Project management is a dynamic and in-demand field, and obtaining a project management certification can significantly boost your career prospects. With numerous certifications available, it’s important to understand the most popular and recognized credentials in the industry.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 project manager certifications and discuss their benefits and relevance in the field of project management.
Project Manager Courses: Who Should Take Them?
Some people who are embarking on their project management Journey choose to take courses after they have some real life experience. Others dive into college courses to learn whether this is a career that interests them.
Experts in the field of project management can even take courses to help strengthen their skills and make sure their concepts are up-to-date with recommended practices. Long story short, anybody can take a project management course at any stage in their career!
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most well-known and respected certifications in project management. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMP certification demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in project management best practices.
Taking a PMP exam prep online self-paced course will give you the flexibility most who are working need, to fit in the necessary study time. Not to mention most courses will earn you the required 35 education hours. PMP credential holders can earn up to 20% more than those who have not earned a certification! When you are deciding on what study materials will be best for you, there are a few things to consider:
- Check the PMI website for the exam prerequisites. There’s an education component and a work experience component. Most exam prep courses will earn you the required 35 education hours, as well as prepare you for the exam.
- If you’re purchasing an exam prep course (highly recommended), be sure to choose one that prepares you for the latest exam, includes an exam simulator with lots of realistic questions and some kind of exam pass guarantee. We recommend Brain Sensei’s PMP exam prep courses. They include all of those things, and is very reasonably priced.
- Give yourself time to study and prepare. Most who set aside regular weekly study time take about 3 months to prepare for the exam.
Salary increases are a main factor pushing those in the project management field to get this exam done. However, recognition from your peers and colleagues, knowledge in the field, and understanding of best practices are also great perks to have! The PMP certification is a must-have for the resume if you’re job searching.
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is also offered by PMI and is designed for individuals who are new to project management or aspiring to enter the field. The CAPM certification provides a solid foundation in project management principles and terminology.
3. PRINCE2
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a widely recognized project management methodology and certification. Developed by AXELOS, PRINCE2 provides a structured approach to project management and is particularly popular in the United Kingdom and Europe.
4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification is offered by PMI and focuses on agile project management methodologies. With the increasing adoption of agile practices, the ACP certification demonstrates your knowledge and proficiency in agile project management.
Here is a summary of these three project manager certifications as a ready reckoner for you
|
Credential |
Eligibility |
Exam Questions, Duration |
Exam Cost |
|
CAPM |
High School Diploma & 23 hours of project management education |
150 Q, 3 hours |
$300 (non-member), $225 (member) |
|
PMP |
4 year Bachelor degree & 35 hours of project management education |
180 Q, 4 hours |
$555 (non-member), $405 (member) |
|
PMI-ACP |
2000 hours general project experience, 1500 hours agile project experience & 21 hours agile training |
120 Q, 3 hours |
$495 (non-member), $435 (member) |
5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is specifically tailored to individuals working with Scrum teams. Scrum is an agile framework widely used in software development projects. The CSM certification validates your understanding of Scrum principles and your ability to facilitate Scrum processes.
6. Six Sigma Green Belt
Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to process improvement and quality management. The Six Sigma Green Belt certification demonstrates your ability to analyze and solve quality-related problems and contribute to process improvement initiatives within an organization.
7. Certified Project Manager (IAPM)
The Certified Project Manager (IAPM) certification is offered by the International Association of Project Managers. This certification focuses on practical project management skills and covers a broad range of project management topics.
8. CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Project+ is an entry-level project management certification that covers the essentials of project management. This certification is vendor-neutral and provides a foundation in project management principles applicable to various industries.
9. Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP)
The Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP) certification is offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM). This certification validates your project management knowledge and skills and demonstrates your ability to lead and manage projects effectively.
10. Certified Professional in Project Management (CPPM)
The Certified Professional in Project Management (CPPM) certification is offered by the Management and Strategy Institute (MSI). This certification focuses on practical project management skills and covers various project management topics, including planning, execution, and control.
Benefits of Project Manager Certifications
Obtaining a project manager certification offers several benefits:
- Credibility: Certifications provide credibility and validate your knowledge and expertise in project management.
- Career Advancement: Project manager certifications enhance your career prospects by increasing your marketability and opening up opportunities for higher-level positions.
- Industry Recognition: Certified project managers are recognized and valued by employers as they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and best practices.
- Expanded Skill Set: Certifications equip you with new skills and knowledge that can be applied to real-world projects, improving your performance and success rate.
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Conclusion
Project manager certifications play a crucial role in the professional development and career advancement of project managers. The top 10 project manager certifications mentioned in this article are widely recognized and respected in the industry. Each certification offers unique benefits and focuses on different aspects of project management. Assess your career goals and choose a certification that aligns with your interests and aspirations. By obtaining a project management certification, you can enhance your skills, increase your marketability, and position yourself for success in the field of project management.
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.
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