PMI-ACP vs. PMP: Salary, Cost, and Exam Differences Explained

Quick Answer: The PMP and PMI-ACP certifications both come from the Project Management Institute (PMI), but they represent different methodologies. PMP aligns with the traditional Waterfall approach, while PMI-ACP focuses on Agile methodologies, incorporating frameworks like Scrum, Lean, and Kanban.

As organizations push for greater efficiency and adaptability, skilled project managers are in high demand. Choosing between PMP and PMI-ACP depends on your approach to project management—whether you prefer structured, sequential planning (Waterfall) or flexible, iterative development (Agile).

Let’s compare the PMI-ACP vs. PMP and understand which certification makes the most sense for you. 

What is PMP?

Introduced in 1984, the PMP (Project Management Professional®) is widely acknowledged as one of the leading project management certifications. The certification has primarily focused on traditional or predictive project management methodologies. 

The PMP will be a good choice for experienced project managers who work on projects with strict timelines and budgets, clearly defined endpoints, and/or regulatory constraints, where an Agile approach would be a disadvantage.

What is PMI-ACP?

The PMI-ACP (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner®) is relatively new compared to the PMP. Launched in 2012, it targets professionals who manage projects using adaptive methodologies, which are associated with modern Agile project management.

Agile project management started in the software industry but has since spread to industries such as aerospace, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. PMI-ACP will be a good choice for project managers in those sectors. However, a PMP-certified professional can also have the expertise to manage Agile projects.

Key Differences Between PMI-ACP and PMP

While both certifications validate project management expertise, they differ significantly in approach, focus, and application. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences: 

PMP vs. PMI-ACP: Which Exam is More Difficult?

The PMP certification is arguably more challenging to earn than the PMI-ACP due to the broader scope of the exam. It's also a longer exam with a longer time limit—you have to answer 180 questions in 230 minutes with the PMP, while the PMI-ACP has just 120 questions and a time limit of 180 minutes. 

PMI-ACP vs. PMP Exam Prerequisites

Prior to taking the PMP certification exam, PMP candidates are expected to have up to 5 years of real-world experience working as a project manager, less if they have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. They are also required to have at least 35 hours of authorized project management training or have earned specific precursor certifications.

The path to the PMI-ACP exam is easier, requiring only a high school diploma or GED, 2 years of Agile experience, and 28 hours of authorized Agile project management training.

PMI-ACP vs. PMP Certification Cost

The cost of each certification varies depending on your PMI membership status and whether you have to retake the exam. Here’s a breakdown of the cost differences. 

PMP Certification Costs

• Exam Fee (Non-Members): $675

• Exam Fee (PMI Members): $425

• PMI Membership Fee: $129 per year + $10 application fee

• Training Costs: $1,000 - $3,000 (varies by provider)

• Exam Retake Fee (Non-Members): $375

• Exam Retake Fee (PMI Members): $275

PMI-ACP Certification Costs

• Exam Fee (Non-Members): $495

• Exam Fee (PMI Members): $425

• PMI Membership Fee: $129 per year + $10 application fee

• Training Costs: $800 - $2,500 (varies by provider)

• Exam Retake Fee (Non-Members): $395

• Exam Retake Fee (PMI Members): $335

If you already have extensive project management experience and plan to work in traditional industries, the PMP’s higher cost is justified by its broad recognition and higher salary potential.

If you work in Agile-heavy environments (e.g., software, product management) and are looking for a more affordable and faster certification, PMI-ACP might be the better choice.

PMI-ACP vs. PMP: Which Certification Pays Off More?

Not sure whether PMI-ACP or PMP is best for you? It depends on your career goals. Both certifications are in demand and can help you earn a good salary. 

A quick search of the Indeed job search site shows an average salary of nearly $130,000 for Agile project managers in the United States. In contrast, regular IT project managers showed average base salaries of $105,802. A lot is going on behind these numbers – depending on years of experience, the industry involved, and the demand for certified professionals, the maximum will be a lot higher. 

PMP vs. PMI-ACP: Which One Should You Get First?

PMP is very established and has more industry recognition than PMI-ACP! If you have the required educational and project management experience, you should first pursue the PMP certification. Once you are PMP-certified, you'll likely have more job opportunities.  

However, you may also be faced with projects that demand an Agile approach. You can supplement your traditional project skills with Agile skills by taking online Agile Project Management courses. If you are truly an “Agile beginner”, we suggest starting with an Agile Essentials course. 

If you don’t have the educational qualifications or project experience required for the PMP, then PMI-ACP is the faster path to a certification! Of course, if you work in an industry where Agile projects are the norm, then there’s no question that you should go for the PMI-ACP first. Before you begin your formal PMI-mandated training, build up your Agile knowledge by taking the Agile Essentials, Agile Project Management, or Scrum Essentials online training courses.

PMI-ACP vs. PMP: Final Verdict

Your choice of PMI-ACP vs. PMP comes down to which certification is better for your long-term career goals. Are you in an industry where traditional, predictive projects predominate, or one like software development where adaptive, Agile projects are the norm? 

Many organizations now blend traditional and Agile approaches in hybrid project management. Regardless of which certification you hold, knowing both methodologies is an asset.

If you have the necessary educational credentials and project experience, then you should pursue the PMP. If you don’t have a degree and only have a few years of project management experience, then start with the PMI-ACP. 

In either case, consider taking our Agile Project Management online training course. This is a great precursor to your PMI-ACP preparation or a way to build your Agile credentials once you’ve earned your PMP certification.