Online | May 14–19, 2025 — In a major step toward aligning project management standards with sustainability goals, the PM² Certification Center (PM² CC), in partnership with European Academy (EA) and PM², launched a targeted online survey to inform the development of future sustainability-focused certifications and micro-credentials under the SPM² project.
This collaborative effort aimed to engage certified and aspiring project management professionals across Europe in shaping how sustainability can be integrated into PM²-based learning pathways and professional development.
Listening to the Community: A Data-Driven Approach to Certification Design
The survey gathered input from 145 respondents, both certified and non-certified, representing a wide range of sectors, from academia and public administration to consulting and the private sector. Their feedback sheds light on real-world challenges, learning preferences, and certification expectations, ensuring that the upcoming SPM² credentialing framework is both relevant and impactful.
Key findings included:
📊 Strong interest in a future PM² Sustainability Expert (Level 3) certification.
📘 Online self-paced and blended learning emerged as the most preferred training formats.
📝 Online multiple-choice exams are favored, though certified respondents welcome practical case-based assessments.
🚧 Main barriers include low employer recognition, certification fatigue, and cost/time concerns.
Who Participated – And Why It Matters
Participants came from across the PM2.center certification platform, offering a mix of experience levels—from early-career professionals to senior project managers. Their perspectives are crucial, as they represent both the current and future users of SPM² sustainability credentials.
“The feedback confirmed what we suspected: there is a growing appetite for sustainability integration—but only if it’s practical, aligned with policy, and professionally recognized,” said the PM² CC team.
From Survey to Action: What Comes Next
The insights will directly inform the design of:
A multi-level certification pathway (beginner to expert)
Flexible, modular training offerings
Micro-credentials aligned with EU Green Deal, ESG frameworks, and PM² methodology
New SPM² exam formats and recognition mechanisms that meet market demands
“By anchoring certification development in real stakeholder input, we are ensuring that SPM² becomes a practical, credible tool for sustainability transformation,” noted the EA project team.
High Engagement, Strong Visibility
The survey was disseminated through direct email outreach to all registered users on PM2.center, generating a high engagement rate and detailed qualitative feedback.
