Top 11 Master Scheduler Certifications

Certifications are important for master schedulers in the job market because they demonstrate a mastery of the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage a project schedule. Certified master schedulers are seen as more qualified and better able to handle complex scheduling tasks. Additionally, certifications can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs, as they show potential employers that the applicant has taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Master Schedulers and explain how they can enhance a master scheduler's career.

What are Master Scheduler Certifications?

Master Scheduler Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully manage complex and challenging projects. This certification provides an opportunity for professionals to demonstrate their proficiency in project scheduling, resource management, risk management, cost estimating, and project control.

The Master Scheduler Certification can help professionals in a variety of ways. It provides recognition of an individual’s expertise in managing complex projects. It also helps employers identify qualified candidates for positions that require advanced scheduling skills. Additionally, it encourages continual learning and development of existing skills while providing a sense of accomplishment. Finally, it can be used as a tool to separate yourself from other job seekers when applying for positions that require higher levels of skill and knowledge in the field of project scheduling.

Pro Tip: When considering a master scheduler certification, make sure to research the program and its requirements thoroughly. Look for programs that have accreditation from a recognized organization, as this will ensure that you are receiving the best quality education possible. Additionally, make sure to understand what type of continuing education is required in order to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Master Scheduler do?

Top 11 Master Scheduler Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Master Schedulers today.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected credential in the field of project management. The PMP certification demonstrates a mastery of project management principles, knowledge, and techniques.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time, you should be studying the PMBOK Guide and taking practice exams to become familiar with the exam content. You should also be gaining experience in leading projects and applying project management principles in your workplace.

In order to get your PMP certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by PMI. These include having a minimum of three years of professional project management experience and 4500 hours leading projects as well as 35 hours of formal education in project management topics.

The cost for taking the PMP exam is $555 for members of PMI and $405 for non-members. This cost includes both an application fee and an exam fee. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with study materials or training courses that you may choose to take in preparation for the exam.

2. Certified Scheduling Technician (CST)

Certified Scheduling Technician (CST) is a professional certification offered by the American Association of Professional Schedulers (AAPS). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in project scheduling and earned the right to be called a Certified Scheduling Technician.

To obtain the CST certification, applicants must complete an online application and submit their resume, two letters of recommendation, and proof of at least two years of experience in project scheduling. Upon successful completion of the application process, applicants must pass a comprehensive written exam covering topics such as project management principles, scheduling software applications, cost estimating techniques, resource allocation strategies, and risk management principles. The exam typically takes four hours to complete and costs $300.

Once certified, CSTs are expected to adhere to AAPS’ Code of Ethics for Professional Schedulers and maintain their knowledge through continuing education activities. The certification is valid for three years and may be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits or passing an updated version of the written exam.

3. Microsoft Project Master Certification

Microsoft Project Master Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to manage projects effectively using Microsoft Project. The certification is offered by Microsoft and administered through Certiport, an authorized testing center.

The certification consists of two exams: Microsoft Project 2016 Core and Microsoft Project 2016 Expert. Both exams must be passed in order to become certified as a Microsoft Project Master.

The Core exam covers topics such as project management fundamentals, planning and scheduling projects, tracking progress, managing resources, and reporting results. The Expert exam focuses on more advanced topics such as creating custom views and reports, automating tasks with macros, linking multiple projects together, and sharing project information with stakeholders.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to complete both exams depending on the individual's experience level with Microsoft Project. To get started, individuals should review the exam objectives for each test and take practice tests to assess their current knowledge level. Once they are ready to take the exams they can register at Certiport's website or contact a local testing center for assistance.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on location but typically ranges from $125-$200 per exam. Individuals may also purchase study guides or online training courses to help them prepare for the tests which can add additional costs.

4. Project Scheduling Professional (PSP)

Project Scheduling Professional (PSP) is a certification program created by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in project scheduling. The PSP certification focuses on the principles, techniques, and tools used to develop and maintain project schedules. It is designed for experienced project schedulers who are responsible for creating, maintaining, and controlling project schedules.

The PSP certification requires applicants to have at least 3 years of professional experience in project scheduling or 5 years of professional experience in any combination of project management, project scheduling, or related fields. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as concepts of project scheduling; schedule development; schedule control; resource management; risk management; cost estimating; earned value management; and quality assurance.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the PSP exam. During this time, it is recommended that applicants review relevant materials from PMI’s website as well as take practice tests to become familiar with the format of the exam. Applicants can also attend PMI-approved training courses or receive mentorship from experienced PSPs to gain additional knowledge and experience in the field.

The cost of obtaining a PSP certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. The cost of taking the exam alone is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. However, if you choose to take a PMI-approved training course or receive mentorship from an experienced PSP, then additional fees may apply.

5. Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management (P6 EPPM) is a comprehensive, cloud-based project portfolio management solution that enables organizations to manage their projects and resources more efficiently. It provides users with the ability to plan, execute, and track projects of all sizes and complexity.

P6 EPPM includes features such as resource management, earned value analysis, project scheduling, cost tracking, risk management, document control, collaboration tools, and reporting capabilities. It also integrates with other Oracle products such as Oracle Cloud Applications and Oracle E-Business Suite.

It typically takes about two weeks to get up and running with P6 EPPM. Once you have purchased the software license from Oracle or an authorized reseller, you will need to install the software on your server or in the cloud. After installation is complete, you will need to configure the system according to your organization’s needs. This may include setting up user accounts and permissions as well as customizing fields and reports.

The cost of P6 EPPM depends on the number of users who will be accessing the system. Prices start at around $5 per user per month for up to 10 users and increase from there depending on usage requirements. Additional costs may also apply for implementation services or additional training.

6. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is an entry-level certification for project managers and is designed to demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of project management. The CAPM certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing projects.

The exam takes three hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 contact hours of formal education in project management.

The cost for taking the CAPM exam is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost includes one attempt at the exam and access to online study materials.

In order to maintain your certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs can be earned through activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to project management or participating in online courses related to the field.

7. 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 experience with agile project management practices. The PMI-ACP credential is designed to help project managers demonstrate their ability to use agile principles, tools, and techniques in their projects.

To be eligible for the PMI-ACP certification, applicants must have at least 21 contact hours of training in agile practices, 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last five years, and 8 months of agile project experience within the last three years.

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. The cost for the exam is $435 for members of PMI and $495 for nonmembers.

To prepare for the exam, applicants can take an official PMI-approved course or study independently using materials such as books, articles, blogs, videos, and other resources. Additionally, there are several online practice tests available to help applicants gauge their readiness before taking the actual exam.

8. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills and knowledge of project managers. It is designed to recognize the ability to create, manage, and deliver projects on time and within budget. The certification covers key project management concepts such as planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, communication, quality assurance, and more.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours of study time to complete the exam preparation process for CompTIA Project+. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score of 750 out of 900 points.

To get CompTIA Project+ certified, you must first register for the exam at Pearson VUE website or call their customer service team at 1-877-551-PLUS (7587). You can also purchase an online training course from CompTIA or another third party provider. After completing all the necessary steps, you will be able to take the exam at any authorized testing center in your area.

The cost for taking the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $320 USD for U.S.-based test takers and $250 USD for international test takers.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide an understanding of the core concepts and processes of IT service management, as well as how they can be used to improve service quality.

The certification is divided into two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. To obtain the Foundation level certification, individuals must pass a 60-minute, 40-question multiple-choice exam. This exam covers topics such as service strategy, design, transition, operation and continual service improvement. The exam can be taken in either a classroom or online setting.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes between four and six weeks to complete depending on the chosen study method. The cost of the course will vary depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500 to $1,500 USD. There are also many free resources available online for those looking to self-study for their certification.

Once certified, individuals will have a better understanding of how to successfully manage IT services within their organization and will be able to apply best practices when it comes to designing and implementing new services or improving existing ones.

10. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance. The CSM certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective ScrumMaster. A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the principles, practices, and tools of the Agile methodology known as Scrum.

The CSM certification process typically takes two days and involves attending a Certified ScrumMaster training course. During this course, participants will learn about the principles and values of Scrum, how to apply them in their organization, and how to lead teams using the framework. After completing the training, participants must pass an online assessment that tests their understanding of Scrum concepts.

In order to obtain a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification, individuals must have completed a minimum of 16 hours of instruction from an accredited instructor or provider. The cost of obtaining a CSM certification varies depending on which provider you choose; however, it typically costs between $500-$1,000 USD for both the training and assessment fees.

11. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The program is designed to help professionals improve their performance and increase their value to employers.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Program typically takes between two and four months to complete, depending on the individual's background and experience with the Six Sigma methodology. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, data analysis, process improvement, design of experiments, and more.

To get certified, individuals must first obtain a copy of the official ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge (BoK). This book provides detailed information about the topics covered by the exam. After studying this material, individuals can register for an online or in-person training course offered by an accredited provider. These courses provide hands-on instruction in applying the Six Sigma methodology to real-world problems. Upon successful completion of the course, participants can take the certification exam.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on factors such as the type of training chosen and whether or not study materials are purchased separately. Generally speaking, most programs range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Master Scheduler Certificate?

The answer to whether or not you need a Master Scheduler Certificate depends on your individual circumstances. If you are looking to gain a competitive edge in the job market, then a Master Scheduler Certificate can be an invaluable asset. The certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage complex scheduling projects and tasks. Additionally, having the certification can open up doors for higher-level positions, such as supervisor or director of scheduling.

For those already working in the field of scheduling, obtaining a Master Scheduler Certificate can provide evidence of their expertise and experience in this area. It also shows employers that they have taken the time and effort to become an expert in their craft. Furthermore, it gives them an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and professional development.

Finally, if you are considering entering into the field of scheduling but don’t yet have any experience or qualifications, then obtaining a Master Scheduler Certificate could be a great way to get your foot in the door. The credential provides employers with tangible evidence that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge needed for success in this field. Plus, it serves as proof that you are serious about pursuing a career as a scheduler.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Master Scheduler Certificate is ultimately up to you and your career goals. However, regardless of your current level of experience or qualifications, having this certification may prove beneficial when applying for jobs or advancing within the field of scheduling.

Related: Master Scheduler Resume Examples

FAQs About Master Scheduler Certifications

1. What is the purpose of a Master Scheduler Certification?

Answer: A Master Scheduler Certification is designed to provide individuals with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques used in effective scheduling and project management. It provides certification holders with the skills necessary to better manage projects and deadlines, as well as improve overall organizational performance.

2. What type of jobs require a Master Scheduler Certification?

Answer: Many different types of jobs may require a Master Scheduler Certification, including project managers, schedulers, planners, operations managers, production supervisors and more. The certification can also be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their careers in project management or related fields.

3. How long does it take to earn a Master Scheduler Certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, it takes about four months to complete all requirements for a Master Scheduler Certification. This includes completing courses and exams related to scheduling principles and practices, as well as gaining hands-on experience in the field.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Master Scheduler Certification?

Answer: In order to obtain a Master Scheduler Certification, applicants must possess at least two years of professional experience in planning or scheduling activities within an organization’s framework. They must also demonstrate proficiency in software programs that are commonly used in scheduling such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 Professional Project Management Software Suite (PPM).

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the certification exam?

Answer: Yes, applicants must have completed a minimum number of hours studying topics related to scheduling principles and practices prior to taking the exam. Additionally, applicants must have successfully completed an approved course from either The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or The International Association for Planning Professionals (IAPP).