Why you shouldn’t let your project management certifications lapse; especially now
Don’t let outdated project management certifications hold you back. Learn why staying current with Agile, Scrum and PMP renewals is key to staying competitive and future-ready.
The project management landscape is evolving, and fast. If you're holding onto certifications like PRINCE2 without staying on top of newer frameworks like Agile or Scrum, you could be at risk of falling behind. And if your PMI PMP certification is approaching its 5-year expiry without renewal, you’re potentially missing out on new knowledge and job opportunities.
Let’s break down why it’s more important than ever to keep your project management certifications current, and how to take action.
Written by
With over a decade of experience in project management education and industry, Matt has become our in-house expert. Matt is an Enrolment and Growth Manager at Learning People, consistently helping students to advance their careers through learning and certification.
Adapt to an industry shifting towards Agile and Scrum
Traditional frameworks like PRINCE2 are being gradually phased out in many organisations, particularly in dynamic industries like tech, finance and creative services. Employers now expect project professionals to be fluent in Agile delivery styles; Scrum, AgilePM and hybrid models that prioritise flexibility and speed over rigid waterfall processes.
Letting older certifications lapse without transitioning to Agile-focused ones could signal to hiring managers that your skill set isn’t aligned with modern delivery expectations.
Stay Current with updated certifications (e.g., APMG AgilePM)
Certifying bodies are keeping pace with industry trends and you should too. APMG recently updated the AgilePM certification to better reflect how Agile works in real-world, project-based environments. The new syllabus focuses more on business agility, iterative delivery and stakeholder collaboration, skills which employers now expect as standard.
If your AgilePM certification is based on an older version, it may not represent your full potential in today’s marketplace.
Avoid expiry pitfalls (Like PMP’s 5-year limit)
Certifications such as the PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) expire every five years. If you don’t renew in time, through PDUs (Professional Development Units) and professional development, you’ll lose the credential and its associated credibility.
Worse still, if you want it back later, you’ll need to re-sit the entire exam. That’s a lot of time, effort, and cost that could be avoided with proactive planning.
Remain competitive in a shifting job market
More job specs now list Agile or Scrum experience as a “must-have.” If your CV shows an expired PRINCE2 certification and nothing Agile-related, you may be overlooked, even if you’ve got strong practical experience.
You don’t need to abandon your existing knowledge, but you do need to supplement it to stay visible and credible in a changing market.
Showcase a growth mindset
Hiring managers love candidates who take charge of their own development. Renewing and upgrading certifications signals that you’re not stuck in the past, you’re curious, coachable and committed to staying relevant.
That’s the kind of attitude that wins promotions, contracts and trust.
Final thought: Your career is a project; manage it like one
Letting a certification lapse may feel like a small thing, but it can have long-term consequences. Whether you’re transitioning from PRINCE2 to Agile, keeping your PMP valid, or updating your AgilePM to the latest version, taking ownership now protects your career later.
Be proactive. Be strategic. And above all, be ready for what the industry needs next. Book a call in with our Executive Customer Success Consultant, Charley, today to discuss what’s next to proactively secure your future career with Learning People.
