Institute unveils certification for professional project managers

The Project Management Institute has announced the introduction of the PMI Project Management Office Certified Professional certification to enhance the capabilities of PMO professionals in driving strategic business success.

A statement by PMI disclosed that PMOs have evolved beyond project oversight to become key players in strategic decision-making.

The new certification equips PMO professionals with the skills to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, ensuring alignment with broader organisational goals. PMOs are increasingly influencing long-term business growth by fostering cross-functional collaboration and measurable project outcomes.

The PMI-PMOCP certification builds upon the foundation of the PMO Certified Practitioner certification, which PMI acquired through its integration with PMO Global Alliance. It has been restructured to address modern organisational needs, with insights drawn from PMI’s latest publication, Project Management Offices: A Practice Guide.

A key feature of this guide is the PMO Value Ring Framework, which enables PMO leaders to create value-driven offices.

“The certification adheres to ISO 9001 accreditation standards and evaluates professionals across six critical domains: Organisational Development and Alignment, PMO Strategic Elements, PMO Design and Structuring, PMO Operation and Performance, PMO Enhancement and Effectiveness, and People. Certified professionals demonstrate expertise in designing, implementing, and leading PMOs that contribute to organisational success,” the statement read.

According to the statement, candidates must have at least three years of project management experience or hold a PMP certification, along with 10 hours of PMO-specific training. PMI will offer an on-demand examination preparation course to help candidates meet the training requirement and prepare for the certification examination.

The certification examination consists of 120 questions and lasts two hours and 45 minutes, with results provided immediately upon completion. The exam will be available globally in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with more languages to be added in 2025.

PMI has also introduced a transition pathway for current PMO-CP holders to upgrade to the PMI-PMOCP certification at no cost by February 3, 2026. They can opt in without retaking the examination by submitting an application and committing to PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements, which include earning 30 PDUs every three years and paying a renewal fee.

The Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, said, “The new certification elevates the profession and transforms how organisations achieve project success on a broader scale. It underscores PMI’s commitment to empowering PMO leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles and drive meaningful change in their organisations.”

“The PMI-PMOCP certification sets a new industry benchmark, empowering PMO leaders to navigate complex organisational structures, align projects with business strategy, and deliver measurable value,” the statement added.