Top 11 Assistant Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an assistant project manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Having certifications can help an assistant project manager stand out from other candidates, as it shows employers that the candidate is qualified and capable of handling the duties and responsibilities associated with the role. Additionally, certifications can open up doors to opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. In some cases, certifications may be required for certain positions or used as a way to distinguish between two equally qualified candidates. Ultimately, having certifications can put an assistant project manager ahead of their competition when it comes to finding employment.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Assistant Project Managers and explain how they can help to advance an assistant project manager's career.

What are Assistant Project Manager Certifications?

Assistant Project Manager Certification is a professional credential designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage projects. This certification recognizes an individual's competence in project management, providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to lead and manage projects successfully. It validates their experience and expertise in the field of project management, allowing them to confidently take on more complex tasks.

This certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in project management. It provides a competitive edge by demonstrating that an individual has what it takes to handle high-level projects. It also serves as a form of recognition from employers that shows they value the individual’s skill set and dedication to project management. Furthermore, having this certification may open up new opportunities for career growth, such as promotions or job offers from other organizations. Lastly, it increases credibility among colleagues and clients, as well as making it easier for employers to identify qualified individuals for future positions.

Pro Tip: Before investing in an assistant project manager certification, be sure to research the types of certifications available and determine which one is best suited for your particular needs. Additionally, review the requirements for each certification to ensure that you meet all of the criteria before committing to a particular program.

Related: What does an Assistant Project Manager do?

Top 11 Assistant Project Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Project Managers today.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP Certification provides an individual with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage projects of any size or complexity.

To obtain a PMP Certification, an individual must have at least 3-5 years of professional project management experience, as well as 7,500 hours leading and directing projects. Additionally, they must complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education.

Once the requirements are met, individuals can apply for the exam online through the PMI website. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To pass the exam, individuals must score at least 61%.

The cost for taking the PMP Certification Exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD to take the exam while members pay $405 USD.

Overall, obtaining a PMP Certification can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on how quickly you can meet all of the requirements and prepare for the exam.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage projects effectively. The CAPM certification is ideal for those who are new to project management, or for those who want to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

To earn the CAPM certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible, you must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) and at least 1,500 hours of project experience OR 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours. You must score at least a 73% on the exam in order to pass and receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining your CAPM certification varies depending on whether or not you are a PMI member. For non-members, it costs $225 USD to take the exam plus an additional $150 USD fee for application processing. For PMI members, it costs $300 USD to take the exam plus an additional $150 USD fee for application processing.

Once you have passed your CAPM exam and paid all associated fees, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for your certificate to arrive in the mail from PMI.

3. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in applying Agile principles, practices, and tools to project management. The ACP certification is based on the PMI’s Agile Practice Guide, which provides guidance for organizations transitioning to an Agile project delivery approach.

The ACP certification requires applicants to pass a four-hour exam consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either a current PMP or PgMP certification from PMI or 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of Agile project experience within the last three years.

The cost of the ACP certification varies depending on whether you are an existing PMI member or not. For non-members, it costs $435 USD while members pay $375 USD. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world.

Once you have passed your exam, you will receive your official certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. Your certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issue and must be renewed every three years in order to maintain your status as an active Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP).

4. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a process-based approach to project management that provides an easily tailored and scalable method for the management of all types of projects. It is a de facto standard used extensively by the UK Government and is widely recognized and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications are two levels of certification that demonstrate an individual's knowledge and understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. The Foundation level focuses on an understanding of the principles, terminology, processes, themes, and techniques associated with PRINCE2. The Practitioner level builds upon this knowledge to ensure that individuals can apply their understanding to real-life scenarios.

To obtain the PRINCE2 Foundation certification, individuals must successfully complete a one-day training course followed by a one-hour multiple choice exam. To obtain the Practitioner certification, individuals must first have achieved the Foundation level before attending a two-day training course followed by a three-hour multiple choice exam.

The cost of obtaining both certifications will vary depending on location but typically range from £500 - £1000 plus VAT for both certifications combined.

5. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification

The PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professionals who are experienced in project scheduling. It is designed to validate the expertise of practitioners in the use of best practices and tools to develop, maintain, and analyze project schedules.

To obtain the PMI-SP certification, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include having a minimum of three years of professional experience in project scheduling or related fields, as well as possessing 35 contact hours of formal education in project scheduling topics.

To prepare for the exam, individuals can take advantage of a variety of training courses offered by PMI or third-party providers. These courses range from self-study materials to classroom instruction and online classes. Additionally, individuals may also utilize study guides, practice exams, and other resources to help them prepare for the exam.

The PMI-SP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To pass the exam, individuals must achieve a score of at least 68%.

The cost to take the PMI-SP exam is $405 for members and $555 for nonmembers. Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their official certification from PMI within six weeks.

6. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in effectively managing project risks. The PMI-RMP certification requires an individual to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of risk management principles, processes, and tools.

The PMI-RMP certification process typically takes about three months to complete. To become certified, one must pass the PMI-RMP exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions. The exam fee is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members.

In order to be eligible for the PMI-RMP exam, an individual must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus at least 4500 hours of project risk management experience OR a four year degree plus at least 3000 hours of project risk management experience within the last five years. Additionally, they must have at least 35 contact hours of formal project risk management education within the last five years as well as current membership with PMI.

Once you have met all eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam through the Project Management Institute website. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from PMI which will need to be renewed every three years in order to maintain your certification status.

7. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification is a credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have expertise in agile project management and demonstrate their commitment to agile principles and skills. The PMI-ACP recognizes knowledge of Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques across multiple agile methodologies.

To obtain the PMI-ACP certification, candidates must complete an application and provide proof of their experience with agile projects. They must also pass an exam that consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as agile values and principles, team dynamics, stakeholder engagement, product delivery, and project closeout.

The PMI-ACP certification requires 21 contact hours of training in agile methods and techniques. This can be obtained through online courses or in person classes. Candidates must also have at least 1,500 hours of general project experience within the past five years as well as 2,000 hours working on agile project teams within the past three years.

The cost for the PMI-ACP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of PMI. For members it costs $435 while for nonmembers it costs $495. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as proctoring fees or travel expenses if necessary.

Overall it can take several months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for it each day/week. It is recommended that you give yourself at least two months to study before taking the exam so that you can feel confident in your knowledge when taking it.

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification:

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and support Lean Six Sigma projects. It is suitable for professionals who are responsible for leading improvement initiatives within their organization, such as team leaders, project managers, process owners, and quality assurance personnel. The certification typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete and requires passing an exam. To get certified, individuals must take an approved training course that covers topics such as Lean principles, process mapping, statistical analysis, problem solving techniques, and project management. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but is usually around $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

Black Belt Certification:

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a higher level of professional certification than Green Belt. It is suitable for professionals who are responsible for leading large-scale improvement projects or managing multiple teams of improvement professionals within their organization. The certification typically takes 12-18 weeks to complete and requires passing an exam. To get certified, individuals must take an approved training course that covers topics such as advanced Lean principles, advanced process mapping techniques, design of experiments (DOE), statistical analysis tools (such as Minitab), advanced problem solving techniques (such as root cause analysis), project management tools (such as PERT/Gantt charts), and more. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but is usually around $3,000 - $4,000 USD.

9. Microsoft Project 2016/2019 Certifications

Microsoft Project 2016/2019 Certifications are designed to validate a user’s skills in managing projects using Microsoft Project. The certifications demonstrate that the user has the ability to create, manage, and analyze project plans and resources.

The certification is divided into two levels: Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). To become an MCP, users must pass one exam on either Project 2016 or 2019. To become an MCSE, users must pass three exams on both Project 2016 and 2019.

It typically takes around 3-6 months of study time to prepare for the exams. The exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through the Microsoft Learning Platform.

The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam.

10. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers in the IT industry. It provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of project management, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, resource allocation, communication, and quality assurance.

The CompTIA Project+ certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes up to two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as initiating a project, planning and executing a project, managing resources and stakeholders, monitoring progress and controlling changes.

To get CompTIA Project+ certified you must first pass the CompTIA Project+ exam. You can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Certiport. You must also have two years of experience in project management or equivalent education before taking the exam.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ certification exam is $320 USD for non-members and $295 USD for members. Additionally, you may be required to pay additional fees for proctoring services if you choose to take the exam online.

11. Scrum Master Certified (SMC™)

Scrum Master Certified (SMC™) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to lead and manage Scrum teams. It is an advanced certification offered by the Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum in software development.

The SMC™ certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience working with Scrum teams, as well as demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and practices of Scrum through a written exam. The written exam consists of multiple choice questions about topics such as agile values, roles and responsibilities, sprint planning, product backlog management, and more.

It typically takes three to four months to complete the SMC™ certification process. The cost for the SMC™ exam is $500 USD for members of the Scrum Alliance or $750 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants must pay an additional fee of $250 USD to become certified.

In addition to passing the written exam, applicants must also complete at least 16 hours of training from a qualified instructor or attend one day of an in-person training course. This training covers topics such as agile values and principles, scrum roles and responsibilities, sprint planning, product backlog management, and more.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Project Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Assistant Project Manager Certificate depends on your individual situation. If you already have experience working as a project manager, then the certificate may be unnecessary. However, if you are just starting out in the field of project management, then a certificate can provide you with an edge over other candidates. It can show potential employers that you have taken the time to learn more about the profession and are committed to developing your skills.

A certificate can also demonstrate that you have achieved a certain level of proficiency in project management by completing coursework related to the profession. This could be beneficial when applying for jobs, especially if the employer is looking for someone with specific qualifications or knowledge. Additionally, some employers may view a certificate as evidence that you possess certain skills or knowledge that could help them complete their projects successfully and on time.

Ultimately, whether or not an Assistant Project Manager Certificate is necessary for your particular situation depends on what type of job you are applying for and how much experience or knowledge you already possess in the field. If you feel like it would make sense for your current situation, then going ahead and obtaining one could be very beneficial for your career prospects.

Related: Assistant Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Project Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming an Assistant Project Manager?

Answer: The requirements of becoming an Assistant Project Manager vary depending on the organization or company you work for. Generally, they include a bachelor’s degree in project management or related field, experience in managing projects and teams, and certification from a recognized institution such as PMI (Project Management Institute).

2. What are the benefits of having an Assistant Project Manager Certification?

Answer: Having an Assistant Project Manager Certification will demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers, show that you have achieved a professional level of expertise, provide a competitive edge for job seekers, and give you access to additional career opportunities.

3. How long does it take to get certified as an Assistant Project Manager?

Answer: The time it takes to be certified as an Assistant Project Manager varies depending on the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within one year or less with adequate study and preparation.

4. Are there any prerequisites before I can apply for an Assistant Project Manager Certification?

Answer: Yes, some certifications may have prerequisites such as prior experience in project management or related fields or completion of specific courses related to project management. It is important to research the specific certification you are interested in before applying to make sure you meet all the necessary requirements.

5. How much does it cost to get certified as an Assistant Project Manager?

Answer: The cost of getting certified as an Assistant Project Manager varies depending on the certification program chosen and other factors such as exam fees, membership dues, and study materials needed. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $500 – $2000 USD to obtain your certification.