Certifications
Five levels that follow a technical manager's career, from first exploring the role to specialist expertise. Each is a single online assessment with an instant result.
Compare the levels
Paid levels unlock in order, so a PTME holder has also passed PTMP and PTMA. PTMF is free and optional.
| PTMF | PTMP | PTMA | PTME | PTMS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundation | Practitioner | Associate | Expert | Specialist |
| Experience | Any | 0–1 years | 2–5 years | 5–10 years | Specialist |
| Focus | Orientation | Fundamentals | Strategic | Organization-wide | Domain-specific |
| Questions | 15 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Pass mark | 60% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% |
| Exam fee | Free | $59 | $59 | $59 | $59 |
| Retake fee | Free | $39 | $39 | $39 | $39 |
| Requires | None | None | PTMP | PTMA | PTME |
What each level covers
Every level page lists the competency areas on the exam, who it's designed for and how to prepare.
Professional Technical Manager Foundation
The PTMF certification is designed for anyone beginning to explore technical management as a career path. This free certification validates foundational understanding of technical leadership concepts, team dynamics, and basic management principles.
Professional Technical Management Practitioner
The PTMP certification validates foundational knowledge in technical management principles, designed for professionals beginning their journey in technical leadership roles. This certification demonstrates understanding of core management concepts, team dynamics, and basic project execution.
Professional Technical Management Associate
The PTMA certification validates intermediate technical management capabilities, designed for professionals with established experience leading technical teams. This certification demonstrates proficiency in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and driving technical initiatives.
Professional Technical Management Expert
The PTME certification validates advanced technical management expertise, designed for senior professionals with extensive experience leading complex technical organizations. This certification demonstrates mastery in organizational leadership, architecture decisions, and driving enterprise-level transformation.
Professional Technical Management Specialist
The PTMS certification validates specialized technical management expertise in specific domains or industries. This certification demonstrates thought leadership, innovation capabilities, and the ability to drive industry-wide change in technical management practices.
Not sure where to start?
Try the sample questions or take the free PTMF exam to see how the assessments work, or go straight to PTMP if you already lead a team.