Filling the PgMP application form is a tedious task that requires time and effort. It is however as important as the exam -if not more. It is often said that when your application is accepted, you are halfway through. This is absolutely true. And this is the reason why you should do it and get it accepted by PMI before starting studying the Standard for Program Management.

I purposely did not read the Standard for Program Management before writing the application to avoid using too much terminology which could have made it less genuine. 

Anyone who buy the PgMPass exam will get access to a successful application sample file.

The sample file illustrates an important point: the experience summaries are not MBA style essays; they just need to be authentic, concise and factual.

Given that the question asked are not really engaging, do not worry if you do not get much inspiration for one or two experience summaries. Try to be creative in this case. Same story for evaluating the time spent for each program on each of the domain. Do not spend too much time on this. Just be consistent with your experience and provide rough estimates.

The panel review is a way for PMI to ensure you are an experienced professional, which should read in your application & your LinkedIn profile. Whether you have managed big programs or big teams is not as relevant as your lessons learned and understanding of the program manager role (vs project manager role).     

As opposed to a common belief among candidates, not all PgMP applications are audited. But I suspect the audit selection is not 100% random either. They also are instances where panel reviewers ask for clarification or ask a candidate to rewrite some parts of one or more experience summaries. Best to avoid such a situation by nailing it down on first submission.

Bear in mind that the value of the PgMP is more in the validation of your past experience and future status as a PMI community member rather than in the knowledge gained from reading the Standard for Program Management. Therefore, do spend on your application the time it deserves.