Compare · 2026
PMP vs PMI-ACP.
A straight-talking comparison from a PMI Authorized Training Partner. No affiliate spin, no ranking games — just what each credential is genuinely best for.
Project Management Professional
PMP
Predictive, hybrid & agile — the general-purpose credential.
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner
PMI-ACP
Agile-only, framework-agnostic — the specialist credential.
The verdict
PMP already covers agile and hybrid delivery, so if you can only do one and you work across both worlds, do PMP. Do PMI-ACP on top when your role is genuinely agile-only across multiple frameworks (Scrum + Kanban + XP + Lean) and you want a broader agile credential than Scrum Master alone.
| Dimension | PMP | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Anyone leading projects — predictive, hybrid, or agile | Agile practitioners working across multiple agile frameworks |
| Experience required | 36 months leading projects (with degree) | 12 months general project + 8 months agile project experience |
| Training required | 35 contact hours PMI ATP | 21 contact hours in agile |
| Exam format | 180 questions, 230 minutes | 120 questions, 3 hours |
| Fees (PMI member) | USD 405 | USD 435 |
| Fees (non-member) | USD 555 | USD 495 |
| Content depth | Broad — entire project lifecycle across all approaches | Deep — Scrum, Kanban, XP, Lean, Crystal, TDD, and hybrid patterns |
| Recognition | The global gold standard PM credential | Well-recognised in agile circles; less known outside them |
| Stackable | Yes — foundation for PgMP, PfMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP | Complementary to PMP; not a required precursor for anything else |
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