Best Project Manager Certification Programs: Top 5 PM Certifications

Obtaining a project manager certification is a valuable step toward advancing your career in project management. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and validates your project management skills and knowledge. With numerous project manager certification programs available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your career goals. In this article, we will explore the top 5 project manager certification programs and help you make an informed decision.

Why Should You Become Certified in Project Management?

If you are intent on becoming a highly valued asset to your clients, have an advantage over other professionals in the field, or if you are aiming for a salary increase, getting certified in project management is key. Acquiring a certification will allow you to gain recognition as a leader in your field as it will provide you in-depth knowledge of best practices in the project management industry. You will be well-equipped to communicate with other leaders in the field by using common terminology used on project sites and in important meetings with clients. There are so many benefits to getting certified in project management, it will certainly help you achieve your full potential.

Top Project Management Certifications

There are many project management certifications available. Choosing which certification is best for you all depends on what you’d prefer to specialize in and focus your studies on. Here are a few of the top PM certification programs you can complete:

• PMP: Project Management Professional from Project Management Institute (PMI)
• PMI-ACP: Agile Project Management
• PRINCE 2 – Projects IN Controlled Environments
• International Project Management Association (IPMA) Levels: A,B,C,D
• CSM, CSP, CSD: Agile Scrum Certification

Other certifications you can explore include:

• CAPM: Certified Associate in Project Management
• CPM: Certified Project Manager
• Microsoft Project – Project Management tool
• MPM: Master Project Manager

Why Do You Need a Certification in Project Management?

Before you commit to getting a certification in project management, you’ll want to review the prerequisites required to qualify for this area of expertise.

Project Management Professional from PMI

The gold standard for project management is the PMP, or Project Management Professional certification from the PMI. If you are interested in qualifying for this certification, you will need to have a minimum of:

• 4,500 hours managing projects on-site
• 35 training hours – specific to project management studies

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the field. It demonstrates your extensive knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP certification is ideal for experienced project managers and requires a combination of education, project management experience, and passing the PMP exam.

2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification focuses on the Agile methodology and Scrum framework. Scrum is widely used in software development and emphasizes iterative and collaborative approaches to project management. The CSM certification equips you with the skills to lead Agile teams and successfully implement Scrum practices. It is ideal for project managers working in Agile environments.

3. PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments)

PRINCE2 is a process-based project management methodology widely adopted in the United Kingdom and internationally. It provides a structured approach to project management, with an emphasis on governance, risk management, and control. The PRINCE2 certification is suitable for project managers working on complex projects and those seeking a comprehensive understanding of project management principles.

4. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is an entry-level certification offered by PMI. It is designed for individuals with limited project management experience or those seeking to transition into the field. The CAPM certification validates your understanding of fundamental project management concepts and demonstrates your commitment to professional development.

5. Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification is another certification offered by PMI, focusing specifically on Agile methodologies. It recognizes your knowledge and experience in Agile practices, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and other Agile frameworks. The PMI-ACP certification is ideal for project managers working in Agile environments or those seeking to enhance their Agile project management skills.

Certified Associate in Project Management:

For those who are just starting out in the world of project management and have little to no experience just yet, the CAPM exam is a great place to begin. The CAPM is provided along with standards assurance from PMI. We recommend taking an online and self-directed CAPM exam prep course so that you can complete the course and prepare for the exam in a way that works best for your schedule.  Check out Brain Sensei’s CAPM Exam Prep course.  It’s one of the most affordable options and they include a 30-day money back guarantee and a 100% pass guarantee.  Not to mention they have a unique story-based approach that makes the material a bit more memorable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right project manager certification program is crucial for your professional development as a project management professional. The top 5 certifications discussed in this article, including the PMP, CSM, PRINCE2, CAPM, and PMI-ACP, are all highly regarded in the industry and can significantly boost your career prospects. Assess your experience, career goals, and the requirements of each certification to make an informed decision. Invest in your professional growth by obtaining a project manager certification that aligns with your aspirations and demonstrates your expertise in the field.

Have you led projects and are looking to earn a project management certification?  You might be interested in learning about how lucrative this can be.  Check out these articles.

Should You Become PMP Certified? – Here’s Why Becoming A Certified Project Management Professional Can Boost Your Career

13 PMP Benefits Once You Get The PMP Certification

No experience leading projects but still want to get into project management?  No problem!  Check out these articles.  

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