All about PgMP

PgMP stands for Program Management Professional. It’s a certification from PMI, aimed at professionals who lead complex programs made up of multiple related projects. If you're managing initiatives that go beyond individual projects and tie into big-picture business goals, PgMP helps validate that expertise.

PgMP is ideal for experienced project managers — especially PMPs — who have moved beyond managing single projects. If you're overseeing groups of related projects and are responsible for delivering outcomes that align with business strategy, PgMP is designed for you.

If you have a bachelor's degree:
- At least 4 years of project management experience (or PMP)
- Plus 4 years of program management experience

If you don’t have a degree:
- 4 years of project management experience (or PMP)
- Plus 7 years of program management experience

PMI will verify this through your PgMP application details.

You don’t need a PMP, but it certainly helps. PMI requires you to demonstrate solid project management experience, so having PMP already proves that part. If you don’t have PMP, you’ll need to clearly show you meet the project management experience criteria.

First, you submit your application through PMI’s website. Once your eligibility is confirmed, your application goes through a Panel Review where experienced PgMP holders assess whether your experience reflects true program management. After approval, you can schedule your exam.

The Panel Review is where PMI-certified PgMP professionals evaluate your application to ensure your experience reflects managing programs, not just multiple projects. They’re looking for strategic leadership, benefits realization, and governance experience across complex initiatives.

You get one opportunity to revise if your application is not accepted the first time. If you fail twice, PMI requires you to wait a year before you can start the process again which means that your application fee is gone.

The exam includes 170 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 4 hours.  There are 20 questions which does not carry any marks. The PgMP exam focuses on 5 program management domains like the lifecycle, governance, benefits management, and stakeholder engagement.

Yes, PMI offers the option to take the exam online through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE platform, as long as your environment and tech setup meet their strict requirements.

For PMI members, the fee is around USD 800. For non-members, it’s about USD 1000. These rates can change, so it’s best to check PMI’s official site for the latest fees.

India fee for PgMP is 48,720 for a member and 60,900 for a non member. A GST of 18% is applicable on both the fees at the time of payment. 

You have 3 chances within a year to pass the exam after your application is approved. If you don’t pass within those attempts, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again.

PgMP is valid for three years. To keep it active, you need to earn 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) during each 3-year cycle.

PMP focuses on managing individual projects. PgMP focuses on leading multiple related projects as a strategic program. PgMP is a step up for those looking to demonstrate leadership at an enterprise level.

AI is already changing how we manage projects. PgMP positions you beyond execution, into leadership roles where strategy, benefits realization, and stakeholder alignment matter — areas AI can’t replace. PgMP helps future-proof your career.

Absolutely — if you want to step into senior leadership roles and prove your ability to manage complex programs. PgMP gives you credibility, expands your career options globally, and sets you apart from traditional project managers.