If you’re aiming to boost your career in project management, you’ve probably encountered the PMP and PMI-ACP certifications. But which one should you choose in 2025? Both certifications are highly regarded in the project management field, but they serve different purposes.
As market requirements are changeable or traditional methods are not appropriate for every situation then agile practice is the best choice to overcome this. PMI-ACP certification is the best choice for learning agile practice
In this blog, we will cover all the essential information you need to know about this certification.
What is PMI ACP Certification?
PMI ACP Certification is the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner certification provided by the Project Management Institute. It is accepted and recognized around the world.
The certification covers many agile principles and technologies, as well as a variety of agile methodologies such as Kanban, Scrum, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP), and Test-Driven Development (TDD).
Therefore, PMI-ACP certification enables agile practitioners to use their diverse abilities on a variety of projects.
PMI-ACP Certification Requirements
To sit in the PMI-ACP exam, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Secondary degree (high school diploma or associate degree).
- 21 hours of agile practice training.
- 12 months of general project experience within the last 5 years.
- 8 months of agile project experience within the last 3 years.
This certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and experience to lead agile projects and teams effectively.
PMI-ACP Exam Format
The PMI-ACP exam format is as follows:
- Number of Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: You have 3 hours to complete the exam.
- Question Types: The questions cover a wide range of agile practices, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming (XP).
- Passing Score: PMI does not disclose the exact passing score, but it is based on a combination of factors including your knowledge of agile principles and practices.
Once obtained, the PMI-ACP certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain certification, you must earn 30 PDUs (Professional Development Units) every 3 years.
PMI-ACP Exam Fee
According to the PMI, the ACP exam fee varies depending on the PMI membership. The following cost you should pay to appear in the PMI-ACP exam.
| Exam Cost Head | Fees |
| PMI-ACP exam fees (members) | $435 |
| PMI-ACP exam fees (non-members) | $495 |
PMI-ACP Certification Validity
The PMI-ACP certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain certification, People must submit 30 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
Features of PMI ACP certification
- Global Recognition: PMI-ACP is recognized worldwide and shows employers that you have the knowledge to apply agile practices in various industries.
- Versatility: It covers multiple agile frameworks, not just one. This means professionals can apply this knowledge across different projects and industries.
- Agile Leadership: It focuses not only on project management techniques but also on leadership skills crucial for managing agile teams and stakeholders.
Benefits of PMI ACP Certification
It has several benefits. From high salary perks to a high global demand for agile workers. Let us look at some of the advantages of it.
- High Demand: According to VersionOne’s Agile Survey, almost 94% of respondents stated that their firm employs Agile methodologies. This poll demonstrates the growing need for firms to hire Agile expertise. Candidates with this certification can stand out in the crowd because there is a great demand for effective and educated agile practitioners.
- Professional Advancement: It verifies your knowledge and level of proficiency in Agile principles, tools, methods, and methodologies. This certification simply contributes to your professional growth by demonstrating to employers your capacity to take on demanding projects in an agile setting.
- Globally Accepted: PMI-ACP certification is widely recognized and accepted worldwide. Candidates can apply for the PMI-ACP exam from anywhere in the world, and after passing the exam, they can work in a variety of industries and organizations around the world.
Obtaining a PMI-ACP certification can be incredibly useful to your professional advancement and help to develop project management principles.
- Better Pay: Candidates with a PMI-ACP certificate might earn up to 28% more than non-certified professionals. A PMI-ACP credential holder with 5-10 years of experience can expect to earn around $123,000 per year.
Conclusion
In 2025, both PMI-ACP and PMP certifications will offer valuable career benefits. If you’re aiming to work with agile frameworks and thrive in fast-paced environments, the PMI-ACP certification will give you the edge you need. On the other hand, if you prefer managing projects using traditional methodologies across a variety of industries, PMP is your ideal choice.
Either way, both certifications bring valuable knowledge, skills, and the potential for increased salary and professional growth. The decision ultimately depends on the path you want to take in your career.
Education Edge offers comprehensive training, providing candidates with the knowledge to apply agile principles effectively across various industries. Their course is designed to help you meet all PMI-ACP requirements and includes full support throughout the certification process, with a 100% pass guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I take PMP or PMI-ACP in 2025?
It depends on your career goals. PMP is ideal if you want to manage a wide variety of projects using traditional project management methods. PMI-ACP is better if you’re focusing on agile methodologies, especially in fast-paced industries like IT and software development. - Is PMP or PMI-ACP more in demand in 2025?
Both certifications are in demand, but the PMI-ACP is seeing increased demand due to the growing adoption of agile practices in many industries. However, PMP remains a solid choice for broader project management roles across various sectors. - Is PMI-ACP more focused on agile than PMP in 2025?
Yes, PMI-ACP is entirely focused on agile practices, including frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. PMP, while including some agile elements, focuses more on traditional project management methodologies. - Can I take both PMP and PMI-ACP certifications in 2025?
Yes, you can pursue both certifications. Many project managers find value in holding both, as PMP covers traditional methods while PMI-ACP focuses on agile practices, offering a comprehensive skill set. - How does the PMI-ACP certification support Agile transformation in organizations?
The PMI-ACP certification equips professionals with the knowledge to lead agile teams and implement agile frameworks effectively, helping organizations transition to agile methodologies and improve project delivery.
Which industries benefit the most from hiring PMP vs. PMI-ACP certified professionals?
PMP is highly beneficial in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and government, where traditional project management is widely used. PMI-ACP is most beneficial in industries like IT, software development, and marketing, where agile methodologies are commonly adopted for faster and more flexible project execution.
