Project management is a lucrative field that’s expected to grow 6% through 2034, with median salaries potentially topping $100,000 across a range of industries.
If you’re new to project management — or considering a career change — you’ve likely come across the PMP certification. But what exactly is it, and do you need it in addition to a degree?
Here’s what PMP certification involves, so you can decide whether it’s the right next step for you.
What is PMP certification?
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It validates your fundamental knowledge and ability to lead projects across different industries as well as competencies with predictive, agile and hybrid methodologies. This certification is awarded after passing an in-person or online-proctored exam. Candidates need to meet education, leadership and training requirements before they can take the exam.
Who is PMP certification for?
Common candidates for certification include:
- Working project managers who want to validate their field knowledge
- Program and operations professionals who coordinate complex business initiatives
- Project coordinators preparing to move into more advanced management roles
- Experienced professionals transitioning into project management
- Professionals seeking career advancement or greater credibility with employers or clients
- Leaders who manage cross-functional teams, budgets or deliverables
You don’t need the title “project manager” to qualify. Those with alternate titles that have professional experience in managing projects, planning and outcomes can still get PMP-certified.
PMP vs. other project management certifications
While the PMP is the most recognizable, it’s not the only certification available. The right certificate depends on your experience, goals and the field you want to pursue. One thing that sets PMP apart from others is that it is designed to demonstrate proficiency across several methodologies instead of one specialization.
What are the requirements for PMP certification?
Exam eligibility depends on your educational background, professional experience and training. According to the current Project Management Institute eligibility requirements, before you apply, you’ll need to meet one of the following sets of PMP certification requirements, beginning with the type of education and experience you have, then training:
Education and experience requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and five years of experience managing projects
- Associate’s degree or vocational diploma and four years of experience managing projects
- Bachelor’s degree or higher and three years of experience managing projects
Project Professional training requirements
You’ll need 35 hours of Project Professional training from one of the following:
- PMP Exam Prep Course
- PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATP)
- PMI GAC Program
- Active CAPM certification
- Third-party training course
Note: These eligibility requirements are subject to change, so verifying requirements directly with PMI should be your first step.
What does the PMP exam cover?
Currently, the PMP exam consists of 180 questions within a 240-minute time limit.
PMI’s 2026 Exam Content Outline organizes the exam around three areas:
- People
- Process
- Business environment
The updated exam emphasizes how project professionals lead teams, manage project work and connect projects to broader organizational objectives. It also covers project delivery such as predictive, agile and hybrid approaches.
How much does the PMP exam cost?
As of August 2026, the PMP exam costs $405 for PMI members and $655 for nonmembers. The exam fee is due after PMI accepts your application and you schedule your exam.
Your total cost could potentially be higher because you may also need to account for:
- PMP preparation or training
- Study materials and practice exams
- PMI membership, if you choose to join
- Retake fees, if applicable
- Travel or other testing-related expenses, depending on whether you take your exam in person
Because PMI fees and training prices can change, check current pricing before budgeting for certification.
What are the benefits of becoming PMP-certified?
While the PMP isn’t required for every role, it can offer real value — particularly for job stability.
PMP certification can also provide:
- Professional networking: PMI membership can provide opportunities to connect with other project management professionals.
- Career advancement: PMP certification shows readiness for greater responsibility, accountability and leadership.
- Increased professional credibility: Documented experience, education and test results provide a tangible credential that complements your work history and stands out on a resume. It also demonstrates your general knowledge and ability to implement processes, meet objectives and work with stakeholders.
- Potential salary benefits: Based on PMI’s salary research, those with PMP certification tend to have higher yearly salaries depending on industry, location or role.
- Broader job opportunities: A PMP credential isn’t limited to just one industry or methodology, which gives you transferable skills to move between different fields.
PMP certification may be worth it for
- Experienced project professionals
- People targeting project management or project leadership roles
- Working professionals whose employers value PMP certification
- Candidates seeking an internationally recognized credential
- Those moving toward promotions with greater responsibility for managing teams, objectives and outcomes
PMP certification may be less useful for
- Those new to the profession with little or no project management experience
- Those who don’t meet the experience or education requirements
- Professionals who need an entry-level credential first, such as CAPM
Project management degree programs and certificates at Boise State
Since education and experience are requirements for PMP certification, having accessible program options can help you take the next step.
Here are the project management programs available through Boise State Online:
Online Bachelor in Project Management
Boise State’s online Bachelor in Project Management is designed to prepare you for planning, organizing and managing projects across industries. The program is offered 100% online with seven-week course lengths and six start dates per year. If you’re interested in specializing, there are optional emphasis areas in business management, communications, cybersecurity and public health.
The program can also help you prepare for PMP certification or for transitioning toward a master’s program with an accelerated pathway available that allows students to take up to nine graduate credits that count toward both degrees, reducing time and costs.
Online Master of Project Management
Boise State’s online Master of Project Management focuses on learning to lead complex projects and initiatives across several industries and offers courses in documentation, team mentoring, budget management and project execution. The curriculum also supports PMP certification exam prep and offers emphasis areas in cyber operations, digital communications, marketing, conflict management, organizational development and workplace performance.
Online Project Management certificates
Boise State Online offers undergraduate and graduate-level project management certificates — earned on their own or as part of a degree — covering project planning, stakeholder relations, timeline management and strategic goal-setting.
PMP exam prep at Boise State
Boise State University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program offers a PMP Exam Prep course.
Spread across four sessions, the course meets the 35-hour project management education prerequisite and uses the CertWise Learning System, with study materials, online quizzes, flashcards and practice testing. The course is taught by experienced, certified PMP instructors and is designed to help candidates prepare for the PMP exam.
PACE lists 2026 tuition at $1,550 per person. Course dates and pricing can change, so prospective students should verify the latest information before registering.
Frequently asked questions about PMP certification
What is a PMP?
PMP stands for Project Management Professional. It’s a professional certification from the Project Management Institute that validates knowledge in project leadership and management skills across industries and different approaches to project delivery.
Is a PMP certification worth it?
It can be, particularly for experienced project professionals whose employers or targeted roles value the credential. PMP isn’t a guarantee of higher pay or career advancement, but PMI’s research reports higher salaries among those with this certification.
Do I need a PMP to be a project manager?
No. PMP certification isn’t a legal or universal requirement for working as a project manager; it’s more of a nice-to-have. Employers set their own requirements, and many project managers build their careers through experience, education, other certifications or a combination of these.
Start your project management journey with Boise State Online
Boise State Online offers 100+ online programs and 900+ unique online courses to help you make your educational dreams a reality — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.