In the Project Management area, the most popular certifications amongst project managers are the PMP and PgMP certifications. The rapid growth of project management has become more important for the success of businesses worldwide. In this comes the two certifications that are PMP and PgMP, which come out differently in the eyes of project managers and which are important for their growth and success. 

The PMI offers both these certifications to working professionals, though they serve different benefits and experiences. So, get ready to fetch the differences between PMP and PGMP, which will help you decide what is better for your career growth. 

About PMP Certification

The PMP Certification is the most well-known qualification for global project managers. It focuses on individual projects and is appropriate for project managers who must lead a team and deliver specific project outcomes.

About PgMP Certification

The Program Management Certification (PgMP) is designed for experienced program managers who manage numerous connected projects that are aligned with organizational goals. It focuses on strategic program management and requires a deep understanding of project management methodologies and procedures.

Difference Between PMP and PgMP

There are major differences between PgMP and PMP certifications. Let’s have a look:

Focus

PMP certification is suitable for project managers because it focuses on team leadership and project results. At the same time, the Program management certification focuses on aligning many interrelated projects with organizational goals, stressing strategic program management, and requiring a complete understanding of project management principles and practices.

Experience Requirements

Experience requirements for project management certification and project management certificates vary.

To obtain a PMP certification:

A candidate must have a High school or secondary school diploma with a minimum of 60 months/5 years of experience in leading and managing projects within the past 8 years and 35 hours of project management education/training. You can also meet this requirement with a CAPM certification. 

Alternatively, if the candidate has a Bachelor’s degree or higher (or global equivalent) with 36 months/3 years of experience in leading and managing projects within the past 8 years, and 35 hours of project management education/training. You can also meet this requirement with a CAPM certification.

To obtain PgMP Certification:

A candidate must have a High school or associate’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of project management experience or PMP and 7 years of program management experience within the last 15 years. 

Alternatively, if the candidate has a 4 years college or university degree with 4 years of project management experience or PMP and 4 years of program management experience within the last 15 years. 

Cost

According to PMI, non-members must pay $655 to take the PMP exam, while members pay $405. If you plan on taking the exam, it may be useful to join PMI. As a PMI member, they can get discounts on other examinations, access to PMI job sites, and save money on the PMP certification cost. As a result, it will be in their best interests to first join PMI and then take advantage of the reduced fee for the PMP exam.

Non-members must pay $1,000 to obtain PgMP certification, while members must pay $800. Joining PMI for PgMP certification provides extra benefits, including member-only bonuses. PgMP applications require panel assessments, and the cost is due only after the submission has been approved.

Scope

Another important distinction between project management and program management certificates is their scope. The PMP certification focuses on the project lifecycle, but the PgMP certification covers the entire program lifetime, from program definition to benefit realization.

Exam Content

The content of the program management vs. project management exams is different. The project management exam covers 3 project management domains, that is:

• People (42%)
• Process (50%)
• Business Environment (8%)

Whereas, the program management exam covers 5 program management domains. The PgMP certification exam tests individuals’ knowledge and skills based on 

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

Exam Format

Individuals taking the PMI-PMP certification exam have 230 minutes to complete 180 multiple-choice questions. In comparison, the PgMP certification test consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, with a time limit of 4 hours.

For more information on the exam formats, see PMI’sPMP Exam Content Outlineand PgMP Exam Content Outline.

While both exams are difficult, many believe the PgMP exam is more complex than the PMP exam. This is because program management is more difficult and requires a larger set of skills and knowledge than project management.

Certification Maintenance

Both certifications require continuous certification maintenance in the form of Professional Development Units (PDUs). However, the PMP and PgMP certifications require individuals to acquire 60 PDUs every three years to maintain their certification and to go through a recertification procedure every three years.

Salary

Being a certified professionals give you a lot of benefits, one of which is:

• Having a PMP certification earns you 33% more than the rest of the professionals. Achieving this certification represents your skills and knowledge to complete any project successfully. 
• Secondly, having a PgMP certification earns you 42% more than the rest of the professionals. PgMP certification demonstrates your readiness to lead your organization to success.

Earning the PMP certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills to complete projects successfully. Project managers who can deliver high-quality work quickly, stay within budget, and fulfill deadlines are important for employers. Obtaining PMP certification proves that you can meet these requirements.

PMP-certified professionals earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. Project managers with PMP certification globally earn salaries that are 33% higher than those without it. 

Earning the PMP certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills to complete projects successfully. Employers are looking for project managers who can meet deadlines, remain under budget, and provide high-quality work swiftly. Obtaining PMP certification proves that you can meet these requirements.

At the same time, PgMP professionals make 42% more money than non-PgMP program managers. According to the 2022 PMI Pulse of the Profession study, 71% of an organization’s projects achieve their business objectives through program management. PgMP certification demonstrates your readiness to lead your organization to success.

What is the best between PMP vs. PgMP Certification?

To answer the question of which is better: PMP or PgMP. Finally, it boils down to personal preferences and professional ambitions. If you already have the skills required for one over the other, this will help you make your decision. Choose the PMP certification if you want to be in charge of a project and enjoy completing it on time while adhering to all required processes.

A PgMP certificate, on the other hand, is more appropriate if you like coordinating timings and serving as the link that keeps everything else in sync. Whichever one you choose, you can be confident that it will have an impact and open opportunities for your career and personal development. 

Conclusion

Choosing a certification may appear difficult, but both alternatives will benefit your career and goals. Getting a certification helps you certify your knowledge in the project management field and opens up a variety of new opportunities. So Get Started Now!