TOPIC: PMP Application - Who is the primary contact person for a startup founder?

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if anyone can provide advice on who I should list as the primary contact person for projects I led as a self funded and self directed startup founder? In this role, I built a company from scratch using my own money and my own vision. I was essentially a portfolio manager with many different programs and projects across every aspect of the business. I understand that most people put their supervisor or project sponsor as the contact person. But in my case, I served both of these roles. The only people I reported to, per se, were my employees and my clients. Can I list my employees as the primary contact persons for respective projects that were familiar with? Would PMI have an issue with an employee being the primary contact person as opposed to a supervisor or sponsor?

Thanks in advance for your help. Looking forward to your responses. Have a great day.

Regards
Nick

As an independent consultant with tight NDAs with clients (some of which didn't want me to mention their name), I submitted that work as "Confidential Client (NDA)" with the name, date and description of the project and listed myself as the primary contact. It seem to have worked. I can't speak for PMI, but you can try that route.

Harry

Hi Harry,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. If you don’t mind, I have some easy follow up questions. I imagine you have already completed the application and probably got certified. Congratulations. How long ago did you complete everything? Did PMI select you for an audit? Thanks again.

Regards
Nick

Hi Harry,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Would you mind if I ask a couple follow-up questions? It sounds like you have already completed the application and certification exam. How long ago did you go through the process? How does PMI selected you for an audit? Is there still a likelihood of getting an audit at this point or is that a pretty low probability?

Thanks again for your time.

Regards,
Nick

Nick,

I'm traveling today. Will respond to you when I get back to the office.

Harry

Nick,

Back in the office.

RE: Applied/Certified. Yes. That's the whole PMP thing in the signature line
RE: How long did it take to go through the process? If you mean "process" of application, about 25 hours. I had to gather a lot of information going back 6 years and put it in a cogent package before the application. Then I needed to be able to describe each project demonstrating the knowledge areas (i.e. Initiating, planning, etc.) and then condense that to 500 characters. (Not 500 words). That took some effort.
RE: Audit: PMI states that it randomly selects 10% of applications for audits. Mine was not selected. 10% is a common figure in professional certification applications. I suggest that you make your application "audit-proof" - make sure you have everything documented as fully as possible and located in an easy to find place.

Best,

Harry

Thanks Harry. This helps a lot. I will move forward with my application using this insight. Really appreciate your support.