While organisations are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, the success of many AI projects continues to fall short of expectations. One reason is the lack of clear methods for planning, implementing, and operationalising AI initiatives in a structured manner.
To help close this gap, Project Management Institute (PMI) is launching the PMI Certified Professional in Managing AI (PMI-CPMAI) in German, French, Spanish and Portuguese. The certification meets growing demand in the professional development market for practical, end-to-end skills in managing AI projects beyond pure technology or data science expertise.
Why AI projects require different skills
Unlike traditional IT projects, AI initiatives pose unique challenges: changing data environments, iterative development processes, ethical considerations, and the need to closely align business objectives with data models.
The PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured, practice-oriented approach to managing AI projects across their entire lifecycle: from use case definition and data preparation through model development, testing, operation, and scaling.
The underlying approach combines agile methods, data-driven processes, and proven project management principles. The goal is to support organizations in implementing AI initiatives efficiently and based on repeatable processes and clear governance.
Benefits of the certification for project professionals and organisations
The certification supports both the individual skill development of project professionals and the successful implementation of AI projects in companies:
- Practical know-how: applying a structured framework for AI projects
- Strategic AI implementation expertise: translating AI ambitions into structured, feasible projects
- Integrative team management: uniting cross-functional teams with a clear project and delivery process, improving coordination between the business, data science, and IT
- Career development: building in-demand skills for a rapidly growing AI market
- Tool- and technology-independent capability: navigating a fast-changing technology landscape without relying on tool-specific training
- Governance- and impact-oriented results: delivering outcomes that are ethically sound, measurable, and business-ready
Key areas covered in the certification include how to structure AI projects across clear phases, identify and prioritise suitable use cases, recognise risks such as data quality, bias, or governance early on, align business goals with AI models, and successfully implement AI solutions within organisations.
New languages lowers barriers to entry
By introducing German, French, Spanish and Portuguese versions of PMI-CPMAI, PMI is making it easier for project professionals in Europe to build capability in a fast-moving fieldwithout needing to learn complex concepts in a second language.
PMI also offers free introductory courses covering the fundamentals of PMI-CPMAI, typical challenges in AI projects, and an overview of the methodology and content of the certification.
Project management comparison: Managing AI projects vs using AI in project management
Managing AI projects requires specific skills and knowledge. AI projects often involve experimental approaches, evolving datasets, and ongoing model training. This makes them less predictable and requires close collaboration between project professionals, data scientists, and stakeholders from other departments.
Success depends on balancing flexibility and structure and ensuring that results align with both ethical guidelines and business objectives.
What phases characterise an AI project?
An AI project lifecycle typically comprises six phases: business understanding, data understanding, data preparation, model development, model evaluation, and model operationalisation.
Because AI projects often require adjustment as learning develops, this step-by-step approach supports iterative delivery. Teams may move between phases as new insights or issues arise.
Growing importance of AI project competence
“Companies face the challenge of implementing AI initiatives in a scalable, cost-effective, and responsible manner,” said Denis Lassance, Managing Director Europe at PMI. “Applying a step-by-step methodology helps ensure that AI projects are not only technically successful but also strategically valuable.”
With the increasing prevalence of AI technologies, demand is rising in Europe for project professionals who can strategically manage deployment.
With PMI-CPMAI now available in German, French, Portuguese and Spanish, PMI is supporting organisations in Europe to implement AI projects using proven methodologies and clear governance. Find more information about the certification at pmi.org/certifications/ai-project-management-cpmai.
