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Pick up to 3 certifications and compare them side-by-side on cost, exam format, recertification, salary signal, quality, and domain coverage.

PMI · professional
PMP
PMI Project Management Professional

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate from PMI is the world's most recognized and widely adopted project management certification – cross-industry and internationally acknowledged. It covers both traditional (Waterfall) and agile methodologies, addressing a broad professional field. For cybersecurity professionals, the PMP is particularly relevant when transitioning into project leadership or program management roles or managing security projects. Critics note that the certificate is general in nature and offers no technical depth; it does not replace specialized security credentials. Starting July 2026, a new exam format with 185 questions and updated domains (including AI, sustainability) takes effect.

Official page

Cost

Exam fee
PMP$405
Annual maintenance fee
PMP
3-year cost of ownership
PMP$405

Exam mechanics

Pass mark
PMP
Retake policy
PMP
Study time
PMP80–200 hrs
Validity
PMP
CPE / yr
PMP
Delivery
PMP

Salary signal (US base)

Range
PMP
Median
PMP
Premium %
PMP
Role context
PMP

Quality (4-axis rubric · 0–10)

Schema quality
PMP8.5
Practice evidence
PMP5.0
Maintenance
PMP8.5
Market recognition
PMP9.5
Average
PMP7.9

Recognition & lifecycle

Recognition
PMPGlobal
ISO 17024 accredited
PMP
DoD 8140 baseline
PMP
Holders worldwide
PMP1,300,000
Current version
PMP

Domain coverage

A18Security Leadership
PMP● core

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