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PMI Endorses the U.S. Expansion of 529 Savings Plans to Career Certifications

Education savings can now fund professional upskilling

  • Country United States
  • Covers Career certifications, including the PMP®
  • Demand 30 million new project professionals by 2035
A notebook reading “529 College Savings Plan” beside banknotes and a calculator
  • Careers
  • PMI Global

“Upskilling and reskilling matter more than ever.”

Mr. Pierre Le Manh, Former President and CEO at Project Management Institute (PMI)

In August 2025, the Project Management Institute (PMI) welcomed the recent U.S. expansion of 529 savings plans to cover career certifications, including the globally recognized PMP®.

The policy change allows individuals to use education savings for professional upskilling, addressing critical talent shortages. Pierre Le Manh, PMI President and CEO, praised the move, calling it “a powerful message: upskilling and reskilling matter more than ever.” He emphasized that the expansion reflects a transformation in how education is valued, highlighting continuous learning and professional development alongside traditional degrees.

With PMI projecting demand for 30 million new project professionals by 2035, the expanded funding options will make credentials more accessible to students and professionals alike. “The path to opportunity through project management just became broader, faster, and more inclusive,” Le Manh said.

By supporting this reform as a member of the Professional Certification Coalition, PMI reaffirms its commitment to bridging the global talent gap and empowering people to thrive in a fast-changing, AI-driven world.

About the people

Meet Pierre Le Manh

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Mr. Pierre Le Manh

Former President and CEO at Project Management Institute (PMI)

In this story PMI President and CEO

Mr. Pierre Le Manh served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Project Management Institute (PMI) from September 2022 until September 30, 2026. A global executive with a multicultural background, he has led companies across several knowledge industries through complex transformations and globalization. Before joining PMI, he led the preparation of Galileo Global Education’s expansion into North America. At Ipsos, he served as Chief Executive Officer for North America and as Global Deputy CEO. Earlier, he was CEO of Consodata, Encyclopaedia Universalis and CFL Holding and CFO of the performing arts nonprofit Adami, having begun his career at Accenture.

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