Top 11 Creative Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a creative project manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill, and experience that employers look for when hiring. A certification can help to prove that the individual has the necessary qualifications and skills to manage projects effectively and efficiently. It also shows that the individual is committed to their profession and willing to invest in continuing education. Furthermore, certifications can make job seekers stand out from other applicants in competitive industries, providing them with an additional edge when applying for positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Creative Project Managers and demonstrate how they can help with career growth and development.

What are Creative Project Manager Certifications?

Creative Project Manager Certification is a professional certification program that provides creative professionals with the tools and training they need to become successful project managers. This certification is designed to help creative professionals better manage projects and develop their skills in areas such as project planning, budgeting, team leadership, risk management, communication, problem-solving, and client relations.

The certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the creative industry. With this certification, employers will recognize that a candidate has the necessary skills to effectively manage projects and provide quality results. Creative project managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a creative project from start to finish. They must make sure that deadlines are met while managing budgets, scheduling resources, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Having a Creative Project Manager Certification gives employers assurance that a candidate has been trained in the necessary skills to successfully oversee creative projects. It also offers potential employees an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the profession by obtaining professional recognition through this certification program.

Pro Tip: Consider taking an online creative project manager certification course to gain skills and knowledge in the areas of project management, creative problem solving, and communication. This type of certification is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and can give you an edge when applying for jobs.

Related: What does a Creative Project Manager do?

Top 11 Creative Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals and organizations learn the basics of Scrum, an agile project management framework. It is the most widely recognized and sought-after certification in the Agile community.

To become a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you must attend a two-day training course that covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles, events, artifacts, and rules. The course also teaches how to apply Scrum in real-world situations. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are eligible to take an online exam to become certified.

The cost of CSM training varies depending on the provider and location. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2000 USD for a two-day course. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam (typically around $200 USD).

Once you have taken the training course and passed the exam, you will receive your official CSM certificate from Scrum Alliance. This certification is valid for two years before needing to be renewed by attending another training course or passing another exam.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected certification for project management professionals. The PMP certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management and provides recognition from employers, peers, and clients.

To become a PMP, an individual must meet certain requirements including: having a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent); have at least three years of project management experience; have 35 hours of project management education; and pass the PMP exam.

The amount of time it takes to get the PMP certification depends on the individual’s background and experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete all of the requirements.

In order to get the PMP certification, individuals must first apply for it through the PMI website. Once approved, they can then register for the exam and pay a fee that covers both registration and examination costs. The cost varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI but generally ranges from $555-$1155 USD.

Once all requirements are met and an individual passes the exam, they will receive their official PMP certification which is valid for three years. After three years, individuals must renew their certification every three years by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs).

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and enhance their ability to manage projects more effectively.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing. To be eligible for the CAPM certification, you must have either 1,500 hours of experience leading projects or 23 hours of project management education.

To get your CAPM certification you must first register with PMI and pay the applicable fee. After registering you can then schedule your exam at a testing center near you. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your certificate from PMI within four weeks.

The cost for the CAPM certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. If you are a member then it costs $225 USD to take the exam, if you are not a member it costs $300 USD.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is an internationally recognized certification for professionals who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of agile methodologies. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is designed to validate a practitioner’s ability to apply agile principles and practices in their day-to-day work.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the ACP exam, depending on your existing experience with agile. To get certified, you must have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last 5 years, and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last 3 years. You must also complete 21 contact hours of formal training in agile practices.

The cost of the ACP exam varies depending on your country or region. In the US, it costs $435 for PMI members or $495 for non-members. Other countries may have different pricing structures.

5. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program that helps professionals develop their skills in the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which is a set of tools and techniques used to improve processes and reduce waste. The program focuses on improving quality, reducing costs, and increasing customer satisfaction. The certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for leading improvement projects and initiatives within their organization.

The LSSGB certification requires a minimum of 30 hours of training, which can be completed either online or in-person. During the training, participants will learn about the Lean Six Sigma methodology, including process mapping, data analysis, problem solving techniques, and project management. Participants must also pass an exam to earn the certification.

The cost of obtaining the LSSGB certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $3,000 USD.

Once you have obtained your LSSGB certification you will be qualified to lead improvement projects within your organization using the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This can help your organization become more efficient and effective by reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction.

6. Program Management Professional (PgMP)

Program Management Professional (PgMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize the advanced skills and knowledge of experienced program managers. The PgMP certification is intended for those who manage multiple, complex projects that are linked together to achieve organizational objectives.

To become certified as a Program Management Professional, you must have at least four years of project management experience, with at least 8,000 hours spent in program management roles. You must also have a minimum of 4,500 hours leading and directing programs. Additionally, you must possess an undergraduate degree or equivalent education and training.

The PgMP exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as program strategy alignment, stakeholder engagement, program life cycle management and governance, program risk management and quality assurance. The exam takes up to four hours to complete.

In order to apply for the PgMP certification exam, you must first become a PMI member ($129 USD annually). After becoming a PMI member, you can then apply for the PgMP exam ($405 USD for PMI members). Once your application has been approved by PMI, you will be able to schedule your exam date with Pearson VUE testing centers (testing fees vary depending on location).

Once you have passed the PgMP exam and fulfilled all other requirements necessary for certification (such as providing proof of experience), you will receive your official Program Management Professional certificate from PMI.

7. Certified Project Portfolio Manager (CPPM)

Certified Project Portfolio Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to effectively manage and lead project portfolios. This certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The CPPM certification requires a combination of education, experience, and examination. To be eligible for the exam, one must have either a four-year degree or equivalent work experience in project management. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of portfolio management experience or five years of project management experience.

The CPPM exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete. The cost for the exam is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members.

Once you pass the CPPM exam, you will receive your official certificate from PMI. You will also be listed in their online directory as a certified portfolio manager.

8. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology developed by the UK government. It is widely used in the public and private sectors, and is especially popular in the IT industry. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage projects using PRINCE2.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification covers the principles, themes, processes, and terminology of PRINCE2. The Practitioner certification builds on this foundation by teaching how to apply those concepts in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete both certifications. To get certified, you must pass two exams: one for the Foundation level and one for the Practitioner level. Both exams are multiple-choice questions based on case studies.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you take your exams, but it generally ranges from £200-£500 ($250-$625 USD).

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that provides an understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. ITIL is a set of best practices for managing IT services, and it is used by organizations around the world to improve their service delivery and customer satisfaction. The certification provides an understanding of how ITIL can be used to deliver better services, how to identify areas for improvement, and how to implement changes in order to achieve these improvements.

The certification process involves taking an online or classroom-based course, followed by an exam. The course typically takes two days, depending on the provider and the level of knowledge needed. After completing the course, you must pass the exam in order to receive your certification.

To get certified, you must first register with an accredited training provider who will provide you with access to a study guide and practice tests. You can then take the exam at any time convenient for you. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate within four weeks.

The cost of getting certified depends on the training provider chosen but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

10. Certified Product Manager (CPM)

Certified Product Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize product professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the field. The certification is offered by the Product Management Institute (PMI), an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of product management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPM program. During this time, applicants must complete a series of online courses and exams that cover topics such as product strategy, market analysis, customer segmentation, pricing, and more. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios through case studies and projects. Once all requirements are met, applicants can submit their application for review by PMI’s Certification Board.

To become certified as a CPM, applicants must pay an application fee of $395 USD. This fee covers the cost of materials needed for the program as well as access to PMI’s online learning platform. After successfully completing all requirements, applicants will receive their official CPM certification from PMI.

11. Certified Agile Leadership (CAL-1)

Certified Agile Leadership (CAL-1) is a certification program designed to help leaders develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead agile teams and organizations. The program is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of agile techniques in software development.

The CAL-1 certification is a two-day course that covers topics such as agile values, principles, and practices; leadership styles; team dynamics; stakeholder management; and organizational change. Participants also learn how to use agile tools and techniques to improve their own performance as well as that of their teams.

To obtain the CAL-1 certification, participants must successfully complete the two-day course and pass an online assessment. The cost of the course varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $800-$1200 USD.

In addition to the course fee, participants must also pay a one-time registration fee of $100 USD for access to online resources and materials needed for the assessment. Upon successful completion of both components, participants will receive their CAL-1 certificate from Scrum Alliance.

Do You Really Need a Creative Project Manager Certificate?

The short answer is: it depends. A Creative Project Manager Certificate can be a useful tool, but ultimately the decision to pursue one should be based on your individual goals and career objectives. To determine if a Creative Project Manager Certificate is right for you, consider the following questions:

1. Are you seeking to advance your career in creative project management? If so, a Creative Project Manager Certificate could provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to take on more complex projects, or even move into a leadership role. It can also demonstrate to potential employers that you have a comprehensive understanding of creative project management principles.

2. Do you need specialized credentials to work in certain industries or organizations? Depending on the type of job you’re looking for, certain credentials may be required for entry-level positions or promotions within an organization. In some cases, having a Creative Project Manager Certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have this specific credential.

3. Are there any courses or certificate programs available that meet your needs? If there are no local programs available in your area, look online for accredited courses or certificates offered by reputable institutions. Make sure to research these options thoroughly before committing to any program so that you understand the requirements and expectations of each program fully before enrolling.

Ultimately, pursuing a Creative Project Manager Certificate is an individual decision that should be based on your own goals and objectives. There are many benefits associated with earning such a credential; however, it’s important to weigh all of these factors carefully before making your decision.

Related: Creative Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Creative Project Manager Certifications

1. What are the benefits of earning a Creative Project Manager Certification?

Answer: A Creative Project Manager Certification can help you gain recognition in the industry, build your credibility, and demonstrate your knowledge of best practices for managing creative projects. It can also provide you with a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions.

2. How long does it take to earn a Creative Project Manager Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to earn a Creative Project Manager Certification varies depending on the program and institution offering the certification. Generally, programs require between 4-6 months to complete.

3. How much does it cost to earn a Creative Project Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost of earning a Creative Project Manager Certification varies depending on the program and institution offering the certification. Generally, programs range from $500-$5,000 USD in tuition costs.

4. What topics are covered in a Creative Project Manager Certification program?

Answer: Topics typically covered in a Creative Project Manager Certification program include project management fundamentals, budgeting and scheduling techniques, risk management strategies, communication skills, resource management principles, and stakeholder engagement tactics.

5. Who should consider earning a Creative Project Manager Certification?

Answer: Anyone who is interested in leading successful creative projects or advancing their career as a project manager should consider earning a Creative Project Manager Certification. This certification is beneficial for professionals working in creative industries such as advertising, design, marketing and web development.