PgMP vs PMP: Know Which is Better PMP or PgMP

There are many different certifications that are available in the field of project management. It can be quite challenging to go through all of them and decide which one is ideal. Choosing between the PgMP vs PMP certifications can be challenging for professionals aiming to advance their careers in project management. Both certifications are highly respected in the industry, but they cater to different levels of experience and career goals.

In this article, we are going to talk about PgMP vs PMP across various parameters to help you choose the right certification for you.

PgMP vs PMP: Head-to-head Comparison

Parameter	PgMP	PMP
Cost	$800 for PMI members and $1,000 for nonmembers.	$405 for PMI members and $555 for nonmembers.
Eligibility	4-year degree  Experience in project management for 48 months OR PMP  48 months of recent (15 years) experience in program management	4-year degree  4,500 hours in prominent and directing projects  35 hours of education in project management
Type	Program	Project
Examination	It takes place in two phases	It takes place in one phase
Ideal for	For advanced project managers	For new and intermediate project managers

What is PMP?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, is a widely accepted credential for project managers. It represents the essential training, knowledge, and competency needed to lead and manage projects across industries. As companies hire from diverse cultural backgrounds, the demand for PMP-certified professionals grows, reflecting the need for standardized skills to manage projects, translate strategic visions into objectives, and ensure successful outcomes amidst various constraints.

What is PgMP?

Program Management Professional or PgMP is the next stage in advancing your expertise in project and program management if you currently hold the PMP certification (or the designation of Project Management Professional). The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the PgMP, a program management certification that is widely recognized. Senior management practitioners, especially those who oversee extensive programs, should get this credential. Obtaining PgMP certification is a sign of your program management expertise and experience. 

PgMP is considered a respected certification because it is more difficult to obtain. Before being eligible to take the PgMP certification exam, a candidate must have a certain amount of experience, industry-level knowledge, and experience in program management. There are about 3000 PgMP-certified professionals all across the world as of this date. On the contrary, a million individuals have a PMP certification. Therefore, obtaining a PgMP will undoubtedly give you a career advantage. 

PgMP vs PMP: Detailed Comparison

Let us talk a little more in detail about the PgMP vs. PMP certification:

PgMP vs. PMP: Cost

According to PMI, the PMP exam costs $555 for nonmembers and $405 for members. Joining PMI is beneficial if you intend to take the exam. Student members pay $32 instead of the $119 yearly membership price. When you join PMI, you may take advantage of member-only discounts on other examinations, have access to the PMI job sites, and save money on the PMP.

On the other hand, for PMI members, the PgMP test costs $800, while it costs $1,000 for nonmembers. Like the PMP, joining the PMI can be advantageous even without the price cut, with the member-only benefits serving as a bonus. You are only required to pay once the panel has approved your submission because the PgMP application procedure includes a panel assessment of your work. 

PgMP vs PMP: Eligibility

You need to fulfill a number of requirements before you can become certified as a PMP. To qualify, you must have 

• four years degree, 
• 36 months of project leadership, and 
• A CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification or 35 hours of project management study or training 

OR

• a diploma from high school or an associate's degree 
• 60 months of project leadership, and 
• A CAPM certification or 35 hours of project management study or training. 

Additionally, you must pass the 180-question PMP test, which has a 230-minute time limit.

On the other hand, the prerequisites for the PgMP certification are more demanding because it comes after the PMP certification. The statistics back this up: whereas over 1 million people possess the PMP certification, roughly 3,000 people have obtained the PgMP. If you want to get the PgMP certification, you must: 

• a secondary qualification, such as a high school certificate or an associate's qualification 
• a PMP certification or 48 months of project management experience, and 
• experience in program management for 84 months within the last 15 years

OR 

• four years of college,
• a PMP certification or 48 months of project management experience, AND 
• 48 months of recent (15 years) experience in program management 

PgMP vs PMP: Type

As the name suggests, PMP is a project. A project is a one-off, unique activity with a measurable outcome. A project manager is in charge of overseeing every aspect of that specific project.

On the other hand, PgMP is a program. A program is a collection of various initiatives provided as a unit. A program manager manages all projects as a single, cohesive series. The program manager typically supervises a number of project managers. 

PgMP vs PMP: Examination

Project managers' actual work is reflected in the PMP test. People who have obtained PMP certification wrote and vetted each question on the test. The test is approved by American National Requirements Institute 17024 and International Organization for Standardization 9001 standards. 

180 questions make up the exam, which is broken down into three project management categories of people, process, and business environment. You have one year and three chances to pass the PMP test starting from the day you qualify. All test attempts must be proctored, whether online or at a testing location. 

A panel examination of your program management experience and a multiple-choice test comprises the two parts of the PgMP evaluation procedure. Before taking the exam, you must complete the panel review process. 

The program management summaries you produced in your initial application are evaluated by a group of volunteers who have obtained PgMP certification during the review process. This procedure ensures that your experience complies with certification requirements and is carried out with little oversight. Up to 60 days may pass throughout this process. 

You must complete a 170 multiple-choice exam after the panel review. Candidates for certification have four hours to finish the constantly invigilated exam in a testing facility. 

PgMP vs PMP: Ideal for

New and intermediate project managers striving to earn their PMP certification. This certification is an excellent option for those who still need to meet the requirements for the PgMP designation because it calls for fewer months of project management experience.

On the other hand, the PgMP shows that you possess abilities beyond those of a project manager. However, because the PgMP panel review procedure is rigorous and requires clear explanations of each program you handled, it is essential first to confirm that your prior expertise satisfies the criteria. 

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How Are They Similar?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in management, these two certificates will help you achieve your dreams. Choosing PMP or PgMP can sometimes be difficult, but the main similarity is that you get to learn about management. PgMP vs PMP share several core similarities despite their distinct focuses. Both certifications are rooted in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), emphasizing standard practices and methodologies essential for effective management. They each underscore the importance of adhering to industry best practices, leveraging tools, and applying proven techniques to achieve project and program goals.

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What Should You Choose Between PgMP vs PMP?

To answer the question of which is better, PMP or PgMP. It all comes down to personal preference and professional goals in the end. If you already possess the necessary talents for one over the other, that would also aid in your decision. Choose the PMP certification if you want to be in charge of a project and enjoy completing it on schedule while following all necessary procedures. 

On the other hand, a PgMP certificate would be more appropriate for you if you prefer coordinating timings and acting as the link that keeps everything else in sync. Whichever one you select, you can be confident that it will make a difference and open doors for your professional and personal growth. 

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Benefits

If you are considering whether you want to choose between PgMP or PMP, here are some of the benefits which will give you a clearer idea. The difference between PMP and PgMP certifications lies in the scope and level of responsibility. The PMP certification has several advantages. To begin with, PMPs are paid more than their non-certified counterparts. In general, the earnings of project managers with PMP certification are 16% more than those without it. 

Getting certified attests to your proficiency in performing tasks correctly. Employers seek project managers who can complete tasks on time, within budget, and as effectively as feasible. You can satisfy these requirements if you have a PMP certification. 

More than just getting a new title is involved in earning the PgMP certificate. More abilities, such as strategic thinking, leadership, team building, and resource management, are required in program managers than in project managers. Your PgMP certification demonstrates to companies that you are an expert in these abilities, making you a desirable prospect. 

Conclusion

Choosing which certification you want to pursue can be challenging, but anyone you choose is sure to fit your needs and professional objectives. You will not only establish yourself as a reputable expert in your industry, but you will also provide yourself access to a wealth of new chances. If you want to pursue PMP or PgMP certification, the KnowlegedeHut PMP Certificate and PgMP Certificate training course can be helpful. We hope this blogs helps you make the right decision in choosing the right certification for you.