PML vs PMP: Complete Comparison
Choosing between PML and PMP certification? This detailed comparison will help you decide which credential is right for your career goals and budget.
At a Glance
| Feature | PML | PMP |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $299 | $1,500+ |
| Prerequisites | None | 4,500-7,500 hours experience |
| Time to Certify | 4-6 weeks | 6+ months |
| Exam Attempts Included | 3 attempts | 1 attempt |
| Training Included | ||
| Recertification Cost | Free (founding members) | $150 every 3 years |
| Exam Format | 180 questions, 6 hours | 180 questions, 230 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% | 61% (varies) |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
Detailed Comparison
Total Cost to Certify
PML: $299
- • Course ($299)
- • Exam (included)
- • 3 exam attempts (included)
- • Certificate (included)
- Total: $299
PMP: $1,500+
- • PMI Membership: $139/year (optional but saves $100)
- • Training Course: $800-2,000
- • Exam Fee: $405 (member) or $555 (non-member)
- • Retake Fee: $275-375 per attempt
- Total: $1,344-2,694+
Time to Get Certified
PML: 4-6 Weeks
- • 40 hours of course content
- • Study at your own pace
- • Take exam when ready
- • No prerequisites to start
- • Immediate enrollment
PMP: 6+ Months
- • 35 hours of PM education (required)
- • Document 4,500-7,500 hours experience
- • Apply and wait for approval (can take weeks)
- • Find and schedule training
- • Study 100+ hours recommended
Eligibility Requirements
PML: None
- ✓ No experience required
- ✓ No education requirements
- ✓ Anyone can enroll
- ✓ Perfect for career changers
- ✓ Great for early-career professionals
PMP: Strict Requirements
- • Bachelor's degree + 3 years (4,500 hours) PM experience
- OR
- • High school + 5 years (7,500 hours) PM experience
- • 35 hours of PM education/training
- • Experience must be documented and verified
Training & Preparation
PML: All-Inclusive
- ✓ 40+ hours of video content included
- ✓ Complete curriculum covering all domains
- ✓ Practice questions and quizzes
- ✓ Case studies and real-world examples
- ✓ One price covers everything
PMP: Separate Cost
- • Training NOT included with exam
- • Must find PMI-approved training provider
- • Training costs $800-2,000+
- • Self-study requires PMBOK Guide purchase
- • Additional prep books recommended
Which Certification Is Right for You?
Choose PML If You...
- Are new to project management or changing careers
- Don't meet PMP prerequisites (experience or education)
- Want to certify quickly (4-6 weeks vs 6+ months)
- Need an affordable option ($299 vs $1,500+)
- Want training included in the cost
- Prefer multiple exam attempts (3 vs 1)
- Work in startups or small companies that value skills over brand name
Choose PMP If You...
- Already have 4,500+ hours of PM experience documented
- Work in industries where PMP is specifically required (government, defense)
- Need the PMI brand name for credibility with large enterprises
- Have budget for the higher cost ($1,500+)
- Can wait 6+ months to complete the process
- Want the most established certification (PMP since 1984)
- Work in traditional industries that specifically ask for PMP
Can I Get Both Certifications?
Absolutely! Many professionals choose to get PML first, then pursue PMP later:
Start with PML to learn PM fundamentals and get certified quickly ($299, 4-6 weeks)
Gain experience using your PML credential to land PM roles or advance in your current role
Pursue PMP later once you have the required 4,500 hours of experience documented
This strategy lets you get certified NOW and start building your PM career, rather than waiting months or years to meet PMP prerequisites. The PML course content will also help you prepare for PMP eventually, since both cover the same PM fundamentals.