Top 11 Business Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important indicator of a business project manager's professional qualifications, experience and knowledge. They demonstrate to employers that the project manager is professionally qualified to handle the responsibilities of the position. Certifications also help employers differentiate between job applicants with similar credentials, as they attest to the person's level of expertise in certain areas. Furthermore, certifications provide employers with assurance that their new hire is well-versed in current industry standards and practices. Finally, certifications can open up career opportunities for project managers by providing access to specialized roles or industries.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Business Project Managers and explain how they can contribute to a successful career.

What are Business Project Manager Certifications?

Business project manager certification is a professional qualification designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful business project management. It provides recognition of the ability to effectively manage projects, thereby increasing individual career opportunities. It also provides an understanding of how to identify and apply best practices in business project management.

The certification focuses on core competencies related to the planning, implementation, and completion of successful business projects. The program includes topics such as project management fundamentals, risk management, quality assurance, budgeting, scheduling, communication, and team dynamics. Additionally, it teaches essential leadership skills such as motivating staff and managing stakeholders.

By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their expertise in business project management and gain credibility within their organizations and in the industry at large. This can lead to increased job security and possibly even promotions or higher salaries. Furthermore, having this credential can make individuals more attractive candidates when applying for positions in other companies or organizations. Finally, it can provide a boost to self-confidence by validating an individual’s skillset with a recognized industry standard.

Pro Tip: Become certified as a business project manager to demonstrate your expertise and credibility in the industry. Certification will not only give you an edge over other job seekers, but also provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage projects and lead teams.

Related: What does a Business Project Manager do?

Top 11 Business Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully manage projects of any size, complexity, or industry.

The PMP certification process typically takes 4-6 months to complete. To be eligible for the PMP exam, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; OR a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

To get the PMP certification, applicants must first register for the exam through the PMI website. After registering, applicants will need to complete an application detailing their work experience in order to be approved by PMI. Once approved, applicants can then schedule their exam date and pay the associated fees. The cost of taking the exam is $405 USD for non-members of PMI and $555 USD for members.

Once an applicant passes the exam they will become certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP). This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by completing 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs).

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is a professional credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology used in project management. The CAPM certification is suitable for those who are new to project management or those who have experience but don’t currently hold a PMP certification.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, you must have either 1,500 hours of professional project experience or 23 hours of formal education in project management topics. You can obtain the required education through online courses or in-person classes.

To apply for the CAPM exam, you will need to create an account on PMI's website and pay the application fee which is $225 USD for members of PMI and $300 USD for non-members. Once your application has been approved, you can schedule your exam at a local testing center.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate within six weeks.

3. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a widely-used project management methodology designed to help organizations manage projects successfully. It provides a framework for managing projects and enables organizations to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with high quality results.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is a globally recognized certification program that demonstrates an individual’s ability to effectively manage projects using the PRINCE2 methodology. The Foundation level of certification is designed for those who are new to the PRINCE2 methodology, while the Practitioner level is suitable for experienced practitioners who want to demonstrate their knowledge of the methodology.

In order to become certified at either level, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited training provider. The length of time it takes to prepare for the exam will vary depending on your experience with the PRINCE2 methodology and how much study you put into it. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks up to several months of studying in order to be adequately prepared for the exam.

The cost of taking the exams can vary depending on which training provider you choose and where you take them. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay around $500-$600 for both exams combined (Foundation and Practitioner).

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certificates from PeopleCert – a globally recognized accreditation body – validating your skills as a certified PRINCE2 practitioner.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in the Agile methodology. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding of Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. The ACP Certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The ACP Certification requires a minimum of 21 contact hours of training in Agile methods. This can be achieved through a combination of formal classroom training or online courses. The courses must cover topics such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and other Agile methodologies. Once the required contact hours have been completed, applicants must pass an exam to earn their ACP Certification.

The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Applicants must score at least 66% on the exam to pass and receive their ACP Certification. The cost for the exam is $435 for PMI members or $495 for non-members.

Overall, it typically takes about two weeks to prepare for the ACP exam depending on how much time you dedicate to studying each day.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in the principles, practices, and tools of Six Sigma. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and operations by reducing variation and eliminating defects. The certification is awarded by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The duration of the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally, it takes about three months to complete the coursework and receive the certificate. The program includes classroom instruction as well as online courses, exams, and projects.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first pass an exam administered by IASSC. This exam tests your knowledge of Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques. After passing the exam, you will be eligible to apply for certification from IASSC or another accredited organization.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on which organization you choose to certify with. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 USD depending on the length of the program and other factors such as materials included in the course fee.

6. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals understand and apply the principles of Scrum, an Agile methodology for managing projects. The certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance and provides recognition for those who have achieved a level of expertise in the use of Scrum.

The CSM certification process takes approximately two days, with one day dedicated to learning the fundamentals of Scrum, and the second day focused on applying that knowledge through hands-on exercises. During this time, participants will learn how to plan and manage projects using Scrum, as well as how to facilitate collaboration between team members.

In order to become certified as a CSM, applicants must attend an official course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). This course will cover topics such as product backlogs, sprint planning, retrospectives, and more. After completing the course, applicants must pass an online assessment which tests their understanding of the material covered in class. Upon successful completion of both components, applicants will receive their CSM certificate.

The cost for attending a Certified ScrumMaster course varies depending on location and provider; however most courses range from $1000-$1500 USD per person. Additionally, there is an annual fee associated with maintaining your certification which ranges from $100-$150 USD per year.

7. 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 risk management through education, experience, and examination.

The PMI-RMP certification requires that applicants have at least three years of project risk management experience, 4500 hours of project risk management experience within the last five years, and 35 contact hours of formal project risk management education. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions and takes three hours to complete.

To get the PMI-RMP certification, applicants must first become a member of PMI and then apply for the certification. After submitting the application, applicants will be required to take an online assessment to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for the certification. If they pass this assessment, they can then register for and take the exam.

The cost of getting PMI-RMP certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $405 to register for the exam plus an additional $100 fee for each retake if necessary. For members, it costs $300 to register for the exam plus an additional $60 fee for each retake if necessary.

8. IT Project+ Certification

IT Project+ Certification is a certification program offered by CompTIA that validates the knowledge and skills of IT project managers. It is designed to demonstrate an individual's ability to manage projects, coordinate resources, and deliver successful results. The certification is suitable for those who are currently working in or aspiring to work in IT project management roles.

The IT Project+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score a minimum of 750 out of 900 points. The exam covers topics such as project planning and initiation, project risk management, resource allocation, communication management, quality assurance, and more.

To get certified in IT Project+, individuals must first take and pass the IT Project+ exam. After passing the exam, they will receive their official certificate from CompTIA. Individuals can also choose to take additional training courses offered by CompTIA to help them prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the IT Project+ exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per person.

9. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in project management. The certification covers the fundamentals of managing projects, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, communication and quality assurance. It also covers the use of project management software tools.

The CompTIA Project+ exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 750 on a scale from 100 to 900.

To get certified in CompTIA Project+, you must first register for the exam with CompTIA. You can do this online or by phone. Once registered, you will need to schedule a time to take the exam at an authorized testing center. There are over 2,000 testing centers worldwide that offer the CompTIA Project+ exam.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on your location and which testing center you choose to take it at. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$300 USD per attempt.

10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Project Management (MCSE: PM)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Project Management (MCSE: PM) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to manage projects using Microsoft products. The MCSE: PM certification is intended for individuals who have experience in project management, and want to demonstrate their expertise in using Microsoft tools and technologies to manage projects.

The MCSE: PM certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-348 and Exam 70-349. Both exams are offered by Microsoft and cover topics such as project planning, resource management, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, quality control, and reporting.

In order to become certified, you must first pass both exams within 12 months of each other. Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded the MCSE: PM certification. The cost of the two exams varies depending on where you take them; however, each exam typically costs around $150 USD.

To prepare for the exams, Microsoft offers several resources such as online training courses, practice tests, study guides and more. Additionally there are several third-party training providers that offer preparation materials for the MCSE: PM certification.

11. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification that demonstrates proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is an advanced level of training and certification that requires a high level of commitment and dedication to achieving process excellence.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification typically takes four to six weeks to complete. The program consists of classroom instruction, online coursework, and project work. During the course, students learn how to apply the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) methodology to improve processes and reduce costs. They also learn how to use data analysis tools such as Minitab, SPC charts, FMEA, and Design of Experiments (DOE).

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam covers topics such as Lean principles, process improvement techniques, problem solving methods, data analysis tools, and project management skills.

The cost for the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Business Project Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not necessarily need a business project manager certificate in order to be successful in the field. However, many employers may prefer that you have one as it can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the area of project management. It can also help to differentiate you from other applicants and show that you have taken the time to invest in yourself and develop your skillset.

Having a business project manager certificate can also provide proof of the credentials required for certain positions. This can be especially helpful if you are applying for jobs with larger organizations who may require specific certifications or qualifications from their employees. Additionally, having a certificate may make it easier for you to apply for higher-level positions within your organization or even outside of it.

Finally, having a business project manager certificate can also help to open doors and provide access to more professional opportunities. Many employers will look more favorably on candidates who have completed certification programs as they indicate an individual’s commitment to developing their skillset. This is especially true if the certification program is from a well-known institution or has been endorsed by industry professionals.

In summary, while having a business project manager certificate is not necessary for success, it can certainly provide advantages in terms of job prospects and career advancement opportunities. Consider researching different programs and weighing the benefits before deciding whether or not obtaining a certificate is right for you.

Related: Business Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Project Manager Certifications

1. What is a Business Project Manager Certification?

Answer: A Business Project Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who plan, manage, and oversee projects within an organization. It demonstrates an individual’s understanding of project management best practices and enables them to be more effective in their role.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing. Some certifications require attending courses or workshops while others may involve taking exams or completing online learning modules. Generally, most certifications can be obtained within 6 months to 1 year of study and practice depending on the individual's level of commitment.

3. What are the benefits of having a Business Project Manager certification?

Answer: Having a Business Project Manager certification can help individuals gain credibility and respect from peers, employers, and customers. It also demonstrates an advanced understanding of project management best practices which can lead to increased job opportunities, improved salary prospects, and greater job security in today's competitive business environment.

4. What are some organizations that offer Business Project Manager Certifications?

Answer: There are numerous organizations that offer certifications for Business Project Managers including PMI (Project Management Institute), APMG International (Agile Project Management Group), Scrum Alliance (Scrum Alliance), Six Sigma (Six Sigma Institute), AXELOS (AXELOS Global Best Practice) and more.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Business Project Manager Certification?

Answer: Most certifications do not have any formal prerequisites but may require applicants to have experience in project management or related fields such as software development or IT operations prior to applying for the certification exam. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to complete specific courses related to project management before taking their exam or even have certain educational qualifications such as a degree in business administration or engineering before they can apply for a particular certification program.