Project Management Institute (PMI) has launched the PMI Project Management Office Certified Professional (PMI-PMOCP) certification to equip PMO professionals with the expertise to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, drive strategic decisions, and enhance organisational success.
PMOs have evolved into key enablers of strategic value within organisations, playing a critical role in driving business success. No longer limited to overseeing project execution, they now integrate closely with executive leadership to align initiatives with broader organisational goals. By fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring projects deliver measurable outcomes, PMOs are shaping the future of businesses and driving long-term impact.
The new certification builds on the legacy of the PMO Certified Practitioner (PMO-CP) certification, which became part of PMI’s portfolio following the acquisition of PMO Global Alliance (PMOGA).
The PMI-PMOCP certification has been reimagined to meet the evolving demands of modern organisations and was developed in collaboration with hundreds of seasoned PMO leaders and industry experts to ensure its relevance and impact.
The certification incorporates insights from PMI’s new publication, Project Management Offices: A Practice Guide. Central to this guide is the PMO Value Ring Framework, an innovative approach that empowers PMO leaders to transform their offices into customer-centric partners delivering measurable value.
The new certification sets a global standard for excellence, validated through the ISO 9001 accreditation. It assesses expertise across six key domains: Organisational Development and Alignment, PMO Strategic Elements, PMO Design and Structuring, PMO Operation and Performance, PMO Enhancement and Effectiveness, and People.
Professionals who earn the certification demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and lead PMOs that align with organisational goals and deliver tangible results.
Eligibility for the certification requires a minimum of three years of project management experience or a current PMP certification, along with 10 hours of PMO-specific training. To support candidates, PMI will offer an on-demand exam prep course that satisfies the 10-hour training requirement while preparing applicants for the certification exam.
PMI is offering a seamless, no-cost transition for existing PMO-CP certification holders to upgrade to the new PMI-PMOCP credential by 3 February 2026. Eligible professionals can opt-in without retaking the exam, ensuring they remain aligned with PMI’s evolving certification ecosystem. To complete the transition, PMO-CP holders simply need to submit a brief application confirming their commitment to PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements, which include earning 30 PDUs every three years and paying a renewal fee.
For those looking to pursue the new PMI-PMOCP certification, the exam consists of 120 questions and is administered as a two-hour, 45-minute proctored assessment, with results available immediately upon completion. The exam will be available both online and at testing centers globally. This streamlined process ensures efficiency and accessibility for PMO professionals worldwide. Initially, resources will be offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with additional translations and materials scheduled for release later in 2025.
George Asamani, MD of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, says: “The new certification elevates the profession and transforms how organisations achieve project success on a broader scale. It underscores PMI’s commitment to empowering PMO leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles and drive meaningful change in their organisations.”