PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is for project managers with at least 2 years of project experience. Only if a candidate proves their prior experience can an exam be taken.
Note: You must purchase the PMP® exam directly from the PMI.
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 with other popular certifications for project management.
| 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. |
PMI certification is a globally recognised project management credential. Certification courses PMI offers include PMP, PgMP, and Agile certifications. To earn a certification for PMI, candidates must meet PMI certification requirements and pass PMI certification exams. Certification from PMI demonstrates expertise in project management and change management. Certification PMI is required for many management certification roles. Many professionals pursue PM certification to enhance their skills and credibility.
PMI cert is valued by employers worldwide. PMI certification course options include project management professional, agile, and business analysis. PMI certification courses are tailored for both beginners and PMI professionals. The PMI certification exam tests knowledge in project management methodologies, risk management, and leadership. PMI certification programs support ongoing learning with PMI certification renewal and PMI certification training. PMI certifications, such as PMI certified product owner, validate advanced skills.
PMI certs and PMI credentials help PMI professionals stay competitive. PMI exams assess practical knowledge in agile project management and change management. PMI member certification and PMI professional certification are designed for different project management levels. PMI project management certification is administered by the Project Management Institute. PMI training includes resources like handbooks, exam prep, and workshops.
Project management certifications from PMI, including PMP certification, are in demand. Project management cert holders can access PMI member benefits and networking opportunities. The Project Management Institute certification is recognised in many industries. Certification courses PMI and certification for PMI equip practitioners with the skills needed for complex projects.
PMI certified professionals use frameworks such as Agile and PgMP. Examinations focus on change management, risk management, and business analysis. The certification program offers a professional certificate in project management. Project management professional and product owner are central to the PMI certification journey.
PMI certification recognises practical project management skills and offers a standard that employers understand.
It combines knowledge of governance, stakeholder engagement and delivery techniques with an emphasis on applied practice.
Many professionals seek PMI certification to validate experience in risk management, scheduling and benefits realisation.
The credential signals familiarity with frameworks, tools and behaviours used across programmes and portfolios.
The assessment typically includes a multiple-choice exam and an application review of your experience and competence.
Syllabus topics often reference PMBOK, agile approaches, governance, quality and resource management.
Expect questions on scope, earned value, change control and stakeholder communication.
Practical examples from your work strengthen exam answers and demonstrate competency during audits.
A PMI certification can accelerate promotion, broaden role options and improve credibility with stakeholders.
Employers often look for certified practitioners when recruiting for programme management and portfolio roles.
For consultants and contract managers, PMI credentials provide a recognisable proof point of competence.
Benefits include clearer career pathways, higher visibility in recruitment and access to a professional network.
Many organisations see PMI certifications as evidence of consistent processes, governance awareness and leadership ability.
Project leadership, stakeholder negotiation and governance skills taught and tested by PMI help in senior roles.
Certified managers often lead larger portfolios, influence strategy and own benefits realisation activities.
Pair credentials with demonstrable project delivery to make the strongest case for promotion.
PMI offers a range of certifications for different career stages and specialisms, from entry level to advanced credentials.
Options include broad credentials focused on standards and others targeted at agile, risk or schedule management.
Select a certification that matches your current role, goals and the kind of projects you deliver.
Compare prerequisites, exam format and the professional benefits each certification delivers before committing.
Programme managers may favour portfolio or programme credentials, while delivery leads often choose practitioner-level awards.
Employers value certifications that show both technical control (earned value, cost control) and soft skills (leadership, communication).
Specialist certificates (risk, business analysis) help where niche skills are required; general credentials suit broader leadership roles.
Check experience hours, education requirements and the application steps before you plan study time.
Preparation balances theory, practice tests and reflection on how frameworks apply to your real projects.
Start with the exam syllabus and map study topics against day-to-day work to make learning stick.
Use a study schedule, reliable practice tests and peer study groups to build confidence before the exam.
Prioritise scenario practice, time management and reading rationale for sample questions to sharpen judgement skills.
Create weekly study blocks that mix PMBOK concepts, agile practice, earned value problems and stakeholder scenarios.
Short, focused sessions that alternate theory with practice tests are effective when time is scarce.
Timed tests with post-exam review are the fastest way to close knowledge gaps and refine exam technique.
Choose accredited training providers, trusted e-learning and official PMI resources for up-to-date content.
Apply concepts such as scope definition, risk registers and change control in live projects to internalise learning.
Document real examples that map to syllabus topics; these make strong references during applications and interviews.
Mentoring, coaching and peer review accelerate growth and make certification knowledge usable day to day.
Request cross-functional tasks that expose you to budgeting, scheduling and stakeholder engagement.
Use lessons learned and post-project reviews to practise benefits realisation and quality assurance techniques.
Keep a concise log of project hours, responsibilities and outcomes that align to the certification eligibility criteria.
Collect project artefacts — plans, risk logs, communication records — that demonstrate practical competence.
Blend short e-learning modules with workplace tasks to reinforce knowledge and collect PDUs for maintenance.
After certification, maintaining credentials through PDUs and continuing education keeps skills current.
Track PDUs using PMI’s systems and choose activities that add real value: webinars, teaching, volunteering and practice.
Consider advanced or specialist certifications as your career develops to stay aligned with role requirements.
Seminars, workshops and online courses can all contribute to PDUs while improving leadership and technical capabilities.
Recertification cycles require a set number of PDUs; plan a mix of learning and contribution activities across the cycle.
Combine experience, documented results and targeted study to progress from foundation to advanced PMI certifications.
Use capability frameworks to identify gaps and choose certifications that close those gaps while supporting promotion goals.
Join PMI communities, local chapters and online groups to find mentors, study partners and job opportunities.
PMI combines standardised process knowledge (PMBOK) with flexible approaches (agile), emphasising both technical controls and leadership.
Preparation typically ranges from a few months to half a year depending on experience, study intensity and access to practice tests.
The exam is scenario based with multiple choice items that test practical judgement more than rote recall.
Yes; many candidates use accredited e-learning, blended training and instructor-led courses that include sample questions and review sessions.
Maintain it by earning PDUs through formal learning, volunteering, working in role and contributing knowledge to the community.
For many, the credential pays back via better roles, higher pay and stronger networks; value depends on your career goals and market.
Avoid focusing only on memorisation; instead, practise scenario application, time management and rationales for answers.
Employers often treat it as evidence of standards-based capability and a commitment to professional development.
Official PMI materials, trusted training providers and study communities provide reliable sample questions and timed practice tests.
PMI certification is a pragmatic way to formalise project skills, demonstrate leadership and improve career prospects in delivery and programme roles.
Balance study with practical experience, pick the certification that matches your objectives, and use practice tests and peer support to succeed.
Take the next step by reviewing eligibility, mapping a study plan and scheduling targeted practice; becoming PMI certified is an achievable and worthwhile goal.
