These are in fact two very different things. Randomness does not equate to fairness. I have just applied for the PMI-ACP exam and have been selected for an audit. To date, I have been audited two times, for two exams. That's a 100% batting average. My issue is not related to the necessity of an audit; in that regard I totally agree. My issue is not with the randomness of the audit; how else to select a section of exam aspirants without exhibiting bias. My issue is however with the fact that some people can get multiple audits and others can get zero audits for several exams. This in my view is the definition of unfair. If PMI "must ensure that practitioners who obtain the certifications have met requirements that reflect the evolving profession" in order to "maintain the integrity of its certifications", then all well and good. But why not alter the algorithm to at least audit someone who has never been audited, rather than audit someone twice, or worse, two for two? How far can "randomness" go? Perhaps audit three out of three exam applications for the same individual, while someone else sits multiple exams with zero audits? With around 1 million PMI certified professionals, what are the statistical odds of getting audited three out of three times? I guess I will find out if I ever brave a third certification! Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Mar 10, 2018 7:23 PM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
...
Thanks Andrew, as Serendipity would have it, I anticipated Murphy's Law and verified that my references were available just in case, and as soon as I got pinged for an audit, I downloaded the papers and sent it to them within an hour to get their signatures, and will receive their signed forms inside 48 hours priority express, fingers crossed. Then I have to send that whole package to the US because PMI doesn't like the references to mail them directly, which in fact would save a lot of time. Another process flaw related to speed even if it is more efficient for them. One day I will write at more length about this experience, especially since I am seriously thinking of applying for a third certification (which I also qualify for) just for the hell of it. If I get popped three out of three times, then I may just swing from advocate to antagonist, and a damning blog will be just the beginning lol. Time will tell on that one...
“One day I will write at more length about this experience...”
I have guided a few dozen applicants through the PMP application process. In the last 2 months the audi, or application rejection rate, is WAY up.
With a few of the applicants we changed the structure from being very descriptive and emphasizing HOW processes were used to more generic PMBOK terms and the applications were immediately accepted.
Bruce I believe in your points the wording of application definitely has impact on the audit, it must be stated according to PMBOK guide. Saving Changes...
I was also audited twice, once when I applied for the CAPM exam, and then again when I discovered I was eligible for the PMP exam and requested to change. It definitely didn't feel fair to me that I had to go through the audit process twice. Especially since I had worked in positions in different countries and cities and contacting all my old bosses wasn't easy and extremely time-consuming. I had left the application for the PMP exam until the last minute (yes this was stupid), and falling into the audit process meant that I would have to take the exam after a month-long holiday where I was not going to be able to touch my PM books. After coming back from holidays I decided to restart from scratch as I had felt that I had forgotten everything.
I also would love to know the algorithm that the PMI use for flagging an audit process. Perhaps Santi and I have "cursed" PMI membership numbers? I guess I will know if I apply to take the PMI-ACP exam and have to do another audit.
Hi Karl, a similar thing happened to me on the PMP exam audit. And yes, using the terms PMI uses in the exam content handbook helped me as my original application used generic terms, and that seemed to do the trick. Although it was a hassle chasing two references from two different countries. I would be very interested if you (like me) get audited a third time, as this will be in my opinion way over the top and I will definitely be writing about it. So please keep me updated on that. Saving Changes...
I have guided a few dozen applicants through the PMP application process. In the last 2 months the audi, or application rejection rate, is WAY up.
With a few of the applicants we changed the structure from being very descriptive and emphasizing HOW processes were used to more generic PMBOK terms and the applications were immediately accepted.
This is true Bruce, about using PMBOK terms. I found that using the language and terminology in the Exam Content Outline is the key. When I use my own words to mean the same thing, my PMP didn't pass. As soon as I used the terms in the exam content outline, it passed. Still my issue isn't the audit process, it's the "randomness" of selected someone twice or more than twice. Saving Changes...
Sante, I know you are a brave man, I was just worried about you because we here care for you and I'm glad you didn't mind it.
I see the point of Bruce Garrod is very valid and it definitely has impact on audit. If you look back at both application you might have used same style and wording which trigger the audit, may be in future change wording on your third application.
Hi Riyadh. I appreciate your words. Actually this audit I did the exact opposite, because I learned from the first audit. My wording couldn't have been crafted any better, highlighting my Agile project experience whil ensuring to use the terminology as per the Exam content outline, and still I got audited. The crazy thing is they also requested proof of my REP training course, when PMI has already awarded my 21 PDUs using the same course previously. Saving Changes...
I have just gone ahead with the assumption that I will be audited. I have prepared my references accordingly and have kept ready all documentation that substantiate my experience.
All the best, Sante, for the PMI-ACP.
...
1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Mar 12, 2018 2:35 AM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
...
Thanks Karan, I expected it too. I had my references ready also, so after the audit they were sent the forms and within the day sent the forms back to me, and they are still on their way from another country. We will get through it. Let me know how you go in the future with this experience :-)
I have just gone ahead with the assumption that I will be audited. I have prepared my references accordingly and have kept ready all documentation that substantiate my experience.
All the best, Sante, for the PMI-ACP.
Thanks Karan, I expected it too. I had my references ready also, so after the audit they were sent the forms and within the day sent the forms back to me, and they are still on their way from another country. We will get through it. Let me know how you go in the future with this experience :-) Saving Changes...
For those who never been audit, it would interesting to know a bit more about the auditing process, what PMI asks about, what kind of evidence require, etc.
I agree that is unfair a 100% of audit for some, and 0% for other
Thanks and good luck! Saving Changes...
Hossam HosniSenior Hydrographic Surveyor| Gulf Dredging and General Contracting CoAlexandria, Egypt
