PMI (Project Management Institute)
The association behind the PMBOK Guide and much of the vocabulary of project management.
Quick Answer
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global nonprofit association for project management professionals. It publishes the PMBOK Guide and other practice standards, and it awards credentials such as the PMP. Terms common in construction planning, such as work breakdown structure, risk register and critical path, are defined in its materials.
The Full Picture
PMI was founded in 1969 and is an association of project management practitioners across industries, including construction, IT and engineering. It develops standards and guides, offers certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, and runs chapters and events. It is a professional body rather than a regulator, so its standards are voluntary unless an owner or contract adopts them.
Its best-known publication is A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, usually called the PMBOK Guide. The guide describes concepts, processes and good practices for managing projects, and it is periodically revised. PMI also publishes practice standards on specific subjects, including the work breakdown structure, scheduling and risk management, which many project teams treat as reference definitions.
In construction, PMI's vocabulary shows up in planning documents even when no one cites the guide. A work breakdown structure, the 100 percent rule, a risk register, a stakeholder register and earned value are terms that many contractors and owners use in the PMI sense. Some owners, especially public agencies and large institutions, expect a PMI-style management plan, and project managers often hold the PMP credential.
PMI is not the only source of project management practice. Construction has its own bodies and documents, including industry associations, contract forms and scheduling practices, and they sometimes use different terms. A preconstruction team should therefore confirm which definitions a contract adopts rather than assuming a PMI definition governs. Where a requirement names a PMI standard, the edition cited controls.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: PMI standards are required on construction projects.
Actually: They are voluntary. They apply only if an owner, contract or employer adopts them.
People assume: PMI sets the building codes and safety standards for construction.
Actually: PMI covers management practice. Codes and safety rules come from bodies such as ICC, NFPA and OSHA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PMI stand for?
PMI stands for Project Management Institute, a global nonprofit association for project management professionals founded in 1969.
What is the PMBOK Guide?
It is PMI's flagship publication describing project management concepts, processes and good practices. It is revised periodically, so references should name an edition.
What is the PMP?
The Project Management Professional is PMI's credential for project managers. It is voluntary, and requirements for experience and examination are set by PMI.
How does PMI relate to construction planning terms?
Many common planning terms, including work breakdown structure and risk register, are defined in PMI materials. Construction contracts may use them similarly but should be read for their own definitions.
Is PMI a standards body for building codes?
No. It is a standards body for project management practice. Building and safety codes are developed by other organizations and adopted by governments.