PMP vs PMI-ACP
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
PMI
PMP
PMP
The gold-standard project management certification recognized globally — validates ability to lead projects across any methodology.
Full guide →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 →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | PMP | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $555 USD | ✓$495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$25,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 230 min | 180 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | PMI |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Intermediate |
PMP — Prerequisites
4-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 hours PM education (or 60 months with high school diploma)
PMI-ACP — Prerequisites
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
Get PMP if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$25,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from PMI
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
Best PMP courses
Best PMI-ACP courses
Frequently asked questions
Is PMP harder than PMI-ACP?
PMP is harder — rated advanced vs intermediate.
Which pays more — PMP or PMI-ACP?
PMP has an average salary uplift of +$25,000/yr, while PMI-ACP has +$15,000/yr. PMP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — PMP or PMI-ACP?
PMI-ACP is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMP.