PMP vs PMI-ACP: What’s the Best Choice for Your Career in 2024?

Introduction

Have you ever wondered which project management certification could give your career a boost in 2024? If you're scratching your head over PMP vs PMI-ACP Certification, you're not alone. These fancy acronyms might sound like alphabet soup, but they're actually your ticket to better job prospects and fatter paychecks in the world of project management.

Let's break it down: PMP stands for Project Management Professional, while PMI-ACP stands for Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner. Think of these certifications as gold stars on your professional report card. They tell employers, "Hey, this person really knows their stuff when it comes to managing projects!"

The PMI-ACP Certification, in particular, is like a special badge that says you're an expert in agile project management - a flexible, fast-paced way of getting things done that's super popular in today's business world.

PMP Vs PMI ACP

Choosing between PMP certification and PMI-ACP certification is like picking the right tool for your project management toolbox. Both can help you climb the career ladder, but they're designed for different types of projects and managers.

Think of PMP certification covers a wide range of project management techniques, from traditional methods to newer approaches. PMP certification doesn't play favorites - it teaches you about Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid methods, giving you a well-rounded view of the project management world.

On the other hand, PMI-ACP certification is all about mastering Agile Project Management in the fast-paced, flexible world of Agile projects.

So, which one should you go for? Well, that depends on where you want your career to go and what kind of experience you already have under your belt.

If you're aiming to be a project management all-rounder, able to handle any type of project that comes your way, PMP certification might be your best bet. It's great for those who want to keep their options open and be prepared for anything.

But if you're excited about leading Agile projects, particularly in industries that thrive on quick changes and adaptability (think tech and software development), then PMI-ACP certification could be your golden ticket.

Download Free PMP Study Plan

Explore Eligibility for PMP vs PMI ACP

Criteria	PMP Certification	PMI-ACP Certification
Education	Bachelor's degree preferable	Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or global equivalent)
General Project Experience	With bachelor's degree: 36 months leading projects. Without bachelor's degree: 60 months leading projects	12 months working on project teams within the last 5 years
Specific Experience	35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM Certification	8 months working on agile project teams or with agile methodologies within the last 3 years
Training	35 contact hours of project management education	21 contact hours of training in agile practices
Exam	180 questions-230 minutes to complete	120 questions-3 hours to complete
Renewal	60 PDUs every 3 years	30 PDUs in agile topics every 3 years

Key points to note:

How much study time to be invested?

Aspect	PMP Certification	PMI-ACP Certification
Typical Study Duration	2-6 months	1-3 months
Recommended Study Hours	150-200 hours	60-120 hours
Study Material Complexity	High	Moderate
Main Study Areas	Project Integration Management Scope Management,Schedule Management, Cost Management, Quality Management,Resource Management,Communications Management,Risk Management,Procurement Management, Stakeholder Management	Agile Principles and Mindset,Value-driven Delivery, Stakeholder Engagement,Team Performance, Adaptive Planning, Problem Detection and Resolution, Continuous Improvement
Practice Tests	5-10 full-length practice exams	3-5 full-length practice exams
Self-Study vs. Boot Camp	Both options are viable, boot camps typically 5 full days. Boot camp is mandatory if you need the 35 Contact Hours to meet Training Requirement.	Both options viable, boot camps typically 3 days

Key Points:

The Exam Experience: PMP / PMI-ACP

Aspect	PMP Certification	PMI-ACP Certification
Number of Questions	180	120
Question Type	Multiple-choice single response, multiple responses, matching, hotspot and limited fill-in-the-blank	Multiple-choice single option
Exam Duration	230 minutes (3 hours 50 minutes)	180 minutes (3 hours)
Breaks	Two 10-minute breaks	No scheduled breaks
Exam Delivery	Computer-based test (CBT) at testing centers or online proctored	Computer-based test (CBT) at testing centers or online proctored
Scoring	Questions are scored as correct or incorrect. No penalty for wrong answers.	Questions are scored as correct or incorrect. No penalty for wrong answers.
Passing Score	Not disclosed by PMI (scaled score)	Not disclosed by PMI (scaled score)
Language Options	Multiple languages available	English only
Question Distribution	People: 42% Process: 50% Business Environment: 8%	Agile Principles and Mindset: 16%,Value-driven Delivery: 20%,Stakeholder Engagement: 17%,Team Performance: 16%,Adaptive Planning: 12%, Problem Detection and Resolution: 10%,Continuous Improvement: 9%
Exam Focus	Scenario-based questions testing application of knowledge	Mix of situational, conceptual, and knowledge-based questions

Key Differences:

For detailed you can check PMP Exam Content Outline

What’s the Exam Cost ?

When preparing for professional certifications such as the PMP or PMI-ACP, you'll need to pay for the exams. Generally, the fee for the PMI-ACP exam is less than that for the PMP exam. PMI members enjoy a substantial discount on these fees. However, the specific cost can vary based on your location. For detailed and location-specific pricing, you should visit the PMI website.

PMP vs PMI ACP: Industry Recognition

Project management is rapidly expanding worldwide, creating millions of new jobs each year. The adoption of Agile methodologies is also increasing as more organizations recognize its benefits.

PMP	PMI-ACP
Project Leadership Roles	Leading Agile Teams, Working on Agile Teams and Agile Transformations
$94,941 Average Annual Salary	$112,000 Average Annual Salary
Earns 16% higher than non-certified professionals	No official data available
11% Estimated Job Growth	22% Estimated Job Growth

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between PMP and PMI-ACP

A. Pros of Getting Certified

PMP	PMI-ACP
Number 1 certification in Project Management	PMI's fastest growing certification
Millions of jobs being created every year	Increasing importance due to rapid Agile adoptions
Comprehensive understanding of Project Management knowledge and practice	Focus on Agile practices and improving team performance
Improves project leadership skills	Improves team management skills and helps drive performance using Agile methods

B. Cons of Getting Certified

PMP	PMI-ACP
Requires extensive preparation	World reputed for Agile practices
PMP exam is difficult	Not as difficult as the PMP exam
Too many candidates for the best project leadership roles	Relevance for organizations that uses Agile methods

Conclusion

Choosing between PMP and PMI-ACP certifications depends on your career goals and the industry you work in. PMP is ideal for those seeking comprehensive project management knowledge and leadership roles across various sectors. In contrast, PMI-ACP is perfect for professionals focused on Agile methodologies and improving team performance in rapidly evolving environments. Both certifications offer significant career benefits, but it's essential to align your choice with your professional aspirations and the demands of your industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I pursue both PMP and PMI-ACP certifications, and how would this benefit my career?

Yes, you can pursue both certifications. Having both PMP and PMI-ACP can significantly enhance your versatility and marketability, showcasing your expertise in both traditional project management and Agile methodologies, making you a valuable asset in various project environments.

How does the PMI-ACP certification support Agile transformation in organizations?

PMI-ACP certification equips professionals with in-depth knowledge of Agile principles and practices, enabling them to lead and facilitate Agile transformations effectively. This certification helps in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and adaptive planning within organizations.

Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining PMP and PMI-ACP certifications?

Yes, both certifications require continuing education to maintain. PMP holders must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years. PMI-ACP holders need to earn 30 PDUs in Agile topics every three years.

Which industries benefit the most from hiring PMP vs. PMI-ACP certified professionals?

PMP certified professionals are highly sought after in industries such as construction, where structured project management processes are critical. PMI-ACP certified professionals are in high demand in industries like IT, software development, where flexibility, handling VUCA world and rapid response to changes are crucial.