Ethical Dilemmas in the PMP Application & Exam Process: A Candid Conversation
From the Ethics Bistro Blog
by Tara Leparulo,
Dr. Deepa Bhide, Shenila Shahabuddin, Juan Posada Toro, Albert Agbemenu, Kannan Ganesan, Ming Yeung, Yannick Arekion, Stelian ROMAN, Witold Hendrysiak
We all tackle ethical dilemmas. Wrong decisions can break careers. Which are the key challenges faced? What are some likely solutions? Where can we find effective tools? Who can apply these and why? Dry, theoretical discussions don't help. Join us for lively, light conversations to learn, share and grow!
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Date

Earning the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is more than just passing an exam. It is a testament to your expertise, discipline, and, above all, your integrity. A significant achievement that validates your expertise and commitment to ethical project management. However, the path to certification can sometimes present ethical challenges: whether in the application process, exam preparation, or even during the test itself.
To explore these issues, let us imagine a conversation between Alexia, a seasoned PMP with a reputation for ethical rigor, and Jordan, who is preparing to apply for the certification but faces some moral dilemmas.
Jordan: "Alexia, I am almost ready to submit my PMP application, but I am a few months short on experience. A colleague suggested I ‘adjust’ my project dates to fit PMI’s requirements. What do you think?"
Alexia: "That is a red flag, Jordan. Project Management Institute (PMI®) does not just expect honesty, they require it. Falsifying dates violate the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (CoEPC) and could lead to your application being rejected. Or worse, revocation of your certification if discovered later. Instead, consider waiting until you have gained the necessary experience. Integrity matters more than rushing the process."
Jordan: "What about asking someone who recently took the exam for details on specific questions? Would that not help me prepare better?"
Alexia: "No, it would undermine the entire certification’s value. The PMP is not a trivia quiz, it is a validation of your competence. Memorizing leaked questions does not make you a better project manager. PMI’s confidentiality agreement exists for a reason. If you want to pass, put in the work: study the PMBOK® and additional resources, review the Exam Content Online, use legitimate practice exams, and earn your success. Remember, the goal is not just to pass, it is to truly understand and apply project management."
Jordan: "I have seen online vendors offering guaranteed passes or even proxy test-taking services. Are those legitimate?"
Alexia: "Legitimate? No. Ethical? Absolutely not. Any vendor promising a guaranteed pass or offering to take the exam for you is engaging in fraud. PMI actively investigates such scams, and if caught, you will face permanent disqualification. Stick to PMI-authorized training providers (ATPs) and avoid any shortcuts that compromise ethics."
Jordan: "What if I see a colleague cheating or misrepresenting their experience? Should I say something?"
Alexia: "Yes! You have a professional obligation to speak up. Silence enables misconduct. If you witness unethical behavior, whether in applications, exam prep, or the testing center, you have a responsibility to address it. Start with a direct but respectful conversation by advising your colleague because their actions harm the profession. Explain the risks and encourage them to follow the right path. If they dismiss you, then yes, you escalate. This is not about being a ‘snitch,’ it is about protecting the credibility of the PMP for everyone who earned it honestly."
Ethics Matter: Integrity is not optional; it is the Foundation
Let us be clear: The PMP certification is not a checkbox. It is a public declaration that you adhere to the highest standards of project management, including ethics. It is about who you are as a professional. Every time someone lies on their application, cheats on the exam, or turns a blind eye to misconduct, they erode the certification’s worth. By adhering to ethical standards, you not only earn your certification the right way…you also uphold the credibility of the profession.
Have you faced ethical dilemmas in your PMP journey or that of a colleague? How did you handle them?
Share your thoughts in the comments and have an honest conversation.
References
Link to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics/guidelines
Link to PMI’s Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF): https://www.pmi.org/ethics/ethical-decision-making-framework.pdf
Link to PMI’s Blog on Ethics “Ethics Bistro”: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blogs/365304/ethics-bistro
Link to PMI’s PMP Certification Information: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
Posted
by
Juan Posada Toro
on: May 04, 2025 11:50 AM |
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Comments (4)
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Ming Yeung
Compliance Manager (and Acting CCO and COO)| Blockchain Venture Capital Inc.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hello Juan, the ethical situation you raise in the article is worthy for a deliberation.
Ethical dilemmas in project management certification are common. A colleague once faced a situation where they were tempted to exaggerate their project experience to meet PMP eligibility requirements. They felt pressure from peers who had taken similar shortcuts. Another dilemma arose when a study group shared exam questions they had memorized, making it difficult to navigate peer influence while adhering to PMI's ethical standards. These moments tested integrity, revealing the broader challenge of maintaining ethical rigor in professional advancement. Upholding PMI's Code of Ethics often requires resisting shortcuts, even when they seem commonplace within an industry.
When my colleague considered misrepresenting their project experience, I encouraged them to wait until they met the criteria naturally. I explained the long-term risks—loss of credibility and potential disqualification. Regarding the study group’s exam question-sharing, I chose not to participate and emphasized using official PMI resources instead. I reminded them that true professional growth comes from understanding project management principles, not from memorizing leaked questions. By advocating ethical practices, I helped steer discussions toward responsible study methods, reinforcing integrity within our professional community while preserving the PMP certification’s credibility.
Thank you for sharing a timely topic for fellow project practitioners to review and reflect.
Ming
Juan Posada Toro
Customer Success Manager| Rockwell Automation
Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
Hi Ming, thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
This blog captures the essence of what it truly means to be a PMP—not just in terms of knowledge, but in character. Integrity should never be compromised for convenience, and the examples shared between Alexia and Jordan highlight real dilemmas many aspiring PMPs might quietly struggle with. I appreciate how this piece goes beyond exam tips and shines a light on the ethical foundation that underpins the certification.
I’ve personally encountered peers who felt pressured to “enhance” their experience or seek out leaked questions, thinking it was harmless. These moments remind us that our decisions define our professionalism. In my case, I chose to reinforce the importance of earning the PMP honorably and encouraged them to invest their time in learning, not shortcuts.
Thank you for reminding us that ethics are not an afterthought—they’re the core of project management credibility. I encourage all aspiring PMPs to explore the PMI Code of Ethics and use the EDMF when in doubt. Let’s keep the standard high for ourselves and the profession.
Juan Posada Toro
Customer Success Manager| Rockwell Automation
Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
Hi Shenila, thank you for your insightful and heartfelt comment! You have perfectly captured the spirit of what this piece aimed to convey: that the PMP is more than a credential, it is a commitment to ethical leadership and professionalism.
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