8 PMI Certifications to Level up Your Project Management Career

What is a PMI certification

PMI certifications help professionals develop their careers and solidify their expertise as project managers. If you’re in a project coordinator role or a product management role, a PMI certification can come in handy.

PMI Certifications

PMI offers the following certifications for project professionals:

PMI-PMP

PMP is a well-recognized and popular certificate in the project management field with more than a million certified professionals around the globe. The certification process includes an exam that tests the project manager’s knowledge of conducting processes and managing people.

The exam contains 175 questions related to project scope and stakeholder engagement.

Good for: Professional who want to develop their career.

Cost: $425 for members and $675 for non-members

PMI-CAPM

The CAPM is for people who want to add skills to resumes, and assume more responsibilities. The exam covers risk and communications areas.

Good for: Those who want to to grow their expertise and experience.

Cost:  $225 for members and $300 for non-members.

PMI-ACP

The CAPM exam consists of 100 scored questions in the areas of adaptive planning and problem detection and resolution.

Good for: CAPM is good for project managers with Agile experience.

Cost: $435 for members and $495 for non-members

PMI-PBA

The PMI-PBA exam has 175 questions on it. The exam tests the candidates in planning, needs assessment, and monitoring related to business analysis aspects.

Good for: The certification is good for business analysis professionals.

Cost: $405 for members and $555 for non-members.

PMI-PgMP

PgMP certification holders are able to manage complex tasks. Obtaining the certification entails passing an interview with the panel and taking the exam. The exam has 150 questions that cover tasks related to stakeholders’ relationship development and evaluation of project risks.

Good for: The certification is good for program managers.

Cost: $800 for members and $1000 for non-members.

PMI-PfMP

PfMP certifies your portfolio management competency. The exam has 150 questions that cover monitoring portfolio performance and maintaining a communications strategy.

Good for: The certification exam is for those with a career in portfolio management and who have achieved a senior level or an executive level role.

Cost: $800 for members and $1,000 for non-members

PMI-RMP

The credential shows that the professional is prepared to reduce risks for projects.

The exam has 150 questions that cover the risk analysis and stakeholders’ education in risk processes and principles.

Good for: The certification is for professionals who have years of work experience

Cost: $425 for members and $675 for non-members

PMI-SP

PMI-SP verifies your capabilities as a scheduling professional. The exam has 150 questions on it that cover areas like estimation of activity durations.

Good for: The certification is ideal for project managers with scheduling capabilities

Cost: $520 for members and $670 for non-members

Are PMI Certifications Worth it

PMI certifications can boost your career and give you skills. Many employers might require a certification but not every opportunity requires the certification. The PMP certification is linked to higher levels of income.

How do I get a PMI Certification

Meet the requirements

Before you apply, you’ll have to ensure that you have documentation of work experience.

Apply

Next,create an account with the PMI. If you get approved, pay for the exam and schedule.

Take the exam

Consist of multiple-choice responses and hotspots questions.

Maintain your certification

Each certification has a validity of three years. You need to earn an amount of PDUs during the time.

8 PMI Certifications to Level Up Your Project Management Career- FAQs

Which PMI project management certification is most appropriate for entry-level?

The CAPM certification is the most appropriate certification for entry-level

Is PMP good for beginners?

If you are a beginner, you may want to gain more experience or look for a CAPM certification before you get the PMP.

What is the hardest project management certification?

Of all the certifications, the PMP is the hardest certification to get. The required experience is extensive, the process is onerous, and the exam and training aren’t a cakewalk.

What are the benefits of PMI membership?

Key benefits of PMI membership are access to AI powered assistants, access to PMI infinity, a free copy of the PMBOK Guide, exclusive events, and up to 30% discounts on courses.

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