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.
Table of Contents
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.
Certification | Typical Roles | Average Salary (USD) |
---|---|---|
PMI-ACP | Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Agile Project Manager | $46,961 (ZipRecruiter) |
PMP | Project 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.
Certification | Number of Questions | Study Time (Hours) | Focus Areas | Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|---|
PMI-ACP | 120 | 100-150 | Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, Lean) | Moderate, due to the variety of agile frameworks |
PMP | 180 | 200-300 | Traditional project management domains | High, 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.
Criteria | PMI-ACP | PMP |
---|---|---|
Experience | 2,000 hours of general project experience, plus 1,500 hours in agile projects | 4,500 hours (degree holders) or 7,500 hours (non-degree holders) in traditional project management |
Education | A secondary degree or higher + 21 hours of agile training | Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) + 35 hours of project management education |
Project Management Hours | Focus on agile projects, emphasising practical experience in agile frameworks | Requires 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.
Criteria | PMI-ACP | PMP |
---|---|---|
Number of Questions | 120 | 180 |
Question Types | Multiple-choice, scenario-based, theoretical | Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, matching, scenario-based |
Focus | Agile principles and frameworks (Scrum, Lean, Kanban) | Traditional project management, covering five domains |
Exam Challenge | Emphasises agile methodology in flexible environments | Broader scope, tests application of project management in real-world scenarios |
Ideal For | Professionals in agile, adaptive environments | Professionals 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.
Certification | PMI-ACP | PMP |
---|---|---|
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!
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