PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →CompTIA Security+
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →PMI-ACP vs CompTIA Security+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | PMI-ACP | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $495 USD | ✓$404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 750/1000 |
| Exam duration | 180 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | CompTIA |
| Difficulty |
PMI-ACP
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
CompTIA Security+
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
- You have PM experience and want to formalise agile or multi-methodology skills
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You manage delivery across Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe environments
- You're entering IT security and need a globally recognised, vendor-neutral credential
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- You prefer credentials that work across vendors, not tied to one platform
PMI-ACP and CompTIA Security+ lead to entirely different careers — project management vs cybersecurity. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with CompTIA Security+ — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best PMI-ACP courses
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
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.
Can I get both PMI-ACP and CompTIA Security+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. PMI-ACP and CompTIA Security+ complement each other, covering project management and cybersecurity respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — PMI-ACP or CompTIA Security+?
Both are worth it in 2026. PMI-ACP offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA Security+ offers +$8,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.