Career HoundThe certification map
These paths run beside one another. An arrow means progression inside that issuer’s track, not that one family outranks another.
Useful as a career map, but not a mandatory prerequisite chain.
Best read as method knowledge followed by applied method practice.
The advanced levels require Scrum Master experience as well as approved courses.
A parallel credential, not a rung above or below PMP.
Requirements at a glance
| Credential | What it represents | Current issuer requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CAPM | Foundational PMI credential | Secondary degree or equivalent and 23 hours of project-management education. PMI lists no PM work-experience requirement. |
| PMP | Experienced project leadership | Two to five years managing projects, depending on education, plus 35 hours of Project Professional training or an accepted equivalent such as active CAPM. |
| PgMP | Program management | Project-management experience or PMP plus several years of program-management experience. The exact route depends on education. |
| PMI-ACP | Agile specialization | One accepted agile-experience route plus 21 hours of formal agile training. PMP itself is one accepted experience route. |
| PRINCE2 Foundation | Method foundation | PeopleCert positions this as the starting level in its PRINCE2 Project Management track. |
| PRINCE2 Practitioner | Applying and tailoring the method | Requires an accepted prior credential, including PRINCE2 Foundation and several recognized PM credentials. |
| CSM | Foundational Scrum Master training | Complete an approved 16-hour course, then pass the 50-question online test. |
| A-CSM | Advanced Scrum Master | Hold CSM, complete an approved course, and validate 12 months of Scrum Master experience within the past five years. |
| CSP-SM | Professional Scrum Master level | Hold A-CSM, complete an approved course, and validate 24 months of Scrum Master experience within the past five years. |
Which path fits your next job?
Check the issuer before you buy
Eligibility, exam content, renewal rules, and prices change. Training providers often simplify the rules to sell a course, so confirm the current requirements with the issuer first.
Common questions
Do I need CAPM before PMP?
No. CAPM can satisfy PMP’s training requirement, but it is not a mandatory prerequisite. You can qualify for PMP through the required project experience and 35 hours of eligible training instead.
Is PMP higher than PRINCE2 Practitioner?
They are not cleanly ranked. PMP validates broad project leadership experience, while PRINCE2 Practitioner validates the ability to apply one project-management method. The better credential depends on the employers and delivery environment you target.
Is PMI-ACP above PMP?
No. PMI-ACP is a parallel agile specialization. PMP is a broad project-leadership credential. Experienced professionals may hold either or both.
What is the highest Scrum Master certification in the Scrum Alliance track?
CSP-SM is the highest level in that Scrum Master track. It requires A-CSM, an approved course, and at least 24 months of Scrum Master work experience within the past five years.
Which project management certification is best for beginners?
CAPM is the clearest broad PM starting credential because PMI lists no work-experience requirement, though it requires a secondary degree and 23 hours of project-management education. PRINCE2 Foundation and CSM are method-specific alternatives.
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