The Mt Kenya Times 
George Asamani, MD, Project Management Institute, Sub-Saharan Africa
By: Cynthia Masibo
The Project Management Institute (PMI), a global leader in project management, has introduced a new certification aimed at enhancing Project Management Office (PMO) leadership. The PMI® Project Management Office Certified Professional (PMI-PMOCP)™ certification is designed to equip professionals with the skills to align project execution with business strategy, collaborate with executives, and drive measurable organizational success.
PMOs have evolved beyond their traditional role of project oversight to become integral to business strategy, ensuring that initiatives align with broader corporate goals. As organizations seek greater efficiency and impact, PMI’s latest certification aims to standardize and elevate PMO leadership on a global scale.
The PMI-PMOCP™ builds on the legacy of the PMO Certified Practitioner (PMO-CP) certification, previously part of the PMO Global Alliance portfolio before its acquisition by PMI. The newly structured certification reflects input from experienced PMO professionals worldwide and incorporates insights from PMI’s latest publication, Project Management Offices: A Practice Guide. A key feature of this guide is the PMO Value Ring™ Framework, which enables PMOs to operate as strategic partners within organizations.
According to PMI, the PMI-PMOCP™ certification sets a new benchmark for excellence, validated through ISO 9001 accreditation. It assesses candidates in six key areas: Organizational Development and Alignment, PMO Strategic Elements, PMO Design and Structuring, PMO Operation and Performance, PMO Enhancement and Effectiveness, and People. These domains ensure that certified professionals can design, implement, and lead PMOs that deliver tangible business results.
To be eligible for the certification, candidates must have at least three years of project management experience or hold a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. They must also complete 10 hours of PMO-specific training. PMI will offer an on-demand exam preparation course to help candidates fulfill this requirement.
The certification exam consists of 120 questions and lasts two hours and 45 minutes. It will be available both online and at global testing centers, with immediate results upon completion. Initially, PMI will provide exam resources in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with additional language support expected later in 2025.
PMI has also announced a no-cost transition for existing PMO-CP holders, allowing them to upgrade to the PMI-PMOCP™ credential by February 3, 2026. Eligible professionals can opt-in without retaking the exam but must submit an application confirming their commitment to PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements, which include earning 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years and paying a renewal fee.
Speaking on the launch, George Asamani, Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the significance of the new certification in advancing the PMO profession. “The new certification elevates the profession and transforms how organizations 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 organizations,” he said.
With the introduction of the PMI-PMOCP™, PMI is reinforcing its role as the leading authority in project management, providing professionals with globally recognized credentials that enhance career prospects and business impact.
Since its founding in 1969, PMI has been at the forefront of project management, offering certifications, training, and resources to empower professionals and organizations worldwide. The launch of the PMI-PMOCP™ reflects PMI’s ongoing commitment to equipping project leaders with the skills needed to navigate the evolving business landscape.
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