AI projects can be hard. They're exciting, making it easy to focus on cool features over customer benefits. The technology is new and it's hard to even know which pitfalls to avoid. Add in that AI projects are fundamentally different from other software projects, causing common practices to be less effective. The methodology represented by the CPMAI offers a gameplan for success.

CPMAI stands for Cognitive Project Management in Artificial Intelligence. Started by Cognyltica, it is now maintained by the Project Management Institute that is also home to the well-known PMP certification. The CPMAI certification addresses a critical gap: How to iterate project management best practices for the delivery of AI-enabled outcomes.

Unlike traditional software projects, AI projects deal with uncertain data, evolving algorithms, and success metrics that can shift as you learn. In this environment both document-oriented and agile methods break down.

As a customer of a CPMAI's services, this certificate says that the holder has addressed this skills gap with a substantial course of study (typically, thirty or more hours) and demonstration of that knowledge via a proctored 100-item exam. Substantial relevant work experience typically also correlates with this certificate.

Note 9/30/25: PMI is gradually transitioning to the designation PMI-CPMAI or "PMI Certified Professional in Managing AI".