Top 11 Engineering Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an engineering project manager in the job market because they provide evidence of specialised knowledge and skills. Having certifications demonstrate that a project manager has the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively manage engineering projects. They also show employers that the project manager is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices. Additionally, certifications can help an engineering project manager stand out from the competition when applying for positions, as they prove that he or she has gone above and beyond what is expected of them.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Engineering Project Managers and explain how they can help advance an engineering project manager's career.

What are Engineering Project Manager Certifications?

Engineering project manager certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals for their knowledge and skills in managing engineering projects. This certification demonstrates to employers, clients, and colleagues that the holder is capable of managing complex engineering projects from start to finish. It also serves to validate the holder's commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the engineering field.

Engineering project manager certification can help holders by providing them with an edge in the job market as it shows potential employers that they have taken the initiative to become certified in this area. It also provides holders with an opportunity to network with other certified professionals in their field, which can lead to more job opportunities or even higher salaries. Finally, having this certification can provide holders with more confidence when taking on larger or more complex projects as they will know they have the necessary skills and qualifications needed to complete them successfully.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research all of the available engineering project manager certifications and choose one that best fits your career goals and experience. Additionally, look into any prerequisites or requirements that may be necessary to obtain the certification you’re interested in. Finally, find out what kind of continuing education or refresher courses may be required to maintain the certification.

Related: What does an Engineering Project Manager do?

Top 11 Engineering Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and sought-after project management credential in the world. The PMP credential demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in leading and directing projects.

To become a PMP, an individual must have at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education. In addition, individuals must pass the PMP Exam which consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 to register for the exam while members pay $405. Once you have registered for the exam, you will need to schedule a time to take it at one of their testing centers.

In terms of how long it takes to get your PMP certification once you have passed the exam depends on how quickly you submit your application and if all documentation is in order. Generally speaking though it can take up to six weeks before you receive your certificate in the mail.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage projects. The CAPM certification demonstrates an individual's understanding of the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology used in project management.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least 1,500 hours of professional project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

To get certified as a CAPM, individuals must pass the exam administered by PMI. The cost of the exam is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their certificate within 4-6 weeks.

3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program created by the Scrum Alliance to recognize individuals who have a deep understanding of the Scrum framework and how it can be used to facilitate successful project delivery. The CSM certification is designed for professionals who are looking to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in leading teams using the Scrum methodology.

The CSM certification requires completion of a 2-day course taught by an authorized trainer. During this course, participants will learn about the Agile Manifesto, the Scrum values and principles, roles within the Scrum framework, sprints and releases, and more. Upon successful completion of the course and passing of an exam, participants will receive their CSM certification.

The cost for taking a CSM course varies depending on the provider; however, most courses range between $800-$1,500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or becoming a member of the Scrum Alliance.

Once certified as a CSM, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing at least 14 hours of continued education activities related to Agile/Scrum practices.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Agile principles and practices. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most comprehensive and globally recognized Agile certification available.

The ACP certification requires applicants to successfully complete an exam that tests their knowledge of Agile principles, practices, and tools. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working on projects using Agile methods or have completed 21 contact hours of formal education in Agile methods.

The cost for taking the ACP exam varies depending on the country in which you are taking it. In the United States, the cost ranges from $435-$495 plus applicable taxes. In addition to the exam fee, there is an annual membership fee of $129 for PMI members or $179 for non-members that must be paid each year in order to maintain your ACP status.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be used to showcase your credentials on social media or professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. You will also receive a certificate from PMI confirming your successful completion of the ACP exam.

5. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s ability to apply Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to improve business processes. The certification is awarded by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience. To become certified, individuals must pass a written exam that covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, and problem solving.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first complete an approved training program or course. This can be done online or in person at a variety of educational institutions. After completing the training program or course, individuals must then take and pass the IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the type of training program or course taken. Online courses typically range from $500-$1,000 USD while in-person courses can range from $2,000-$7,000 USD. Additionally, there is also a fee associated with taking and passing the IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam which ranges from $250-$400 USD.

6. PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology developed by the UK government and used widely in Europe. It provides a set of processes and tools to help organizations manage projects effectively. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates your ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology in practice.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is the entry-level qualification and requires you to demonstrate an understanding of the principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2. You will need to pass a one-hour multiple choice exam with a minimum score of 55%.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification builds on the knowledge gained in the Foundation course and tests your ability to apply this knowledge in practice. You will need to pass a two-and-a-half hour objective testing exam with a minimum score of 50%. This exam consists of eight questions, each worth 10 marks.

It typically takes between three months and six months for individuals to prepare for both the Foundation and Practitioner exams. To get certified, you must attend an accredited training course or study independently using official materials from AXELOS, the organization responsible for maintaining the PRINCE2 standard.

The cost of getting certified depends on whether you take an accredited training course or study independently using official materials from AXELOS. Accredited training courses typically cost between £1000 - £2000 (GBP). If you choose to study independently, you can expect to pay around £350 (GBP) for official materials from AXELOS.

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of IT service management. It is based on the ITIL framework and covers the core principles, processes, and best practices for delivering quality IT services. The certification is designed to help individuals understand how to effectively plan, design, deliver, and support IT services.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To achieve the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 65% or higher.

To get certified, you will need to register for a training course offered by an accredited provider. These courses typically range from one to five days in length and cost between $500-$2,000 depending on the provider and location. Once you have completed your training course, you will be able to take the official ITIL Foundation Exam which is administered by PeopleCert. The exam fee is usually around $250 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from PeopleCert which will be valid for three years. You can then apply for recertification every three years in order to maintain your certification status.

8. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who are responsible for managing small-to-medium sized projects. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a person’s ability to manage projects from start to finish, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, communication and risk management.

The CompTIA Project+ exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes two hours to complete. To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To prepare for the exam, CompTIA recommends taking an authorized training course or self-study using approved study materials such as books and practice tests. There are also online courses available through third-party vendors that provide comprehensive training for the exam.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on where you take it. The exam fee is typically around $250 USD but may vary by region and testing center.

9. 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 using agile practices in project management. The PMI-ACP certification demonstrates an understanding of agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques across a variety of agile methodologies.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. Preparation includes taking courses or self-study, gaining experience with agile methods, and completing the PMI Agile Certification Application.

To get the PMI-ACP certification you must meet the following requirements:

• Have 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last 5 years
• Have 1,500 hours working on projects using agile methodologies within the last 3 years
• Complete 21 contact hours of training in agile practices
• Pass the PMI-ACP exam

The cost for the PMI-ACP exam is $435 for members and $495 for nonmembers. The cost of associated training courses may vary depending on provider.

10. Microsoft Project Certification

Microsoft Project Certification is a professional certification program that validates an individual’s expertise in the Microsoft Project software. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in using the Microsoft Project application.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam 77-427: Microsoft Project 2013, and Exam 77-428: Microsoft Project 2016. Both exams must be passed in order to receive the certification. The exams cover topics such as project planning, scheduling, resource management, tracking progress, and reporting results.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. Candidates must score at least 700 out of 1000 points on each exam in order to pass and receive their certification.

In order to get certified, candidates must first register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. The cost for each exam is $150 USD (plus applicable taxes). Once registered, candidates can take the exam at any authorized testing center near them or online from home or work.

Once both exams have been successfully completed, candidates will be awarded with a digital badge that they can use to showcase their achievement on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. They will also receive a physical certificate which they can display in their office or other professional settings.

11. Construction Management Professional (CMP)

Construction Management Professional (CMP) is a professional designation awarded by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is intended to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in construction management.

The CMP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in construction management through passing an exam, completing a portfolio review, and meeting certain education and experience requirements. The exam covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost estimating, quality control, risk management, and contract administration.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CMP certification process. To get started, applicants must submit an application to CMAA along with the required fee. Once approved, they can begin studying for the exam using CMAA’s study materials or other resources available online. After passing the exam and completing the portfolio review process, applicants will receive their CMP certification.

The cost of obtaining the CMP certification varies depending on several factors such as whether you are a member of CMAA or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD to obtain the CMP certification including application fees and study materials.

Do You Really Need a Engineering Project Manager Certificate?

An engineering project manager certificate can be a valuable asset for those looking to advance their careers in the engineering field. It is important to consider whether or not you need this certification before embarking on the process of obtaining it.

The first thing to consider is what kind of engineer you are and what your current job entails. If you are already working as an engineer, then the chances are that you have a good understanding of engineering principles and techniques and have already gained some experience in managing projects. In this case, it may not be necessary for you to obtain a formal certification in order to further your career. However, if you are looking to move into a more senior role or apply for a promotion, then having a formal certification may help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show potential employers that you have invested time and effort in developing your skillset as an engineer.

If you are new to engineering or have yet to gain any experience in managing projects, then it may be worth considering getting an engineering project manager certificate. This will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage complex engineering projects effectively and efficiently. It will also give employers confidence that you possess the necessary skills required for the job. Furthermore, many organizations now prefer applicants who hold such certifications as they demonstrate dedication and commitment towards professional development within their field.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an engineering project manager certificate depends on your individual situation. If you are already working as an engineer then it may not be necessary unless you want to progress further in your career. However, if you are new to engineering or looking for promotion then obtaining such a certification can prove beneficial in terms of gaining recognition from employers and demonstrating commitment towards developing your skillset within the profession.

Related: Engineering Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Engineering Project Manager Certifications

1. What is an Engineering Project Manager Certification?

Answer: An Engineering Project Manager Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of engineering project management. It is designed to provide recognition to those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of project management, engineering principles and practices, and technical skills related to engineering projects.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining an Engineering Project Manager Certification?

Answer: The specific requirements for obtaining an Engineering Project Manager Certification vary by program, but typically include completion of a comprehensive training program, successful completion of a certification exam, and fulfillment of any other applicable educational or experience requirements.

3. How long does it take to complete an Engineering Project Manager Certification Program?

Answer: The length of time required to complete an Engineering Project Manager Certification Program varies depending on the specific program and its requirements; however, most programs require between one and two years of study and/or work experience to complete successfully.

4. How much does it cost to obtain an Engineering Project Manager Certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining an Engineering Project Manager Certification varies depending on the specific program and any additional materials or fees associated with it; however, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD total for all costs associated with completing the program.

5. What types of jobs can I get with an Engineering Project Manager Certification?

Answer: With an Engineering Project Manager Certification you can qualify for positions such as engineering project manager, construction project manager, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, industrial engineer, software engineer or project analyst in many different industries such as manufacturing, construction or technology companies.