Project Management Institute (PMI) is an international not-for-profit association of project management professionals. It has around half a million members in 185 countries. It has more than 250 chapters worldwide and encompasses 30 industry based communities of practice. It is engaged in research programs, trainings and professional development pertaining to project management. It renders training services through 1500 registered education providers. PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) has accredited 85 undergraduate and graduate courses of project management.
PMI has developed “Standards for Project, Program and Portfolio management” which is a globally recognized set of practice standards in project and program management.
PMI offers six certification exams-
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): – This is a beginner level certification in project management. This certification is taken by high school graduates or global equivalents. It is most suitable for candidates who want to begin a career in project management early. The content of CAPM is based on PMBOK guide.
Project Management Professional (PMP): – This certification has been developed for credentialing of project management professionals. The certificate serves as a documented proof of their skills and knowledge. The credentialed individuals are able to place in reputed companies and are benefited in salaries and prospects in comparison to non-credentialed individuals. This examination is taken by graduates in project management as well as by high school graduates with experience in project management field.
Program Management Professional (PgMP): – This is a certification developed for credentialing of program management professionals. PgMP covers all aspects of program management including definition of program, initiating, planning, executing, controlling and executing a program. This examination is taken by graduates in program management as well as high school diploma holders with relevant experience.
PMI- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): – This certification has been developed for credentialing of project managers using agile tools and techniques in their projects or engaged in such projects. PMI-ACP documents a professional’s specialized skills and knowledge of project management and capability to handle agile project teams. This examination is taken by experienced project management professionals who want to get certified as agile practitioner.
PMI- Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP): – This certification has been developed for credentialing of project managers in risk management specialty. PMI-RMP credentialed individuals are risk management experts who are responsible for identification and evaluation of risks, reduction in menaces, and best utilization of available resources and opportunities. The content of this examination is based on blueprint included in PMI Risk Management Professional Examination Specification.
PMI- Scheduling Professional: – This exam has been developed for credentialing of project managers in project scheduling specialty. The content of PMI SP is based on a blueprint contained in PMI Scheduling Professional Examination Specifications.