Project management certifications ranked by hiring demand and salary

Yes - PMP remains the most globally recognised project management certification and consistently appears on senior PM job descriptions across all industries. The 2021 exam update now includes 50% agile content, making it relevant for both traditional and agile environments. Median salary for PMP holders in the US is $118,000, a 34% uplift over uncertified PMs.

PMP is better if you work primarily in North America, Australia or globally - it is the dominant standard across most markets. PRINCE2 is better if you work in UK, Europe, government or public sector - it is the required standard in many of those contexts. If you work globally and want maximum flexibility, PMP first, PRINCE2 Practitioner later if you need it.

PMP requires either 36 months of experience leading projects if you hold a 4-year degree, or 60 months with a high school diploma. You also need 35 hours of formal PM education. The experience does not need to be concurrent or from a single employer - it accumulates across your career.

PMP is for project managers who manage individual projects. PgMP (Program Management Professional) is for those who manage related groups of projects as a programme to deliver strategic benefits. PgMP requires 4 years of programme management experience on top of PMP and is one of the most difficult PMI credentials, with a ~55% pass rate. It is the logical next step after PMP for those moving to programme or director level.

PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional) is PMI's most senior credential - for executives who manage entire portfolios of programmes and projects aligned to organisational strategy. It requires 8 years of business experience and 4 years of portfolio management experience. It is extremely rare, held by fewer than 3,000 professionals globally, and commands a median salary of $168,000 in the US.