Top 10 Implementation Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an implementation project manager in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competency and experience. Certified project managers have knowledge and skills that employers value, including an understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques used to manage projects. Certification also gives potential employers confidence that the project manager is qualified to handle complex projects and can lead teams effectively. Furthermore, certifications provide a benchmark for employers to compare candidates against each other in order to make more informed hiring decisions.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Implementation Project Managers and explain how they can help advance an implementation project manager's career.

What are Implementation Project Manager Certifications?

Implementation project manager certification is a certification program designed to help project managers develop and demonstrate their skills in leading implementation projects. The certification provides an opportunity for project managers to gain the knowledge, skills and experience they need to successfully lead implementation projects. It also helps to validate their expertise in the field of project management.

The certification covers topics such as planning and organizing, budgeting and controlling, risk management, stakeholder management, communication, quality assurance, change management, agile methodologies and more. By gaining this certification, project managers can demonstrate that they have the right skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage complex implementation projects. This can help them become more competitive in the job market and increase their chances of getting hired or promoted. Furthermore, having a certified project manager on board can give organizations greater confidence in their ability to successfully deliver on implementations.

Pro Tip: Before committing to a project manager certification program, make sure to research the credentials and accreditations of the organization offering the program. Look for programs that include hands-on experience and provide industry-recognized certifications. This will ensure that you are getting a quality education and can use your certification to advance your career.

Related: What does an Implementation Project Manager do?

Top 10 Implementation Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program designed to teach individuals the fundamentals of the Scrum framework. It is administered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization that promotes and supports the use of Scrum in software development. The CSM certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and practices of Scrum, including roles, events, artifacts, and rules.

It typically takes two days to complete the CSM certification course. During this time, participants will learn about the history and philosophy of Scrum, as well as how to apply it to their own projects. At the end of the course, participants must pass a 50-question multiple-choice exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a CSM, you must first attend an approved training course offered by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). These courses are usually two days long and cost anywhere from $1,000 - $2,500 depending on where you take it and who is teaching it. After attending an approved training course, you will be eligible to take the online CSM exam which costs $250 USD. Once you have passed the exam with a score of 85% or higher, you will receive your official CSM certificate from the Scrum Alliance.

2. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after and respected credentials in the project management profession. The PMP credential recognizes an individual’s knowledge, experience, and competency in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes between six months to one year to acquire the PMP credential. To qualify for the PMP certification, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements as outlined by PMI. You must also pass a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge of project management concepts, processes, and best practices.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on where you live and your membership status with PMI. Generally speaking, non-members pay $555 USD while members pay $405 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with obtaining the credential such as study materials, application fees, etc.

To get started on your path to becoming a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), visit the PMI website at www.pmi.org for more information about requirements and resources available to help you prepare for the exam.

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of project management fundamentals. The CAPM certification is intended for those who are new to project management or those who wish to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

The CAPM certification requires successful completion of an exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education completed within five years prior to taking the exam.

The exam takes three hours and costs $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. Exam preparation materials can be purchased from PMI or other sources such as books, online courses, and instructor-led classes.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CAPM certificate within four weeks. The certificate is valid for five years, after which time you must retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

4. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects In Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology used in the UK and internationally. It provides a framework for managing projects and is widely recognized as a best practice approach to project management.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates your ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to projects. The certification consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner.

The Foundation level covers the principles, themes, processes, and terminology of PRINCE2. It focuses on understanding how to use the method in order to manage projects effectively. The exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 55%.

The Practitioner level focuses on applying the method in practice. It requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply PRINCE2 in real-life scenarios. The exam consists of 8 scenario-based objective test questions with a pass mark of 50%.

It typically takes around 6-8 weeks to prepare for the exams, depending on your existing knowledge and experience with PRINCE2. You can take both exams at once or separately, but it is recommended that you take them together as this will give you more time to revise for each one.

In order to obtain the certification, you must pass both exams within 3 years from when you first sat the Foundation exam. If you fail either exam, then you will need to retake it before being able to attempt the other one again.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on where you take them - some training providers offer packages which include both exams at discounted rates. Generally speaking, expect to pay between £400-£800 for both exams combined (not including any additional course fees).

5. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. The ACP certification validates an individual's ability to apply agile principles to their projects, programs, and portfolios.

The ACP exam takes approximately two hours and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either 2,000 hours of general project experience or 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last five years. Applicants must also hold a current PMP or PgMP credential from PMI.

To prepare for the ACP exam, applicants can take advantage of online courses, study guides, practice exams, and other resources available through PMI’s website. Additionally, PMI offers an Agile Certified Professional (ACP) Handbook that provides detailed information about the certification process and requirements.

The cost for taking the ACP exam is $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members.

6. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and ability to apply Lean Six Sigma principles and tools in the workplace. Lean Six Sigma is a methodology used to improve processes by eliminating waste, reducing variation, and increasing efficiency.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires completion of a two-day course that covers the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, including process improvement tools and techniques. Participants will also learn how to use data analysis to identify root causes of problems and develop solutions. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

In order to get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must attend an accredited training program or complete an online course. Training programs can range from one day to several weeks depending on the complexity of the material covered. The cost for these courses can vary widely depending on the provider and length of program, but typically range from $500-$2,000 USD.

Once certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals are eligible for job opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, government services and more. They may also be able to advance their career by taking on additional roles such as project manager or consultant.

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual's understanding of the ITIL framework. It is the entry-level certification for anyone looking to get into the field of IT Service Management (ITSM).

The ITIL Foundation Certification provides a comprehensive overview of the ITIL framework, which includes best practices and processes for managing IT services. It covers topics such as service strategy, design, transition, operation, and improvement.

The certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes 60 minutes to complete. To pass, candidates must score at least 65% or 26 out of 40 questions correctly.

To get certified, you will need to take an accredited training course from an approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $400-$800 USD. After completing the course, you can then register for and take the exam online or in person at a testing center near you. The cost of the exam is usually around $250 USD.

Overall, it should take about two weeks to prepare for and obtain your ITIL Foundation Certification if you are taking a training course.

8. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates a person’s ability to manage projects successfully. The certification covers the entire project life cycle, from initiation and planning through closure.

To earn the CompTIA Project+ certification, you must pass one exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. You must have at least 12 months of experience in project management or related fields prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the exam varies by country and region but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. The cost includes registration fees and any applicable taxes.

In order to maintain your CompTIA Project+ certification, you must recertify every three years by passing either the current version of the Project+ exam or another approved continuing education activity such as attending a training course or completing an online course.

9. PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize an individual’s expertise in working with agile methodologies and techniques. The PMI-ACP certification demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and experience in agile practices, tools, and techniques.

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either 2,000 hours of general project experience or 1,500 hours of project experience working on agile projects. They must also have 21 contact hours of training in agile practices.

Those who pass the exam will receive their PMI-ACP certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by earning 30 professional development units (PDUs) during that time period.

The cost of taking the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of PMI. For members, the cost is $435 while nonmembers pay $495.

10. Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP)

Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to manage programs successfully. The CPMP is administered by the International Association of Program and Project Management (IAPPM). It is designed for program managers, project managers, and other professionals involved in program management.

It typically takes between six months to one year to get the CPMP certification. The duration depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exam. To get certified, you must pass a four-hour examination that consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as program management principles, processes, tools, techniques, and best practices.

The cost of obtaining the CPMP certification varies depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at an authorized testing center.

Do You Really Need a Implementation Project Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career plans. If you are looking to advance in the field of project management or become a certified professional, then an implementation project manager certificate may be beneficial. However, if you are already established in the industry and have experience managing projects, then such a certification may not be necessary. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if the time, effort, and cost of obtaining an implementation project manager certificate is worth it for your particular situation.

For those who are considering taking this route, there are many advantages to obtaining an implementation project manager certificate. These include gaining recognition from employers and other professionals in the industry; demonstrating proficiency in managing complex projects; knowledge of best practices; increased job opportunities; and improved skills for leading teams and developing successful project plans. With the right training program, you can also learn about different techniques for problem solving and how to use technology effectively to manage projects. Additionally, earning an implementation project manager certificate can help improve your chances of being promoted or hired into higher-level positions within an organization.

In conclusion, while having an implementation project manager certificate may not always be necessary depending on one’s individual goals and career plans, it can provide numerous benefits that may make it worthwhile for those looking to advance their careers in the field of project management.

Related: Implementation Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Implementation Project Manager Certifications

Q1: What is an Implementation Project Manager Certification?

A1: An Implementation Project Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a project manager’s knowledge and experience in the field of implementation projects. It shows employers that the project manager has the necessary skills and competencies to successfully manage implementation projects.

Q2: How do I get certified as an Implementation Project Manager?

A2: In order to become certified as an Implementation Project Manager, you must complete a recognized training program or pass an exam. Depending on the certification program, this could include passing a multiple-choice exam, completing online courses, or attending classroom seminars.

Q3: What are some of the benefits of becoming an Implementation Project Manager?

A3: Being certified as an Implementation Project Manager can help you land higher paying jobs and promotions. It can also provide recognition for your expertise in the field, which can lead to better job opportunities. Certification may also be required by certain employers and organizations when applying for certain positions or contracts.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified as an Implementation Project Manager?

A4: The time it takes to become certified varies depending on the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require at least 40 hours of coursework or studying before taking the certification exam. Some programs may also require additional hours of study or experience before they will grant certification.

Q5: Is there any recertification process for an Implementation Project Manager?

A5: Yes, most certifications require recertification every few years in order to keep up with changes in the industry and ensure that project managers are up-to-date on best practices and standards. The requirements for recertification vary from program to program but typically involve completing additional coursework or passing another exam.