ISLAMABAD, September 28, 2026: Pakistan-based professional learning startup Seekhna Sikhao has launched PrepFastPM, a digital platform designed to help working professionals prepare for the internationally recognised Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, as demand for skilled project managers continues to grow worldwide.
The platform aims to make professional certification preparation more accessible by offering structured study materials, scenario-based questions, mock examinations and self-paced learning resources for individuals balancing full-time employment with professional development.
Founded by Syed Mujeeb ur Rehman, PrepFastPM seeks to address the time, cost and accessibility challenges faced by professionals preparing for the PMP examination, particularly those unable to attend conventional classroom-based training programmes.
The launch comes amid growing concerns about project delivery and a widening global shortage of qualified project management professionals.
Research published by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in 2025 found that only half of the projects surveyed met its modern definition of success. Another 37 percent achieved only part of their expected results, while 13 percent failed outright.
In separate research, PMI estimated that the global workforce could face a shortage of up to 29.8 million project professionals by 2035.
The institute also projected that demand for project management professionals in South Asia could increase by 68 to 91 percent between 2025 and 2035, highlighting the region’s growing need for specialised skills.
PrepFastPM targets working professionals seeking PMP certification
According to its founder, PrepFastPM was developed to provide a flexible alternative to traditional certification preparation methods, allowing professionals to study according to their own schedules.
“There is considerable talent in Pakistan, but professional development must become easier to access,” Rehman said.
He noted that professionals working in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and smaller cities should have access to preparation resources aligned with international standards without being restricted by fixed classroom schedules or extensive printed study materials.
The platform combines learning resources and examination practice tools in a single digital environment, enabling candidates to review concepts, assess their understanding and identify areas requiring further preparation.
Its features include structured preparation based on the current PMP examination framework, scenario-based questions, mock examinations, integrated reading materials and self-paced access.
The company says the approach is intended to help candidates develop project management knowledge and practical decision-making skills rather than rely solely on memorising examination material.
Global demand for project managers creates new opportunities
The growing importance of project management skills is being driven by investment in infrastructure, technology, digital transformation and organisational change.
Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of managing complex projects, assessing risks, coordinating teams and delivering outcomes despite changing circumstances.
Rehman said project failures could have consequences extending beyond financial losses, including wasted time, organisational resources and human effort.
“Every failed project has a cost, but the cost is not always limited to money,” he said.
He added that inadequate preparation for managing uncertainty, stakeholders and difficult decisions could affect project performance well beyond missed deadlines.
The PMP credential, administered by the Project Management Institute, is an internationally recognised certification for experienced project professionals.
According to PMI’s 2025 global salary survey, PMP-certified respondents reported median salaries 17 percent higher than non-certified respondents across the 21 countries covered by the survey.
The finding reflects a reported salary difference among surveyed professionals and does not establish that certification alone leads to higher earnings.
Experts stress practical skills beyond professional certificates
Project management expert Engr. Ahad Nazir, a PMP-certified professional and PRINCE2 Practitioner, said Pakistan needed to focus on developing practical project management capabilities rather than treating certification as the ultimate objective.
“Pakistan does not simply need more people carrying project management certificates. It needs professionals who can actually manage projects,” Nazir said.
He emphasised that effective project managers must understand how to define outcomes, challenge assumptions, assess risks, manage stakeholder expectations and make informed decisions when projects encounter unexpected difficulties.
Nazir said professional certification could support capability development when accompanied by a deeper understanding of real-world project challenges.
“PMP provides a structured body of professional knowledge and requires candidates to engage with predictive, adaptive and hybrid approaches to delivery. But certification alone does not create competence,” he said.
He added that preparation should strengthen professional judgement and help candidates apply their knowledge in demanding project environments.
According to Nazir, modern project managers are increasingly expected to combine technical expertise with leadership, strategic thinking, business understanding and the ability to work across different project delivery approaches.
He said professional development programmes must respond to these changing expectations.
Startup aims to strengthen Pakistan’s professional workforce
PrepFastPM’s launch also reflects a broader effort to improve access to internationally recognised professional qualifications among Pakistan’s workforce.
The company says its digital learning model is designed to help professionals pursue certification preparation without interrupting their existing employment or other commitments.
Rehman said strengthening professional competencies would be important for Pakistan’s competitiveness in technology, engineering, infrastructure, consulting and international services.
“If Pakistan wants to compete in technology, engineering, infrastructure, consulting and the global services economy, professional competency cannot remain optional,” he said.
He expressed hope that PrepFastPM would help Pakistani professionals strengthen their project management capabilities and pursue career opportunities locally and internationally.
The platform is now available to professionals seeking self-paced PMP examination preparation.
