The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the American not-for-profit membership body for the project management profession. PMI offers certification in project management and other related areas.
The PMI is best-known project management professional body with chapters of members across the globe, including the UK.
You can prepare for your PMI certification by taking an online course offered by a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.), or you can self-study.
All the PMI certifications requires proof of related experience and education. This makes them popular qualifications for professionals looking to prove their worth to employers and advance their careers.
Although PMI certification is valued worldwide, it is especially desirable in the Americas, Africa, Middle East and Asia.
There are 8 PMI certifications described below. Each one has one has a set of prerequisites which you must meet before you can gain certification. These are usually a combination of experience, qualifications and passing the relevant examination.
PMP® is the most well-known PMI certification. Over 750,000 people have gained a PMP certification. In the Project Management Salary Survey (2018), people in the USA holding PMP certification on average earned 20% higher salaries than those without.
PMP® is for practicing project managers. PMP® certification shows that you speak and understand the global language of project management.
Prerequisites
To gain PMP® certification you must also pass the 4-hour PMP® exam (200 multiple-choice questions) which tests you on your deep knowledge of The PMBOK® Guide.
To maintain PMI certification, you must gain 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) every 3 years.
CAPM® is the entry-level PMI certification in project management. It is suitable for aspiring/current project team members or project managers. Apply for this PMI certification if you would like to start managing projects or add project management skills into your current role.
CAPM certification shows that you have knowledge of the principles and terminology within the Project Management Body of Knowledge® Guide (The PMBOK® Guide) – an American-based standard for project management.
Prerequisites
To gain CAPM® certification you must also pass the 3-hour CAPM® exam (150 multiple-choice questions). The CAPM® exam is available as an online proctored exam.
To maintain PMI certification, you must re-take the CAPM exam every 5 years.
You can gain another PMI certification if PMP® or CAPM® is not for you. Other PMI certification are available in subjects closely related to project management. These are described below.
PgMP® certification is an advanced qualification for senior project and programme managers. You should apply for this PMI certification if you want recognition of your ability to manage multiple, related projects which align results with organizational goals.
Prerequisites
To gain PgMP® certification you must also pass the 4-hour PgMP® exam (170 multiple-choice questions). You must pass a panel review evaluation before sitting the PgMP® exam.
The PgMP® exam is not written according to any single text or reference, so candidates need a broad and deep understanding of project and programme management.
To maintain PMI certification, you must gain 60 PDUs every 3 years.
PfMP® certification is designed for senior project professionals managing portfolios of projects and/or programmes. PfMP® certification shows your advanced competency in the coordinated management of one or more portfolios to achieve strategic objectives.
Prerequisites
To gain PfMP® certification you must also pass the 4-hour PfMP® exam (170 multiple-choice questions). You must pass a panel review evaluation before sitting the PfMP® exam.
To maintain PMI certification, you must earn 60 portfolio-related PDUs every 3 years.
PMI-ACP® certification is designed for people working on or managing Agile projects. You should gain this certification if you want formal recognition of your knowledge of agile principles and your skill with agile techniques.
Prerequisites
To gain PMI-ACP® certification you must pass the 3-hour PMI-ACP® exam (120 multiple-choice questions). The PMI-ACP exam is available as an online proctored exam.
To maintain PMI certification, you must gain 30 agile-related PDUs every 3 years.
PMI-PBA® certification is aimed those who are working with stakeholders to define requirements, shaping project outputs and driving intended business outcomes.
Prerequisites
To gain PMI-PBA® certification you must also pass the 4-hour PMI-PBA® exam (200 multiple-choice questions).
To maintain PMI certification, you must gain 60 PDUs related to business analysis every 3 years.
PMI-RMP® certification is for those with advanced risk management skills. It is designed for project managers and other professionals to prove their ability to identify and assess project risks, mitigate threats and capitalize on opportunities.
Prerequisites
To gain PMI-RMP® certification you must also pass the 3.5-hour PMI-RMP® exam (170 multiple-choice questions).
To maintain PMI certification, you need to earn 30 risk management-related PDUs every 3 years.
PMI-SP® is designed for project professionals with advanced project scheduling skills. Aim for this certification if you have advanced knowledge and experience developing, managing and maintaining project schedules.
Prerequisites
To gain PMI-SP® certification you must also pass the 3.5-hour PMI-SP® exam (170 multiple-choice questions).
To maintain PMI certification, you must earn 30 PDUs related to project scheduling every 3 years.
This table compares PMI certification against other popular project management certifications
| Qualification | Accreditation body | Prerequisite | Industry | Exams | Suitable for | What is taught |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPM | PMI | Project management experience and required education levels. | All | Multiple-choice | Current or aspiring project managers in America, Africa, Asia, Middle East | Common project management techniques and knowledge areas. |
| PMP | PMI | Project management experience and certain education level. | All | Multiple-choice | Current project managers in America, Africa, Middle East, Asia | How to manage and lead projects using best practice techniques and knowledge areas. |
| PRINCE2 | AXELOS | Foundation level: none. Practitioner level: requires Foundation or PMI-CAPM® or PMI-PMP®. | All | Multiple-choice | Current or aspiring project managers or team members. Especially popular in UK, Europe, Australia, NZ, South Africa. | The PRINCE2 framework and its application. |
| AgilePM | APMG | Foundation level: none. Practitioner level: requires Foundation. | IT or creative. | Multiple-choice | Current or aspiring agile project managers or team members. | How to manage Agile projects. |
| APM PFQ | APM | None | All | Multiple-choice | Current or aspiring project managers in the UK | Awareness of project management and terminology. |
| APM PMQ | APM | Some project management experience is recommended. | All | Written | Current or aspiring project managers in the UK | Common project management techniques and knowledge areas. |
