Thomas is correct: PMI requires project management experience, not just project experience.

##To clarify:

• You need 4500 hours of leading and directing project tasks OR 7500 hours if you don't hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• What this means: you don't need to have had sole responsibility for entire projects or have held the title of "Project Manager", however you need to demonstrate that you have been responsible for conducting one or more project management processes as defined by PMI, i.e.:Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

Examples:

• If you are part of a large project and are leading the development effort, you are responsible for managing resources, managing the development plan and effort, the development budget, etc. so this counts.
• If you have managed a project but not people (you didn't have direct report), but you were responsible for planning, budget, scope, etc. this counts.
• If you were a developer on a project without management responsibility (even if you spent 2 years on the project), this doesn't count. etc.

Recommendations:

• It is in your interest to comply with pre-requisites since this means you will be more likely to succeed the exam. Also there is a (small) chance you get audited so it's important you document your credentials.
• List all projects you have worked on and ask yourself "did I have management responsibilities?". The type of project (software or other) doesn't matter.
• If you don't meet the pre-requisites, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) may be an alternative for you.

Thomas is correct: PMI requires project management experience, not just project experience.

To clarify:

• You need 4500 hours of leading and directing project tasks OR 7500 hours if you don't hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• What this means: you don't need to have had sole responsibility for entire projects or have held the title of "Project Manager", however you need to demonstrate that you have been responsible for conducting one or more project management processes as defined by PMI, i.e.:Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

Examples:

• If you are part of a large project and are leading the development effort, you are responsible for managing resources, managing the development plan and effort, the development budget, etc. so this counts.
• If you have managed a project but not people (you didn't have direct report), but you were responsible for planning, budget, scope, etc. this counts.
• If you were a developer on a project without management responsibility (even if you spent 2 years on the project), this doesn't count. etc.

Recommendations:

• It is in your interest to comply with pre-requisites since this means you will be more likely to succeed the exam. Also there is a (small) chance you get audited so it's important you document your credentials.
• List all projects you have worked on and ask yourself "did I have management responsibilities?". The type of project (software or other) doesn't matter.
• If you don't meet the pre-requisites, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) may be an alternative for you.