New flexibility enables more Americans to upskill affordably in project management and helps employers tap into qualified talent
Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority for project professionals, supports the recent expansion of 529 savings plans, now in effect as of July 4, to include career upskilling certifications—such as PMI® globally recognized project management certifications. As a member of the Professional Certification Coalition (PCC)—a leading advocate for expanding 529 education savings plans—PMI supports creating accessible pathways to professional success and strengthening the hiring pool with credentialed, job-ready talent.
According to the PMI Global Project Management Talent Gap report, the world will need up to 30 million new project professionals by 2035, including 5 million new project professionals in North America alone. Expanding 529 plan eligibility helps close this gap by enabling individuals to fund their path to project management certification in a new way—and provides employers with a larger pool of qualified professionals ready to lead projects and deliver outcomes.
“This law sends a powerful message: upskilling and reskilling matter more than ever,” said Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President & CEO of PMI. “We joined the Professional Certification Coalition to advocate for this shift because it’s a sign of education transformation—one that values continuous learning and professional development, not just college degrees. Whether you’re a student looking to stand out, or a professional seeking relevance in the AI age, the path to opportunity through project management just became broader, faster, and more inclusive.”
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and already qualifies for U.S. military Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) funding and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reimbursement, along with other PMI professional certifications like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®. The 529 expansion adds another important access point for Americans, reinforcing the value of certifications as both standalone qualifications and enhancements to traditional academic experience.
For employers, this shift supports skills-based hiring, making it easier to find candidates with proven project management expertise. Certified project professionals help organizations innovate, meet compliance needs, and lead strategic change.
As organizations navigate increased complexity, enabling greater enterprise agility, and tackling rapid digital transformation, project management certifications like the PMP® and CAPM® will become even more valuable hiring signals. By removing a key financial barrier, the new 529 expansion empowers more aspiring leaders to access the training and validation they need to succeed, ultimately strengthening teams and accelerating organizational progress.
To learn more about the globally recognized professional certifications PMI offers and which you may qualify for, visit: PMI.org/certifications.
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