Which is Better PMP or PgMP - PgMP vs PMP

The art and science of project/ program management are so fierce and unforgiving that you, as a professional, must indulge in continuous professional advancement and keep pace with the latest developments and industry trends. One way to advance in your career is by earning prestigious certifications. Though you do not need them to be project/ program management certification, having them increases your chances of securing a high-paid job, getting a promotion, or earning more than your non-certified counterparts. For professionals in this field, the certifications administered by PMI (Project Management Institute)- PMP (Project Management Professional) and PgMP (Program Management Professional)- are the gold standards. However, practitioners often find it confusing and exasperating to choose the best fit for their career. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about PgMP vs PMP, comparing and contrasting them using multiple criteria.

Difference Between PMP and PgMP

To understand the difference between PMP and PgMP, we must first understand the difference between a project and a program. A project is a time-bound venture to produce a good/ service/ result. On the other hand, a program is a pool of inter-related and inter-dependent projects channeled to deliver a particular outcome that is more than the sum of outcomes of individual projects. PMP is an internationally sought-after certificate recognizing your competence as a project management professional. Having this certificate proves that you have mastered the three domains of this discipline- people, process, and business environment. It showcases your ability to manage, organize, and successfully lead complex projects. Therefore, you are the best fit for PMP if you possess the requisite skills, determination, and perseverance to achieve project objectives. PgMP is a globally revered certification that appreciates your mastery in managing and supervising multiple projects and linking each project to the greater organizational goal. It exhibits your prowess in producing benefits more than the cumulative outcome of multiple projects. Hence, if you can align multiple projects with the strategic goals of an organization and oversee its success as a program, PgMP is ideal for you. Requirements To obtain these certifications, you must have a few robust academic and professional qualifications.

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Evaluating PgMP vs PMP eligibility criteria, we can say that meeting PgMP's prerequisites is more difficult. Though you may not need education in project/ program management, you require years of experience managing/ leading/ organizing both projects and programs for PgMP.

Interestingly, you can substitute project management experience with PMP, signifying that you need something more than PMP to be eligible for PgMP. In addition, PMI only considers experience amassed over the past fifteen consecutive years for PgMP and eight years for PMP. In essence, PMI does not count any experience falling beyond the scope of this period.

PgMP® Vs PMP®: Benefits

At a glance, both certifications open doors—but they serve different kinds of rooms. Now, let’s talk PgMP vs PMP in terms of benefits:

Career Growth: While PMP® helps you grow as a skilled project leader, PgMP® positions you as a strategic thinker ready for executive roles. When comparing PgMP vs PMP, it’s clear that PgMP® is tailored for those who want to lead portfolios and drive organisational change.

Earning Potential: 

Professionals with a PMP® already enjoy above-average salaries. But PgMP® holders often see even higher compensation due to their broader scope of responsibility. The PgMP vs PMP salary difference can be significant, especially in enterprise settings.

Credibility and Recognition: 

Having a PMP® proves you can lead and manage projects. But with PgMP®, you're seen as someone who can deliver enterprise-level outcomes. In the PgMP vs PMP debate, this added credibility often means quicker recognition among senior leadership.

Eligibility Requirements: PgMP vs PMP

Let’s break down the PgMP vs PMP eligibility in plain terms, without the overwhelming PMI handbook talk.

• A four-year degree

• At least 36 months of project management experience

• 35 hours of project management education

Alternatively, if you don’t have a four-year degree, you can still apply if you have:

• A high school diploma or an associate’s degree

• 60 months of project management experience

• 35 hours of project management education

Now, for those looking at PgMP® (Program Management Professional), the bar is set a bit higher, because it’s designed for leaders handling multiple projects under one strategic umbrella.

To be eligible for PgMP®, you’ll need:

• A four-year degree

• 48 months of project management experience

• 48 months of program management experience (non-overlapping with project experience)

Or, if you don’t have a four-year degree:

• A secondary diploma

• 48 months of project management experience

• 84 months of program management experience

Cost and Investment: PgMP vs PMP

It's a good question, because both are good certifications, but they are different levels of commitment, both effort, and financially. So let's get into the numbers and what you're actually spending when you compare PgMP vs PMP.

For the PMP® (Project Management Professional), the exam fee is:

• Non-member: INR 58,196

• PMI-member: INR 36,643

Most candidates also spend money on training, mock tests, and study materials—so all in, you’re looking at around INR 9,999.00 - 29,999.00, depending on the course provider you choose.

Now, for PgMP® (Program Management Professional), things are a bit more intense. The exam itself is in two parts—panel review and multiple-choice exam. The fees are:

• INR 68967.76 for PMI members

• INR 85,818.57for non-members

Add the cost of prep courses, which tend to be more advanced and longer than PMP®, and your total investment often goes up to 1,71,647.40–2,57,466.60 or more.

Evaluation

You can apply for the required certification if you possess the requisite qualifications. PMI will clear your application if you transcend the hilly terrain of eligibility. After this, you will be eligible for one year to take the test not more than three times. If you fail to clear the test after three attempts or the expiry of the eligibility period, you shall apply again.

You have to pass a 230-minute test for PMP. There will be 180 questions from three knowledge areas- people (42%), process (50%), and business environment (8%)- that will assess your industry skills, experience, and expertise.

On the other hand, you have to overcome dual evaluation phases for PgMP. First, you will have to qualify for a blind audit/ panel review where a professional panel will assess your audit materials, which you must prepare and send within three months of clearing your application.

You can appear for the test only if you clear the panel review. The 240-minute test will have 170 questions from five knowledge areas- strategic platform management (15%), program life cycle (44%), benefits management (11%), stakeholder management (16%), and governance (14%).

Both PgMP and PMP are valid for 36 months, and you must amass 60 PDUs before expiry for renewal. However, after analyzing PgMP vs PMP evaluation processes, we can say that getting PgMP is more difficult as you will have to clear a panel review in addition to the test to obtain the certification. 

Also Read: Project Execution

Looking at the PgMP vs PMP test fee, you have to pay nearly 1.8 times more to attend the PgMP test when compared to PMP. One reason behind this might be the comprehensive evaluation process involving two stages.

Also Read: After PMP Certification What Next? 

Which is Better- PMP or PgMP?

To sum up, PMP proves your ability, as a professional, to manage, lead, and organize time-bound projects, and achieve the outlined objectives. On the other hand, PgMP proves that you can link many such projects to an organization's strategic vision and mission and produce benefits more than the sum of the benefits of individual projects. In other words, you must generate benefits that multiple standalone projects cannot create.

Both PgMP and PMP are indispensable qualifications in the industry. As mentioned before, both certifications can significantly boost your professional life. For instance, both have the potential to raise your pay. PMP professionals earn 32% more than their non-PMP counterparts, and PgMP professionals earn 42% more than non-PgMP program managers in the US.

But which is better? There are around a million PMP holders worldwide. On the other hand, there are only about three thousand PgMP holders. That is, for every PgMP holder, there are 333 PMP holders. Therefore, getting a PgMP is a bigger deal and thus holds greater weight than a PMP. Moreover, we have seen that PgMP qualifications and evaluation are more stringent than PMP. Hence, PgMP commands more respect in the industry compared to PMP.

Also, the annual average base pay for a PMP professional in the US is 111,000 USD, and that of a PgMP professional is 122,000 USD. In other words, on average, PgMP holders earn around 10% more than PMP professionals. Analyzing this PgMP vs PMP salary gap, we can say that PgMP holders earn more than PMP professionals. Hence, PgMP certification is more valuable than PMP.

Both PMP and PgMP are highly esteemed in the project/program management industry. Both PgMP certification and PMP certification are prestigious certifications and are globally revered by recruiters. Moreover, they are avenues of continuous career development.

By 2030, the global economy will need 25 million new professionals in the project industry, including roles in project and program management. Considering the abysmal figures of the current PMP and PgMP holders, it is a colossal gulf to bridge, and these certifications will help you meet the growing demands.

How Are PgMP® and PMP® Similar?

If you're trying to choose between PgMP® or PMP®, it helps to know that these certifications aren’t worlds apart—they actually share more in common than you might think. At the heart of both lies a deep commitment to professional excellence in managing work, whether it's a single project or a large-scale program. Both certifications are offered by PMI (Project Management Institute), and they follow global standards based on the PMI Talent Triangle and best practices outlined in PMI guides. Whether you pursue PgMP or PMP, you'll need solid experience, pass a rigorous exam, and commit to continuous learning through Professional Development Units (PDUs).

Another similarity? Both certifications are recognised and valued as employers in every country. Whether you hold PgMP or PMP, you're demonstrating that you can lead, plan, execute, and deliver real business value. So if you're still thinking about PgMP or PMP, remember you're no longer choosing between good and bad—you are choosing between two good options that match different moments in your career journey.

PgMP® Vs PMP®: Salary

The salary difference between PgMP® and PMP® certified professionals reflects the distinct levels of responsibility and expertise required for each role. Program managers with PgMP® certification typically command 20-30% higher salaries than project managers with PMP® credentials, with annual compensation often ranging from $135,000-$165,000 for program managers versus $90,000-$130,000 for project managers. This pay differential stems from the complexity of overseeing multiple interconnected projects, managing larger budgets, and driving strategic organisational outcomes rather than individual project deliverables. Geographic location, industry sector, company size, and years of experience naturally influence these ranges, but the compensation premium for program management expertise remains a consistent trend across various markets.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between PgMP vs PMP, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it all depends on where you are in your career and where you want to go next. If you're starting out or currently managing individual projects, PMP® certification is a powerful credential that gives you global recognition and a strong foundation. Alternatively, if you are already managing several related projects and aligning those projects with the business strategy, PgMP® could be your best next step. However, it is important to note that the PgMP vs PMP comparison is not about which certification is superior; it is all about which certification meets your intentions, experience, and aspirations. The two certifications are highly regarded, but they represent different levels of leadership. Regardless of whether you are interested in career advancement, salary, eligibility, or financial commitment, understanding the essential differences in PgMP vs PMP will help you reach your desired conclusion. 

FAQs

1. Is PgMP® a Difficult Certification to Earn?

Yes, PgMP® is considered more challenging than PMP® because it assesses your ability to manage multiple related projects at a strategic level. In the PgMP vs PMP comparison, PgMP® demands deeper experience, especially in program governance and business alignment. If you're deciding between PgMP or PMP, your readiness and leadership exposure will guide the right choice.

2. What Makes PMP® Different from PgMP®?

The key difference lies in scope PMP® focuses on managing individual projects, while PgMP® is about overseeing multiple related projects as a unified program. In the PgMP vs PMP debate, PMP® is ideal for project-level leadership, whereas PgMP® suits professionals aiming for strategic roles. Choosing between PgMP or PMP depends on your current experience and future goals.

3. Is It Worth Getting a PgMP® Certification?

Absolutely—if you're leading multiple projects and want to move into more strategic, executive-level roles, PgMP® is a valuable next step. In the PgMP vs PMP comparison, PgMP® offers greater recognition for high-level leadership. So, if you're torn between PgMP or PMP, think long-term PgMP® is definitely worth it for the right career path.