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Which Certification is right for you?
So you’ve decided to pursue a PMI certification. Congratulations on the important decision!!
Developed by practitioners for practitioners, our certifications are based on rigorous standards and ongoing research to meet the real-world needs of organizations. With a PMI certification behind your name, you can work in virtually any industry, anywhere in the world, and with any project management methodology.
You can apply for any certification that matches your qualifications, and no certification serves as a prerequisite for another. You don’t need to be a PMI member to obtain a credential, but there are member discounts on application and credential maintenance costs. Click on the links below to learn more about each certification and its prerequisites.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP is the gold standard of project management certification. Recognized and demanded by organizations worldwide, the PMP validates your competence to perform in the role of a project manager, leading and directing projects and teams.
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
- 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
- 35 hours of project management education
OR
- Four-year degree
- 4,500 hours leading and directing projects
- 35 hours of project management education
Program Management Professional (PgMP)®
Designed for those who manage multiple, complex projects to achieve strategic and organizational results.
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
- 6,000 hours of project management experience
- 10,500 hours of program management experience
OR
- Four-year degree
- 6,000 hours of project management experience
- 6,000 hours of program management experience
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
Our portfolio management certification recognizes the advanced experience and skill of portfolio managers. The PfMP demonstrates your proven ability in the coordinated management of one or more portfolios to achieve organizational objectives.
- All applicants must possess a minimum of eight years of professional business experience AND
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
- 10,500 hours of portfolio management experience
OR
- Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent)
- 6,000 hours of portfolio management experience
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The CAPM demonstrates your understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management.
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent).
- 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam. Our Project Management Basics online course fulfills this educational prerequisite.
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)®
The PMI-PBA highlights your expertise in business analysis. It spotlights your ability to work effectively with stakeholders to define their business requirements, shape the output of projects and drive successful business outcomes.
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree
- 7,500 hours of business analysis experience
- 35 contact hours of education in business analysis
OR
- Bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent
- 4,500 hours of business analysis experience
- 35 contact hours of education in business analysis
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®
Created for those who believe in and apply agile principles and practices on projects. It requires a combination of training, experience and an exam. It also bridges agile approaches such as SCRUM, XP, LEAN and Kanban.
- 2,000 hours of general project experience working on teams. A current PMP® or PgMP® will satisfy this requirement but is not required to apply for the PMI-ACP.
- 1,500 hours working on agile project teams or with agile methodologies. This requirement is in addition to the 2,000 hours of general project experience.
- 21 contact hours of training in agile practices.
PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
The PMI-RMP certification recognizes demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the specialized area of assessing and identifying project risks along with plans to mitigate threats and capitalize on opportunities.
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
- 4,500 hours of project risk management experience
- 40 hours of project risk management education
OR
- Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent)
- 3,000 hours of project risk management experience
- 30 hours of project risk management education
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
The PMI-SP certification recognizes demonstrated knowledge and advanced experience in the specialized area of developing and maintaining project schedules.
- Secondary degree
- 5,000 hours project scheduling experience
- 40 hours project scheduling education
OR
- Four-year degree
- 3,500 hours project scheduling experience
- 30 hours project scheduling education