By Quick answer: Which PMI certifications are worth it in 2027?
- PMP — $425 / $675; 3–5 years' experience.
- CAPM — $225 / $300; beginners.
- PMI-ACP — $435 / $495; agile experience.
- Tip — membership discount often covers its cost.
Key takeaways
- PMP is the PMI credential most named in job posts.
- CAPM is the PMI route for people without experience.
- Compare member and non-member prices before booking.
PMI issues the most recognised project management credentials. Each suits a different stage. Here's who each is worth it for, with verified fees and requirements.
Three PMI certifications compared
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PMP – Project Management ProfessionalPMI | $425 PMI members / $675 non-members1 | 240 minutes, 180 questions | Free test |
| 2 | CAPM – Certified Associate in Project ManagementPMI | $225 PMI members / $300 non-members2 | 180 minutes, 150 questions | Free test |
| 3 | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)PMI | $435 PMI members / $495 non-members3 | 180 minutes, 120 questions | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- PMP Practice ExamPractise for PMP – Project Management Professional before you pay.Start free test →
- CAPM Practice ExamPractise for CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management before you pay.Start free test →
- PMI-ACP Practice ExamPractise for PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) before you pay.Start free test →
Each PMI certification, and who it's worth it for
- PMIPMP – Project Management ProfessionalExperienced project managers$425 PMI members / $675 non-members
- PMICAPM – Certified Associate in Project ManagementBeginners$225 PMI members / $300 non-members
- PMIPMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)Agile practitioners$435 PMI members / $495 non-members
PMP – Project Management Professional
- Cost
- $425 PMI members / $675 non-members1
- Format
- 240 minutes, 180 questions
- Entry
- 3–5 years leading projects (by education) plus 35 hours of training
240 minutes, 180 questions; 3–5 years leading projects plus 35 hours of training. $425 members, $675 non-members. PMI's Project Management Professional is a 240-minute, 180-question exam covering predictive, agile and hybrid approaches. It needs 3–5 years leading projects plus 35 hours of training and costs $425 for PMI members or $675.
Best forexperienced project managers
CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management
- Cost
- $225 PMI members / $300 non-members2
- Format
- 180 minutes, 150 questions
- Entry
- Secondary diploma plus 23 hours of project management education
180 minutes, 150 questions; secondary diploma plus 23 hours of PM education. $225 members, $300 non-members. PMI's entry credential is a 180-minute, 150-question exam for people early in project roles. It needs a secondary diploma plus 23 hours of project management education and costs $225 for PMI members or $300.
Best forbeginners
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Cost
- $435 PMI members / $495 non-members3
- Format
- 180 minutes, 120 questions
- Entry
- 2+ years of experience and 21 hours of agile training
180 minutes, 120 questions; 2+ years of experience and 21 hours of agile training. $435 members, $495 non-members. PMI's agile credential is a 180-minute, 120-question exam covering several agile approaches. It needs two or more years of experience and 21 hours of agile training and costs $435 for PMI members or $495.
Best foragile practitioners
Member vs non-member
| Exam | Member | Non-member | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMP | $425 | $675 | $250 |
| CAPM | $225 | $300 | $75 |
| PMI-ACP | $435 | $495 | $60 |
Table: PMI exam fees, checked 3 November 2026
How we ranked these picks
Fees, formats and prerequisites come from PMI's official pages, checked 3 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which PMI certification is best?
PMP for experienced PMs; CAPM for beginners.
Is PMI membership worth it?
For PMP candidates, the $250 exam discount often covers it.
Can I take PMP without experience?
No; it needs 3–5 years leading projects.
Is PMI-ACP worth it?
For experienced agile practitioners, yes.
Is there a free PMI practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free PMP, CAPM and agile tests.
Sources
- PMI — PMP – Project Management Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- PMI — CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- PMI — PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
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- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027PMP review for 2027: is it worth it, who it's for and the best alternativesPMP review for 2027: $425 for PMI members or $675, 180 questions, experience rules, job value and alternatives like CAPM and PMI-ACP.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027PMI-ACP review for 2027: is it worth it, who it's for and the best alternativesPMI-ACP review for 2027: $435/$495, requirements, who it suits and how it compares with PSM I and CSM. With costs, pros, cons and alternatives.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027CAPM review for 2027: is it worth it, who it's for and the best alternativesCAPM review for 2027: $225/$300, 150 questions, requirements, who it suits and how it compares with PMP. With costs, pros, cons and alternatives.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027The top 10 certifications for project managers in 2027: PMI, agile, AI and specialistThe top 10 certifications for project managers in 2027: PMP, PMI-ACP, PSM I, CSM, CAPM, ITIL 4, Six Sigma, AI for Business, GenAI Leader and PL-300.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027Top 5 project management certifications to get hired in 2027: the ones PM job posts nameThe top 5 project management certifications to get hired in 2027: PMP, CAPM, CSM, PMI-ACP and PSM I, matched to project manager and Scrum Master roles.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027The best project management certifications of 2027: ten from first project to programme leadThe 10 best project management certifications of 2027: PMP, CAPM, Google PM, PMI-ACP, CSM, PSM I, ITIL 4, Six Sigma and more, with verified fees.
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