Introduction
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global leader in project management, shaping the profession by offering globally recognized certifications such as the PMP (Project Management Professional) and Disciplined Agile. With millions of professionals across industries relying on PMI standards, certifications from this organization are seen as benchmarks of excellence in project management.
For organizations in the training business, becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) is a powerful way to establish credibility and gain visibility. PMI ATPs are trusted by individuals and businesses looking for quality, PMI-approved training to help them prepare for certification exams. By aligning with PMI, ATPs not only gain access to exclusive content but also ensure that their training programs meet the highest industry standards.
In this blog- How to Become a PMI Authorized Training Partner, we’ll provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how your organization can become a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP). From understanding the prerequisites and application process to exploring the benefits of being an ATP, this guide will help you navigate the path to joining PMI’s network of trusted education providers.
1. Why Become a PMI Authorized Training Partner?
Access to PMI-Developed Content
One of the key advantages of becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) is the exclusive access to PMI’s high-quality, licensed course content. As an ATP, your organization will have all the tools needed to deliver top-notch project management training. PMI provides instructor guides, participant materials, quizzes, and even online learning resources such as videos and knowledge checks. This content is continuously updated to align with the latest industry trends and PMI standards, so you’ll never have to worry about outdated materials. This access ensures that your courses are built on the foundation of PMI’s expertise, giving your students the best possible preparation for certification exams.
Global Visibility
When you become an ATP, your organization will be listed in PMI’s official ATP directory, which is searchable by students and organizations worldwide. This directory is often the first place that professionals seeking PMI certification turn to when looking for trusted training providers. As a listed ATP, your organization will gain visibility among a large global audience, helping you attract more students and build a stronger reputation in the project management training industry.
Industry Trust
PMI’s endorsement holds significant weight in the project management world. Being recognized as a PMI Authorized Training Partner signals to your clients and students that your organization delivers PMI-approved, high-quality training that adheres to rigorous standards. This trust can be a key differentiator in a competitive market where professionals are increasingly seeking certification from credible sources. PMI’s brand recognition adds an additional layer of credibility that helps reassure students they’re investing in quality education.
Business Growth Opportunities
Becoming an ATP unlocks several opportunities for your organization to grow and expand. PMI provides ATPs with access to exclusive Requests for Proposals (RFPs), allowing you to bid for large-scale training projects. Additionally, PMI supports ATPs through marketing efforts, promoting your courses on their platforms. As a PMI ATP, you also enjoy discounts on advertising, allowing you to showcase your training programs to an even broader audience. These perks, combined with the trust and visibility of being a PMI-endorsed provider, help you scale your business and tap into new revenue streams.
2. Prerequisites to Apply
Becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) requires your organization to meet several important prerequisites. These criteria ensure that only high-quality, established businesses are eligible to deliver PMI-approved training programs. Below are the key prerequisites you need to fulfill before applying:
Minimum 3 Years in Business
To be considered for PMI ATP status, your organization must have been a legally registered business entity for at least three years. This demonstrates that your business has the necessary stability and experience in the market. During the application process, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation, such as articles of incorporation, business licenses, or accreditations to verify your organization’s legitimacy and operational history.
3 Years of Project Management Training Experience
In addition to being in business for at least three years, your organization must have proven experience in delivering project management training. PMI requires ATP candidates to demonstrate a minimum of three years of project management training experience. This ensures that your organization has a solid track record of providing quality education and is well-prepared to offer PMI certification courses like PMP and Disciplined Agile.
Instructor Qualifications
Your instructors are the backbone of your training programs, and PMI has stringent requirements to ensure that they are well-qualified. To teach PMI certification courses, instructors must hold relevant PMI certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or Disciplined Agile. Furthermore, instructors delivering PMP exam prep courses must have agile project experience. This ensures that your instructors have the expertise necessary to guide students through PMI’s rigorous certification processes while aligning with PMI’s standards for quality instruction.
Compliance with PMI Requirements
PMI requires ATPs to adhere to a set of strict guidelines that help maintain consistency and quality across its global network. These include:
Customer Resolution Process: Your organization must have a documented process for resolving customer issues and complaints, ensuring a positive and professional experience for your students.
Instructor-Led Training: Your organization must have the ability to provide instructor-led courses, whether in-person, virtual, or both, ensuring flexibility in how the courses are delivered.
Business and Financial Documentation
PMI also requires financial transparency from prospective ATPs. If your organization does not have a D-U-N-S® Number, you may need to provide three years of audited financial statements. This helps PMI verify that your organization is financially stable and capable of maintaining the high standards expected of ATPs. In some cases, a financial review may be part of the application process, ensuring that your business can support the delivery of PMI certification programs.
Online Presence
Your organization must maintain a professional website and provide a URL that will be listed in PMI’s ATP directory. This is a crucial aspect of visibility, as students and organizations worldwide use PMI’s directory to find authorized training providers. Having a strong online presence not only increases your credibility but also ensures that prospective students can easily find and access information about your courses.
By meeting these prerequisites, your organization will be well-positioned to apply for and gain PMI ATP status, unlocking a world of opportunities to deliver high-quality, PMI-endorsed project management training.
3. Steps to Become a PMI ATP
Becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) involves a clear, step-by-step process. Below, we break down the steps to guide you through the application process and help you achieve PMI ATP status.
Step 1: Gather Required Documentation
Before you begin the application process, it’s essential to compile all the necessary documentation to support your eligibility. Here’s a checklist of the key documents you’ll need:
- D-U-N-S® Number (if applicable) or an alternative business identifier such as your VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).
- Tax Identification Number: Your business must be legally registered with the appropriate tax authorities in your country.
- Business Credentials: Evidence that your organization has been in operation for at least three years. This could include articles of incorporation, business licenses, or accreditation documents.
- Financial Records: You may need to provide three years of audited financial statements to demonstrate the financial stability of your organization.
- Contact Information: The names and email addresses of your primary administrative contact, compliance administrative contact, and a secondary contact.
- Instructor Information: Professional bios of the instructors who will be teaching PMI courses, demonstrating their qualifications and certifications (e.g., PMP, Disciplined Agile).
- Customer Resolution Process: A documented process for handling customer complaints or issues.
- Company Website: Ensure you have a professional URL that can be added to PMI’s ATP directory.
Gathering this information ahead of time will make the application process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve compiled the necessary documentation, it’s time to submit your application online. You can start the application process on PMI’s official page: Become a PMI Authorized Training Partner.
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the Application Page: Head to the official PMI ATP application portal to begin your application.
- Create an Account: If you don’t already have one, create a PMI.org account to access the application form.
- Fill Out the Application: Provide all required details about your organization, including contact information, business credentials, and financial records. Ensure that all your instructors are listed, along with their bios and relevant PMI certifications.
- Upload Documents: Upload the necessary documentation (D-U-N-S Number, tax identification, business credentials, etc.) in the appropriate sections.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all the information and documents before submitting your application. PMI will notify you once your application has been received.
Step 3: Undergo Financial and Background Reviews
After your application is submitted, PMI will conduct a financial review and background check to assess your organization’s stability and credibility. This step is crucial to ensure that all ATPs meet PMI’s high standards of quality and compliance.
Financial Review: PMI may review your organization’s financial records to confirm your ability to sustain long-term business operations and deliver consistent, high-quality training. If you do not have a D-U-N-S® Number, audited financial statements from the past three years may be requested.
Background Check: PMI will also conduct background checks to verify the integrity of your organization. This includes ensuring that your business is legally compliant and that there are no legal or ethical concerns that could jeopardize your ATP status.
PMI may take several weeks to review and assess your application. Once the review is complete, you will receive a notification about whether your application has been approved or if additional information is required.
Step 4: Instructor Training
A key part of becoming an ATP is ensuring your instructors are fully qualified to deliver PMI-approved training. PMI requires all instructors to complete the Train the Trainer program, which equips them with the skills needed to deliver PMI course content according to their standards. This program is essential for maintaining the quality and consistency of your training.
What the Program Covers: The Train the Trainer program focuses on teaching facilitation techniques, course delivery standards, and the technical aspects of PMI certifications.
Instructor Approval: Upon successful completion, instructors will receive a badge indicating they are PMI-approved, allowing them to deliver courses such as PMP exam prep and Disciplined Agile workshops.
Step 5: Approval and Payment
Once your application has been reviewed and approved by PMI, you will receive a confirmation, and your organization will officially be recognized as a PMI Authorized Training Partner. The final step involves paying the required membership fee based on your location and the program tier you choose:
Basic Tier: Offers core benefits, including access to PMI-licensed content and a listing in the ATP directory.
Premier Tier: Includes additional perks, such as exclusive access to RFPs, marketing support, and higher visibility through PMI promotions.
After payment, your organization can start delivering PMI-certified training and enjoying the full benefits of being an ATP.
4. PMI ATP Program Tiers: Basic vs Premier
When becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), organizations can choose between two program tiers: Basic and Premier. Both tiers offer significant advantages, but the Premier tier provides enhanced benefits designed to support organizations aiming for greater business growth and market reach. Here’s a breakdown of what each tier offers:
Here’s the comparison.
Feature | Basic Tier | Premier Tier |
PMI-Licensed Content | Access to PMI-developed course materials | Access to PMI-developed course materials |
Tools for Course Delivery | Included for both in-person and virtual training | Included for both in-person and virtual training |
Listing in PMI ATP Directory | Yes | Yes |
Access to RFPs | Not included | Exclusive access to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) |
Marketing Support | Not included | Enhanced marketing support and advertising discounts |
Quarterly Account Reviews | Not included | Quarterly business performance and growth reviews |
Train the Trainer Vouchers | 1 complimentary voucher | 2 complimentary vouchers |
Brand Compliance Monitoring | No | Yes |
Lead Generation Support | No | Yes |
Additional Benefits | Basic benefits only | Additional perks like access to industry trends |
Cost | Varies by country (typically lower cost) | Varies by country (higher than Basic) |
Â
For exact pricing details, you’ll need to contact PMI, as they adjust fees based on the geographic location of your organization.
5. PMI ATP Costs
Becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) involves several costs that vary depending on your location and the tier you select. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses to consider when becoming a PMI ATP:
1. Membership Fees
Becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) involves several costs that vary depending on your location and the tier you select. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses to consider when becoming a PMI ATP:
- Basic Membership: Typically has a lower annual fee and provides access to core benefits such as PMI-licensed content and directory listing.
- Premier Membership: Has a higher annual fee but offers additional benefits like exclusive RFP access, enhanced marketing support, and more training vouchers.
To get the exact pricing for your country and membership type, it’s recommended to contact PMI directly.
2. Instructor Training Fees
As part of the ATP program, instructors are required to complete PMI’s Train the Trainer program. This ensures that your trainers are qualified to deliver PMI content according to PMI’s high standards.
Complimentary Vouchers: Both Basic and Premier ATPs receive a limited number of complimentary vouchers for the Train the Trainer program. Basic members typically receive 1 voucher, while Premier members receive 2 vouchers.
Additional Training: If your organization requires more instructors to be trained, additional sessions will incur extra costs. These fees vary depending on location and course type.
This ensures that your team is well-equipped to deliver PMI-approved training while maintaining flexibility for organizations with larger instructor pools.
3. Student Material Costs
PMI ATPs must purchase licensed materials for each student who enrolls in a course. These materials are required for students participating in PMI certification prep courses, such as PMP or Disciplined Agile.
Digital Materials: PMI offers digital versions of course content, including instructor and student guides, quizzes, and videos.
Print Materials: Physical copies of course materials are available for purchase, but additional shipping fees may apply depending on your location.
The costs for student materials also vary by region, so it’s important to account for these ongoing expenses when planning your course offerings.
By factoring in membership fees, instructor training, and student material costs, your organization can better budget for the PMI ATP program. These investments allow you to offer world-class, PMI-approved training to your students, ensuring quality and consistency in your courses.
6. Benefits of Being a PMI ATP
Becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) offers a wide range of benefits that enhance your organization’s credibility, streamline course delivery, and provide valuable support. Here are the key advantages of being part of the PMI ATP program:
1. Turnkey Course Content
As a PMI ATP, your organization gains access to ready-to-use PMI-licensed content. This content includes:
- Instructor Guides: Detailed manuals that help your instructors lead courses effectively, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery.
- Quizzes and Knowledge Checks: Pre-made assessments to help students gauge their understanding of key concepts.
- Videos and Supplemental Materials: Additional learning assets to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
With these resources, you don’t have to worry about developing or maintaining course materials on your own—PMI handles updates, allowing you to focus on delivering top-tier training.
2. Support from PMI
PMI provides comprehensive support to ensure ATPs succeed in delivering their courses:
- Onboarding Support: When you become a PMI ATP, you receive onboarding assistance to help you navigate PMI’s systems and processes, including the use of their content delivery tools.
- Access to Partner Platform: ATPs gain access to PMI’s Partner Platform, where you can manage course content, student assessments, and instructor materials. This centralized system makes it easy to track progress, order student materials, and ensure everything is up to date.
3. Visibility and Marketing Tools
Being listed on PMI’s official ATP Directory gives your organization significant visibility. Prospective students and organizations searching for PMI-approved training providers can easily find and trust your offerings.
Additionally, PMI offers marketing tools to help you promote your courses, including:
- Branding Guidelines: Clear rules and assets for using the PMI brand in your marketing materials, ensuring your promotions align with PMI’s standards.
- Marketing Support: Premier ATPs receive enhanced marketing assistance, including advertising discounts, helping you expand your reach and attract more students.
These visibility and marketing tools not only enhance your credibility but also give you the promotional resources needed to grow your business
7. Challenges to Expect
While becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) offers numerous benefits, it also comes with challenges that organizations must be prepared to face. These challenges can sometimes make the process demanding for businesses considering ATP status.
1. Strict Compliance
PMI has stringent guidelines to ensure that ATPs maintain high standards of education. Some of these requirements include:
- Exclusive Use of PMI-Licensed Content: For PMP and Disciplined Agile courses, you are required to use only PMI-licensed materials. This limits customization, meaning you can’t significantly alter or replace the core content with your own, even if you believe it would enhance the learning experience.
- Brand and Quality Compliance: ATPs must strictly adhere to PMI’s brand guidelines and quality standards. This includes following PMI’s rules for marketing, use of logos, and delivery methods, leaving little flexibility in how you present your offerings. Non-compliance could result in penalties or removal from the program.
2. Financial Commitment
The financial requirements for maintaining ATP status can be substantial and ongoing:
- Membership Fees: Depending on the tier (Basic or Premier) and the region where you operate, membership fees can be costly, and they recur annually.
- Instructor Training Costs: While PMI provides some complimentary vouchers for Train the Trainer programs, additional instructor certifications come at an extra cost, which can add up as your training staff grows.
- Student Material Purchases: PMI requires ATPs to purchase student materials for every participant in their programs. These costs can vary depending on the number of students and the type of material (digital or print), but they are non-negotiable and must be factored into your overall costs.
3. Time-Consuming Application Process
The process of becoming an ATP can be lengthy and requires significant preparation:
- Documentation: Gathering the required financial documents, instructor bios, proof of business stability, and other records can take time, especially if your organization doesn’t already have these on hand.
- Background Checks and Reviews: PMI conducts detailed financial and background reviews to ensure the credibility of potential ATPs. These reviews can take several weeks or months, and any missing documentation or issues with your financials could delay the process further.
4. Instructor Requirements
Your instructors need to meet specific qualifications, and training them to meet PMI’s standards can be challenging:
- Mandatory Certification: Instructors must be PMI-certified in the courses they teach (e.g., PMP or Disciplined Agile), which means they need to hold relevant certifications themselves.
- Agile Experience: For PMP exam prep, instructors must have agile project experience, which could limit your pool of eligible instructors, especially if you don’t currently employ project managers with that background.
- Continuous Training: PMI requires ongoing professional development for instructors to maintain their certification and teach according to the latest standards. This can increase the burden on your team and add more recurring costs for instructor development.
5. Rigid Course Delivery Requirements
PMI’s course delivery guidelines can be strict, making it difficult to adapt the content to different learning environments or student needs:
- Guaranteed to Run: ATPs are required to offer “guaranteed to run” courses, meaning that once a course is scheduled, it cannot be canceled due to low enrollment. This can lead to financial strain if you are forced to run under-enrolled courses.
- No On-Demand PMP Training: ATPs are not allowed to offer on-demand, self-paced PMP exam prep courses, limiting your ability to cater to modern learners who prefer flexible, self-guided learning. You must stick to instructor-led sessions, which may not align with the preferences of all students.
6. Competitive Market
Even as a PMI ATP, you will face stiff competition:
- Market Saturation: With hundreds of ATPs worldwide, it can be challenging to stand out, especially in regions where several other ATPs are operating. You’ll need to invest in marketing, offer superior training experiences, or specialize in niche areas to differentiate yourself.
- Price Wars: The competitive nature of the market may lead to price wars, where ATPs undercut each other to attract students. This can lower profit margins and make it difficult to cover the ongoing costs of maintaining ATP status.
7. Heavy Administrative Work
Once approved as a PMI ATP, there is considerable administrative effort involved in maintaining compliance and managing the training programs:
- Tracking Student Data: ATPs must ensure that all students receive PMI-licensed materials and that records are properly maintained. Managing these processes—especially at scale—can require dedicated administrative resources.
- Reporting to PMI: Regularly reporting course data to PMI and ensuring all branding, instructor certifications, and course content are up-to-date can be a significant ongoing administrative burden.
How Partnering with Gururo Solves the Challenges of Becoming a PMI ATP
While becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) offers numerous benefits, the challenges involved can be significant, especially for organizations new to the process. From strict compliance requirements and ongoing financial commitments to the lengthy application process and rigid course delivery standards, becoming an ATP can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Gururo, a certified PMI ATP, provides a simplified path for instructors and organizations to access PMI benefits without these hurdles.
Here’s how partnering with Gururo can help solve the common challenges of becoming a PMI ATP:
1. Streamline the Process by Partnering with Gururo
While the application and compliance requirements for becoming an ATP can be daunting, partnering with Gururo offers a stress-free alternative. Gururo has already gone through the rigorous process of becoming a PMI ATP, allowing you to bypass the complex application and administrative hurdles.
- No Hassle: Gururo handles all the compliance and administrative aspects of maintaining ATP status, including ensuring adherence to PMI’s strict guidelines and managing financial records. You can focus on delivering high-quality training, leaving the paperwork and ongoing compliance tasks to the experts.
- PMI-Approved Status: By partnering with Gururo, you gain immediate PMI-approved status without having to go through the entire ATP application process yourself. This means you can start teaching PMI-certified courses like PMP and Disciplined Agile without the waiting period or the effort of securing approval.
2. Simplified Instructor Requirements
Becoming an ATP on your own requires you to have PMI-certified instructors who meet PMI’s strict criteria, including completing the Train the Trainer program and having relevant agile experience for PMP courses. Gururo simplifies this:
- Comprehensive Instructor Support: Gururo provides access to PMI-approved training resources and handles the instructor certification process. You’ll receive guidance on becoming a certified PMI trainer and can leverage Gururo’s expertise to navigate instructor qualifications with ease. Learn more about becoming a PMI Authorized Trainer with Gururo.
3. Reduced Financial Burden
Maintaining PMI ATP status can be expensive, with annual membership fees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. These fees, combined with the costs of instructor training and program administration, can quickly add up. However, partnering with Gururo allows you to enjoy all the benefits of PMI ATP status without having to pay these hefty fees every year.
- No Annual PMI ATP Fees: By partnering with Gururo, you eliminate the need to pay the significant yearly PMI ATP membership fees. Gururo absorbs these costs, allowing you to benefit from PMI-approved status without the financial pressure.
- Hassle-Free Instructor Certification: Gururo ensures that all trainers meet PMI’s rigorous standards, including managing the certification process, so you don’t have to worry about additional training expenses or administrative work.
In short, partnering with Gururo removes the substantial financial commitment associated with PMI ATP status, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality training without the need to pay thousands of dollars in annual fees.
4. Administrative Relief
Running an ATP involves heavy administrative work, from tracking student progress to ensuring compliance with PMI’s branding and quality standards. Partnering with Gururo eliminates these challenges:
- Full Administrative Support: Gururo takes care of all the behind-the-scenes work, including managing student data, reporting to PMI, and maintaining compliance with PMI’s branding and course delivery guidelines. This allows you to focus solely on delivering exceptional training experiences.
- Guaranteed to Run Courses: Gururo handles course scheduling and delivery guarantees, saving you from the financial strain of running under-enrolled courses.
5. Overcome Market Competition
Competing with established ATPs can be tough, especially in saturated markets. Partnering with Gururo gives you a competitive edge:
- Marketing Support: Gururo provides access to PMI’s branding tools and marketing support, helping you promote your courses with credibility. With Gururo’s established presence in the market, you gain visibility and trust without the need to independently establish your own brand in a competitive environment.
By partnering with Gururo, you bypass the significant challenges associated with becoming and maintaining ATP status. Whether it’s managing compliance, reducing financial risks, or simplifying instructor requirements, Gururo offers a streamlined solution that lets you enjoy the benefits of being a PMI Authorized Trainer without the administrative and financial burden.
Ready to simplify your path to becoming a PMI Authorized Trainer? Partner with Gururo today and start delivering PMI-approved training with ease.
Conclusion: How to Become a PMI Authorized Training Partner
Becoming a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) can significantly boost your organization’s credibility and visibility, allowing you to offer PMI-approved project management training that meets the highest industry standards. If your organization meets the necessary requirements and you’re ready to invest in growing your business, applying for ATP status could be the right next step.
However, if you want to bypass the complex application process, ongoing compliance, and costly fees, partnering with Gururo offers a streamlined alternative. You can gain PMI-approved trainer status without the financial and administrative burdens of becoming an independent ATP.
Ready to take the next step? Start the journey toward becoming a PMI ATP Trainer with Gururo today and unlock all the benefits without the hassle. Apply now with Gururo.
