The Qualitative Difference Between Pmp and Pgmp Certifications

This article will help you decide if the PMP or PgMP Certification is best for you. 

What exactly is a PMP certification?

PMP is an abbreviation for Project Management Professional, and it is a certification provided to people who satisfy a specific set of standards and pass a challenging exam. A PMP Certification might help you grow in your current career or increase your job prospects.

If you want to make a name for yourself as a project manager, getting a certified Project Management Professional may be the way to go.

Skilled project managers are constantly in demand, and the Project Management Institute predicts that we will need to fill 2.2 million new project-oriented positions each year until 2027. If that isn't convincing enough, look at this infographic outlining the top ten reasons to become a PMP. Having a PMP certificate demonstrates that you are among the finest and that you are knowledgeable in the following areas:

• People and the capacity to lead a project effectively. 
• Process and the ability to successfully manage projects, including their technical components
• Business Environment and the capacity to emphasise the link between projects, people, and organisational strategy.

PMP Certification Requirements

A variety of standards must be met to obtain a PMP certification. Either of the following is required:

• A four-year degree,
• 36 months of project management, AND
• A CAPM certification or 35 hours of project management education/training

OR

• A high school diploma or an associate's degree is required.
• 60 months of project management AND
• A CAPM certification or 35 hours of project management education/training is required.

You'll also need to pass the PMP exam, which consists of 180 questions that must be answered in 230 minutes.

Every three years, you must get 60 PDUs to retain your PMP certification.

What exactly is a PgMP Certification?

PgMP is an abbreviation for Program Management Professional, and it is ideal for those who manage numerous linked projects simultaneously. Combining various projects yields benefits that would not have been realised if the projects were done independently.

According to PMI, "the Program Management Professional (PgMP) is a visible indicator of your advanced expertise and competence, and it provides you with a significant edge in employment and advancement."

So, if you're an experienced programme manager or project manager wishing to further your career, the PgMP Certification may be the appropriate decision for you.

PgMP Certification Requirements

Because the PgMP certification is the next level after the PMP certification, the certification standards are more severe. The figures speak for themselves: just roughly 3,000 people have received the PgMP certification, but over 1 million have obtained the PMP certification. To be eligible for the PgMP certification, you must have one of the following:

• A secondary education, such as a high school diploma or an associate's degree, 
• 48 months of project management experience or a PMP certification, AND 
• 84 months of programme management experience within the past 15 years 

OR

• A four-year degree, 
• 48 months of project management experience or a PMP certification, AND 
• 48 months of programme management experience within the previous 15 years are required.

You must also pass the PgMP assessment, which consists of a panel review and a 170-question test completed in four hours.

To keep your PgMP certification current, you must Earn PDUs every three years.

Differences Between PMP and PgMP Certifications

If you're attempting to pick between a PMP and a PgMP certification, these are the primary distinctions between the two programmes.

There is no correct solution to this question, but it does need thought. Do you want to be in charge of projects or programmes? Would you like to begin with a PMP certification and work your way up to a PgMP accreditation, or would you prefer to start with a PgMP certificate?

Much of your selection will be influenced by your prior experience and how long you are willing to wait to acquire the certification. If you already have programme management expertise, you may wish to pursue the PgMP certification.

If you have project management experience, you may want to start with the PMP certification. The PgMP certification requires 48 to 84 months of programme experience, depending on the type of degree you have.

In summary:

• Choose the PMP certification if you have just project management expertise.
• Choose the PgMP certification if you have expertise in project management and programme management.

The PMP certification will lay a solid foundation for you to go higher and faster, allowing you to be eligible for the PgMP certification in no time.

Program vs Project

The critical distinction between these two certification programmes is between project and programme. Many people mistakenly assume that a programme is simply a lengthier version of a project; however, this is not the case.

A project is a one-time, solitary undertaking with a measurable outcome, and a project manager is in charge of everything related to a single project.

A programme is a collection of initiatives provided as part of a single bundle. As a result, a programme manager supervises all industries as a single, continuous series. In most circumstances, the programme manager is in charge of many project managers.

Costs of the PMP and PgMP Exams

Another notable distinction between the two credentials is the expense of taking the exam. The PgMP test is substantially more costly than the PMP exam. However, if you are a PMI member, you can get a discount on both.

The PMP exam costs $555 for non-members and $405 for members.

The PgMP test costs $1,000 for non-members and $800 for members.

While the initial payment may be prohibitively high, these credentials do not expire (although there is a small renewal cost every three years). They will help you boost your wage, find new opportunities, and advance your career.

PMP, PgMP, and Other Certifications

Choosing which certification to pursue might be difficult, but whichever one you choose will undoubtedly meet your employment demands and aspirations. You will become a well-known and reputable practitioner in your area, but you will also open yourself up to a plethora of new chances.

It does not end there. After you've earned your PMP or PgMP, there are further opportunities to pursue higher education and future certifications. The CAPM, PMP, and PgMP, for example, all need continuing education to retain and renew your certification. This may be accomplished by taking online courses in communication, risk management, and negotiation, to mention a few.