Project Management Professional credential artwork

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Validates knowledge of project leadership, team management and delivery across predictive, agile and hybrid approaches.

Summary

PMP is the most widely requested project management credential, for people who already lead projects. It shows employers you have real delivery experience and understand predictive, agile and hybrid ways of working, with a strong focus on business judgment.

Good fit if

  • You lead projects and own scope, deadlines, risk and stakeholders
  • You want a broad credential covering predictive, agile and hybrid delivery

Look elsewhere if

  • You are still learning project management basics: CAPM
  • You want a specific role or method such as Scrum Master: CSM

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

2–5 years of project management experience

Required

Experience needed: secondary diploma 5 years; associate/vocational diploma 4; bachelor’s 3; GAC-accredited degree 2. Count non-overlapping project work from the last 10 years.

35 hours of project management training

Required

Complete 35 hours of qualifying project-management training, or hold an active CAPM. From December 1, 2026, live courses must use a PMI-authorized provider or an eligible academic program.

Cost

USD · Non-member
$675
Training assumes you need a new qualifying course.

What holders say

Certification path

An active CAPM counts as the 35 hours of education PMP requires. An active PMP covers the four years of project experience PgMP requires.

Certified Associate in Project Management credential artwork
CAPMEntry-level PMI exam, no experience needed
This certification
Project Management Professional credential artwork
PMPPMI exam for experienced project leaders
Program Management Professional credential artwork
PgMPManaging related projects as a program

Renewal

Renew PMP every 3 years to keep it active.

Validity
3 years
Renewal requirement
60 PDUs per cycle
Renewal fee
$150 USD$60 for PMI members

PDUs are professional development credits. One hour of qualifying learning generally earns one PDU; courses, webinars and relevant reading can count. At least 35 of the 60 PDUs must come from education.

PMI renewal requirements ↗

Alternatives

PRINCE2 Project Management Practitioner credential artwork
PRINCE2 Project Management Practitioner$778 required · Intermediate

Choose PRINCE2 Practitioner to apply a defined project-management method. PMP covers a broader range of delivery approaches.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner credential artwork
PMI-ACP$525 required · Intermediate

Choose PMI-ACP for work centered on agile delivery, including Scrum and Kanban. PMP spans a wider project-management remit.

Certified ScrumMaster credential artwork
CSM$399 required · Entry

Choose CSM for a taught introduction to the Scrum Master role. PMP addresses broader project leadership and requires prior experience.

FAQ

How hard is the PMP exam?

It is a long, scenario-based exam. Most questions ask what a project manager should do next, so memorising definitions is not enough.

Can I take the PMP exam online?

Yes. Pearson VUE offers online proctoring with the same exam and fee as test centers.

How long is the PMP valid?

Three years. You renew by earning 60 PDUs and paying the renewal fee.

Is PMP worth it?

For experienced project managers, usually yes. It appears in many senior project management job postings and is linked to higher salaries.

Last updated October 2026