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Not sure whether to pursue the PMI-ACP or PMP certification? Let’s help you decide!

In today’s fast-changing work environment, having the right project management certification can make all the difference. If you’re debating between the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) and the Project Management Professional (PMP), you’re not alone. Both certifications are valuable, but which one is best suited to your career goals?

Agile methodologies, which PMI-ACP supports, are becoming more popular due to their flexibility, while PMP remains the gold standard for structured, traditional project management. The key is to determine which approach best suits your work style and industry.

In this blog, we hope to have helped clarify your choice between PMI-ACP and PMP. Whichever path you choose, both certifications can elevate your project management career.

PMI-ACP vs PMP: Roles and Salary Comparison

When choosing between the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications, understanding the roles and salary expectations is key. Both are valuable, but they cater to different methodologies and industries.

PMI-ACP Roles

  • Scrum Master: Oversees agile development teams, ensuring they follow agile principles and remove roadblocks.
  • Agile Coach: Offers advice on agile techniques, assisting teams and organisations in putting agile principles into reality.
  • Agile Project Manager: Manages projects using agile methodologies, focusing on flexibility and iterative progress.

PMP Positions

  • Project Manager: Manages all aspects of a project from planning to execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and scope are met.
  • Programme Manager: Oversees multiple related projects, aligning them with organisational goals.
  • Portfolio Manager: Manages a collection of projects or programmes to achieve strategic business objectives.

Salary Comparison

PMP-certified professionals often earn significantly more than PMI-ACP holders, with an average salary of $120,000 annually in the USA. PMI-ACP professionals typically earn around $46,961 per year but may command higher salaries in agile-centric industries.

CertificationTypical RolesAverage Salary (USD)
PMI-ACPScrum Master, Agile Coach, Agile Project Manager$46,961 (ZipRecruiter)
PMPProject Manager, Programme Manager, Portfolio Manager$120,000

For more detailed salary insights, check out our in-depth PMI-ACP Salary Blog.

PMI ACP vs PMP – Difficulty Level

A major consideration when choosing between the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications is the difficulty of each exam. Although they both need extensive planning, their primary domains of focus are different.

PMI-ACP Exam

The PMI-ACP certification focuses on agile approaches and assesses your proficiency using frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. 120 multiple-choice questions on the test cover a range of agile concepts and techniques. It is thought to be less rigorous than the PMP test, but it nevertheless poses a special challenge because of its broad use across several agile frameworks.

  • Question Format: 120 multiple-choice questions
  • Study Time: 100-150 hours of preparation
  • Focus: Agile methodologies and frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, Lean, etc.)
  • Difficulty: The challenge lies in mastering different agile approaches rather than just one.

PMP Exam

The PMP exam is known for its complexity, requiring a deep understanding of traditional project management principles. It has 180 questions that cover the following five major areas: planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, closing, and initiating. PMP requires more extensive preparation due to its broader scope and depth of knowledge requirements.

  • Question Format: 180 questions (multiple choice, multiple response, and matching)
  • Study Time: 200-300 hours of preparation
  • Focus: Traditional project management, with emphasis on managing scope, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Difficulty: Often seen as more difficult because of its comprehensive coverage of both technical and leadership aspects of project management.

Difficulty Comparison Table

Both exams come with their challenges. The PMP goes into comprehensive project management principles, whereas the PMI-ACP demands proficiency with agile frameworks. The decision is based on your background and professional goals, including whether you like traditional project management frameworks or agile work environments.

CertificationNumber of QuestionsStudy Time (Hours)Focus AreasDifficulty
PMI-ACP120100-150Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, Lean)Moderate, due to the variety of agile frameworks
PMP180200-300Traditional project management domainsHigh, due to broad coverage of project management principles

Eligibility Criteria for PMI-ACP and PMP

When deciding between the PMI-ACP and PMP certifications, it’s essential to understand the specific eligibility requirements for each. These criteria will help you assess which certification aligns better with your background and professional experience.

CriteriaPMI-ACPPMP
Experience2,000 hours of general project experience, plus 1,500 hours in agile projects4,500 hours (degree holders) or 7,500 hours (non-degree holders) in traditional project management
EducationA secondary degree or higher + 21 hours of agile trainingBachelor’s degree (or equivalent) + 35 hours of project management education
Project Management HoursFocus on agile projects, emphasising practical experience in agile frameworksRequires extensive hours in traditional project management

PMI ACP vs PMP – Exam Pattern

The exam patterns for the PMI-ACP and PMP certifications differ significantly in terms of structure, content, and focus, reflecting the methodologies each certification prioritises.

CriteriaPMI-ACPPMP
Number of Questions120180
Question TypesMultiple-choice, scenario-based, theoreticalMultiple-choice, drag-and-drop, matching, scenario-based
FocusAgile principles and frameworks (Scrum, Lean, Kanban)Traditional project management, covering five domains
Exam ChallengeEmphasises agile methodology in flexible environmentsBroader scope, tests application of project management in real-world scenarios
Ideal ForProfessionals in agile, adaptive environmentsProfessionals in structured, traditional project settings

PMI-ACP vs PMP: Cost Comparison

When considering professional certifications, the cost is a significant factor in your decision. Both the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications have associated fees, which include the exam, study materials, and recertification costs.

PMI-ACP Certification Costs

  • Exam Fee:
    • PMI members: $435
    • Non-members: $495
  • Study Materials and Training: Expect to spend between $250 – $1,300 on preparation materials and training courses, depending on the provider.
  • Recertification: Every three years, you’ll need to pay $90 for recertification.

PMP Certification Costs

  • Exam Fee:
    • PMI members: $405
    • Non-members: $555
  • Study Materials and Training: The cost of preparation materials and courses ranges from $300 – $1,500.
  • Recertification: Similar to PMI-ACP, PMP certification requires recertification every three years, with a fee of $100.

Cost Comparison Table

While the PMP certification requires slightly more upfront exam fees, both certifications have similar ongoing recertification costs. The cost of study materials and training varies greatly depending on which provider you choose, but both certifications necessitate a significant investment in preparation.

CertificationPMI-ACPPMP
Exam Fee (PMI Members)$435$405
Exam Fee (Non-Members)$495$555
Study Materials & Training$250 – $1,300$300 – $1,500
Recertification Fee$90 every 3 years$100 every 3 years

PMI-ACP vs PMP – Which Certification is Better?

Deciding between PMI-ACP and PMP comes down to your career goals and industry needs:

  • If you work in or aim to enter agile environments like software development or IT, PMI-ACP might be the better choice. It aligns well with organisations embracing agile methodologies and provides a competitive edge in such fields.
  • For those in industries that still heavily rely on traditional project management (construction, finance, etc.), PMP remains the gold standard. It opens up opportunities for senior roles in a broader range of industries.

Ultimately, the right certification depends on where you see yourself in the future. Are you drawn to the flexibility of agile, or do you prefer the structured approach of traditional project management?

Boost Your PMI-ACP Exam Preparation with Key Resources

Enhance your PMI-ACP exam preparation with these essential study tools that will help you prepare as much as possible:

  • PMI-ACP Exam Prep Course: With the help of our PMI-ACP Course, you can acquire a thorough understanding of agile practices and principles.
  • PMI-ACP Real Practice Exams: Use our PMI-ACP Real Practice Exams to assess your readiness and familiarise yourself with the exam style.

Ready to take the next step in your agile career? Join our PMI-ACP Course today to get certified and unlock your full potential in agile project management!

How to Get PMP Certification Fast?

Looking to fast-track your PMP certification? Enrolling in a structured training program, such as the one provided by PM Training School, is one of the most efficient methods. Here’s how PM Training School can help accelerate your journey:

  • Certified Instructors: Learn from experienced instructors who provide expert guidance and real-world insights.
  • PMP Exam Prep Course: Dive deep into all exam topics with our comprehensive PMP Course.
  • PMP Real Practice Exams: Test your knowledge with our PMP Real Practice Exams, which are designed to mirror the actual exam environment.
  • PMP Flashcards: Quickly review key terms and concepts with our handy PMP Flashcards.
  • PMP Weekly Quiz: Stay sharp and assess your progress with our PMP Weekly Quiz.

At PM Training School, we prepare you not just for the exam but also for long-term success in the field of project management. You can shorten the time it takes to earn your PMP certification by adhering to an intensive learning plan and making use of our developed materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s go over some commonly asked questions from professionals about the PMI-ACP and PMP certifications:

1. Which is harder, PMP or PMI-ACP?

The PMP is generally considered more difficult due to its broader scope, covering all aspects of traditional project management. A thorough comprehension of five project management domains is necessary. However, the PMI-ACP can be difficult to complete, especially if you are unfamiliar with agile methodologies. 

For individuals who are not familiar with agile frameworks, the PMI-ACP test covers a wide range of them, which can be challenging.

2. Can I take both certifications?

Yes, many professionals choose to pursue both certifications to demonstrate their expertise in both traditional and agile project management. Having both certifications can provide a major advantage in industries that appreciate adaptability and broad project management skills.

3. Which certification offers better career growth?

This depends on your industry and career goals. The PMP certification is widely recognised across a broad range of industries, including construction, finance, and healthcare, offering more diverse career opportunities. 

However, PMI-ACP is becoming more and more in demand in software development and IT environments, which makes it perfect for professionals working in agile-focused fields.

4. Are the recertification requirements different?

Yes, both certifications require renewal every three years, but the process differs slightly. The PMI-ACP recertification is generally less expensive and time-consuming, with fewer Professional Development Units (PDUs) required compared to the PMP. For PMI-ACP, recertification costs around $90, whereas PMP renewal costs about $100.

Conclusion

We hope that this blog has given you insights into both certifications, helping you weigh the benefits of PMI-ACP and PMP. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead in agile environments or build a solid foundation in traditional project management, both certifications can significantly impact your career.

Need help preparing for the PMI-ACP or PMP exam?

Check out our comprehensive ACP Course and PMP course pages for expert guidance. Enquire now to get personalised support on your certification journey!

  • Dr Faiz Rasool
    CEO and Founder at PM Training School (PMI Premier and SAFe Transformation Partner)

    Faiz runs PM Training School, a PMI's Premier Authorised Training Partner and SAFe Bronze transformation partner. Dr Faiz Rasool is a multi-award winning Agile and Business Transformation Consultant, Speaker, Trainer and Coach who finely combines on one hand an in-depth knowledge and grasp of Project/Programme/Portfolio Management and on the other hand, experience and expertise in Business Strategy, Business Analysis and Change Management. A rare mix of competencies that perfectly blend and are needed for driving corporate growth. Faiz have demonstrated a track record of driving growth, managing successful transformation projects, improving Business Process, and successfully creating solutions for complex business problems. Faiz brings a mix of best practice thinking, practical experience and working knowledge of the local operating environment to projects and consulting engagements.

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