Beyond PMP: The Top 5 Emerging Certifications Every PM Should Consider

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification has long been recognized as the gold standard. It signifies a grasp of project management fundamentals, a commitment to the profession, and the ability to manage initiatives across industries. But in today’s business environment, the PMP alone may no longer be enough.

Project environments are in a state of flux, undergoing significant shifts. Agile practices are no longer confined to software development. Sustainability has risen to the top of boardroom agendas. Citizen developers are automating workflows. New tools and platforms are disrupting traditional models. In this rapidly changing landscape, project managers must evolve their skills, broaden their perspectives, and demonstrate value beyond conventional frameworks.

To not just survive but thrive in this dynamic environment, forward-thinking project managers are turning to a new generation of certifications. These credentials signal agility, specialization, and strategic acumen. They equip project managers to lead in uncertain environments and position themselves for high-growth roles.

Why Look Beyond PMP?

The PMP is an excellent foundation. It provides a structured approach to managing projects, with a strong emphasis on planning, execution, and quality. However, it is primarily designed around predictive (waterfall) project models and generalized across industries. As organizations embrace change more rapidly and projects become increasingly dynamic, project managers require a more tailored and specialized approach to their work.

Agile methodologies are reshaping the way teams deliver value. Digital transformation requires collaboration across business and technology units. Senior leaders expect project managers to contribute to strategy, not just schedules. And customers, whether internal or external, demand speed, innovation, and sustainability.

These new certifications bridge the gap between traditional project management and the latest professional demands. Whether you're leading agile teams, building sustainable programs, or implementing no-code solutions, these credentials are your ticket to success in today’s rapidly changing world.

Here are five emerging certifications every project manager should consider pursuing after earning their PMP.

1. Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) – Scrum Alliance

As organizations scale agile practices beyond software development, leadership becomes a key driver of success. The Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) certification, offered by the Scrum Alliance, is for individuals who aim to lead agile transformations, rather than manage agile projects.

Unlike traditional agile certifications focused on frameworks and processes, CAL centers on mindset, organizational culture, and leadership behaviors. It encourages project managers to rethink their approach to leading, collaborating, and driving change. The certification comprises three learning paths: CAL Essentials, CAL for Teams, and CAL for Organizations, allowing for tailored development based on your role and responsibilities.

This credential is especially valuable for project managers transitioning into strategic leadership roles, serving as agile coaches, or driving change in bureaucratic organizations. It signals that you understand agility at a systems level, not just at the team level.

As agile continues to spread across functions, from marketing to HR to operations, CAL helps project managers adapt their leadership style to empower teams, foster innovation, and drive enterprise agility.

2. Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM) – PMI

For those looking to deepen their agile expertise within the PMI ecosystem, the Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM) is an excellent next step. This certification recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to agility. Instead, it teaches project managers how to choose, tailor, and scale agile and lean practices using the Disciplined Agile (DA) toolkit.

DASSM is designed for experienced professionals who have worked with agile teams and want to lead more complex initiatives. It goes beyond the basics of Scrum or Kanban, introducing pragmatic strategies for scaling agile development, resolving impediments, enhancing team performance, and navigating organizational challenges.

This is particularly helpful for project managers working in hybrid environments or in large enterprises where frameworks must be tailored to specific needs. Because PMI offers it, DASSM complements PMP nicely and reinforces your commitment to modern project delivery approaches.

In a world where agility means flexibility, not rigidity, DASSM empowers project managers to lead with nuance and insight.

3. Certified Project Director (CPD) – GAQM

While most certifications focus on project execution, the Certified Project Director (CPD) from the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) shifts the emphasis to strategic leadership and governance. It’s ideal for senior project professionals who want to move into program and portfolio management or executive roles.

CPD emphasizes high-level planning, risk governance, business alignment, and stakeholder engagement. It prepares project managers to think beyond task management, to consider return on investment, enterprise impact, and cross-functional leadership.

What sets this credential apart is its emphasis on the bigger picture. It addresses challenges such as managing multiple programs, balancing resource constraints, and ensuring that project outcomes align with organizational goals. It’s not about running a project well; it’s about running the right projects and doing so with strategic foresight.

For project managers seeking to advance to PMO directors, business transformation leaders, or members of the C-suite, CPD provides the framework and credibility they need to take the next step.

4. Citizen Developer Practitioner (CD-P) – PMI

Technology has democratized problem-solving. With the rise of low-code and no-code platforms, professionals without formal programming skills can now create custom apps, automate workflows, and digitize processes. The PMI Citizen Developer Practitioner (CD-P) certification helps project managers harness this power.

CD-P is tailored for business professionals, especially project managers, who want to lead or participate in no-code application initiatives responsibly. It provides a framework for governance, design thinking, and lifecycle management in citizen development efforts.

This certification is particularly valuable in organizations that lack dedicated IT resources or need rapid innovation. Project managers can lead the charge in building productivity apps, streamlining internal processes, or delivering minimum viable products (MVPs), without lengthy development cycles.

With digital transformation accelerating in all sectors, being able to guide or support application development (even without coding) is a significant advantage. CD-P signals a blend of business acumen and digital capability, a rare and in-demand combination.

5. Green Project Management (GPM-b) – GPM

Sustainability is a mainstream imperative. The Green Project Management (GPM-b) certification from Green Project Management  (GPM) introduces a framework for integrating sustainability into project planning and execution. Look for this to advance significantly in the next few years. GPM entered a partnership with PMI in April 2025, in which PMI owns a majority stake. The assets developed by GPM to support green project initiatives have been transferred to this partnership.

Based on the P5 Standard (People, Planet, Profit, Process, and Product), GPM-b emphasizes a balanced, responsible approach to delivering value. It teaches project managers how to align projects with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, evaluate long-term impacts, and ethically engage stakeholders.

This credential is ideal for project managers in industries such as construction, energy, manufacturing, and government, where sustainability and regulatory compliance are top priorities. However, it’s also gaining traction in corporate sectors that aim to meet ESG benchmarks or reduce their carbon footprint.

GPM-b doesn’t just help the planet. It allows project managers to future-proof their careers. As more organizations pursue green initiatives, the ability to lead sustainable projects will be a significant differentiator.

Choosing the Right Path Forward

The PMP remains a robust foundation. But to stay competitive in today’s project landscape, project managers must go beyond foundational knowledge. Emerging certifications offer opportunities to deepen expertise, lead at a higher level, and respond to the unique demands of different industries and environments.

Whether you are interested in agile transformation, digital enablement, executive leadership, or sustainable development, there is a certification path that aligns with your goals. These credentials enhance your resume, expand your perspective, and prepare you for the future of project management.

It’s time to take stock of your career. Choose a certification that aligns with those aspirations. And take the next step toward becoming the kind of project manager today’s world needs—versatile, visionary, and constantly improving.