📊 PMI certifications

PMI-ACP® vs PMP®

Both come from PMI — but they target different roles and career stages. Here's how PMI Agile Certified Practitioner and Project Management Professional compare, and how to choose.

Side-by-side comparison

The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.

  PMI-ACP®PMI Agile Certified Practitioner PMP®Project Management Professional
LevelProfessionalProfessional
Exam length3h 0m4h 0m
Questions (real exam)~120~180
Pass mark70%70%
In a sentenceAgile across frameworks — Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP.The gold standard in project management.
Free practice150 sample questions150 sample questions

Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official PMI site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with PMI.

Cost, study time and renewal

Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.

  PMI-ACP®facts as of August 2026 PMP®facts as of September 2026
Fees
Exam fee — PMI member: ~$435 (verify on pmi.org)
Exam fee — non-member: ~$495 (verify on pmi.org)
Retake: ~$335 member / ~$395 non-member
Required training: 21 contact hours (agile)
Renewal (every 3 yrs): 30 PDUs under the CCR program
Exam fee — PMI member: $445 (raised Aug 6, 2026)
Exam fee — non-member: $675 (raised Aug 6, 2026)
PMI membership (optional): ~$139/yr
Reschedule: $70
Renewal (every 3 yrs): 60 PDUs under the CCR program
Study timecommonly reported 80–120 hours plus the mandatory 21 contact hours of trainingcommonly reported 35–120+ hours depending on PM background and prep course
Renewal30 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program
Entry requirementSecondary diploma (or global equivalent) + 21 contact hours of agile training,Four routes, all requiring 35 hours of PM training (waived if you hold an active CAPM):
Body of knowledgethe official PMI-ACP Examination Content Outlinethe official PMI Examination Content Outline
Full fact pages PMI-ACP® cost · format · eligibility PMP® cost · format · eligibility

Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.

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PMI-ACP® vs PMP® — questions, answered

What is the difference between PMI-ACP® and PMP®?

Both come from PMI. PMI-ACP® (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner) is a Professional credential, while PMP® (Project Management Professional) is a Professional credential. They differ mainly in target role, exam length and depth.

Which is harder, PMI-ACP® or PMP®?

The PMI-ACP® exam runs about 3h 0m with ~120 questions; the PMP® exam runs about 4h 0m with ~180 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.

Can I practice both PMI-ACP® and PMP® for free?

Yes. A free account gets 6 sample questions in study mode for each of PMI-ACP® and PMP®, with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.

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