Compare the certifications.
The three ladder certifications examine the same five-domain framework. What changes from level to level is the scope of the decisions the questions put to you, and the pass mark you need. The AI Extension sits beside them on its own AI Standard, for holders of any level. Every credential is earned by examination only.
| Certification | EMA-IAssociate | EMP-IIProfessional | EME-IIIExpert | EMX-AIAI Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Engineers stepping into leadership | Practising engineering managers | Senior engineering leaders | Managers leading AI adoption and AI-powered products |
| Experience | No requirement | 3+ years leading teams | 7+ years shaping orgs | Requires a valid EMA-I, EMP-II or EME-III |
| Exam length | 60 questions | 75 questions | 90 questions | 60 questions |
| Time limit | 90 minutes | 105 minutes | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Pass standard | 70% | 75% | 80% | 75% |
| Validity | 3 years · renew by re-sitting | 3 years · renew by re-sitting | 3 years · renew by re-sitting | 2 years · renew by re-sitting |
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| Price | Free for the first 500 candidates | Not yet open | Not yet open | Free for the first 100 candidates |
| Start EMA-I · free | Join waitlist | Join waitlist | Start EMX-AI · free |
How EMA is different
Assessment-first
There is no course to take and no training to buy. Whether you are certified depends only on how you do in the examination.
Engineering leadership, specifically
Every question is about leading engineers and engineering organisations. None of it is general project management or Agile method.
Renewed by examination, not by fee
Ladder credentials are valid for three years and the AI Extension for two; each is renewed by passing the current examination. There is no annual fee and no points to collect. Any employer can verify a credential instantly and for free.
How EMA compares to other certifications
EMA vs PMP (PMI)
PMP certifies project management broadly, not engineering leadership specifically, and requires 35 hours of formal project-management education (or an active CAPM) plus years of documented project-leading experience before you’re eligible to sit the exam. EMA has no mandatory coursework or experience gate, and EMA-I assesses engineering-management judgment directly.
EMA vs CSM (Scrum Alliance)
A Certified ScrumMaster credential requires completing a mandatory instructor-led course before you’re eligible to test, so you can’t study independently and go straight to the exam. EMA is assessment-only. You can sit EMA-I today without buying a course.
EMA vs PRINCE2 (PeopleCert)
PRINCE2 is a general project-management methodology certification, not built around engineering leadership. Foundation can be sat without a course, though many candidates take it alongside accredited training. EMA questions are scenario-based and specific to leading engineers and engineering organisations.
EMA vs SAFe Agilist (Scaled Agile)
SAFe certifications are earned through a licensed course, and keeping one current involves an annual renewal fee. EMA requires no course, and a credential is renewed every three years by re-sitting the current examination, with no annual fee.
EMA vs ICAgile
Most ICAgile certifications are earned by completing an accredited course, with learning outcomes assessed by the training provider rather than by an independent examination. EMA certifies capability through a timed, scored examination with a published pass standard.
Requirements as published by each scheme’s owner, checked October 2026; see PMI, Scrum Alliance, PeopleCert, Scaled Agile and ICAgile for current rules. PMP is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.; Certified ScrumMaster and CSM of Scrum Alliance, Inc.; PRINCE2 of PeopleCert; SAFe of Scaled Agile, Inc.; ICAgile of the International Consortium for Agile. Engineering Management Academy is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any of them.
Not sure where to start? EMA-I has no experience requirement.
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