In the alphabet soup of project management certifications (PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP), which one is right for you?

The answer often varies based on your experience and which industry you want to work in.

Different employers may also have different requirements or preferences for project management certifications. If you are focused on a particular industry, location or employer, we recommend that you research job postings to help determine which certification is right for you.

So which certification is right for you?

If you're an experienced project manager...

PMP certification is the gold standard for experienced project managers. Certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and experience to manage the entire project life cycle, from initiation and planning through execution, support, and closure.

To take the PMP exam, project managers must have experience leading and directing projects as well as meeting specific education requirements, including 35 hours of formal project management training. You can learn more about the requirements here.

Our live instructor-led PMP Exam Prep classes teach the essential skills of project management and provide you with training and support to take the PMP exam. Online and in-person options are available.

In addition to preparing you to take the PMP exam, this class fulfills the PMP certification requirement of 35 hours of formal project management training.

If you're a new project manager...

If you’re just starting your project management career, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification may be right for you. CAPM certification demonstrates that entry-level project managers have foundational project management knowledge and skills.

To qualify for the CAPM certification exam, aspiring project managers must have a high school diploma, associate’s degree or equivalent and 23 hours of formal project management training.

Our Project Management Certificate is designed specifically for new project managers. While it is not a CAPM prep course, it does meet PMI requirements for hours of project management training.

Another option for new project managers is CompTIA Project +. There are no experience or education requirements for taking the Project+ exam, so it can be a good option for those who may not meet the requirements for PMI certifications.

If you're interested in Agile or Scrum...

While a PMP or CAPM certification is valuable across a wide range of industries, employers in some industries may prefer other project management certifications. For example, in software development, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification and Certified ScrumMaster are also in demand.

If you want to add agile and scrum to your skill set without pursuing a specific certification, Advanced Project Management Concepts: Using Agile and Scrum may meet your needs.

The Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc.