PMI-ACP vs CompTIA Security+
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
PMI
PMI-ACP
PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →CompTIA
CompTIA Security+
SY0-701
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | PMI-ACP | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $495 USD | ✓$404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 180 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | CompTIA |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
PMI-ACP — Prerequisites
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
CompTIA Security+ — Prerequisites
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
Get PMI-ACP if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from PMI
Get CompTIA Security+ if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Best PMI-ACP courses
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
Frequently asked questions
Is PMI-ACP harder than CompTIA Security+?
PMI-ACP is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — PMI-ACP or CompTIA Security+?
PMI-ACP has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CompTIA Security+ has +$8,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — PMI-ACP or CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMI-ACP.