There's a New PM Credential in Town

Comparing the PMI Project Management Professional PMP® Certification and the PURE Project Manager® Credential

As a PMP, I’m pretty excited about the new PURE Project Manager credential, launched on January 27, 2025.

➡️ It appears to take a different approach to providing a professional credential for Project Management.

Good?

Bad?

Let’s see…

(BUT FIRST - I wondered, are both of these certifications, or credentials?)

• The PMI website says “The Project Management Professional® certification acknowledges candidates who are skilled at managing the people, processes, and business priorities of professional projects.“

• The PURE Management Alliance website says “PURE Management Alliance certifications are designed for professionals who are serious about advancing their careers. Unlike other credentials that focus on broad, often abstract concepts, our certifications are rooted in practical skills and knowledge that make a difference in real-world management.“

• BUT also says: “If you want to show employers, stakeholders, and clients you’re serious about getting things done, then the PURE Project Manager® credential is for you.“

🌠 So…. I’ll stick with certification for this article, but hear it how you like.

KEY POINT: In the ever-evolving field of project management, obtaining a professional certification can significantly enhance one's career prospects.

Two prominent credentials in this domain are the: 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)

• Newly introduced PURE Project Manager credential.

This article delves into the differences between these two credentials, including their topical content, preparation requirements, reasons for creation, credentialing data, and predictions about future growth.

Topical Content

PMI PMP Credential: The PMP credential is globally recognized and covers a broad range of project management topics. According to PMI's website "The PMP certification proves you have the project leadership and expertise in any way of working: predictive, hybrid or agile. It demonstrates your ability to lead projects without being tied to any specific industry or geographic location." The PMP credential demonstrates "your ability to lead projects in any industry with this globally recognized certification and open the door to a world of opportunities.

PURE PM Credential: The PURE PM credential, introduced by the PURE Management Alliance, focuses on practical, real-world project management. Unlike the PMP, which is more theoretical, the PURE PM credential emphasizes Projects Under Realistic Expectations (PURE). The curriculum is designed to address the unique challenges faced by project managers in different organizational environments. It covers topics such as realistic scheduling, budget management, risk management, and team authority. The PURE PM credential aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Preparation Requirements

PMI PMP Credential: To qualify for the PMP exam, candidates must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements. There are three sets of requirements based on the candidate's educational background:

• Set A: High school diploma, 60 months of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education or training.

• Set B: Bachelor's degree, 36 months of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education or training.

• Set C: Bachelor's degree from a GAC-accredited program, 24 months of project management experience, and 35 hours of project management education or training.

Candidates must also complete an application process, pay the exam fee, and schedule the exam. The PMP exam consists of 180 questions and must be completed within 230 minutes. Preparation for the exam typically involves self-study, instructor-led courses, and practice exams.

PURE PM Credential: The PURE PM credential also has specific requirements, but they are more focused on practical experience. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of project management experience and demonstrate their ability to manage projects under realistic constraints. The preparation for the PURE PM exam includes a one-hour introductory course, followed by more in-depth training modules that cover real-world project management scenarios. The exam itself is designed to test the candidate's ability to apply project management principles in practical situations.

Reasons for Creation

PMI PMP Credential: The PMP credential was created to establish a standardized measure of project management competence. It aims to validate a project manager's skills and knowledge, ensuring they can effectively lead projects in any industry. The PMP credential is recognized globally and is considered the gold standard in project management certification.

• The first PMP exam was held in Oct 1984.

PURE PM Credential: The PURE PM credential was created to address the gap between theoretical project management knowledge and real-world application.

• The PURE Project Manager credential was launched in January 2025

 Comparison and Opinion

PMI PMP

Pros:

- Global Recognition: The PMP certification is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized project management credentials worldwide.

- Comprehensive Coverage: It covers a broad range of project management methodologies, including both Agile and traditional approaches.

- Career Advancement: PMP-certified professionals often enjoy higher salaries and better job opportunities.

Cons:

- High Cost: The PMP certification process can be expensive, including exam fees, study materials, and maintenance costs.

- Rigorous Requirements: The certification requires significant experience and education, which can be a barrier for some professionals.

- Time-Consuming: Preparing for the PMP exam and maintaining the certification requires a substantial time commitment.

PURE Project Manager

Pros:

- Agile Focus: PURE PM is designed with a strong emphasis on Agile methodologies, making it ideal for projects that require flexibility and iterative progress.

- Modern Approach: It incorporates the latest project management trends and practices, ensuring that credential holders are up-to-date with current industry standards.

- Cost-Effective: Generally, the PURE PM credential is more affordable compared to the PMP certification, making it accessible to a wider range of professionals.

 Cons:

- Less Recognized: As a newer credential, PURE PM may not be as widely recognized or respected as the PMP certification.

- Limited Resources: There may be fewer study materials, courses, and support networks available for PURE PM compared to PMP.

- Niche Focus: Its strong focus on Agile may not be suitable for all types of projects, particularly those that require more traditional project management approaches.

Summary

PMI PMP

The PMP credential is well-established and widely recognized, and it has a significant impact on salary expectations. According to various sources, PMP-certified professionals can expect a substantial salary increase compared to their non-certified peers. Here are some key points: 

- Higher Median Salary: PMP-certified professionals earn a median salary that is 33% higher than those without the certification.

- Global Recognition: The PMP certification is recognized worldwide, leading to higher salary prospects in various countries. For example, in the United States, PMP-certified professionals earn an average salary of around $120,000 per year.

- Industry Impact: The impact of the PMP certification on salaries varies by industry. For instance, PMP-certified professionals in the pharmaceutical and legal industries command higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge and skills required.

PURE Project Manager

The PURE PM credential is relatively new, so there isn't as much data available on its impact on salaries. However, given its focus on Agile methodologies and modern project management practices, it can be expected to enhance salary prospects, especially in industries and organizations that prioritize Agile project management. As the credential gains recognition, its impact on salaries is likely to grow.

RESOURCES:

PMI

PURE Management Alliance

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