I have 2 Years Masters Degree and 4 Years Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering and 18 Years of work experience in IT / Software projects . Now , I want to move to IT / Software Project Management role .
Which Certification should I go for :- PMP or PMI-ACP ?
Which Certification is more valueable and prestigious :- PMP or PMI-ACP ?
If your focus will be on PM-related roles AND the credential is respected and referenced by hiring managers and recruiters in the location you are targeting, then the PMP is likely to be more useful than the PMI-ACP.
Kiron
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1 reply by Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
Jul 30, 2025 11:01 AM
Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
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Hi Saswata,
PMP is great! you could add the ACP after
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Jul 30, 2025 8:58 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Saswata -
If your focus will be on PM-related roles AND the credential is respected and referenced by hiring managers and recruiters in the location you are targeting, then the PMP is likely to be more useful than the PMI-ACP.
Kiron
Hi Saswata,
PMP is great! you could add the ACP after Saving Changes...
Trey Miller, PMP, PMI-SPPresident| Global Project Management Solutions, LLCMadisonville, LA, United States
The PMP credential offers broader recognition across both traditional (waterfall) AND agile project management methods. Given its versatility and prestige (>1.4 M credential holders) compared to just 60k for the PMI-ACP, it makes sense to me to get your PMP cert first. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Saswata, both PMP and PMI-ACP are great and valuable certifications, but in your case, PMP would carry more weight and offer more global recognition, as my fellow colleagues also mentioned.
Given your 18 years of IT/software experience and your goal to move into IT/Software Project Management, PMP aligns better with the role you're aiming for, especially in leadership and managerial positions across industries.
That said, since many IT projects today are executed in agile environments, the PMI-ACP can also be beneficial, particularly if you’re aiming to work in or lead agile teams but I would start with the PMP first. Saving Changes...
Have you checked online job listings in the area you want to work? As others have indicated, the PMP is more broadly desired, but I have seen a few jobs at companies with more of an agile focus that listed either both the PMP and PMI-ACP (desiring one or the other) or just the PMI-ACP. The PMP may broaden your opportunities; the PMI-ACP may open up more niche opportunities. It's really a question of direction and opportunity - what direction do you want to go, and what opportunities are available in that direction. Saving Changes...
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