Comparison Chart of PMI Certifications
| Certification | Pre-requisites | Average Study Time | Exam Length | Member Exam Price | Non-Member Exam Price | PDUs Required to Maintain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPM | None | 3-6 months | 3 hours, 150 questions | $225 | $300 | 15 PDUs per 3-year cycle |
| PMI-ACP | 2,000 hours of general project experience + 1,500 hours working on agile project teams | 3-6 months | 3 hours, 120 questions | $435 | $495 | 30 PDUs per 3-year cycle |
| PMP | 4,500 hours leading projects (with a 4-year degree) or 7,500 hours (with a high school diploma) | 6-12 months | 4 hours, 180 questions | $405 | $555 | 60 PDUs per 3-year cycle |
| PgMP | 6,000 hours of project management experience + 6,000 hours of program management experience | 6-12 months | 4 hours, 170 questions | $800 | $1,000 | 60 PDUs per 3-year cycle |
| PfMP | 6,000 hours of portfolio management experience + 8 years of professional business experience | 6-12 months | 4 hours, 170 questions | $800 | $1,000 | 60 PDUs per 3-year cycle |
| PMI-RMP | 4,500 hours of project risk management experience (with a 4-year degree) or 7,500 hours (with a high school diploma) | 3-6 months | 3.5 hours, 170 questions | $520 | $670 | 30 PDUs per 3-year cycle |
Compelling Case for Employer Investment
Investing in PMI certifications for project managers can significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of your project teams. Here are some key points to justify this investment:
Improved Project Outcomes: PMI-certified project managers are equipped with standardized knowledge and best practices, leading to more successful project completions. According to PMI's Pulse of the Profession report, organizations with more than one-third of their project managers certified have a higher project success rate.
Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: PMI certifications cover a wide range of methodologies and practices, including both predictive and agile approaches. This ensures that certified project managers can adapt to various project environments and challenges.
Increased Efficiency: Certified project managers are trained to manage resources more effectively, reduce project risks, and improve stakeholder communication, leading to more efficient project execution.
Professional Development: Continuous learning and earning PDUs ensure that certified project managers stay updated with the latest trends and practices in project management, which can be directly applied to improve project performance.
Competitive Advantage: Having PMI-certified project managers can be a differentiator for your organization, showcasing a commitment to excellence and professionalism in project management.
Return on Investment: The cost of certification is outweighed by the benefits of improved project delivery, reduced project failures, and enhanced team performance. Organizations with certified project managers report better project performance and higher satisfaction rates among stakeholders.
In summary, investing in PMI certifications for your project managers is a strategic decision that can lead to improved project outcomes, enhanced skills, and a competitive advantage for your organization. The structured knowledge and best practices provided by PMI certifications ensure that your project managers are well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern project environments, ultimately leading to more successful and efficient project completions.
