Plain-language definitions for terms in this category.
PMP® (Project Management Professional)
PMI's globally recognized certification validating competence to lead and direct projects and teams.
CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management)
An entry-level PMI certification demonstrating understanding of fundamental project management terminology and processes.
PMI-ACP® (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner)
A PMI certification validating competency in agile project management across multiple agile methodologies.
PMI-RMP® (PMI Risk Management Professional)
A PMI certification demonstrating expertise in identifying, assessing and mitigating project risk.
PMI-SP® (PMI Scheduling Professional)
A PMI certification for professionals specializing in developing and maintaining project schedules.
CSM (Certified ScrumMaster)
A Scrum Alliance certification demonstrating foundational knowledge of Scrum roles, events and artifacts.
CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner)
A Scrum Alliance certification for professionals who manage a product backlog and represent stakeholder needs.
Six Sigma Green Belt
A Six Sigma certification for professionals who lead smaller process-improvement projects alongside their regular role.
Six Sigma Black Belt
A Six Sigma certification for professionals who lead complex improvement projects and mentor Green Belts full-time.
PRINCE2®
A structured project management method, widely used in the UK and Europe, organized around defined roles, stages and processes.
Scrum Master
The role responsible for helping a Scrum team follow its process, remove blockers and continuously improve.
Servant leadership
A leadership style where the leader's primary role is to support and remove obstacles for the team, rather than direct it.
PDU (Professional Development Unit)
A unit used to track continuing education required to maintain PMI certifications.
Continuing certification requirements (CCR)
PMI's program requiring certification holders to earn PDUs over a three-year cycle to maintain their credential.