Project management certifications
The best certification depends on your experience and where you work. With 3+ years leading projects, choose the PMP: it has the widest recognition and the biggest salary premium. New to project management? The CAPM needs no experience. On an agile team? PMI-ACP or CSM. Working in the UK or Europe? PRINCE2 is the standard.
Which project management certifications are worth it?
Each guide covers eligibility, exam format, cost, a study plan and how to pass.
Project Management Professional Most popular
Project Management Institute (PMI)
The global standard for experienced project managers, with the highest salary premium of any PM certification.
- Exam
- 180 questions, 240 minutes
- Experience
- 36–60 months
- Exam fee
- $405 member, $655 non-member
- Renewal
- 60 PDUs every 3 years
Certified Associate in Project Management Entry level
Project Management Institute (PMI)
PMI's starter credential. No project leadership experience needed, just 23 hours of training.
- Exam
- 150 questions, 3 hours
- Experience
- None
- Exam fee
- From $225 (PMI member)
- Renewal
- 15 PDUs every 3 years
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner Agile
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Covers Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, XP and more, for people working on agile teams in any industry.
- Exam
- 120 questions, 3 hours
- Experience
- 2 years agile (an active PMP counts)
- Exam fee
- $435–$495
- Renewal
- 30 PDUs every 3 years
PMO Certified Professional New in 2026
Project Management Institute (PMI)
For people who set up, run or lead a PMO. Launched February 2026; PMP holders skip the experience requirement.
- Exam
- 120 questions, 165 minutes
- Experience
- 36 months, or none with PMP
- Launched
- February 2026
- Renewal
- 30 PDUs every 3 years
Certified Professional in Managing AI AI projects
Project Management Institute (PMI)
A structured method for leading AI and data projects. No coding or prior experience needed.
- Exam
- 120 questions, 160 minutes
- Experience
- None, PMI prep course only
- Exam fee
- $699 (PMI member)
- Renewal
- 30 PDUs every 3 years
PRINCE2 Practitioner UK and Europe
PeopleCert (Axelos)
The leading method in the UK, Europe and Australia, used widely in government and large organisations.
Not sure whether a UK qualification or PMP suits you better? My APM vs PMP guide compares them side by side.
- Exams
- Foundation, then Practitioner
- Experience
- None
- Exam fee
- About £440 (Practitioner)
- Renewal
- Every 3 years, with CPD
Certified ScrumMaster Scrum
Scrum Alliance
The most widely held Scrum certification. A 2-day course and a short test, with no experience needed.
- Format
- 2-day course + 50-question test
- Experience
- None
- Course fee
- $995–$1,500, exam included
- Renewal
- Every 2 years, with SEUs
PMI fees are standard US prices. PMI prices exams by the country in your account and local tax may apply, so check your exact fee before paying. How PMP fees vary by country.
How do you choose a certification?
- Count your months of project leadership experience; the PMP needs 36 with a degree.
- Pick the market you want to work in: PRINCE2 and APM for the UK, PMP internationally.
- Add an agile credential if your team works in sprints.
- Check 10 job adverts for the role you want next.
How do the certifications compare side by side?
A quick reference. For salary impact and difficulty, see the full rankings.
| Certification | Issuer | Experience needed | Exam cost (US) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMP | PMI | 36–60 months | $405–$655 | Experienced project managers worldwide |
| CAPM | PMI | None (23 training hours) | $225–$300 | Beginners and students |
| PMI-ACP | PMI | 2 years agile (an active PMP counts) | $435–$495 | Agile practitioners |
| PMI-PMOCP | PMI | 36 months, or none with PMP | See guide | PMO leads and managers |
| PMI-CPMAI | PMI | None (prep course) | $699 (member) | AI and data project leads |
| PRINCE2 Practitioner | PeopleCert | None | About £440 | UK, Europe and Australia |
| CSM | Scrum Alliance | None | $995–$1,500 with course | Scrum teams, fast start |
| PSM I | Scrum.org | None | $150 | Scrum on a budget |
Studying from Pakistan? See the PMP certification cost in Pakistan in rupees.
Still deciding?
Head-to-head guides and what happens after you pass.
Common questions.
Short answers, with links to the full guides.
Which project management certification is best?
Which PM certification should I get first?
How much does a PMP certification cost?
Is PMP or PRINCE2 better?
Can I get a PMP without a degree?
How long does it take to get PMP certified?
PMP since 2019. MS in Project Management from Bahria University, Islamabad, and former project management lecturer at International Islamic University, Islamabad. My advice: pick the credential that matches the jobs you're applying for, not the one with the most buzz.
Going for the PMP? Start with the 2026 study guide.
Written for the July 2026 exam. All 8 question types, a formula sheet and 50 practice questions, for $7.