Top 11 Digital Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for digital project managers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge in the field. They provide employers with assurance that the individual has been trained and tested on key concepts, processes, and best practices associated with project management. As digital projects become more complex, certifications help to ensure that project managers have the necessary skills to handle them effectively. Additionally, certifications can help set digital project managers apart from other applicants who may not have the same credentials. In short, certifications can be an important asset for digital project managers looking to land their dream job or advance their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Digital Project Managers and explains how they can help to advance a digital project manager's career.

What are Digital Project Manager Certifications?

Digital project manager certification is a type of professional certification that helps individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage digital projects in an efficient and effective manner. This type of certification allows digital project managers to demonstrate their expertise in the area of digital project management, as well as providing them with a recognized qualification that employers may look for when recruiting new employees.

By obtaining a digital project manager certification, individuals can learn more about how to effectively manage digital projects, including how to develop and implement plans, coordinate resources, set goals, monitor progress, and evaluate results. Additionally, certified digital project managers are better equipped to handle challenges such as budgeting, scheduling, communications management, risk management, stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution. As such, having this type of certification can be beneficial in helping individuals stand out from other candidates who may not have the same level of knowledge or experience with managing digital projects.

Furthermore, obtaining this type of certification can also help individuals stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the field of digital project management. By doing so, they will be better prepared for any changes or advancements that occur within their industry and have the ability to provide their clients with the best possible solutions for their specific needs.

Pro Tip: When considering digital project manager certification, make sure to look for a program that provides hands-on instruction and real-world experience. This will ensure you have the necessary skills to succeed in the field and help you stand out from other candidates.

Related: What does a Digital Project Manager do?

Top 11 Digital Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification program designed to recognize the expertise of project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and it is one of the most sought-after certifications in the field of project management.

The PMP certification process consists of three steps: application, examination, and maintenance. To be eligible for the PMP Certification, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. Once these requirements are met, they can submit an application to PMI. After their application is approved, they will receive a unique eligibility ID which they can use to register for the exam.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test a candidate’s knowledge in five areas: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing projects. Candidates have four hours to complete the exam. The passing score for the PMP exam is 61%.

The cost of obtaining a PMP Certification depends on several factors such as membership status with PMI and whether or not you are taking an online or in-person course to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 USD to obtain a PMP Certification.

In total, it typically takes about six months from start to finish to obtain a PMP Certification – this includes time spent studying for the exam as well as completing all other necessary steps along the way.

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 for professionals who want to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management. CAPM certification is an excellent way to differentiate yourself in the job market and stand out to employers.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, you must have a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) and 1,500 hours of project experience OR 23 hours of project management education completed prior to sitting for the exam.

To prepare for the exam, PMI offers a variety of study materials such as books, e-learning courses and practice exams. Additionally, many universities offer project management classes that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam varies depending on your country and region but typically ranges from $225-$400 USD.

3. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in agile principles, practices, and tools. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The ACP certification is intended for those who have a working knowledge of agile methodologies and are looking to further their career in this field.

The ACP certification requires 21 contact hours of formal training in agile practices, as well as a passing score on the PMI-ACP exam. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 3 hours. To get certified, you must also have at least 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last 5 years, and 750 hours of project experience using agile methods within the last 3 years.

The cost of the ACP certification varies depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, it costs around $435 USD for PMI members and $495 USD for non-members. Additionally, you may need to pay additional fees for training courses or other materials related to the exam preparation process.

Overall, getting an ACP certification can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on how much time you dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam.

4. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology used by organizations around the world. It is a structured approach to project management that focuses on delivering projects in an efficient and effective way. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications are designed to help individuals acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage projects using the PRINCE2 methodology.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is intended for those who need an understanding of the principles, terminology, and processes of PRINCE2. This certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of study time, and can be completed in as little as two days. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass a one-hour multiple-choice exam with a score of at least 55%. The cost of this certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from £200 - £400 (GBP).

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is intended for those who have already obtained their Foundation certification and need to demonstrate their ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology in practice. This certification requires a minimum of 35 hours of study time, and can be completed in as little as four days. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass a two-and-a-half hour objective testing exam with a score of at least 55%. The cost of this certification also varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from £500 - £700 (GBP).

5. Scrum Master Certification (CSM)

Scrum Master Certification (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become more knowledgeable and effective Scrum Masters. The certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum in software development and other industries.

The CSM certification requires that you attend a two-day classroom course taught by a certified Scrum trainer, or complete an online course. During the course, you will learn about the core principles of Scrum, how to plan and manage sprints, how to facilitate meetings, and how to use metrics to measure progress. Upon completion of the course, you will take an exam and receive your CSM certificate if you pass.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the class or online course. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for the classroom courses and $200-$400 USD for online courses.

Once certified as a CSM, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of Scrum practices and principles in order to advance your career as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach. You will also gain access to exclusive resources from the Scrum Alliance such as webinars, forums and networking opportunities with other certified professionals.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that provides individuals with an understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve IT service management. The certification is designed to help organizations deliver better IT services, increase customer satisfaction and reduce costs.

The certification process typically takes around two weeks to complete. It involves studying the material, taking a practice exam, and then passing the official exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions which must be answered in 60 minutes or less. To pass the exam, you must score at least 65% (26 out of 40).

To get certified, you must first purchase an accredited ITIL Foundation course from an accredited training provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider and whether you are taking it online or in person. After completing the course, you will need to register for the official exam through PeopleCert or AXELOS websites.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification Exam is approximately $250 USD for individuals and $500 USD for organizations.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional accreditation that demonstrates the holder’s knowledge and proficiency in Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to help organizations improve their processes and operations through the use of data-driven decision making and problem solving.

The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual's experience level and availability. In order to obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and demonstrate knowledge of the Six Sigma principles by completing a project or case study.

Most accredited training programs include both online and classroom instruction, as well as hands-on exercises. Online courses are typically self-paced and can be completed at any time. Classroom instruction provides more interactive learning opportunities with instructors who have real-world experience in applying Six Sigma principles.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Most programs range from $500-$5,000 USD for course materials, exams, and certifications fees.

8. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Certification

The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification is a credential designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework and its application to product development. The CSPO certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of Scrum in software development.

The CSPO certification requires that applicants have at least one year of experience as a product owner or related role, such as a project manager or business analyst. To become certified, applicants must attend an official two-day CSPO training course and pass an online exam. The training course covers topics such as the roles and responsibilities of the product owner, how to create user stories, managing stakeholders, and more.

The cost of attending a two-day CSPO training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $250 USD which must be paid before taking the online exam.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their CSPO certification within four weeks after passing the exam. The certification is valid for two years after which time it must be renewed by attending another CSPO training course and passing another online exam.

9. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in project management. It is an internationally recognized credential that can be used to demonstrate expertise in managing projects of all sizes and complexity. The certification is intended for IT professionals, project managers, business analysts, and other professionals involved in the planning and execution of projects.

To earn the CompTIA Project+ certification, individuals must pass a single exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as project scope management, communication management, risk management, quality management, resource management, and more. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam.

To prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam, candidates should review the official CompTIA Project+ Study Guide and use additional study materials such as practice tests or online courses. Additionally, candidates should have at least six months of experience working on projects in any capacity.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ exam varies by region but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

10. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize an individual’s knowledge and skills in using agile methodologies. The PMI-ACP certification demonstrates that the holder has a deep understanding of agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world situations.

It typically takes up to three months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years or 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. They must also have 21 contact hours of formal training in agile methods.

To get certified, individuals must pass an online multiple choice exam administered by Pearson VUE. The exam consists of 120 questions and takes up to three hours to complete. The cost of taking the exam is $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members.

11. Microsoft Project Manager Professional (MPMP)

Microsoft Project Manager Professional (MPMP) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates a professional’s expertise in project management. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their skills in planning, scheduling, controlling, and managing projects. The certification requires passing two exams: Managing Projects with Microsoft Project (MS-101) and Managing Projects with Microsoft Project Online (MS-201).

The MS-101 exam covers the fundamentals of project management such as creating a project plan, tracking progress and resources, and reporting on project status. The MS-201 exam focuses on more advanced topics such as managing project portfolios, collaborating with teams online, and using advanced features of Microsoft Project.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the MPMP certification exams. This includes studying for the exams, taking practice tests, and gaining practical experience by working on actual projects.

To get certified as an MPMP you must first register for the certification program through the Microsoft Learning website. You will then need to purchase vouchers for each of the two exams from an authorized reseller or directly from Pearson VUE. After passing both exams you will be awarded your MPMP certificate.

The cost of getting certified as an MPMP varies depending on where you purchase your vouchers from but typically ranges between $150-$250 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Digital Project Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. A Digital Project Manager certificate is not a requirement for success in the field of digital project management. However, it can be beneficial to those looking to further their knowledge and skills in this field.

A digital project manager certificate can help demonstrate to employers that you have obtained specialized knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of digital project management. It can also show potential employers that you are committed to developing your skills in this area and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

Having a digital project manager certification will also give you access to additional resources such as webinars, conferences, industry contacts, and other educational opportunities that may not be available without the certification. These resources can help you stay informed about new developments in the field and may even provide networking opportunities for future job prospects.

Overall, having a digital project manager certification may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or positions within this field. That said, it is important to remember that having a certificate does not guarantee success or make up for lack of experience or skill. It is still very important to have extensive knowledge and experience in order to succeed as a digital project manager.

Related: Digital Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Digital Project Manager Certifications

1. What is a Digital Project Manager Certification?

A Digital Project Manager Certification is a professional credential designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in digital project management. This certification provides an objective measure of an individual’s knowledge and skills related to leading, planning, organizing, and controlling projects using digital tools and methods.

2. What are the benefits of having a Digital Project Manager Certification?

Having a Digital Project Manager Certification can help you become more competitive in the job market and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in project management. It also provides an opportunity for career advancement, as it demonstrates your ability to lead projects using digital tools and methods. Additionally, it can provide access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities within the field of project management.

3. What topics are covered in the Digital Project Manager Certification exam?

The exam covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, control and closure; risk management; budgeting; resource allocation; communication management; quality assurance; agile methodologies; software development life cycle models; change management; stakeholder engagement; team building and leadership; user experience design principles; software engineering fundamentals; data analysis techniques; information security principles for digital projects, among other related topics.

4. How long does it take to complete the Digital Project Manager Certification?

Most people take 3-6 months to complete their certification depending on how much prior experience they have with project management concepts and digital tools & methods. During this time you will need to study for the exam, complete practice tests or assignments related to course materials, and gain hands-on experience working on digital projects that align with the certification's requirements.

5. How much does it cost to get a Digital Project Manager Certification?

The cost of obtaining a Digital Project Manager Certification varies depending on which organization or institution you obtain your certification from. Generally speaking, costs may range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on course materials included (e-books/videos/etc.), instructor fees (if applicable), exam fees (if applicable) etc., so be sure to compare prices before making your decision!