Project Management Institute (PMI)

In 1969, Professional Management Institute was established as a membership association for those working in project, program, and portfolio management. Today, PMI helps nearly 3 million people across the globe who work in these industries have the education and resources to be successful in their field. PMI gives workers the ability to obtain certifications and to receive additional education and training related to their jobs or desired jobs. 

• Program offerings
• Price
• Duration
• Career support

The organization provides the following additional benefits for project managers:

• Program offerings. PMI recognizes the importance for project managers to learn and grow in their career. The certifications and credentialing programs PMI offers can lead to higher salaries and career advancement. PMI offers eight certifications, each focusing on specific areas of project management. More than 500,000 people in 180 countries have a PMI certification. Additionally, PMI holds regular training and educational events for professionals. Project management professionals have access to webinars, publications, seminars and other events and resources through PMI.
• Price. PMI membership is fairly priced, especially considering what one gets from being a member. Membership costs $129 and is open to anyone. Initial application costs an additional $10; renewal is also $129. Students currently enrolled in an accredited institution may become a PMI member for just $32; renewal is also $32. Retired persons who in the past have been PMI members may renew for $65.
• Duration. The certifications consist of an exam for which test-takers can spend as much time as they like in preparation. Also, the other resources, such as seminars, webinars, conference, etc., vary in length from one hour to a couple of days. Options abound for the project manager.
• Career Support. PMI's chief purpose is to help people advance and succeed in their careers. PMI offers a slew of seminars, webinars, courses and events expressly designed to arm project managers with knowledge to move forward in their careers and to achieve their professional goals. PMI's website also has a section where members can post their resume and showcase their skills to prospective employers. Members also feel connected, as they can belong to local chapters as well as an online global community. In these forums, members can exchange ideas, network and learn from and teach one another.

• Additional costs
• No guarantees
• Certifications only

While noted that membership costs are affordable and certainly a highlight of the organization, the individual certification courses (which are additional costs to membership) can be high. For example, a Project Management Professional certification is $405, and this does not include preparation materials and practice tests.

Those who take certification courses should be aware that certification does not guarantee higher salary and promotion. Certainly, certification and further education in the field enhances one's chance of advancement, but the organization is a bit misleading in its assertions that such things are bound to happen for those who certify.

PMI only provides certification, not any other type of higher education including associate's or bachelor's degrees.

Project management is a growing field and one that is critically important in a variety of industries. PMI is the foremost organization to provide continuing training, education and certification in project management. Anyone working in a project management job and looking for higher certification would be wise to check out PMI.