Top 8 Project Management Certifications for 2026

What Are PMI Certifications?

PMI certifications are globally recognized credentials offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority in project management. These certifications validate your skills, experience, and ability to lead projects successfully across industries.

Earning a PMI credential demonstrates your ability to apply proven project management principles, meet organizational goals efficiently, and uphold global standards of excellence in project delivery.

Top 8 PMI Certifications

Here's a detailed look at the top 8 project management certifications from PMI:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)®

Certification Overview

The PMP® certification is globally recognized as the gold standard for project management professionals. It validates your ability to lead and direct projects, from initiation through closure, across people, processes, and priorities.

Best Suited for

• Experienced project managers responsible for end-to-end delivery
• Professionals who lead cross-functional teams
• Those aiming for senior leadership roles in project management

How to Get Certified

• A bachelor’s degree + 36 months of project leadership experience + 35 hours of project management education
• Submit your application through PMI’s website and await approval
• Pay the exam fee and schedule your exam
• Pass the exam: 180 questions over 230 minutes

Cost

The exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $655 for non-members.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

Certification Overview

The CAPM® credential offered by PMI is designed for individuals new to project management. It demonstrates your knowledge of foundational project management terminology, processes, and best practices.

Best Suited for

• Entry-level professionals aspiring to project coordinator or project analyst roles
• Individuals looking to build a strong project management foundation before moving into a lead role
• Career switchers seeking credibility in project management

How to Get Certified

• High school diploma (or equivalent) + either 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education
• Submit your application to PMI and await approval
• Pay the exam fee and schedule your exam
• Pass the exam (150 questions, 3 hours)

Cost

The exam fee is approximately $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.

3. Program Management Professional (PgMP)®

Certification Overview

The PgMP® credential from PMI recognizes professionals who manage complex programs composed of multiple, related projects aligned with strategic business goals. It is intended for senior practitioners who coordinate cross-project initiatives and drive value at an organizational level.

Best Suited for

• Seasoned project managers overseeing multiple interrelated projects
• Professionals responsible for strategic alignment, cross-functional coordination, and large-scale change
• Executives and leaders who want to validate program management expertise

How to Get Certified

• 4-7 years of program-related experience managing multiple projects
• Submit a program of work experience and an application to PMI
• Upon application approval, pay the exam fee and schedule the exam
• Pass the exam and maintain certification through continuing professional development

Cost

The exam fee is $800 for PMI members and $1000 for non-members.

4. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)®

Certification Overview

The PfMP® credential recognizes professionals who oversee and manage a portfolio of projects and programs that align with organizational strategic objectives. This certification demonstrates the capability to direct, prioritize, and govern multiple projects collectively to deliver enterprise-wide outcomes.

Best Suited for

• Senior executives or portfolio managers responsible for aligning multiple projects with organizational strategy
• Professionals managing large, complex portfolios rather than single projects or a program
• Individuals seeking strategic leadership roles in enterprise project governance

How to Get Certified

• Several years of professional business and portfolio management experience (per PMI handbook)
• Submit the online application and pay the application or processing fee
• Undergo a panel review of your experience and then, if approved, pay the exam fee and schedule the exam
• Pass the PfMP exam, then maintain certification through PDUs each cycle

Cost

The exam fee is $800 for PMI members and $1000 for non-members.

5. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®

Certification Overview

The PMI-ACP® credential recognizes professionals proficient in agile methodologies across domains such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and hybrid practices. It validates your ability to lead agile teams and apply agile principles to project delivery.

Best Suited for

• Project managers and team leads working in agile or hybrid project environments
• Professionals looking to validate their agile expertise and mindset across methodologies
• Those aiming for roles where agility, responsiveness, and iterative delivery are key

How to Get Certified

• Secondary degree, 2,000 hours of general project experience, 1,500 hours of agile project experience (last 3 years), and 21 contact hours of agile training
• Apply for PMI and, upon approval, schedule the exam
• Pass the exam (120-question MCQs)
• Maintain certification via PDUs and continuing education

Cost

The exam fee is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members.

6. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®

Certification Overview

The PMI-RMP® credential is designed for project professionals who specialize in risk management. It validates your ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and to implement advanced risk management practices.

Best Suited for

• Risk managers, project managers, or professionals with a focus on risk identification, analysis, and response
• Individuals working in highly complex projects where risk management is critical
• Professionals looking to lead in the domain of project risk governance and assurance

How to Get Certified

• High school diploma with 36 months of project risk management experience (within the last 5 years) and 40 hours of risk management education; or bachelor’s degree with 24 months of experience and 30 hours of education
• Submit application, await approval, pay exam fee, and schedule the exam
• Pass the exam and earn the required PDUs for renewal every 3 years

Cost

The exam fee is $520 for PMI members and $670 for non-members.

7. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI‑SP)®

Certification Overview

The PMI-SP® credential recognizes and rewards project professionals who specialize in developing and maintaining the project schedule. It highlights expertise in schedule strategy, planning, development, monitoring, and controlling, stakeholder communications, and schedule close-out across various sectors.

Best Suited for

• Project schedulers and planning engineers working in environments where schedule accuracy and control are critical
• Project managers or team members aiming to demonstrate advanced scheduling proficiency
• Professionals in sectors such as construction, engineering, aerospace, or IT, where schedule risk and complexity are high

How to Get Certified

• Secondary degree + 40 months of project scheduling experience (last 5 years) + 40 hours of project scheduling education, or four-year degree + 24 months of scheduling experience + 30 hours of education
• Submit your application via PMI’s online portal and pay the exam fee once approved
• Schedule and pass the exam: 170 questions, 3.5 hours
• Maintain certification by earning 30 PDUs every three years

Cost

The exam fee is $520 for PMI members and $670 for non-members.

8. PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI‑PBA)®

Certification Overview

The PMI-PBA® credential is designed for professionals who perform business analysis in the project and program environment, helping organizations define business needs, determine solutions, and manage requirements. It validates your competence in applying requirements management and business analysis practices across projects.

Best Suited for

• Business analysts working in projects and programs who manage requirements, engage stakeholders, and shape deliverables
• Project and program leaders who want to integrate business analysis and project leadership
• Professionals looking to enhance their credibility in requirements management and business solutions delivery

How to Get Certified

• Secondary degree + 60 months of business-analysis experience (within last 8 years) + 35 contact hours of business analysis education
• Submit your application via PMI, wait for approval, then pay the exam fee
• Take and pass the exam: 200 questions, 4 hours
• Renew certification: 60 PDUs every three years in business-analysis domains

Cost

The exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members.

Did You Know? 🕵️

PMP-certified project managers earn 33% more on average than their non-certified peers. (Source: PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey)

How to Get a Project Management Certification?

Earning a project management certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in project management. While specific requirements vary by credential, the steps below outline the general process for certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP)®.

Step 1. Review Requirements: Visit the official PMI website to check eligibility criteria for your chosen certification, including education, project experience, and training hours.

Step 2. Gain Experience and Education: Fulfill the required experience and complete the necessary project management education (e.g., 35 contact hours for PMP®).

Step 3. Apply Online: Submit your application through the PMI portal, detailing your education and project experience. Applications are reviewed within five business days.

Step 4. Prepare for the Exam: Study the PMBOK® Guide and PMI-approved materials. Take practice tests or enroll in an authorized prep course to strengthen your readiness.

Step 5. Schedule and Take the Exam: After approval and payment, schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, either at a test center or online. Follow PMI’s instructions to complete your assessment.

Step 6. Maintain Your Certification: Earn and report Professional Development Units (PDUs) to keep your certification active. Submit renewal applications and fees through PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS) before expiration.

Conclusion

Project management certifications define excellence in project management, offering professionals a globally recognized pathway to validate their skills, leadership, and strategic impact.

Whether you’re starting your career with the CAPM®, advancing to the PMP®, or specializing through credentials like the PMI-ACP® or PfMP®, each certification enhances your credibility and career potential.

As industries evolve and demand agile, adaptable leaders, earning a PMI credential is more than a professional milestone; it’s a long-term investment in growth, relevance, and global opportunity.

PMP® and PMBOK® are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

All exam costs are taken from PMI.