Difference in PMP and PgMP Certifications – Preparation and Qualification

PMP Certification Examination

The PMP and PgMP are certifications offered by the PMI. The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification focuses on the Project Management discipline and covers the knowledge, process areas, and best practices related to the profession of project management as formulated by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This knowledge, referred to as the PMBOK is not merely theoretical in nature but rather based on the input of PM experts and practitioners worldwide. Taking the PMP certification examination requires certain working PM knowledge in terms of hours, experience, and number of projects. More specific requirements are available with the PMI. Most of the examination preparation can be done by thoroughly studying the PMBOK handbook and guide available from the PMI. There are other books available in the marketplace that include an easier explanation of the PMP and project management fundamentals. More online PMP courses are available here.

Although the number of worldwide PMP professionals changes daily, that number is around 800,000.

PgMP Certification Examination

PgMP (Program Management Professional) is a certification also available through the PMI that focuses on the Program Management Professional. Taking the PgMP examination requires a number of years of experience both as a project manager and as a program manager. Although the requirements can change with time, a person has to have atleast 15 years of experience before they can appear for the PgMP certification examination. Also, not everyone can apply to appear for the examination as the pre-requisite requires writing five papers related to the candidate’s experience in five of the program management domains. Once a candidate’s experience is validated along with his experience, he or she is given the permission to take the examination.

Unlike the PMP certification examination, one can’t prepare for the PgMP examination simply by studying a book or two. The PgMP examination puts a heavy emphasis on the candidate’s experience as a program manager and application of the program management principles (mentioned in the program manager handbook by PMI) to the candidate’s working experience. As the requirements for the PgMP are more extensive, it’s no surprise that there are around 2000 PgMP professionals worldwide (compare this with PMP’s 800,000 certifications.)

Preparing for the PgMP examination requires a thorough understanding of program management principles that can be learned through a number of books and courses. Some PgMP and program management training courses are available here.