denial) but does not send notifications for routine transitions like "Submitted" to "In Progress." Check the portal directly for status updates.
Pending Status Questions
#1: What does "Pending" or "Requires Your Attention" mean?
This status means PMI has identified specific issues with your application that need to be corrected. You can edit your application and resubmit it. This is an opportunity to fix problems before rejection.
#2: How do I fix a pending application?
Log into the PMI portal, review the feedback email from PMI that explains what needs to be corrected, make edits to address their concerns (usually project descriptions), and resubmit your application for review.
#3: Can a pending application still get approved?
Yes, most candidates who receive pending status and carefully address PMI's feedback get approved on resubmission. The pending status is actually helpful because PMI tells you exactly what to fix.
PMP Application Audit Questions
#1: What percentage of PMP applications are audited?
Based on community data, approximately 10-15% of applications are selected for audit. PMI doesn't publish official audit rates, but being selected is fairly common and not a red flag.
#2: If I'm audited, does that mean something is wrong with my application?
No, audit selection can be completely random. Being audited is a verification process to maintain certification integrity, not an indication of problems with your application.
#3: How long do I have to respond to an audit request?
PMI gives you 90 days from the audit notification to submit all required documentation. However, responding quickly is beneficial - if your documentation is complete, approval often happens within just a few days.
#4: What if my previous employer is out of business or unreachable?
You can provide alternative verification such as letters from clients, project documentation, or third-party references who can confirm your role. Contact PMI to explain your situation and ask what alternative documentation they'll accept.
PMP Application Approval Questions
#1: How long is my PMP application valid after approval?
Your application approval is valid for 1 year from the approval date. You must schedule and take your exam within this period.
#2: Can I extend the 1-year validity period?
No, PMI does not offer extensions. If the year expires, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.
#3: Do I have to schedule my exam immediately after approval?
No, you can take your time to prepare. Most candidates study for 6-12 weeks after approval before scheduling their exam. Just ensure you schedule within the 1-year window.
Denial and Reapplication Questions
#1: Can I reapply if my application is rejected?
Yes, you can reapply immediately with no waiting period.
#2: Will my rejection be on any permanent record?
No, PMI doesn't maintain a public record of rejected applications. Each application is evaluated independently.
Technical and Access Questions
#1: Why isn't my application status showing in the portal?
Clear your browser cache and cookies, try a different browser, or check if PMI has scheduled maintenance. If the issue persists beyond 24 hours, contact PMI customer service.
#2: Who do I contact if I can't access my application or have questions?
Contact PMI customer service at customercare@pmi.org or via phone. PMI also offers 24/7 support through Live Chat, WhatsApp, and SMS. Their contact information and all support options are available on the PMI website under 'Contact Us'.
Conclusion and Your Next Steps
Understanding your PMP application status removes uncertainty and empowers you to take the right action at the right time. Whether your application is smoothly progressing through "In Progress," requires your attention for clarification, is selected for audit verification, or has been approved and you're ready to schedule your exam, you now know exactly what each status means and what to do next.
Quick Status Action Summary:
Submitted / In Progress: Wait patiently (3-6 business days) and start your exam prep.
Pending / Requires Your Attention: Review PMI's feedback email, edit your application to address identified issues, and resubmit.
In Audit: Submit all documentation online quickly; approval often happens within days if complete.
Approved: Pay exam fee, schedule with Pearson VUE within 1 year, and prepare confidently.
Denied / Rejected: Review feedback, strengthen your project descriptions, and reapply immediately.
Get Expert Support Throughout Your PMP Journey
Need help getting your application approved? Our PMP Application Review and Rewrite Service provides personalized, expert review of your project descriptions to ensure they clearly demonstrate project management leadership and meet PMI's standards. We've helped over 500 candidates get their applications approved on the first try.
Ready to prepare for exam success? With our PMP Blended Programme, the application review and rewrite are included as a free service. Additionally, we provide the 35 contact hours you need for your application, all necessary study materials, practice tests, and fully personalized PMP coaching until you're completely ready for the exam. The PMP Blended Programme is our flagship program that has helped hundreds of students pass the PMP certification exam on the first try.
If you have questions about PMP application reviews or the PMP Blended Programme, email us at info@careersprints.com.
About the Author
Rohit Gupta is a PMP® and PRINCE2® certified project management trainer with 15+ years of experience training a global audience of more than 50,000 candidates.
He has helped over 500 professionals get their PMP applications approved and mentored 300+ candidates to earn their PMP certifications. As a lead coach at CareerSprints, Rohit continues to guide project managers with personalized, real-world preparation strategies.
He is recommended by many PMP exam candidates for his ability to guide them through the PMP application process and for his personalized, structured coaching style that helps them achieve certification success. Rohit also holds other prestigious certifications including ITIL Expert, Scrum Master, and the FCAS certification. | Connect with Rohit on LinkedIn.