The Project Management Institute: Elevating the World Through Project Success

The Project Management Institute (PMI) stands as the world’s leading professional association for project management, dedicated to advancing the profession and maximising project success on a global scale. Since its founding in 1969, PMI has grown from a modest gathering of five forward-thinking individuals into a global authority with more than 746,000 members and over 2.8 million certified professionals across more than 200 countries. Through its unwavering commitment to standards, certification, research, and community, PMI continues to shape how projects are conceived, executed, and valued worldwide.

A Legacy of Vision and Collaboration

PMI was born from a simple yet powerful idea: that project managers needed a forum to associate, share information, and discuss common problems. In the 1960s, project management was emerging as a distinct discipline within the US aerospace, construction, and defence industries. Five individuals—James Snyder, Eric Jenett, Gordon Davis, E.A. “Ned” Engman, and Susan Gallagher—recognised the value of networking and formalised this vision at the Georgia Institute of Technology on 3 October 1969. Shortly thereafter, articles of incorporation were filed in Pennsylvania, officially establishing PMI as a nonprofit professional organisation. Buy fake diploma online.

The founders’ foresight was remarkable. The organisation was almost named “The American Planning and Scheduling Society”, but they realised it was about something far bigger—it was about project management itself. This expansive vision set the stage for PMI’s transformation into a truly global institution.

A Global Community of Practice

Today, PMI serves millions of project professionals through a vast network of over 300 local chapters and more than 14,000 volunteers worldwide. The institute’s global reach is staggering: its members span 217 countries and territories, and its publications—including the legendary *A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge* (PMBOK® Guide)—have sold more than 6 million copies across all editions and translations into over ten languages. The PMBOK Guide, recognised by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and adapted by ISO, defines the global standard for project management.

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The Gold Standard in Certification

PMI’s certification programmes represent the pinnacle of professional recognition in project management. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, which debuted in 1984 with PMI co-founder Eric Jenett as its first holder, has become the most widely recognised and trusted credential in the profession. Today, over 910,000 professionals hold the PMP credential, more than half of whom live outside the United States. PMI offers a comprehensive suite of certifications tailored to different career stages and specialisations, including the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®, Program Management Professional (PgMP)®, and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®.

The value of PMI certification is measurable and significant. PMP certification holders earn 17% higher median salaries than non-certified professionals across 21 countries surveyed. In the first five months of 2026 alone, PMP certifications granted increased by 36% year over year, reflecting surging demand for verified project management expertise.

A New Vision for Project Success

In January 2024, PMI announced a bold new purpose: **”We maximise project success to elevate our world”**. This declaration marked a profound shift in how the institute views its role. Rather than focusing narrowly on traditional metrics like schedule, budget, and scope, PMI now champions a broader perspective that prioritises stakeholder value and accountability. As PMI President and CEO Pierre Le Manh explains, project professionals must “take accountability beyond the technical side of our work” and embrace their role as key drivers of value.

PMI’s research reveals that successful projects deliver value that justifies the effort and expense, incorporating both hard facts and perception. Projects with clear goals, performance management systems, and tracked metrics are nearly twice as likely to succeed. This redefinition of success is reshaping how professionals approach their work and how organisations measure impact.

Responding to a Transforming World

PMI is at the forefront of addressing the most pressing challenges facing the project management profession. The institute’s research projects a global talent gap of up to 30 million new project professionals needed by 2035 to meet global demand and keep transformation efforts on track. In response, PMI continuously evolves its offerings to remain relevant in an AI-driven economy.

In July 2026, PMI launched a refreshed PMP exam designed to validate the skills that survive the churn of tools and technology. As Dr Kelly Heuer, VP of Learning at PMI, notes, professional capability exists on a spectrum: perishable skills that are essential only for today, durable skills that travel from one tool to the next, and enduring capabilities—judgment and mindsets—that compound across an entire career. The updated exam places greater emphasis on business alignment, strategic decision-making, sustainability, and real-world delivery in AI-powered environments.

Research, Advocacy, and Innovation

PMI maintains a highly active research arm that serves as a catalyst for expanding the project management body of knowledge. Through initiatives like the “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” report—which reflects insights from more than 5,800 project professionals—PMI provides evidence-based guidance that enables more effective project execution. The institute also engages in advocacy, consulting with governments on construction, engineering, and sustainability policy. Its sustainability research, conducted in partnership with Green Project Management, reveals that while sustainability has moved to the centre of organisational strategy, many organisations remain ill-equipped to execute on it.

PMI’s commitment to innovation extends to embracing emerging technologies. The institute has introduced PMI Infinity™, an AI-powered project management coach exclusively available to members, and published the first global AI Standard for Portfolio, Program and Project Management. In December 2024, PMI signed an agreement through which Agile Alliance® joined PMI, further strengthening the profession by expanding access to agile resources and fostering a flexible mindset.

A Profession Elevated and Essential

PMI’s vision for the project profession is clear: a profession that is elevated and essential, recognised for its leadership, where project professionals have strong career paths. Through its global community, rigorous standards, world-class certifications, and groundbreaking research, PMI continues to fulfil its founding mission: to foster professionalism in project management and advance the quality and range of the discipline.

For nearly six decades, PMI has shone a light on the power of project management and the people behind the projects. As the fastest-growing professional organisation in its field, PMI enters its next chapter with renewed purpose and an unwavering commitment to elevating our world—one project at a time.