Top 11 Junior Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a junior project manager in the job market because they provide evidence that the individual has the knowledge and skills to excel in their position. Certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide employers with assurance that the candidate is competent in the required areas. By having certifications, a junior project manager can stand out from other candidates, giving them an edge in an increasingly competitive job market. Additionally, certifications can help open up opportunities for promotion or higher salary. Finally, certifications can also add credibility when interacting with clients or colleagues and help build trust within an organization.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Junior Project Managers and how they can help advance their careers.

What are Junior Project Manager Certifications?

Junior project manager certification is a credential offered by certain organizations that recognizes individuals who have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to manage projects. The certification focuses on the fundamentals of project management, such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, communication, risk management, and change management. It also covers topics such as team building, problem-solving, decision making, and stakeholder management. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession of project management and prove their ability to effectively lead projects.

Having junior project manager certification can be beneficial in many ways. First of all, it shows prospective employers that an individual has the knowledge necessary to successfully manage projects. This can give them an edge over other applicants in the job market. In addition, it demonstrates a dedication to professional development and can help build credibility when working with clients or stakeholders. Finally, it provides holders with access to additional resources and tools that can help them further develop their skills in project management and improve performance on the job.

Pro Tip: When considering a junior project manager certification, look for programs that offer hands-on training and mentorship opportunities. This will ensure that you gain the valuable experience and skills necessary to become an effective project manager. Additionally, be sure to find a program that is accredited by a recognized professional organization.

Related: What does a Junior Project Manager do?

Top 11 Junior Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates that a project manager has the necessary knowledge, experience, and skills to successfully lead and manage projects.

To obtain PMP Certification, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. Applicants must have at least a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), 7,500 hours of leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of formal project management education.

The PMP Certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in four hours. The exam covers five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least a 61%.

The cost of the PMP Certification application fee is $555 for PMI members and $700 for non-members. Additionally, applicants may need to purchase study materials in order to prepare for the exam. The cost of these materials can vary depending on what type of materials are purchased.

Overall, obtaining PMP Certification can take several months to complete depending on how much time an applicant needs to prepare for the exam.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

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

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

To get certified, you will need to register with PMI and pay an application fee. Once your application is approved, you can schedule your exam date. The cost for the CAPM exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $225 USD.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CAPM certificate and be recognized as a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). You will also receive a digital badge that can be used on your resume and other professional documents.

3. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology developed by the UK government and used worldwide. It provides best practice guidance on how to manage projects effectively and efficiently. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is the most popular certification for project managers, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is designed to introduce candidates to the principles, processes, and themes of PRINCE2. It covers topics such as project governance, organization structure, risk management, quality assurance, and configuration management. The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 55% to pass the exam.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification builds on the knowledge gained from the Foundation exam by providing an in-depth understanding of how to apply the PRINCE2 methodology in real-life situations. The exam consists of 8 scenario-based questions and takes two hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 55% to pass the exam.

It typically takes around three months for candidates to prepare for both exams; however this can vary depending on individual learning styles and experience with project management methodologies. To get certified, candidates must register with an accredited training provider who will provide access to study materials and arrange for them to sit their exams when they are ready.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which training provider you choose; however it typically costs between £500 - £1000 for both exams combined (including course materials).

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is a professional certification for individuals who have experience in using Agile methods, principles, and tools. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who work with Agile methodologies in their organizations. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is recognized globally.

The ACP certification requires that a candidate have a minimum of 21 hours of training in Agile practices, principles, and tools. This can be done through an accredited PMI-approved course or through self-study. In addition to the training requirement, candidates must also pass an exam to demonstrate their understanding of the Agile methodology. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes 3 hours to complete.

In order to get the ACP certification, you must first apply for it through PMI's website. You will need to provide proof of your 21 hours of training as well as submit your exam results. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your ACP certificate within 6-8 weeks.

The cost for the ACP certification varies depending on how you choose to obtain it. If you take an accredited course, then you will likely pay between $1,000-$2,000 depending on the provider and length of the course. If you choose to self-study for the exam then there are no additional costs beyond purchasing any materials needed for studying such as books or online courses.

5. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is designed for professionals who manage small to medium-sized projects, and it covers topics such as project planning, risk management, communication, budgeting, and more.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 750 out of 900 points.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, the cost is typically around $320 USD. In other countries, the cost may vary due to taxes or exchange rates.

You can register for the CompTIA Project+ exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. You will need to create an account with either provider before registering for your exam date and location.

6. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize a professional’s knowledge and experience in agile project management practices. The PMI-ACP certification validates an individual’s expertise in agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques.

To become certified as a PMI-ACP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the past five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the past three years. In addition, applicants must have 21 contact hours of training in agile methods.

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as agile fundamentals, value-driven delivery, stakeholder engagement, team performance, adaptive planning, problem detection and resolution, continuous improvement (kaizen), and technical skills.

The cost to take the PMI-ACP exam is $435 for members of PMI or $495 for nonmembers. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official PMI-ACP certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed by taking additional continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

7. Scrum Master Certified (SMC) Certification

Scrum Master Certified (SMC) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the Scrum framework. It is a globally recognized certification for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in working with Scrum teams.

The SMC certification program is designed to help individuals gain proficiency in the concepts of Scrum, including its roles, events, artifacts, and rules. The certification involves completing an online course and passing an exam. The course covers topics such as the fundamentals of Scrum, how to lead effective Scrum teams, and how to apply Agile principles in the workplace.

The duration of the SMC certification program depends on the individual’s prior knowledge and experience with Scrum. Generally speaking, it takes around 20 hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

In order to get certified as a Scrum Master, you must first complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. After successful completion of both requirements, you will receive your SMC certificate from SCRUMstudy International Accreditation Board (IAB).

The cost of getting certified as a Scrum Master varies depending on which training provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2000 USD for both the online course and exam fees combined.

8. IT Project+ Certification

IT Project+ Certification is a certification program offered by CompTIA, an industry leader in IT certifications. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in project management. The certification covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure.

The IT Project+ certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To prepare for the exam, CompTIA offers several resources including online courses, practice exams, study guides and books. Candidates may also choose to attend instructor-led training or participate in self-study programs.

The cost of the IT Project+ certification exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to lead Lean Six Sigma projects and initiatives. It is designed to help organizations achieve their business goals through improved process performance, reduced costs, and increased customer satisfaction.

The LSSGB Certification program typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the provider. The program includes classroom instruction, online learning, case studies, and project work. The curriculum covers topics such as process improvement methodology, problem solving techniques, data analysis tools and techniques, project management principles, and implementation strategies.

To obtain LSSGB Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering the topics discussed in the certification program.

The cost of obtaining LSSGB Certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

10. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) certification is a globally recognized credential developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of professionals who specialize in risk management. The PMI-RMP credential demonstrates an individual’s commitment to best practices in risk management and their ability to effectively identify, analyze, control, and monitor project risks.

The PMI-RMP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of professional project risk management experience and 30 hours of formal education in project risk management. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To maintain the certification, holders must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

The cost for the PMI-RMP exam is $405 for PMI members or $555 for nonmembers. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for the exam and maintaining your certification.

Overall, it typically takes six months to two years to obtain the PMI-RMP certification depending on how much time you dedicate towards studying and preparing for the exam.

11. Microsoft Project 2016/2013/2010

Microsoft Project is a project management software program developed and sold by Microsoft. It is designed to assist a project manager in developing a plan, assigning resources to tasks, tracking progress, managing the budget, and analyzing workloads.

Microsoft Project 2016 was released in September 2015 and is available for Windows PCs. It takes just a few minutes to download and install Microsoft Project 2016 from the Microsoft Store or from other online retailers. The cost of the full version of Microsoft Project 2016 varies depending on the version purchased, but typically ranges from $599 to $1,499.

Microsoft Project 2013 was released in January 2013 and is available for Windows PCs. It takes just a few minutes to download and install Microsoft Project 2013 from the Microsoft Store or from other online retailers. The cost of the full version of Microsoft Project 2013 varies depending on the version purchased, but typically ranges from $499 to $1,299.

Microsoft Project 2010 was released in June 2010 and is available for Windows PCs. It takes just a few minutes to download and install Microsoft Project 2010 from the Microsoft Store or from other online retailers. The cost of the full version of Microsoft Project 2010 varies depending on the version purchased, but typically ranges from $399 to $999.

Do You Really Need a Junior Project Manager Certificate?

No, a junior project manager certificate is not necessary for success in the field. However, it can be a useful tool to demonstrate your dedication and knowledge of the profession. A certificate can be helpful when applying for jobs or advancing in your current position. It may also make you more attractive to potential employers by showing that you have taken the extra steps to gain specialized knowledge and skills related to project management.

In today's competitive job market, having certifications can give you an edge over other candidates with similar qualifications. Employers often look for individuals who have gone beyond the minimum requirements to demonstrate their expertise and commitment. Having a junior project manager certificate could help set you apart from other applicants and show that you are serious about pursuing a career in project management.

Of course, even if you do not have a certificate, there are still ways to demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to project management. Demonstrating experience with successful projects, taking classes or workshops related to project management topics, or participating in professional organizations are all great ways of showing employers that you are knowledgeable and dedicated to the profession. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a certification depends on what best suits your individual needs and goals.

Related: Junior Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Junior Project Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Junior Project Manager?

Answer: Generally, the minimum qualifications for a Junior Project Manager include a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related field, as well as certification from an accredited program. Some employers may also require additional certifications or experience.

2. What is the best way to gain experience as a Junior Project Manager?

Answer: The best way to gain experience as a Junior Project Manager is through internships and entry-level positions in project management roles. Additionally, volunteering for projects at school or in your community can help you gain valuable hands-on experience.

3. What type of certifications are available for Junior Project Managers?

Answer: There are several different types of certifications that are available for Junior Project Managers, such as PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and CompTIA’s Project+ certification. Additionally, there are many specialized certifications available depending on the industry and type of projects you will be managing.

4. How long does it take to complete a certification program?

Answer: The length of time required to complete a certification program varies depending on the type of certification and program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within 3-6 months with full-time study or up to 12 months with part-time study.

5. Do I need any prior experience before taking a certification course?

Answer: No, prior experience is not necessary before taking a certification course; however, having some prior knowledge may make the learning process easier and more efficient.