Advanced Project Leader (APL)™
A certification where recognition is earned from your peers–not just an exam
Prove you can lead when complexity is high and outcomes matter. The Advanced Project Leader (APL)™ certification validates the capabilities experienced Project Professionals use to guide high-stakes work across teams, organizations and changing environments.
Eligibility is currently available through PMI-accredited organizations only.
Advanced Project Leader (APL)™
A certification where recognition is earned from your peers–not just an exam
Prove you can lead when complexity is high and outcomes matter. The Advanced Project Leader (APL)™ certification validates the capabilities experienced Project Professionals use to guide high-stakes work across teams, organizations and changing environments.
Eligibility is currently available through PMI-accredited organizations only.
Is an APL right for you?
You are already trusted to lead complex work. Advanced Project Leader (APL)™ certification gives that capability a globally recognized professional identity. Designed for Project Professionals managing high-stakes projects, the certification validates how you lead through uncertainty, align diverse stakeholders, make sound decisions and keep delivery moving as conditions change.
Exam Content Outline (ECO)
Review the APL Exam Content Outline to understand the eight competency domains, their exam weighting, eligibility requirements, question types and exam policies.
About the Exam
Exam length
60 Questions
Exam time
120 Minutes
Languages
Your Path to APL Certification
Check your eligibility
APL recognizes Project Professionals who consistently deliver successful outcomes in high-stakes environments. To qualify in the current release, you must meet both requirements below:
- Hold an active PMP®, PgMP® or PfMP® certification in good standing.
- Successfully complete an APL evaluation program at an APL accredited organization.
Completion of the accredited program confirms that you have demonstrated advanced performance leading complex, high-stakes projects or programs. No additional application, panel review or experience audit is required beyond standard identity and exam registration.
Eligibility FAQs
Prepare and study
Prepare to apply your knowledge in context. The exam includes technical knowledge questions, situational judgment questions and case studies that ask you to evaluate information and select the best response for a specific situation.
Navigating Complexity: A Practice Guide
Navigating Complexity helps seasoned project leaders recognize complexity, build a flexible mindset and apply the right tools.
Get ready for exam day
First, congratulations!
You’re one step closer to advancing your career. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you'll pay your exam fee and schedule your exam.
Here’s what to expect on exam day:
- Format: 60 questions
- Time: You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the exam
- Associated exam content:
- Leadership and Influence – 14%
- Communication and Collaboration – 14%
- Engagement – 12%
- Strategic and Systems Thinking – 12%
- Problem-Solving – 12%
- Risk and Uncertainty Management – 14%
- Agility and Responsiveness – 12%
- Cultural and Ecosystem Intelligence – 10%
- Delivery Options: You can take your exam in person at a Pearson Testing Center (recommended) or securely online
- If testing online, be sure to run a system test, choose a private space and have a valid photo ID ready. Learn how to prepare
- Exam Retake: You may take the exam up to three times in one year.
Need exam accommodations?
PMI offers free modifications to your exam experience for disabilities, medical conditions or other needs.
Exam FAQs
Maintain your APL certification
Earning your certification is a big step.
Maintaining it shouldn’t be.
Keep your certification active by earning and reporting 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years and paying the certification renewal fee. Use PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements resources to learn how to earn and track PDUs.
Maintaining & PDU FAQs
You lead complex work. Make it visible.
APL gives experienced Project Professionals a recognized way to demonstrate the leadership, judgement and adaptability required when projects are complex and outcomes matter. Check whether your organization offers an accredited pathway and take the next step toward certification.