Top 10 Director of Program Management Certifications

Certifications are important for a director of program management in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s expertise and knowledge of the field. Certifications provide employers with evidence that a candidate has the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in the role. They also show that an individual is committed to advancing their professional development, which is attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications can give directors of program management a competitive edge over other candidates when it comes to landing job offers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the top certifications for Director of Program Managers and discuss how they can help strengthen and advance a director’s career.

What are Director of Program Management Certifications?

Director of Program Management Certification is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of Program Management. This certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is aimed at helping individuals demonstrate their expertise in leading complex projects and programs. The certification requires individuals to pass an exam that covers topics such as project scope, budgeting, risk management, scheduling, resource allocation, quality control, stakeholder management, communication strategies, and more.

The Director of Program Management Certification can help professionals advance in their careers by demonstrating their mastery of the principles of program management. It also provides them with an opportunity to stand out from other candidates for job opportunities or promotions as it serves as a proof of their commitment to professional development. Additionally, having this certification can give them access to exclusive networking events and career resources that can help them further develop their career paths.

Pro Tip: Get certified in director of program management to demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques used to manage programs. Certification will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge that can be used to guide your career growth and enhance your leadership skills.

Related: What does a Director of Program Management do?

Top 10 Director of Program Management Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director of Program Managements today.

1. Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP)

Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The CPMP recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of program management principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

The CPMP is designed for experienced program managers who have earned their PMP® credential and are looking to further their professional development. The certification requires that applicants meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to adhere to the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of project management experience, with three years of program management experience, along with 35 contact hours of formal education in program management. They must also pass the CPMP exam which consists of 160 multiple-choice questions.

The cost for the CPMP certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For PMI members, it costs $405 USD for the application fee plus $405 USD for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $555 USD for the application fee plus $555 USD for the exam fee.

The CPMP certification process typically takes several weeks to complete from start to finish. After submitting your application and passing your exam, you will receive your official certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing your exam.

2. Certified Agile Program Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Program Manager (CAPM) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of professionals who have experience in leading agile projects. CAPM is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading professional association for project management.

The CAPM certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of agile project management. To qualify, applicants must have at least 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of formal education in project management topics.

It takes approximately 3-6 months to prepare for the CAPM exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To pass, applicants must score at least 61% on the exam.

The cost for the CAPM certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members, it costs $225 USD to take the exam; for non-members, it costs $300 USD to take the exam plus an additional $150 USD application fee.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP credential is designed to measure the competency of a project manager in leading and directing projects. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the PMP exam. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least 4,500 hours of project management experience and 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics. You will also need to pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam covering five key areas: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, the cost is $555 USD; for members, it is $405 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with becoming certified such as study materials and training courses which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your needs and preferences.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a credential offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the Scrum framework. The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate that individuals have a thorough understanding of the principles, practices, and values of Scrum and can effectively apply them in their workplace.

In order to receive the Certified Scrum Master credential, individuals must attend an approved two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During this course, participants will learn about the fundamentals of Scrum and how it can be used to improve team performance. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their CSM certificate.

The cost of attending a CSM course varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. In addition to attending the course itself, there is also a one-time certification fee of $100 USD that must be paid before receiving your certificate.

Once you have received your CSM certificate, it is valid for two years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completing at least 20 hours of continuing education activities related to Scrum or Agile methodology during that two year period.

5. Six Sigma Black Belt (SSBB)

Six Sigma Black Belt (SSBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the Six Sigma methodology. A Six Sigma Black Belt is a problem-solving expert who can lead teams through the process of identifying and eliminating defects in any process. The SSBB certification is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead Six Sigma projects.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the training required for a SSBB certification, depending on the program provider. To obtain a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of obtaining a SSBB certification varies depending on the program provider, but it typically ranges from $1,500 - $3,000 USD.

6. 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 processes. It is intended for individuals who are new to project management or those with limited experience. The CAPM certification is designed to give project managers the tools they need to be successful in their roles.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants 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 they sit for the exam.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost includes access to online study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help you prepare for the exam.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all requirements necessary to obtain your CAPM certification; however, this may vary depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and/or gain experience working on projects.

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally-recognized certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage IT services. It is based on the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework, which is an internationally accepted set of best practices for IT service management.

The ITIL Foundation Certification is designed to help individuals understand the basics of IT service management and how it can be used to improve business efficiency. The certification consists of a two-day course and exam, which covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, continual service improvement, and more.

To obtain the ITIL Foundation Certification, you must complete a two-day course and pass an exam. The course typically takes around 16 hours to complete and costs between $1,000 - $2,000 depending on your location. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and has a passing score of 65%. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your certificate from APMG International within 4 weeks.

In order to maintain your certification status you must retake the exam every three years or take additional courses in order to renew your certification.

8. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a professional certification for individuals who have a deep understanding of Agile principles, practices, and tools. The ACP credential is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the Agile methodology.

The ACP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of the Agile framework through an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test an individual’s understanding of Agile principles, processes, and techniques. To be eligible for the ACP certification, applicants must have at least 21 contact hours of formal training in Agile practices and techniques.

The exam typically takes three hours to complete and costs $435 USD for PMI members or $495 USD for non-members. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your ACP certification within four weeks.

In order to maintain your ACP credential, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years. You can earn PDUs through activities such as attending conferences, taking courses, or volunteering with PMI chapters or communities of practice.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead Lean Six Sigma projects. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction. The program typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete depending on the type of course taken.

To get the LSSGB certification, you must complete a training course from an accredited provider. This includes completing all of the required modules and passing an exam at the end of the course. The cost of this certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges between $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is recognized globally and can be used to demonstrate expertise in process improvement techniques. It is also beneficial for career advancement as it shows employers that you are knowledgeable in Lean Six Sigma principles and have experience leading projects utilizing these principles.

10. Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)

Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is a certification offered by Scrum.org, an organization dedicated to the advancement of the Scrum framework and its application in software development. The PSM I certification is designed to validate a professional’s understanding of Scrum principles, values, and practices. It is intended for those who are new to Scrum or have some experience but need to understand the fundamentals more deeply.

The PSM I exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 85%. The cost of taking the PSM I exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $150 USD.

To take the PSM I exam, you must first register with Scrum.org and create an account. Once your account has been created, you can purchase a voucher code from their website which will allow you to book your exam date and time with a testing center near you. After taking the exam, you will receive your results immediately and if successful, will be awarded your Professional Scrum Master I certification.

Do You Really Need a Director of Program Management Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. A Director of Program Management Certificate may be beneficial for those who are seeking to advance their careers in program management, or for individuals who want to demonstrate a commitment to the field. Those who already have significant experience in the field may not need a certificate, but it could still be beneficial for them if they are looking to take on more responsibility or become more competitive in their job search.

A certificate can provide recognition of an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in program management. It can also serve as proof that they have completed a rigorous curriculum related to the field. In addition, it can help an individual stand out from other job applicants, as employers may be more likely to consider someone with a specialized certification over someone without one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Director of Program Management Certificate depends on your professional ambitions and goals. If you are interested in gaining recognition for your skills and knowledge in the field, then obtaining certification could be advantageous. However, if you already have extensive experience and feel confident in your abilities without certification, then it might not be necessary.

Related: Director of Program Management Resume Examples

FAQs About Director of Program Management Certifications

1. What is a Director of Program Management Certification?

Answer: A Director of Program Management Certification is a credential earned by professionals who have achieved mastery in the field of program management. It demonstrates their ability to plan, organize, and manage complex projects and initiatives. Achieving this certification requires extensive knowledge and experience in project management principles, processes, tools, and techniques.

2. What are the benefits of having a Director of Program Management Certification?

Answer: Having a Director of Program Management Certification provides numerous benefits for individuals looking to advance their careers in the field. It can help demonstrate an individual’s commitment to professional development, enhance their credibility among peers and employers, increase their salary potential, and open up new opportunities for career advancement.

3. What kind of courses do I need to take to get my Director of Program Management Certification?

Answer: To obtain your Director of Program Management Certification you must complete courses that cover topics such as project planning and execution, risk management, budgeting and resource allocation, stakeholder management, process improvement strategies, communication skills, leadership development skills and more. Depending on the certification program you choose these courses may be taken online or in-person at an accredited college or university.

4. How long does it take to get my Director of Program Management Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to earn your certification will depend on which program you choose as well as how many courses you need to take in order to fulfill the requirements for that particular program. Generally speaking most programs require between 10-15 hours per week for study time over a period ranging from 6-12 months depending on the complexity of the course material being covered.

5. Are there any prerequisites needed before I can enroll in a Director of Program Management Certification program?

Answer: Most programs will have some type of prerequisites that must be met prior to enrollment such as relevant work experience or completion of certain educational qualifications including undergraduate or graduate degrees in business administration or related fields like computer science or engineering technology.