Top 11 Commercial Project Manager Certifications

Certifications for a commercial project manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certified Project Managers have the skills, experience and qualifications necessary to effectively manage projects and complete them on time and within budget. They are knowledgeable about the industry, processes, tools and techniques that are required to successfully manage a project. Certification also gives employers confidence that their project manager is well-equipped to handle any issues that may arise during the course of a project. In addition, certifications show potential employers that the individual has taken initiative and invested in their own development as a professional. Certifications can help give job seekers an edge over non-certified applicants when looking for work in the commercial project management field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Commercial Project Managers and explain how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Commercial Project Manager Certifications?

Commercial Project Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help project managers gain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage commercial projects. The certification provides guidance on how to plan, organize, control, and execute commercial projects from initiation through completion. It also provides strategies and techniques for identifying, managing, and mitigating risks associated with commercial projects.

The Commercial Project Manager Certification program focuses on developing competencies in areas such as project planning and management, cost estimating and budgeting, risk management, quality assurance, change management, communication management, stakeholder management, negotiation skills, procurement management and contract administration. With this certification, project managers can demonstrate their expertise in the field of commercial project management and be recognized for their achievements.

Having a Commercial Project Manager Certification can provide many benefits to those who pursue it. First of all, it can give project managers an edge over other job applicants when applying for positions in the industry. It also gives them a better understanding of the tools and processes needed to successfully manage commercial projects. Additionally, having this certification shows employers that the individual has taken initiative to improve their professional qualifications by obtaining additional training in the field of commercial project management. This is often seen as an added bonus when making hiring decisions as employers are looking for individuals with advanced knowledge in their particular area of expertise. Finally, having this certification serves as recognition among peers that one has achieved a certain level of mastery in the field of commercial project management.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various project management certifications available to you before committing to any specific one. Different certifications will have different requirements and may be more or less beneficial for your particular career goals. Additionally, many certifications require continuing education credits to maintain, so it's important to make sure that you understand the commitment required before enrolling in a program.

Related: What does a Commercial Project Manager do?

Top 11 Commercial Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is an industry-recognized certification for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate knowledge and experience in leading and directing projects.

Getting PMP certified requires a certain level of education, experience, and training. To be eligible for the exam, you must have either a four-year degree and three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects or a secondary degree and five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are designed to assess your knowledge of project management principles and practices. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To get the PMP certification, you must first register for the exam through PMI's website. The cost of registering for the exam is $555 for non-members or $405 for members. After passing the exam, you will receive your PMP certification within two weeks.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a fundamental understanding of project management concepts and principles. CAPM certification demonstrates an individual's commitment to the profession and provides employers with assurance that the certified individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful on any project.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 25 are pre-test questions that do not count towards your score. The exam covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, closing, and professional responsibility. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 60%.

It typically takes about four months to prepare for the CAPM exam. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and attending review sessions or courses if desired.

To get CAPM certified you must meet certain eligibility requirements:

• Have at least 1,500 hours of experience working on projects OR
• Have 23 hours of formal project management education completed prior to taking the exam

In addition to meeting these requirements, you must also submit an application form and pay an application fee in order to take the exam.

The cost for CAPM certification can vary depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 USD for PMI members and $500-$600 USD for non-members.

3. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in the Agile methodology. This certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals who are involved in agile project management, including Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Project Managers, and Business Analysts. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of 21 contact hours of training in agile methods or techniques. The cost for the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $435-$495 USD.

To prepare for the exam, there are several resources available, including books, online courses, and practice tests. Additionally, PMI offers an online study guide as well as a list of recommended courses that can help you prepare for the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your ACP certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you will need to retake the exam to maintain your certification status.

4. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology used widely in the UK and internationally. It is based on seven principles, seven themes, and seven processes. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is an internationally recognized qualification for project managers.

The Foundation certification provides a basic understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology and its terminology, while the Practitioner certification tests your ability to apply the principles, themes and processes of PRINCE2 in a practical context.

It typically takes around two to three months to complete both certifications, depending on how much time you have available to study. To get certified you will need to attend a training course or study independently using online resources or books. You will then need to sit an exam for each level of certification at an accredited examination centre.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from £600-£1000 for both certifications combined.

5. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals and organizations improve their processes and performance. The Lean Six Sigma methodology combines the principles of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, two powerful process improvement techniques, to create an effective system for improving quality and reducing waste.

Green Belts are certified professionals who have been trained in the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma. They are responsible for leading small-scale projects within their organization, such as process mapping, data collection, root cause analysis, and problem solving. Green Belts also provide guidance to other team members on how to use Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques.

Black Belts are certified professionals who have been trained in the advanced tools and techniques of Lean Six Sigma. They lead large-scale projects within their organization, such as process redesigns, cost savings initiatives, and operational improvements. Black Belts also provide training to other team members on how to use Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques.

It typically takes between three months and one year to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt depending on the program you choose. To become certified you must complete a course that covers all aspects of the methodology including project management skills, data analysis techniques, problem solving methods, change management strategies, etc. You will also need to pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the program you choose but can range from $1,000-$4,000 USD for a Green Belt certification and $2,000-$6,000 USD for a Black Belt certification.

6. Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to teach and validate the skills required to effectively lead a Scrum team. The certification is awarded by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the principles of Scrum.

The CSM certification requires two days of classroom training with a certified instructor, as well as passing a 50-question multiple choice exam. The course covers topics such as: understanding the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master, setting up and facilitating successful sprints, resolving conflicts within the team, and more.

To become certified, individuals must attend an approved CSM course from an accredited provider. Once they have completed the course and passed the exam, they will be awarded their CSM certificate.

The cost for a CSM certification varies depending on location and provider but typically ranges from $800-$1,500 USD.

7. ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the core principles of IT service management. It is based on the ITIL framework, which provides guidance on how to deliver and manage quality IT services. The certification is designed for professionals who want to gain a better understanding of the concepts and processes related to IT service management.

The certification process typically takes around two weeks, depending on the individual's availability and study habits. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. To get certified, individuals must pass an exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but generally ranges from $200-400 USD.

8. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in agile practices. The PMI-ACP certification validates an individual’s ability to apply agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques to project management. The PMI-ACP requires applicants to have experience with agile methodologies as well as demonstrate their understanding of the Agile Manifesto and its 12 underlying principles.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of general project experience in addition to 2,000 hours working on agile project teams or with agile methodologies within the last five years.

To get certified, you must pass an online multiple choice exam that consists of 120 questions and has a 3 hour time limit. The cost of taking the exam is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members.

9. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of project managers in the IT industry. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in managing projects, from initiation to closure.

The certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes up to 2 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as project management fundamentals, project planning and scheduling, risk management, communication and documentation, quality management, resource management and more.

To get CompTIA Project+ certification, you must first pass the exam. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally costs around $250 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CompTIA Project+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification status after three years, you must take 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every three years or retake the exam every three years.

10. Microsoft Project 2016/2013/2010 Certification

Microsoft Project 2016/2013/2010 Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in using Microsoft Project software. The certification is offered by Microsoft and is available for all versions of the software, including 2016, 2013, and 2010.

The certification process includes passing an exam that tests an individual’s knowledge of the features and functions of the software. The exam covers topics such as creating and managing projects, scheduling tasks, tracking progress, creating reports, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to two hours to complete.

To get certified in Microsoft Project 2016/2013/2010, you must first register for the exam on the Microsoft website. After registering, you will need to purchase a voucher code that will allow you to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you. Once you have purchased your voucher code, you can schedule your exam appointment online or by phone.

The cost of the Microsoft Project 2016/2013/2010 Certification Exam varies depending on where you take it and what version of the software you are certifying in. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD for each version (2016, 2013 or 2010).

11. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in risk management and can effectively apply best practices to identify, assess, and manage project risks.

The PMI-RMP credential requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as risk strategy alignment, risk identification, qualitative and quantitative analysis, response planning, and stakeholder engagement. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

In order to qualify for the PMI-RMP certification exam, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. Specifically, they must hold a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus at least 4500 hours of specialized project risk management experience over the past five years. Alternatively, they may possess a four-year degree plus 3000 hours of specialized project risk management experience over the past five years.

The cost of the PMI-RMP certification exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, the cost is $555; for members it is $405. Additionally, there are various study materials available for purchase from PMI to help prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will receive your official PMI-RMP credential in approximately six weeks.

Do You Really Need a Commercial Project Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a commercial project manager certificate depends on your individual goals and career objectives. If you are looking to move into a role as a project manager, then having the appropriate certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. It can also help open the door to certain job opportunities that may not be available without it.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in project management, then having a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, employers may be more interested in your experience than any kind of formal certification. Additionally, depending on the type of project management work you do, certain certifications may not apply or even be relevant to what you are doing.

In summary, whether or not you need a commercial project manager certificate depends on your individual career goals and experience level. If you are looking to make a transition into this field, then obtaining the appropriate certification can certainly be beneficial. However, if you already have experience in the field, then it might not necessarily be required for success in finding a job.

Related: Commercial Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Commercial Project Manager Certifications

1. What is a Commercial Project Manager Certification?

A Commercial Project Manager Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in managing and leading successful projects in the commercial sector. This certification typically involves passing an exam or completing a series of courses, depending on the organization providing the certification.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Commercial Project Manager Certification?

The benefits of obtaining a Commercial Project Manager Certification include increased knowledge of project management principles and techniques, improved ability to manage complex projects, enhanced credibility with employers and clients, and potential career advancement opportunities.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Commercial Project Manager Certification?

The time required to obtain a Commercial Project Manager Certification varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking and the provider offering it. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months if studying full time or 12-24 months if studying part time.

4. How much does it cost to obtain a Commercial Project Manager Certification?

The cost of obtaining a Commercial Project Manager Certification also varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking and the provider offering it. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $500-$5,000 USD.

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

Most providers require applicants to have at least two years experience working in project management before they can apply for their certification program. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to pass an assessment test prior to enrollment in order to ensure they meet certain criteria for acceptance into their program.