Project Management Certifications Compared
Which certification is worth it for you? Compare the major credentials side by side, check your PMP® eligibility in seconds, and get a study plan.
| Credential | Issuer | Best for | Prerequisites (summary) | Exam / format | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMP® | PMI | Experienced PMs, global recognition | 36–60 months leading projects (by education level) + 35 h PM education | Proctored exam; predictive, agile & hybrid | 60 PDUs / 3 years |
| CAPM® | PMI | Entry level, students | Secondary diploma + 23 h PM education | Proctored exam | 15 PDUs / 3 years |
| PMI-ACP® | PMI | Agile practitioners | Agile experience + agile training (check current handbook) | Proctored exam, multiple agile approaches | 30 PDUs / 3 years |
| PRINCE2® Foundation / Practitioner | PeopleCert (AXELOS) | UK/EU/AU, public sector, process roles | Foundation: none. Practitioner: Foundation or another recognised credential | Online or centre exam | Practitioner: renew periodically (CPD or re-exam) |
| PSM I | Scrum.org | Scrum Masters, self-learners | None (course optional) | Online assessment | Does not expire |
| CSM® | Scrum Alliance | Scrum Masters wanting live training | Two-day course with a certified trainer | Online test after course | Every 2 years (SEUs + fee) |
| Google Project Management Certificate | Google via Coursera | Career changers, beginners | None | Self-paced online courses | Does not expire |
| CompTIA Project+ | CompTIA | IT professionals managing small projects | None (experience recommended) | Proctored exam | Good for life |
| APM PFQ / PMQ | Association for Project Management (UK) | UK-based PMs, chartered route | PFQ: none. PMQ: some experience recommended | Exam | No renewal |
Requirements, fees and exam formats change. Always verify on the issuer's official site before you apply. Fees vary by country and membership status.
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Get a free study planHow to choose the right certification
- New to project management? Start with the Google certificate, CAPM® or PRINCE2® Foundation to learn the vocabulary.
- 3+ years leading projects? The PMP® is usually the highest-return credential, especially in North America and the Middle East.
- Working in agile teams? PSM I or CSM first; PMI-ACP® once you have agile experience across several approaches.
- UK, Europe, Australia or government? PRINCE2® is frequently requested; APM qualifications lead toward Chartered Project Professional status in the UK.
- IT generalist? CompTIA Project+ is a solid, lifetime credential.
A 10-week PMP® study plan (outline)
- Weeks 1–2: complete your 35 hours of training; read the exam content outline.
- Weeks 3–5: people domain and agile/hybrid practices.
- Weeks 6–7: process domain — scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, procurement.
- Week 8: business environment, compliance, benefits realisation.
- Week 9: full-length timed mock exams; review every wrong answer.
- Week 10: targeted revision, rest before exam day.
Practise the maths with our earned value, PERT and critical path calculators, and review terms in the glossary.
PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP and PMI are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. PRINCE2® is a registered trademark of PeopleCert group. CSM is a registered mark of Scrum Alliance. PSM is a trademark of Scrum.org. Project.Management is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by any certifying body. See our trademark notice.
Frequently asked questions
Which project management certification is best for beginners?
Entry-level options include the CAPM®, the Google Project Management Certificate, CompTIA Project+ and PRINCE2® Foundation. None require prior project leadership experience.
Is the PMP worth it?
For experienced project managers, the PMP® is the most widely recognised general PM credential, frequently listed in job ads and associated with higher salaries in PMI's own surveys. It requires significant experience and study time.
PRINCE2 or PMP?
PRINCE2® is a process-based method popular in the UK, Europe, Australia and public sector. PMP® is a broader experience-based credential recognised globally and especially in North America. Many senior PMs eventually hold both.
PSM or CSM?
Both are entry Scrum Master credentials. PSM I requires passing a rigorous online assessment with no mandatory course and does not expire; CSM requires a two-day course and periodic renewal.