The Project Management Institute (PMI) has been dedicated to advancing the state of the art in managing projects for over 30 years. The 350 percent net growth in membership of PMI in the last five years attests to the increased recognition and awareness of project management as a profession. Established in 1969 and headquartered outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA, PMI is the world’s leading not-for-profit project management professional association with almost 70,000 members worldwide.

PMI conducts a certification program in project management. PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is the project management profession's most globally recognized and respected certification credential. To obtain PMP certification an individual must satisfy education and experience requirements, agree to and adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct, and pass the PMP Certification Examination.

Worldwide there are over 27,000 PMPs who provide project management services in 26 countries. Many corporations require that, for individual advancement within the corporation or for employment, the individual have the PMP credential.

The purpose and goal of the PMP program is the development, maintenance, evaluation, promotion and administration of a rigorous, examination-based, professional certification program of the highest caliber.

To achieve PMP certification, each candidate must satisfy all educational and experiential requirements established by PMI and must demonstrate an acceptable and valid level of understanding and knowledge about project management that is tested by the Project Management Professional Certification Examination. In addition, those who have been granted the PMP credential must demonstrate ongoing professional commitment to the field of project management by satisfying Professional Development Program requirements.

The PMP designation following your name demonstrates to current and potential employers that you possess a solid foundation of experience and education in project management that can have a positive impact on bottom-line results. The PMP designation symbolizes knowledge and accomplishment and is highly regarded by colleagues and employers. As a certified PMP, you will join a successful group of professionals who are enriching and advancing their careers and the project management profession.

Candidates applying for certification as a Project Management Professional must have (1) a Bachelor's degree and three years project management experience, or (2) a high-school diploma and five years project management experience. In addition to the educational and experiential requirements, candidates must also abide by the Project Management Professional Code of Professional Conduct.

The above was condensed from the PMI website. You can find more detailed information regarding the Project Management Institute or the PCP program directly at their site. To find a local PMI chapter near you, view the complete chapter list inside the U.S. and outside the U.S.. Some of the chapters also have their own websites with local news/events and career information.