Differentiate between PMP Certificate and PMP Certification

In this article, we will differentiate between PMP Certificate and PMP Certification. We will tackle the differences in validity, renewal requirements, and bodies that issue them (training providers versus PMI).

Before diving into definitions, one must understand that the most frequently misunderstood terms include ‘PMP certificate’ and ‘PMP certification.’ Consequently, these two remain unclear to many people who tend to use them interchangeably. Let’s demystify this confusion by explaining the differences between PMP certificates and certifications.

PMP Certificate vs PMP Certification:

PMP Certificate: This is awarded after completing the PMP exam preparation course offered by training providers. It means that someone has gone through the training but it does not grant full PMP certification.

• • All certificate of 3FOLD students can be verified thru accredible site.
  • Example: PMP – Project Management Professional Exam Preparation

PMP Certification: Awarded by PMI after successfully passing the PMP examination. It shows expertise in project management principles and practices. The certification can be downloaded from your PMI Account within 48 hours after passing the exam. Your dashboard will be updated with the result analysis too.

 

Validity:

PMP Certificate: At present, the PMP Certificate is valid for eight years from the day an exam application is submitted as per PMI’s existing prerequisites. For instance, if someone submits their application on July 18, 2024, his or her certificate should have been active since July 18, eight years ago. Ensure that this is available to upload once your exam application gets selected for audit. 

PMP Certification: Initially valid for three years from date of certification. After every three years, one can retain it either by sitting for another PMP examination or earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) from continuing education activities. Read about Recertification. If you don’t renew your PMP certification within three years, it will be rendered useless. PMI offers a one-year grace period in which to complete the necessary 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) to keep your certification current. If you fail to complete this obligation during the grace period, you must re-enroll for the PMP test in order to get your certificate back again after that.

Key Differences:

Purpose: A certificate shows that someone finished the pmp training and eligible to apply for the PMP exam while certification implies having broad knowledge in project management and certifies that you passed the exam. 

Renewal Requirements: To renew, PMI mandates that certification holders should have 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) for each three-year period. This process can be repeated consecutively for up to three more times to allow professionals renew their certification by showing their dedication towards furthering knowledge and competencies in project management. Any PDUs obtained in the first cycle cannot be transferred or applied to second and third cycles’ for PMP certification renewal. Gathering and recording all necessary supporting documentation of professional development activities is vital. All PDUs recorded can be seen in the claim history section of your PMI account, showing whether they have been approved, credited or not.

A Certificate of Completion which has 8 years validity, is still acceptable to apply for the PMP exam. More than that period, the applicant must participate in another training session to obtain a fresh certificate for PMP examination qualification.

If the exam content has changed, it is not obligatory to attend more training sessions in order to renew a Certificate of Completion. But students can choose to go for new training courses so as to remain current and upgrade their readiness.

I trust that this article has made clear the difference between PMP certification, which is earned after training, and PMP certificate, which is given by PMI upon passing exams and meeting experience requirements. It is essential to recognize these differences in order to effectively go through the process of achieving and keeping your PMP qualification. In case you want to engage on PMP training, do not hesitate to come join us as we offer more information and help when needed.