Top 11 Infrastructure Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an infrastructure project manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certification can provide evidence of experience, technical ability, and commitment to professional development in the field. Additionally, certifications can help to show that an individual has the necessary skills to manage complex IT projects and lead teams in a professional manner. They also demonstrate that the individual is up-to-date on industry standards and best practices. Finally, certifications can give an individual a competitive edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Infrastructure Project Managers and explain how they can help further an infrastructure project manager's career.

What are Infrastructure Project Manager Certifications?

Infrastructure project manager certification is a professional certification designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to managing infrastructure projects. It is typically aimed at professionals who are responsible for planning, designing, and implementing complex infrastructure projects.

The certification provides individuals with the necessary skills to effectively manage these types of projects, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This includes being able to identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies, as well as having a good understanding of project management processes and tools. Additionally, it also provides individuals with an understanding of how different systems interact within an infrastructure project.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can show their employers that they have the necessary knowledge and experience needed to successfully manage infrastructure projects. This can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in this area. Furthermore, it can also help them increase their earning potential by proving their expertise in this specific field.

Pro Tip: When considering an Infrastructure Project Manager Certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications thoroughly. Understand what type of experience is needed and whether or not the certification is accredited by a recognized professional organization. Additionally, consider seeking out industry experts or mentors who can provide guidance and advice on which certification might be best for your career goals.

Related: What does an Infrastructure Project Manager do?

Top 11 Infrastructure Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected credential in the project management field. The PMP certification demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and clients that an individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully manage projects.

The PMP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of project management experience and 35 hours of formal education in project management topics. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by PMI. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five project management process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

It typically takes between two to six months to prepare for the PMP exam depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying each day. To get started on your journey towards becoming a PMP certified professional, you will need to register with PMI and submit an application for their certification program. Once your application is approved, you will be given access to study materials and resources that will help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of getting your PMP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, the cost is $555 USD while members pay only $405 USD.

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 demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology used in project management. It is intended for individuals who have limited experience with project management and who are looking to gain more knowledge and skills in this area.

The CAPM certification requires that applicants pass an exam administered by PMI. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) plus 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education completed prior to sitting for the exam.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, the fee is $300 USD; for members it is $225 USD. There are also discounted rates available for groups and students.

It typically takes 2-3 months to prepare for the CAPM exam depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying each week. It is recommended that you use study materials provided by PMI as well as other resources such as books, online courses, practice exams, etc., to help you prepare for the test.

3. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a project management method used by organizations around the world. It is based on seven principles, seven themes and seven processes. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates your understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology and its application.

The Foundation certification provides an understanding of the PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes, while the Practitioner certification tests your ability to apply this knowledge in a real-life project environment.

To get certified you need to attend a two-day course for the Foundation level, followed by a one-day course for the Practitioner level. The courses are typically offered by accredited training providers. You will also need to pass an exam at each level before you can become certified.

The cost of getting PRINCE2 certified depends on the provider and location but typically ranges from £500-£1000 ($650-$1300).

4. 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 demonstrates the ability to manage projects effectively, from initiation through closure. The certification is vendor-neutral and covers all aspects of project management, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, communication and quality assurance.

The CompTIA Project+ exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least 12 months of experience managing projects or have completed a CompTIA approved training course.

To get the CompTIA Project+ certification, you must first register for the exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric. You can then purchase an exam voucher from either provider or from CompTIA directly. Once you have your voucher code in hand, you can schedule your exam appointment online or by phone.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on where you take it and which provider you use. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD to take the exam at a Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center.

5. 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 a professional’s experience and knowledge of agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. The PMI-ACP provides an industry-recognized certification for practitioners who use agile approaches in their projects.

The PMI-ACP requires 21 contact hours of training in agile practices and passing an exam. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as agile values and principles, team dynamics, stakeholder engagement, product delivery, and more.

To get the PMI-ACP certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements: have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years; 1,500 hours working on agile project teams or with agile methodologies within the last three years; 21 contact hours of training in agile practices; and pass the PMI-ACP Exam. Once you have met all these requirements, you can apply for the certification through the PMI website.

The cost of the PMI-ACP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of PMI. For members, it costs $435 while nonmembers pay $495. Additionally there are fees associated with taking the exam ($405 for members/$495 for nonmembers) as well as any training courses taken to prepare for it.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program designed to teach IT professionals the basics of IT service management. It is based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework, which is a set of best practices for managing IT services. The certification provides an understanding of how IT services are delivered, managed and supported.

The certification exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes 60 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% or 26 out of 40 questions correctly. The exam can be taken online or in person at an accredited testing center.

To get certified, you must first take an accredited training course that covers all aspects of the ITIL framework and prepares you for the exam. Depending on your learning style and budget, you can choose between a self-paced online course or an instructor-led classroom course. Most courses take 3-5 days to complete but may vary depending on your provider.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your chosen training provider but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD for both the training and exam fees combined.

7. Microsoft Project Certification

Microsoft Project Certification is a professional certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in using Microsoft Project, the world’s leading project management software. The certification consists of two exams: Microsoft Project 2016 Core and Microsoft Project 2016 Expert.

The Core exam tests your knowledge of the fundamental features and functions of Microsoft Project, while the Expert exam focuses on more advanced topics such as resource management, project scheduling, and reporting. Both exams are multiple-choice and performance based.

It typically takes about four to six weeks to prepare for each exam, depending on your experience with the software. To get certified, you must pass both exams within one year of starting the program.

The cost for each exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $150-$200 per exam. You can find more information about the cost of certification here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-list.aspx#fbid=z_JHwj1D8O6

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage Lean Six Sigma projects. The certification is intended for professionals who are looking to enhance their career by mastering the tools, techniques, and methodologies of Lean Six Sigma.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes around four weeks to complete. During this time, participants will learn the principles of Lean Six Sigma, including process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, project management, and team building. They will also gain practical experience in applying these principles through real-world case studies.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first take an online course or attend a classroom-based training program. Once you have completed your training program, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality).

The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of training program you choose to take. Generally speaking, online courses tend to be more affordable than classroom-based programs. However, both types of programs typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 USD.

9. Scrum Master Certification (CSM)

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates your understanding of the Scrum framework and its application in real-world scenarios. The CSM certification is designed to help practitioners understand the principles and practices of Scrum, as well as how to apply them in their organizations.

The CSM exam typically takes about two hours to complete, and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the exam, you must have completed a minimum of 14 hours of formal training in Scrum from a Certified Scrum Trainer or an approved organization.

In order to get certified, you must pass the CSM exam with a score of at least 74%. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CSM certificate from the Scrum Alliance.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, courses range from $500-$2,000 USD.

10. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

A Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the principles and practices of Scrum, an Agile framework for managing software development projects. The CSPO certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the use of Scrum.

The CSPO certification requires individuals to have a thorough understanding of product ownership in the context of Scrum, including how to create and prioritize product backlogs, work with stakeholders to define product requirements, and ensure that products are delivered on time. Individuals must also demonstrate their ability to effectively manage product development teams and collaborate with other stakeholders.

In order to become certified as a CSPO, individuals must attend an official two-day training course offered by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). This course teaches participants about the fundamentals of Scrum and how it can be used to manage software projects. After completing the course, participants must take an online exam in order to receive their CSPO certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSPO depends on several factors such as location and type of training course chosen. Generally speaking, however, it typically costs between $1,000 - $2,000 USD for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include travel expenses if attending an in-person training session or exam fees if taking the online exam.

11. Agile Project Management Professional (AgilePM®)

Agile Project Management Professional (AgilePM®) is a certification program that provides project managers with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage projects using agile principles. It is based on the Agile Project Framework, which is a set of best practices for managing projects in an agile environment.

The AgilePM® certification program consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation level focuses on understanding the core concepts of agile project management, while the Practitioner level focuses on applying those concepts to real-world situations.

It typically takes about one month to complete both levels of the AgilePM® certification program. To get certified, you must first pass an online exam for each level. The exams are offered by APMG International, an accredited examination institute.

The cost of the AgilePM® certification program varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD for both levels combined.

Do You Really Need a Infrastructure Project Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career aspirations. Infrastructure project management is a specialized field that requires a certain level of knowledge and experience to be successful, so having an infrastructure project manager certificate can certainly help demonstrate a candidate's qualifications for the job. However, it is important to note that having a certificate alone does not guarantee success in the field.

In addition to having a certification, aspiring infrastructure project managers should also have related work experience and understand the technical aspects of managing projects. The certificate may provide some credentials and recognition but it won't replace hands-on experience or an understanding of the complexities involved with managing an infrastructure project.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs an infrastructure project manager certificate will depend on their situation. For those who are just starting out in the field, obtaining a certification may be beneficial as it can demonstrate commitment to learning and show potential employers that they are serious about the role. Those who already have related work experience and knowledge may find that getting certified is unnecessary since their skills would already be recognized by employers without one.

No matter what path someone chooses, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not they need an infrastructure project manager certificate. It’s important for candidates to evaluate their own skillset and goals before making such a decision as it can make all the difference in achieving career success in this competitive field.

Related: Infrastructure Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Infrastructure Project Manager Certifications

Q1. What is an Infrastructure Project Manager Certification?

A1. An Infrastructure Project Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a project manager’s knowledge and expertise in managing projects related to IT infrastructure such as networks, servers, storage, and other related systems. It also shows their ability to use best practices and technical skills in order to ensure successful project completion.

Q2. What are the benefits of earning an Infrastructure Project Manager Certification?

A2. Earning an Infrastructure Project Manager Certification will help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your expertise in managing IT infrastructure projects. Additionally, it can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs and may increase your chances of getting hired or promoted. It also gives you access to new job opportunities, higher pay grades, increased professional recognition, and more networking opportunities with industry peers.

Q3. What types of certifications are available?

A3. There are various types of certifications available from different providers including PMI (Project Management Institute), CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and others. Each certification offers different levels of knowledge and expertise related to specific areas of IT infrastructure management such as networks, servers, storage, security, etc., so it is important to research each one carefully before choosing which one best fits your needs.

Q4. How do I prepare for an Infrastructure Project Manager Certification exam?

A4: Preparation for any certification exam requires dedication and hard work; however there are some tips that can help make the process easier such as studying material specifically related to the exam topics or taking practice tests or courses offered by certification providers like PMI or CompTIA. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on changes in technology related to the topics covered on the exam so that you can be prepared for any questions that may come up during the test day.

Q5: How long does an Infrastructure Project Manager Certification last?

A5: The length of time that a certification lasts depends on the provider; however most certifications have a validity period of 1-3 years before needing renewal or recertification depending on their requirements. It is important to keep track of these dates so that you can maintain your credentials over time and ensure they remain valid for future job opportunities or promotions within your organization