Certifications
PMI offers a suite of globally recognized certifications tailored to various levels of project management expertise. These include:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® – For entry-level project professionals.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)® – The gold standard for experienced project managers.
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® – Focused on agile principles and practices.
- Program Management Professional (PgMP)® – For those managing multiple, complex projects.
- Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)® – For professionals overseeing strategic project portfolios.
- PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®, PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)®, and Disciplined Agile® certifications, among others, offer specialization.
Choosing the right certification depends on your career goals, experience level, and preferred methodology.
- If you’re new to project management, the CAPM is ideal.
- For seasoned professionals with several years of experience, the PMP provides broad recognition.
- If you work in agile environments, PMI-ACP is a good fit.
Use PMI’s Certification Navigator to explore which credential aligns best with your role.
Each certification has specific education and professional experience requirements. For example:
- PMP® candidates typically need 36 months of project leadership experience and 35 hours of project management education.
- CAPM® requires only a secondary degree and 23 hours of project management education. PMI provides detailed eligibility criteria on its certification pages.
The application process is fully online through the PMI.org website. You’ll need to:
- Create or log into your PMI account.
- Select the desired certification.
- Complete the application, including educational background and professional experience.
- Submit the application for review. Once approved, you can schedule your exam.
The cost varies depending on the certification and your PMI membership status. For example:
- PMP® Exam Fee: USD $405 for members, $555 for non-members.
- CAPM® Exam Fee: USD $225 for members, $300 for non-members.
Becoming a PMI member before applying can offer significant savings on exam fees and retakes.
Yes. PMI offers both in-person and online proctored exam options through Pearson VUE. The online exams provide flexibility, allowing you to test from the comfort of your home or office, while still adhering to strict security protocols.
PMI provides a wealth of resources, including:
- The PMBOK® Guide and other official study materials.
- Online courses and learning paths via PMI’s Learning Platform.
- PMI Chapter-led workshops and study groups.
- Practice exams and simulators. Engaging with your local Chapter for peer support and mentorship is also a valuable way to prepare.
Most PMI certifications, including the PMP and CAPM, are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must earn and report Professional Development Units (PDUs) during this period as part of PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program.
Absolutely. PMI Botswana offers localized support through workshops, mentorship programs, certification prep courses, and study groups. Members benefit from a community of professionals and leaders who can share insights and strategies for passing the exams.
Certification Maintenance
PDUs (Professional Development Units) are measurable blocks of time spent on learning, teaching, or volunteering in the project management field. The number of PDUs required depends on your certification:
- PMP/ PgMP / PfMP / PMI-PBA: 60 PDUs every 3 years.
- PMI-ACP / PMI-RMP/ PMI-SP: 30 PDUs every 3 years.
- CAPM: 15 PDUs every 3 years.
You can earn PDUs through a wide range of activities, including:
- Education: Attending webinars, workshops, or courses.
- Giving Back: Volunteering, mentoring, creating content, or working in a project management role.
- Online Learning: Utilizing PMI’s e-learning platform or third-party educational providers. PMI encourages a balance between technical, leadership, and strategic & business management skill development—collectively known as the Talent Triangle®.
PDUs are reported through your CCR dashboard on the PMI.org website. This user-friendly platform allows you to:
- View your certification status and PDU progress.
- Submit PDUs for different activities.
- Access resources for tracking and completing your CCR cycle.
Yes. The PMI Botswana Chapter provides various opportunities to help members maintain their certifications, including:
- Local workshops, seminars, and events that offer PDUs.
- Volunteer opportunities that contribute to your giving-back PDUs.
- Chapter meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions that align with the Talent Triangle®. As a member, you also gain access to global PMI resources and partner platforms to expand your learning and professional impact.
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