he Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world’s biggest membership association for project management professionals. It is a not-for-profit organization that strives to provide up-to-date tools and best practices for project managers around the world and across industries, in order to grow the profession and strengthen the careers of project managers. The PMI creates a global network for project management professionals and is the leading source of research and education in the field.

5 Facts About the PMI

1. The PMI Was Founded in 1969 to Standardize Project Management Best Practices

As project management became more common throughout the 1960s, there was a need to create a professional set of standards for project managers. The Project Management Institute was established as a not-for-profit resource for project management professionals to share information about project management problems, solutions, and applications. In addition, the PMI conducted academic and industrial research, created standardized project management terminology and techniques, and offered career development and education guidelines.

2. There are PMI Chapters in More than 80 Countries

By the late 1990s, the PMI had over 90,000 members from 120 different countries. Today, the PMI has more than 500,000 members in 208 countries around the world. PMI chapters are run by volunteers in over 80 countries, and are open to all PMI members. Members can join a local PMI chapter to network with other project management professionals, attend events, and share project management knowledge.

3. The PMIs Standards Are Globally-Recognized

The Project Management Institute documents its standards in the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (PMBOK Guide). This guide is the global gold-standard of project management best practices and is the most widely-used set of professional project management guidelines in the world. It is most commonly used in the USA, Canada, and the Middle East, as well as many other countries. The PMI’s set of standards applies to project management in both business and government organizations worldwide.

4. The PMI Offers Eight Professional Certifications

The main certification offered by the PMI is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The PMP is a globally-recognized project management certification that has been proven to provide project managers with better career opportunities and higher salaries. In addition the the PMP certification, the Project Management Institute offers other specialized project management certifications.

5. You Can Receive Ongoing Education and Training from the PMI

The Project Management Institute offers a wide range of training and educational programs to its members. From live seminars and training events, to virtual and e-learning events, the PMI always makes the latest project management research and knowledge available to its members. In addition to educational opportunities, the PMI publishes an annual research report called Pulse of the Profession to provide thought leadership and industry insights for project managers worldwide.

Is the PMI for Me?

If you are an active project management professional, at any stage in your career, then Project Management Institute membership will give you access to many valuable professional resources and a constantly growing network of other members. The PMI can help you improve your skills as a project manager, find a better job, and earn a higher salary.