Skip to main content

PMO certifications validate your skills in managing projects and leading project management offices (PMOs) effectively—plus, they look great on your resume and can get you an 'in' with potential employers.

Here are my picks for the best PMO certifications, a summary of the benefits of each one, and my notes about who and what each is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.

Best PMO Certifications Shortlist

Here’s my list of the best PMO certifications you can take in 2025.

  1. Program Management Professional (PgMP) — Best for advanced program management
  2. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) — Best for strategic portfolio management
  3. PMO Certified Practitioner (PMO-CP) — Best for PMO setup and implementation
  4. Essentials for PMO Directors — Best for PMO leadership roles
  5. Essentials for PMO Administrators — Best for those in supporting PMO roles
  6. Essentials for PMO Analysts — Best for optimizing PMO processes
  7. Essentials for PMO Managers — Best for new project management office managers
  8. Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices (P3O) — Best for learning the fundamentals of PMO frameworks
  9. MoP Foundation Certification — Best for those working in an enterprise PMO
  10. Project Programme & Portfolio Governance Professional (P3GP) — Best for governance in PMO
  11. The Management of Value (MoV) — Best for integrating value management practices into the PMO
  12. Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) — Best for managing multiple projects
  13. Certified PMO Professional — Best for the basics of managing a PMO
  14. IPMO-Foundation Certification (IPMO-F) — Best for foundational PMO knowledge

Overviews of the Best PMO Certifications

Below are my detailed summaries of the best PMO certifications.

1. Program Management Professional (PgMP) - Best for advanced program management

Program Management Professional landing page screenshot
This widely-recognized certification is offered by the Project Management Institute.

The Program Management Professional (PgMP) is a prestigious certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for senior-level program managers. It demonstrates that you have an advanced level of expertise, the ability to manage multiple related projects, and align them with organizational objectives.

The certification validates your skills in overseeing complex project programs, strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, and benefits realization. PgMP is well-regarded globally for its rigorous standards and comprehensive coverage of program management principles.

Issued by: Project Management Institute

Focus:

  • Strategic program management
  • Governance
  • Benefits management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Program life cycle management

Prerequisites:

  • Education: University degree (or a high school diploma or associate’s degree)
  • Work Experience:
    • If you hold a university degree, you need 4 years of project management experience or the project management professional certification (PMP), and 4 years of program management experience within the previous 15 years
    • If you have a diploma or associate's degree, you need 4 years of project management experience or the PMP, as well as 7 years of program management experience within the last 15 years
  • Exam: An exam is required. It consists of 170 multiple-choice questions.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: You can renew your certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

Price:

  • PMI Members: $560
  • Non-PMI Members: $700

Who It’s For: The PgMP certification is aimed at experienced program managers and professionals who want to demonstrate their strategic leadership capabilities.

2. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) - Best for strategic portfolio management

Portfolio Management Professional screenshot of the landing page
Another option from PMI, this certification is aimed at project managers interested in becoming project portfolio managers.

The Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) certification, also offered by (PMI), validates your advanced competency in managing multiple portfolios and aligning them with an organization's strategic objectives.

You'll be able to demonstrate your strong project management skills, have the ability to apply agile principles to optimize portfolio performance, and drive organizational success.

Issued by: Project Management Institute

Focus:

  • Advanced portfolio management skills
  • Strategic alignment of projects and programs
  • Coordinated management of multiple portfolios
  • Decision-making and prioritization

Prerequisites:

  • Education: University degree (or a high school diploma or associate’s degree)
  • Work Experience:
    • If you have a university degree, you need a minimum of 96 months of business experience within the last 15 years and 48 months of portfolio management experience
    • If you have a diploma or associate's degree, you need a minimum of 96 months of business experience within the last 15 years and 84 months of portfolio management experience.
  • Exam: An exam is required. It consists of 170 multiple-choice questions.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: You can renew your certification by earning 60 PDUs every three years.

Price:

  • PMI Members: $800
  • Non-PMI Members: $1000

Who It’s For: This certification is essential if you want to validate your skills in strategic portfolio management.

Sign up to get weekly insights, tips, and other helpful content from digital project management experts.

Sign up to get weekly insights, tips, and other helpful content from digital project management experts.

This field is hidden when viewing the form
Consent
By submitting you agree to receive occasional emails and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. Protected by reCAPTCHA; Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

3. PMO Certified Practitioner (PMO-CP) - Best for PMO setup and implementation

Screenshot of PMO Certified Practitioner (PMO-CP) Course and Exam landing page
PMI also offers a PMO-specific certification for those intending to implement a PMO within their organization.

PMO Certified Practitioner (PMO-CP) is a globally recognized certification designed to validate your skills and knowledge in establishing and managing a PMO effectively. It aligns with modern PMO practices and methodologies, and will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the PMO function.

The certification process is fully online and self-paced, and it's available in multiple languages. The certification is supported by PMI via its PMO Global Alliance arm.

Issued by: Project Management Institute

Focus:

  • PMO establishment and management
  • Governance frameworks
  • Portfolio management
  • Resource allocation

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Price:

  • PMI Members: $400
  • Non-PMI Members: $600

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're a PMO practitioner and you want to build or improve your PMO skills.

4. Essentials for PMO Directors - Best for PMO leadership roles

Screenshot of Essentials for PMO Directors home page
This is a great option if PMO director is a goal job title on your career roadmap.

The Essentials for PMO Directors certification is a comprehensive program designed for individuals who are new to the role of PMO director or those aspiring to hold such a position.

This certification will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a PMO within your organization. The curriculum covers various types of PMOs, their support for project, program, and portfolio management, and the competencies required for success in the role.

Issued by: APMG International

Focus:

  • Essential competencies for PMO Directors
  • Knowledge and skills for managing PMOs
  • Alignment of PMOs with strategic goals
  • Understanding different types of PMOs and their roles

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: 3 years of experience working in a PMO (if you don't have any of the certifications listed below)
  • Exam: An exam is required. It consists of 50 complex multiple-choice questions, and you must achieve at least 50% to pass.
  • Other Certifications Required: You must have either the Essentials for PMO Managers certificate, or practitioner certificate in P3O, PRINCE2, PRAXIS framework, AgilePM, MSP, PRINCE2 Agile, APM PFQ, PMQ, PM4SD, PMP, PgMP, or CAPM.

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Price: £1550

Who It’s For: This is suitable if you're a PMO director, PMO manager, project manager, program manager, or portfolio manager responsible for leading or optimizing a PMO.

5. Essentials for PMO Administrators - Best for those in supporting PMO roles

Essentials for PMO Administrators home page screenshot
This certification is aimed at project managers who are beginners with PMOs.

The Essentials for PMO Administrators certification will equip you with the fundamental competencies, knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for the PMO administrator role.

This certification caters to beginners and those in support roles within PMOs, and offers insights into project management principles, PMO roles, and essential delivery support requirements.

Issued by: APMG International

Focus:

  • Project management principles
  • PMO roles and responsibilities
  • Delivery support requirements
  • PMO competency framework

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 45 minutes to completed 60 multiple-choice questions.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Price: £1450

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you want to improve your competency in PMO administrative support.

6. Essentials for PMO Analysts - Best for optimizing PMO processes

Screenshot of Essentials for PMO Analyst's landing page
This certification is best for those who want to move from a business operations role to a PMO role.

The Essentials for PMO Analysts certification will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for the PMO analyst role. It focuses on fifteen core competencies that support project, program, and portfolio delivery, such as planning, scheduling, risk management, and change control. The program is available in both classroom and virtual formats.

Issued by: APMG International

Focus:

  • Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Risk management
  • Change control
  • Establishing and managing PMO services

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 90 minutes to completed 75 multiple-choice questions, and you must achieve at least 50% to pass.
  • Other Certifications Required: None

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Price: £2295

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal if you're a current PMO analyst, PMO coordinator, or transitioning from business operations to a PMO role.

7. Essentials for PMO Managers - Best for new project management office managers

Essentials for PMO Managers screenshot of landing page
If you've been newly promoted to a PMO role, this certification is designed for you.

The Essentials for PMO Managers certification will equip current and aspiring PMO managers with the necessary competencies, knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the role.

You'll get access to a detailed curriculum aimed at improving your project management capabilities, that is aligned with professional standards, and that will support your professional development as a PMO manager.

Issued by: APMG International

Focus:

  • PMO manager responsibilities
  • PMO services
  • PMO design and implementation
  • Governance and delivery frameworks
  • Assurance and PMO life cycle stages

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: 3 years of experience working in a PMO (if you don't have any of the certifications listed below)
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 75 minutes to completed 60 multiple-choice questions, and you must achieve at least 50% to pass.
  • Other Certifications Required: You must hold the Essentials for PMO Analysts certification or any other formally recognized project management certification, such as P3O, PRINCE2, PRAXIS framework, AgilePM, MSP, PRINCE2 Agile, APM PFQ, PMQ, PM4SD, PMP, PgMP, or CAPM.

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Price: £1895

Who It’s For: This certification is suitable if you're a PMO manager, PMO lead, or senior project or program manager that is transitioning into a PMO leadership position.

8. Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices (P3O) - Best for learning the fundamentals of PMO frameworks

Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices screenshot of landing page
This certification is a great option for those interested in integrating portfolio and program management with the PMO.

The P3O certification, provided by Axelos, offers a detailed framework for establishing, managing, and maintaining portfolio, program, and project offices in organizations. It provides you with support structures that improve your decision-making, resource use, and risk management.

It is split into two streams—Foundation and Practitioner. The certification also covers the P3O model and its ability to adapt to various organizational settings and support a unified approach to change management.

Issued by: Axelos

Focus:

  • Establishment of portfolio, program, and project offices
  • Decision-enabling support structures
  • Resource optimization techniques
  • Risk management strategies
  • Implementation of change management frameworks

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 40 minutes to answer 50 questions, and you must achieve 60% to pass.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required for the Foundation certification, but you must earn the Foundation certification before the Practitioner certification.

Renewability: You must renew your certification every 3 years.

Who It’s For: This certification is crucial if you want to establish or maintain an effective PMO within your organization.

9. MoP Foundation Certification - Best for those working in an enterprise PMO

AXELOS MOP Foundation Certification landing page screenshot
This certification is best for those working in a portfolio management office or enterprise PMO.

The MoP Foundation certification is tailored for PMO practitioners working at a portfolio level, such as within a portfolio management office or an enterprise PMO. You'll get an understanding of how portfolio management affects the selection and timing of projects and programs within your organization.

Issued by: PMO Learning

Focus:

  • Scope and objectives of portfolio management
  • Principles and benefits of effective portfolio management
  • Key portfolio documents and their use
  • Implementation of portfolio management practices

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 40 minutes to answer 50 questions, and you must achieve at least 50%.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Price: £1195

Who It’s For: This certification is for portfolio managers, senior executives, business change managers, and project and program managers involved in portfolio decision-making and governance.

10. Project Programme & Portfolio Governance Professional (P3GP) - Best for governance in PMO

Project Programme and Portfolio Governance Professional home page screenshot
This certification is best if you want to specialize in governance at the PMO level.

The Project Programme & Portfolio Governance Professional (P3GP) certification will improve your governance skills as they apply to a PMO. It's suitable if you have experience in governance roles (e.g. you're a RMP-certified professional), and it will equips you with the skills necessary to design and implement effective governance for projects, programs, and portfolios.

Issued by: PMO Learning

Focus:

  • Design and implement effective governance for projects, programs, and portfolios
  • Understanding the ten principles of P3G
  • Relationship between P3G and corporate governance
  • Practical application of governance principles

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 90 minutes to answer 50 questions.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for PMO professionals, project managers, and executives responsible for governance and project outcomes.

11. The Management of Value (MoV) - Best for integrating value management practices into the PMO

Mov: The Management of Value screenshot of home page
If you're interested in implementing the Management of Value framework at your org, this is the certification for you.

The Management of Value (MoV) certification will teach you how to improve the value derived from portfolios, programs, and projects by aligning them with strategic objectives. It emphasizes principles, processes, and techniques to optimize resource efficiency and achieve both monetary and non-monetary benefits. 

The certification is offered at two levels: Foundation, which provides basic knowledge for effective participation in value management; and Practitioner, which will demonstrate your ability to apply MoV guidance in practical scenarios.

Issued by: AXELOS

Focus:

  • Principles of value management
  • Processes for value optimization
  • Techniques for resource efficiency
  • Integration with strategic objectives
  • Application with other methodologies (PRINCE2, MoP, MSP, M_o_R)

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 40 minutes to answer 50 questions, and you must achieve at least 50%.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: You must renew your certification every 3 years.

Who It’s For: This certification is for project managers, program managers, portfolio managers, business analysts, change managers, and professionals involved in maximizing value within projects, programs, and portfolios.

12. Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) - Best for managing multiple projects

MSP Foundation Programme Management Certification home page screenshot
This option is aimed at beginners in managing multiple projects and is a great first step towards a PMO role.

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Foundation is a certification designed to introduce you to the MSP method and terminology. This certification covers how to work effectively within a project team to deliver or manage a program.

It is ideal if you're managing multiple projects and programs and will improve your ability to contribute to large-scale project or program environments.

Issued by: Axelos

Focus:

  • Understanding the MSP method and terminology
  • Working as part of a team to manage programs
  • Improving program management skills

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 1 hour to answer 60 multiple choice questions, and 60% is required to pass
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: You must renew your certification every 3 years.

Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for program or project managers, those working in program offices, business change managers, and members of program and project delivery teams.

13. Certified PMO Professional - Best for the basics of managing a PMO

Screenshot of Certified PMO Professional landing page
This option covers the foundational concepts and skills that PMO professionals need to succeed in the role.

The Certified PMO Professional certification is a globally recognized credential that validates your expertise in PMO management, strategic planning, and resource optimization.

This program emphasizes project planning and strategies, and includes access to an e-learning library and a capstone project to showcase acquired skills.

Issued by: Global Skills Development Council

Focus:

  • PMO frameworks
  • Maturity assessment
  • Implementation paths
  • Governance
  • Practical tools

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Not required
  • Work Experience: Not required
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 1.5 hours to answer 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must achieve a passing score of 65%.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Price: $300

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for PMO professionals, project managers, and business analysts who want to improve their career prospects and demonstrate their capability in PMO management and leadership.

14. AIPMO-Foundation Certification (IPMO-F) - Best for foundational PMO knowledge

AIPMO-Foundation Certification screenshot of landing page
This certification also covers the basics for new PMO managers and project team members.

The IPMO-Foundation certification (IPMO-F) is tailored for you if you're a PMO team member or stakeholder at the beginning of your career in project environments.

This certification provides foundational knowledge on how PMOs contribute to project delivery and overall business value. Through a combination of formal training and a structured exam, you'll learn how to design, establish, and deliver PMO services effectively. 

Issued by: AIPMO

Focus:

  • PMO roles and responsibilities
  • PMO life cycle framework
  • Service delivery and personal competencies
  • Success metrics and maturity levels
  • PMO tools and techniques

Prerequisites:

  • Education: Degree-level education or similar
  • Work Experience: At least one year of relevant work experience
  • Exam: An exam is required. You'll have 1 hour to complete 50 multiple-choice questions.
  • Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.

Who It’s For: This certification is valuable for junior PMO members, project managers, and stakeholders who want a better understanding of PMO operations and to be able to contribute to organizational goals.

FAQs About PMO Certifications

What is a PMO certification?

A PMO certification is a formal recognition that validates your skills and knowledge in PMO practices and methodologies. It is designed for you if you’re involved in managing or leading PMOs and want to make sure you possess the necessary competencies to support project delivery and governance.

Who should consider obtaining a PMO certification?

If you’re currently working in or aspiring to work in a PMO as a project manager, program manager, or some other role responsible for project governance and oversight, you should consider obtaining a PMO certification. It is beneficial if you’re looking to advance your career in project management and increase your expertise in PMO operations.

What are the benefits of a PMO certification?

Obtaining a PMO certification can improve your understanding of PMO frameworks and best practices, improve your ability to manage and support large projects, and increase your career prospects in the field. It also recognizes your expertise and commitment to professional development.

How long does it take to get PMO-certified?

The time it takes to obtain PMO certification varies depending on the certification body and your prior experience and study schedule. Some certifications may require a few weeks of preparation, while others might take several months. Check the specific requirements and recommendations of the certification program that you’re planning to choose.

Are there prerequisites for enrolling in a PMO certification program?

Prerequisites for PMO certification programs differ based on the certifying organization. Some programs may require prior project management experience or completion of certain educational courses. Review the specific criteria for each certification to determine your eligibility.

Other Useful Resources

Here are a few other useful resources to check out:

What's Next?

Want to connect with other digital project managers to share resources and best practices? Join our membership community and get access to 100+ templates, samples, and examples and connect with 100s of other digital project managers in Slack.

Galen Low

Galen is a digital project manager with over 10 years of experience shaping and delivering human-centered digital transformation initiatives in government, healthcare, transit, and retail. He is a digital project management nerd, a cultivator of highly collaborative teams, and an impulsive sharer of knowledge. He's also the co-founder of The Digital Project Manager and host of The DPM Podcast.