PMP Audit

I've always hated audits. Especially the ones from the software process groups as they tend to be very time consuming and grueling. There are conflicting objectives in these audits. The auditors job is to identify the areas where you are not compliant and poke the holes. Your objective is to ensure that you show whatever you do is process compliant and complete.

When I was filling up my application for the PMP exam, there was a mention of potential audit. But I couldn't find a whole lot of information about the same on the site. The initial imageries were a bit worrying. But the fact is that, it not!

As long as you are truthful and thorough, you need not worry about the audit.

What to do for the same ?

1. Document the hours spent on the various areas of the various projects to be as accurate as possible. If you have the earlier project plans, like I do, you may refer to them for the exact numbers.
   
2. Be truthful and fill it to the best of your knowledge
3. Maintain contacts with the project owners and inform them that you are intending to appear for the PMP examination, so that they are not caught by surprise, when they are contacted by the Project Management Institute

PMI audits about 10% of the applications. PMI audit, as I heard from my friend, whose application got audited is not grueling at all. It was a simple verification of the facts mentioned in the application, from the project owners.

Wishing you all the best in either case :-)