According to a joint survey by KPMG Cyprus and the Project Management Institute (PMI), when hiring project management staff, 55% of employers prioritize relevant qualifications or certifications.
In the same survey, it was found that over 72% of Project Management Office leaders strongly advocate for certifications, considering them crucial for mid-career project managers.
It leaves no room for second-guessing that organizations prefer to recruit professionals who aren’t just good at making business-minded decisions but hold the skillset, knowledge, and expertise to handle complex project management scenarios. The statistics shared above is the clear evidence of this growing trend.
So, where do you stand?
If you are looking to add value to your role, earn either of the below-mentioned top project management certifications. They vary from entry-level to advanced to get yourself recognized as a disciplined project manager and see the transformation yourself.
A Free guide to help you with proven ways to lead a project from start to finish, without confusion or jargon.
What is a project management certification?
Project management certification is a credential that showcases an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of managing projects. It typically involves completing a structured program, passing an exam, and sometimes fulfilling work experience requirements.
Now, is it worth getting certified? Well, it depends.
Different types of project management certifications can boost your career by proving your skills and knowledge. They often open up better job opportunities, higher income, and chances for promotion. If you want to grow in strategic management and show off your hard and soft skills, getting those credentials and certification could be a great idea for you.
21 of the best project management certifications
Let’s talk about the various project management certification courses that can take your career to the next level.
NOTE: Course capital asset pricing model may differ across various platforms and is specific to the platform from which you choose to make the purchase.
1. PMP: Project Management Professional
The PMP Certification is one of the best and most industry-recognized project management courses. With over 1 billion certificate holders, it is recognized as the gold standard certification in project management all over the world.
The certification tests your ability to conduct processes, manage people, and understand management principles. As a PMP, you can work in virtually any industry with any methodology and in any location.
Prerequisites
- A secondary degree (undergraduate education, high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
- 60 months of project leadership experience within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training or possession of a CAPM® certification
OR
- Four-year academic degree/University degree
- 36 months of project leadership experience within the past eight years
- Completion of 35 hours of project management education/training or possession of a CAPM® certification
Pricing
- Member: US $405.00
- Non-member: US $555.00
2. CAPM: Certified Associate in Project Management
If you’re looking for a certification that could distinguish you in the job market and enhance your credibility to manage projects, look nowhere else. Because CAPM is the right choice that you can make.
It demonstrates your understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes of effective project management like project risk assessment and project communication management. CAPM is valid for five years and doesn’t require any Professional Development Units (PDUs) to be renewed.
Prerequisites
- A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, GED, or the global equivalent)
OR
- 23 hours of project management education by the time you sit for the exam.
Pricing
- Member: US $225.00
- Non-member: US $300.00
3. CSM: Certified ScrumMaster
With the increasing use of agile project methodologies in IT organizations, it’s no surprise why IT professionals are looking for certifications that help them become certified Scrum masters in agile software development.
It is one of the most favored agile project management certifications. As a certified ScrumMaster, you will learn the Scrum framework and gain an understanding of team roles, accountabilities, events, artifacts, communication, and rules. Which in turn helps you build a culture enabling the Scrum Team to perform at their highest level in the workforce.
Prerequisites
- General familiarity with Scrum
- Attend an in-person, two-day (16-hour) CSM course
- After you pass the CSM exam and accept the License Agreement, complete your Scrum Alliance membership profile
Pricing
- Approximately $1000 to $1,395
Bring the much-needed agility in managing your projects with these 20 best agile project management tools
4. CompTIA Project+ certification
The CompTIA Project+ examination is designed for IT business professionals who coordinate or manage small-to-medium-sized projects. It is an entry-level certification appropriate for people having one year of project management experience and managing less complex projects.
Project+ is more versatile than other certifications because it covers essential project management concepts beyond the scope of just one methodology or framework. The CompTIA certification helps you learn about the project basics such as Kanban, Gantt chart, constraints, tools, team collaboration, documentation, and change management.
Prerequisites
- One year’s worth of knowledge of how the project life cycle works
- Ability to manage resources and stakeholders
- Communication skills
- Project documentation
Pricing
- At $358 USD
Read More: 7 Must-Have Project Management Skills for Project Managers
5. PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner
The PRINCE2 project management certificates are globally recognized and highly sought after by potential employers.
Specifically tailored as project management certifications for beginners, PRINCE2 offers two accessible levels: Foundation and Practitioner.
PRINCE2 Foundation is your perfect entry point. This introductory course provides a solid understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology, its principles, processes, and PM roles and responsibilities.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, PRINCE2 Practitioner takes your project management skills to the next level. It helps you to learn the best practices of how to utilize PRINCE2 for specific projects and gain the confidence to apply it in real-world scenarios.
The Foundation exam checks your understanding of PRINCE2 theory, ensuring you grasp the main concepts and principles.
In contrast, the Practitioner exam tests how well you can use PRINCE2 in real projects. It includes scenarios to see how you’d apply PRINCE2 principles practically. These exams are crucial qualification factors to gauge your grasp of PRINCE2’s theoretical knowledge and practical application to enhance your test-driven development skills.
Prerequisites
- PRINCE2 Practitioner requires one of the following: PRINCE2 Foundation; Project Management Professional (PMP); Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM); or an IPMA certification.
Pricing
Typically, the PRINCE2 Foundation exam is priced between $300 to $500, while the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam usually ranges from $400 to $600. These costs may fluctuate depending on the region and the specific training institution offering the courses.
6. APM: Associate in Project Management
The Associate in Project Management (APM)™ certificate is an entry-level certification in the field of Project Management Framework. It demonstrates that the candidate has the required knowledge in the field confining to entry-level project management strategies.
Even if you are a graduate, entry-level practitioner, or just anyone with an interest in project management, AMP is an important globally recognized project management certification.
Prerequisites
- No formal education or experience requirements.
- Need to take an online course before taking the exam.
Price
$70 for the standard package
7. MPM: Master Project Manager
The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) issues the Master Project Manager (MPM) certification to applicants who meet their commission requirements of education, training, experience, industry knowledge, ethics, and continuing education.
In fact, not just project managers, but individuals with business analysis and technical responsibilities and a college degree can also appear for this certification.
Prerequisites
- Three years’ worth of project management experience and training
- Fee waivers are available for professionals holding a master’s degree, with other qualified training and experience, the military or project management instructors.
Pricing
- $300 for application, review, processing, review, initiation, and certification
8. PPM: Professional in Project Management
The Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) conducts a Professional in Project Management (PPM) certification course. The mid-level certification comprises project management modules, including – how to plan, execute, control, and complete projects.
It also trains you to develop project schedules, project marketing strategies, and different approaches to leading and managing projects. It adds to your existing knowledge while focusing on making experienced project managers who can deal with risks, crises management and motivate teams to perform at their best.
Prerequisites
- A mandatory E-Course completion requirement
- Candidates should have at least some project management experience
Pricing
$100 for Standard Package
9. CPD: Certified Project Director
Conducted by GAQM, the Certified Project Director (CPD) is globally recognized and is considered to be the most prestigious level of project management.
It is designed for senior and experienced people who are familiar with handling complex project management needs like budget, scope creep, risk, and cost. If you wish to go average and beyond the usual PPM to become a project management expert, the course is definitely for you.
Prerequisites
- The Certified Project Director (CPD) Certification requires a mandatory E-Course completion requirement.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher having the post-graduate education, or an equivalent globally recognized qualification.
- Understand project management principles, techniques, and approaches.
Pricing
- $ 100 for Standard Package
10. CPM: Certified Project Manager (IAPM)
The International Association of Project Managers (IAPM) is a global project management certification body that offers certifications that provide clear competitive advantages to professionals and even to the ones with a basic understanding.
The Certified Project Manager (IAPM) certification is for people who want to manage and implement projects effectively. The certificate is proof of the candidate’s soft skills, hard skills, and theoretical project management knowledge.
Prerequisites
- No requirements as such, but it offers workshops for self-study or Autodidacticism
- A candidate can take a self-test once he feels prepared
- Candidates must achieve 65 percent on the exam to pass
Pricing
- The examination fee depends on a candidate’s nationality.
Read More: Key Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities
11. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
The PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a globally recognized certification designed to validate an individual’s expertise in identifying, analyzing, mitigating, and responding to project risks.
This certification is a valuable asset for professionals seeking to advance their careers in project management, risk management, and related fields.
Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or just starting your career, the PMI-RMP can help you take your risk management skills to the next level. By investing in this valuable certification, you can gain the knowledge and expertise needed to contribute significantly to project success and advance your professional development.
Prerequisites
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent)
- 30 hours of formal education in risk management
- 4,500 hours of project management experience in a company, of which 1,500 hours must involve risk management
- 35 contact hours of project risk management education
Pricing
- PMI members: $405 USD
- Non-members: $555 USD
12. Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)
The Project Management in IT Security (PMITS) certification provided by the EC-Council is one where you get to prop up your hold over the management of IT security projects.
This certification will mainly cater to people who want to mold their project management style into one that helps them manage teamwork and organizations that work on IT security.
Prerequisites
- Minimum two years experience in information security
- An educational background that revolves around security-related higher education
- Candidates may also opt to attend EC-Council’s very own training program before the exam
Pricing
- $250
13. CPMP: Certified Project Management Practitioner
CPMP is a CMP program offered by the Chartered Management Institute that focuses on the progressive framework of an organization and is ideal for individuals like Sales Managers, Marketing Managers, Advertising professionals, and Executives looking to enhance their management and leadership competencies.
This course offered by the only charted professional body is an online certification in which you get personal tutor support. The main intent of this certification is to help professionals build technical leadership, and management skills to handle every project successfully.
Prerequisites
- No requirement, but it is recommended that candidates should have a good standard of written and spoken English.
Price
- $700 on Uniathena
14. Project Management Course Bundle (28 Courses in 1)
As a conglomerate of many courses and known by the name – Online Project Management Training Certification Bundle, this one training program offers you 28 certifications on completion of all 28 courses.
It is an online course that provides you with lifetime access, 20 mock tests to prepare, and 300+ hours of video tutorials. Also, you can avail of this 28 in 1 course on mobile and can adjust the pace of the courses. The core coverage of this course encompasses the areas of project scheduling, integration management, quality management, scope management, and more, and equips you with the skill set that will help you implement all the latest project management software and technologies out there.
Prerequisites
- Any Bachelor’s degree.
- Enthusiast for learning about project management.
Pricing
- On Udemy, the course costs $199.99.
15. ACP: Agile Certified Practitioner
This particular certification is directly administered by the PMI. It follows Agile project management and promotes Agile skills and Agile methodology for project management.
With this course, you will be given an in-depth walkthrough of all the Agile practices including Kanban, Scrum (software development), learn software development, extreme programming, and its usability along with the ways to implement the same. The coursework is best suited for agile organizations and teams. It contains numerous training modules that teach the individual about the implementation of Agile practices as well as the Scrum framework.
Prerequisites
- A high school diploma, or an associate degree.
- At least 2000 hours worth of experience in project management.
- Eight months of prior experience with Agile teams or companies.
- 21 hours of agile practice training.
Pricing
- Member: USD $435.00
- Non-member: USD $495.00
Read More- Learn about different ways to manage projects, like Waterfall model, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Six Sigma.
16. CSSGB: Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate
This certification is a particularly important one among all the other Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certifications. Administered by a Council for Six Sigma Certification, this program will help you hone and enhance your problem solving skills better as a project manager.
The Green Belt Body of Knowledge comprises six key areas: organizational overview, project definition, measurement, real-time data analysis, improvement, and control, covering aspects like Lean principles, statistical hypothesis testing, project management, and sustaining improvements for process capability.
With much reliance on DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) model, this certification takes two different paths – one with a significant understanding of the “Body of knowledge” and another using free Self-Study guides. It suggests that you are great at process analysis, project planning, resource management, and performance management.
Prerequisites
- Need previous full-time paid work experience
- Require at least 3 years of on-the-job experience in one or more areas of Certified design for Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge
Pricing
- Exam Fee $469
- Retakes $269
Allocate tasks efficiently and meet deadlines every time with the best resource scheduling software tools
17. CSSBB: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
CSSBB is another internationally recognized project manager certification accredited by the Council for Six Sigma Certification. The path to obtaining the certification follows the same criteria as discussed for the Green Belt certificate.
This open-book format examination can be taken both online and at the testing centers available all over the world. With the 3 attempts given to pass the exam, the candidate should make a well-defined strategy to obtain at least 420 points out of 600. This certification ensures a lot of good, high-paying opportunities for all certificate holders.
Prerequisites
- Nothing
Pricing
Path 1: Timed exam format (2 hours)
- At $229 USD
Path 2: Non-timed exam format
- At $349 USD
18. GPM-IPMA Levels A–D
With this certification issued by the German project management association or “Gesellschaft für Projektmanagement” (GPM), the International Project Management Association (IPMA) finds its roots originated from GPM.
Though this certification has a German origin, it is recognized on an international level. It has Level A to Level D certifications in which you can opt for one that suits your expertise the most.
Prerequisites
Level B certification:
- Experience of several years in handling complex projects required.
Level C certification:
- Theoretical and practical procedural knowledge of project management.
- Experience of several years in handling non-complex projects.
- Decent knowledge of project management.
Level D certification:
- Little knowledge of project management.
Pricing
Level A certification: €203 for GPM members, €150 for students
Level B certification: €1,935
Level C certification: €1,530
Level D certification: € 567 for GPM members, €250 for students
19. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate
Google certification creeps its way into the project management culture with its 6-course series and is highly recommended for individuals wanting to start out their career in project management or wanting to gain a wealth of valuable information.
You get a detailed understanding of various concepts like quality management, strategic thinking, risk management, project management, time management, stakeholder(corporate) management, and more. This certification is recognized by many leading companies worldwide, but because of not being accredited, many employers won’t consider it a valuable addition to your skill set.
Prerequisites
- No experience required
Pricing
- Less than $300 USD after a 7-day free trial period.
- Financial aid available for budget management
20) PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
The PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)® certification, provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI)® validates specialized expertise in project scheduling. It focuses on five key domains: project initiation, schedule development, monitoring, analysis, and advanced scheduling techniques.
Ideal for project managers, schedulers, and professionals in industries like construction and engineering, it demonstrates commitment to scheduling skills, task management and offers benefits such as increased income potential and improved career prospects.
Prerequisites
- A school leaving qualification (high school diploma or equivalent) is required,
- Minimum 40 months of project scheduling experience within the past five years
- At least 40 hours of project scheduling education
Cost
- PMI members: $405 USD, Non-members:$505 USD.
- In case of exam retakes, the fee is $250 USD.
21) Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)®
The Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)® certification is one of the most valuable project management certifications. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®, it recognizes individuals with advanced expertise in managing and aligning a portfolio of projects and programs to achieve strategic objectives.
Overall, the PfMP® certification is a valuable investment for anyone seeking to advance their career in portfolio management. The PfMP® opens doors to higher-level positions and leadership roles in portfolio management. It provides you with the knowledge, skills, and recognition needed to make a significant impact on organizational success and productivity.
Prerequisites
- Minimum of 96 months of professional business experience within the last 15 years
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent)
- 84 months of portfolio management experience
OR
- Minimum of 96 months of professional business process knowledge and experience within the last 15 years
- Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent)
- 48 months of portfolio management experience
Cost
- PMI member fee: $405
- PfMP® exam fee: $555
Additional help
You can access extra training and resources that include occasional certifications for different project management tools.
For instance, certain Microsoft Learning Partners provide courses on Microsoft Projects, and you’ll find various project management software packages listed on Wikipedia’s comparison page for easy reference.
Benefits of having a project management certification
Whether you are a veteran or a newbie trying to climb up the ladder, there’s a project management certification for you that can help you advance in your career. Consider these certifications to be the stepping stones in your career path for you to do better, be better, and get the opportunities that you never thought you could have.
Being a user of project management and team collaboration too, and not to forget, being the CMO at ProofHub, it becomes my foremost duty to detail some reasons describing the importance of project management certifications in today’s time and age:
1. Global acknowledgment
There are famous institutes and online portals out there, like the Project Management Institute (PMI), that aim to offer world-class teaching and certifications to aspiring professionals. Once you get a certification from a reliable institute, you become qualified to showcase your skills to companies all over the world.
2. Financial gains
Another inviting reason to consider getting a project management professional certification is the steep hike in salary. In a recent study, it was found that you can expect up to a 20% increase in your salary if you are PMP certified as compared to a project manager who isn’t. This indicates that a quality project management certification could give you a 20% hike in your earnings.
3. Better opportunities
A project management certification helps you gain the trust of people on higher posts. As you develop the right skill set, they aren’t afraid before handing over a plum project to you. Also, a certification equips you with both knowledge and experience, enabling you to get project management jobs from great organizations.
4. Boost project performance
Certified project management professionals tend to perform better than someone with no project management certificate at all. A certified PM manager is well aware of the processes such as initiation, planning, execution, closure, along with risk management, and the implementation of the best project management practices.
5. A smart future investment
Considering the fact that these certifications aren’t that expensive as compared to other specific exams or courses, one should never neglect the positive impact they could have on your career.
For example, you can take the PMP exam for $555; if you are a PMI member, it’s for $405. It won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Also, on average, the passing rate is around 60%. You don’t need formal training to pass the test. The best thing is that certified professionals are secure even during an economic and natural crisis, no matter their geographic location.
What say?
It does seem like a smart investment for your career, Right?
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Choose a course that suits your needs
A good manager knows that the best practice to keep their skills in order is to always keep learning. And project management certifications are a great way to educate yourself, gain knowledge and credibility, and enhance your skills no matter at what stage you are. Continuous learning helps us climb the tallest of ladders.
And once you are done, you can put your newly acquired skills to the test and lead projects successfully with ProofHub, a project management and team collaboration software.
So, my advice, enroll yourself in one of these project management certifications shared in the above list to match your preference and choose the one that suits your requirements and meets your life goal.
All the best for your future!
Project Management Certifications FAQs
What is the most valuable and accredited Project Management certification?
In my perspective, the criteria to categorize a course as valuable and accredited should depend on certain factors –
Industry recognition – Make sure to assess a certification on the basis of the extent to which it is recognized in your interested industry, as some certifications hold high regard and weightage in the particular niche.
Comprehensive content – Look for certifications that promise to educate you on a broad range of project management practices, methodologies, and knowledge.
Credibility – The credibility of a project management certification defines its value, reliability, and acceptance within the industry and among employers in the job market.
How useful is the Google Project Management Certification?
Pursuing a Google project management certificate is a great way to showcase to your employer that you have relevant knowledge and skills, but since they are not accredited so it might not be accepted by your potential employer.
Is a project management certification good enough to get a project management job?
Project management certification certainly gives you an extra edge, but to acquire a job, you need to hone skills, gain experience and most importantly showcase your ability to deliver results.
What is the project management certification cost?
Certification cost greatly depends on the certification course body, certification level, and nationality. Some course bodies offer certain discounts and scholarships which are worth exploring. Moreover, it is highly advisable to check the website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
What are the eligibility criteria for doing a project management certification?
The eligibility criteria for the certification in the project management domain depend on the certification body. For some courses, you need to have a college degree, bachelor’s degree, or high-school degree. Some require certain experience leading projects while others can be taken on at the beginner stage too.
Why are project management certifications necessary for project managers?
Project management certifications are a valuable source to add to your skills. Investing in these certifications show your commitment to learning and your dedication to putting extra effort towards your job, making you stand out from the crowd.
