Certification

Program Management Professional (PgMP)®

4-7 years of experience

The PgMP certification demonstrates an advanced level of expertise through managing multiple projects in a coordinated way. PgMP certification verifies that as a program management professional, you have the experience to navigate complexity and align to strategic objectives.


Certification

Program Management Professional (PgMP)®

4-7 years of experience

The PgMP certification demonstrates an advanced level of expertise through managing multiple projects in a coordinated way. PgMP certification verifies that as a program management professional, you have the experience to navigate complexity and align to strategic objectives.


Exam Content Outline (ECO)
Download the PgMP Exam Content Outline for details about the exam, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

About the Exam

Exam length

170 questions

Exam time

240 minutes

Languages

  • English
  • Chinese (Simplified)

Path to a PgMP certification

Before you apply, make sure you meet one of the following sets of PgMP certification requirements:

Set A Requirements:

  • High school or secondary school diploma (or global equivalent)
  • 48 months/4 years of project management experience or PMP within the past 15 years
  • 84 months/7 years of program management experience within the past 15 years

Set B Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher (or global equivalent)
  • 48 months/4 years of project management experience or PMP within the past 15 years
  • 48 months/4 years of program management experience within the past 15 years

Set C Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher (or global equivalent) from a GAC accredited program
  • 36 months/3 years project management experience or PMP within the past 15 years
  • 36 months/3 years of program management experience within the past 15 years

Follow the steps below for a smooth application process:

Gather your application materials

Document your experience related to past projects and programs. Below are some examples to help guide you through your documentation process:

  • Project Management Experience: Where you’ve worked, your role and responsibilities, duration of projects.
  • Program Management Experience: Program objectives, your role and responsibilities, projects that were part of the program
  • Experience Summaries: Examples of your experience in Program Strategy, Program Governance and Program Leadership

Additional Tips

  • Remember to register a PMI.org user account before moving forward with your application.
  • Don’t miss any requirements with the application checklist.
  • Take your time. The application is save-as-you-go, so you can take a break if needed.
  • Review the handbook thoroughly before beginning the application.

Your application was accepted. What’s next?

First, congratulations!

You're on the path toward career advancement. Once you verify your acceptance, the next step is to pay your exam fee.

In the case you’re selected for an eligibility audit

You must provide the following to confirm your eligibility:

  • Copy of degree
  • Certification or proof of Project Management experience

Panel review and exam scheduling

After you pay, a panel of volunteer PgMP-certified program managers will assess your professional experience based on your summary responses on the PgMP panel assessment.

Upon successfully completing the Panel Review Assessment, you can schedule your exam.

  • You may attempt the exam up to three times in one year if you don't pass.

Prepare for your PgMP exam day.

While PMI certifications validate your existing skills and experience, preparation and study is critical to passing the exam.

Whether you’re looking for in-person training, practice exams, or on-demand courses that allow you to go at your own pace, there are plenty of options for exam preparation.

Countdown to exam day.

At a glance:

  • 240 minutes
  • 170 questions
  • Offered in 2 languages

Associated exam content

  • Strategic Program Alignment 15%
  • Program Life Cycle Management 44%
  • Business Alignment 11%
  • Stakeholder Engagement 16%
  • Governance 14%

Before you apply, make sure you meet one of the following sets of PgMP certification requirements:

Set A Requirements:

  • High school or secondary school diploma (or global equivalent)
  • 48 months/4 years of project management experience or PMP within the past 15 years
  • 84 months/7 years of program management experience within the past 15 years

Set B Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher (or global equivalent)
  • 48 months/4 years of project management experience or PMP within the past 15 years
  • 48 months/4 years of program management experience within the past 15 years

Set C Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher (or global equivalent) from a GAC accredited program
  • 36 months/3 years project management experience or PMP within the past 15 years
  • 36 months/3 years of program management experience within the past 15 years

How to prepare for the PgMP exam

Effective PgMP exam prep is essential to earning your certification—even if you have advanced program management education or experience. Explore the multiple study aids we offer to get you exam day ready.

 

PMI members receive exclusive savings on exam prep.

Publication
Free for Members

The Standard for Program Management – Fifth Edition

PMI standard

The Standard for Program Management - Fifth Edition continues to be a comprehensive and valued resource for PgMP candidates as well as active certification holders, and practitioners worldwide.

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Publication
Free for Members

PMBOK® Guide

PMI standard

Our flagship publication serves as the foundation for the vast body of knowledge in the field. The Seventh Edition captures and summarizes the 12 principles of project management and the eight project performance domains critical for the effective delivery of project outcomes.

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      Maintaining your PgMP certification

      Earning your certification is a big step - maintaining it shouldn't have to be. Continuing education is core to PMI certification. PgMP holders are required to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) in each 3-year cycle to maintain certification. Each PDU represents one hour spent:

      • Learning
      • Teaching others
      • Presenting
      • Reading
      • Volunteering
      • Content creating

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