About the PMI Framework
The PMI framework builds on thousands of years of project experience. The ancient Egyptians, for example, built the pyramids around 2500 BC, while construction of the Great Wall of China began as early as the 7th century BC. Although these projects were completed long before modern project management existed, they demonstrate how people have organised complex work for thousands of years.
In the early 20th century, as industrialisation advanced and projects grew in scale and complexity, project management became more structured. Planning, scheduling and control techniques evolved, providing a more systematic approach to managing projects.
By the 1960s, efforts to establish project management as a recognised profession had gained momentum. Professional organisations emerged to develop standards, promote good practices and support the growing community of project management professionals. Among the best-known are the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the organisations associated with the PRINCE2 methodology.
PMI Framework Overview
The Project Management Institute (PMI) was founded in 1969 by five volunteers who wanted to create an organisation where project management professionals could share experiences, discuss common challenges and exchange ideas. Since then, PMI has grown into one of the world’s leading professional organisations for project management.
PMI has developed standards, guidelines and frameworks that can be applied across a wide range of industries, including construction, information technology, healthcare and finance. Its resources help professionals develop their project management knowledge and apply recognised practices in different project environments.
One of PMI’s best-known qualifications is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which is recognised internationally. PMI also offers a broad range of other project management certifications, designed for different roles, experience levels and areas of specialisation. These include CAPM, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, PMI-PBA, PMI-PgMP and PMI-PfMP.
PMI first published A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) in 1987 to bring together and document recognised project management knowledge and practices. Since then, PMI has continued to update the guide to reflect developments in the profession and evolving project management practices. In 2025, PMI released the eighth edition of the PMBOK Guide, the latest edition at the time of writing.
Project Management Institute Framework
PMI Certifications
Project Management Institute owns the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. This is, indeed, the most recognized project management certification around the world. Additionally, the PMI issues many other certifications.
PMP Exam Application
You can find a PMP Exam Application sample form to help you, above all, write your PMP application. Additionally, you can organize all the information you may need to apply for the exam.