Top 11 Product Development Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a product development manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of expertise and knowledge about their field. They also provide credibility to employers, as having a certification is an indicator that the person has put in time and effort to increase their knowledge and skillset. Certifications can also give product development managers access to resources, such as industry-specific tools and software, that can help them do their job more efficiently. Additionally, certifications are often necessary for specific positions or industries, so having one may be required if an individual wants to apply for certain jobs.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Product Development Managers and explains how they can help to advance a product development manager's career.

What are Product Development Manager Certifications?

Product Development Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge of product development management. The certification equips professionals with the tools, skills, and strategies to effectively manage the entire product development process from conception to delivery. This includes product strategy, design, engineering, marketing, and operations.

The certification program covers topics such as project management, value creation, customer experience design, innovation management, and more. It also provides an in-depth understanding of how to identify customer needs and develop products that meet those needs. The program is designed to help managers lead teams through the development process while ensuring that all stakeholders understand the purpose behind each step.

By obtaining Product Development Manager Certification, individuals can gain valuable insights into best practices for product development and gain recognition in their field. It can also help managers stay up-to-date on new trends in product development and gain a competitive edge in the industry by having a comprehensive understanding of the entire process. With this certification, professionals are better equipped to take on larger projects with more complexity as well as lead teams through successful projects with higher levels of efficiency.

Pro Tip: When considering a product development manager certification, make sure that the program is accredited and provides hands-on training. This will ensure that you receive the best education and are adequately prepared to lead successful product development projects.

Related: What does a Product Development Manager do?

Top 11 Product Development Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Product Development Managers today.

1. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a certification program designed to help individuals understand the principles of Scrum and how to effectively apply them in their roles as product owners. The CSPO certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum.

The CSPO certification requires applicants to complete an online course and pass an exam. The course takes approximately 16 hours to complete and covers topics such as product backlogs, user stories, sprint planning, release management, and more. Once the course is completed, applicants must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CSPO certification varies depending on which package you purchase from the Scrum Alliance. The basic package costs $250 USD and includes access to the online course material and one attempt at passing the exam. Additional attempts at passing the exam cost $50 USD each.

Overall, obtaining your CSPO certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of Scrum principles and practices, as well as show potential employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date with industry best practices.

2. Certified Agile Product Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Product Manager (CAPM) is a certification program designed to help product managers, product owners, and other stakeholders understand and apply agile principles in their work. The CAPM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a global nonprofit organization that promotes the use of agile principles in software development.

The CAPM certification requires completion of an online course and passing an exam. The course covers topics such as agile project management, product backlogs, user stories, sprint planning, release planning, and more. It takes approximately 25 hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

In order to get certified as a CAPM, you must have at least three years of experience working on projects or in a related field. You must also be able to demonstrate knowledge of agile principles and practices. After completing the online course and passing the exam, you will receive your CAPM certificate from the Scrum Alliance.

The cost for becoming a Certified Agile Product Manager is $995 USD. This includes access to all training materials as well as the exam fee.

3. Certified Product Manager (CPM)

Certified Product Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to help product managers and product marketers better understand the fundamentals of product management. The CPM certification is offered by the Product Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of product management.

The CPM certification program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional, and Master. Each level requires the completion of an online assessment, which includes multiple choice questions and case studies. The assessments are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of product management concepts and best practices.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CPM certification program, depending on how much time you have available for studying. To get started, you will need to register for an account with PMI and pay a fee for each level of the certification program that you wish to pursue.

The cost for each level of the CPM certification program ranges from $99 - $499 USD, depending on which level you choose to pursue. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the online assessments or attending in-person workshops or seminars related to product management topics.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in project management. PMP certification is recognized globally as a standard of excellence for project management professionals.

The PMP certification process involves passing an exam that covers the five areas of project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in project management or a related field, along with 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official PMP certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and requires 60 professional development units (PDUs) to maintain over this period. You can earn PDUs through attending conferences or seminars related to project management topics or by taking online courses offered by PMI or other organizations.

5. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) is a certification program designed to teach professionals the skills and techniques needed to lead successful Lean Six Sigma projects. It is a comprehensive program that covers the entire Lean Six Sigma methodology, from basic problem-solving techniques to advanced data analysis methods.

The CLSSBB certification requires a minimum of four weeks of training and typically takes around six months to complete. The training includes lectures, workshops, case studies, and hands-on practice. During this time, participants learn about the principles of Lean Six Sigma, how to identify opportunities for improvement in processes, how to develop and implement solutions using the DMAIC process (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), and how to use statistical tools for data analysis.

To become certified as a CLSSBB, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as project management, process improvement tools and techniques, team dynamics, and data analysis methods.

The cost of becoming certified as a CLSSBB varies depending on the provider; however, it can range from $3,000 - $5,000 USD including course fees and exam fees.

6. SAFe® 4 Product Owner/Product Manager Certification

SAFe® 4 Product Owner/Product Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful product owners and product managers in an enterprise-level Agile environment. The certification is offered by Scaled Agile, Inc., the creators of SAFe.

The certification consists of a two-day course which covers topics such as product strategy, customer value, business analysis, portfolio management, product roadmaps, and more. To get certified, individuals must pass an online assessment after completing the course. The assessment consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for the two-day course plus the assessment fee (usually around $200 USD).

To get certified as a SAFe® 4 Product Owner/Product Manager, individuals must first attend a two-day training course offered by an authorized provider. After completing the course and passing the online assessment, they will receive their official certificate from Scaled Agile Inc.

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an internationally recognized entry-level certification for IT Service Management. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and how it can be used to improve the quality of IT services. The certification consists of a one-day exam that tests knowledge of the core concepts, processes, and terminology within the ITIL framework.

The exam typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass, candidates must score at least 65% on the exam.

To get certified, applicants must first register with an accredited training provider or take an online course. After completing their training, they can then book their exam through the same provider or through an approved examination institute such as PeopleCert or EXIN.

The cost of taking the ITIL Foundation Certification Exam varies depending on where you take it and which provider you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $250-$300 USD for most providers in North America.

8. Certified Professional in Product Management (CPPM)

Certified Professional in Product Management (CPPM) is a certification program offered by the Association of International Product Marketing and Management (AIPMM). The CPPM certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in product management. It is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to product management.

The CPPM program consists of three levels: Certified Associate Product Manager (CAPM), Certified Professional Product Manager (CPPM), and Certified Master Product Manager (CMPM). Each level requires the completion of an exam. The CAPM exam covers fundamental product management topics such as market analysis, product strategy, and project management. The CPPM exam covers more advanced topics such as product life cycle management, pricing strategy, and customer experience design. The CMPM exam focuses on executive-level topics such as portfolio management and organizational leadership.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CPPM program. To get certified at each level, you must pass the corresponding exam with a score of 70% or higher. You can prepare for the exams by attending AIPMM training courses or self-studying using AIPMM study materials.

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on your location and whether you are an AIPMM member or non-member. In general, it costs approximately $200-$400 per exam for members and $400-$600 per exam for non-members.

9. Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)

Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is an advanced certification offered by Scrum.org that recognizes individuals who have a deep understanding of the Scrum framework and its application to software development projects. The PSM I certification is based on the principles and practices of the Scrum framework, as outlined in the official Scrum Guide.

The PSM I certification requires passing an online assessment consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions. It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete the assessment, although you can take up to 120 minutes if needed. To be eligible for the PSM I certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience working with Scrum teams or projects.

The cost of taking the PSM I assessment is $150 USD. After passing the assessment, applicants will receive their official PSM I certificate from Scrum.org and will be listed on their website as a certified Professional Scrum Master.

10. Certified Software Product Management Professional (CSPMP)

Certified Software Product Management Professional (CSPMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of software product management professionals. The CSPMP certification is offered by the Software Product Management Association (SPMA), an international organization dedicated to promoting best practices in software product management.

The CSPMP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in software product management, including topics such as product strategy, product planning, market analysis, pricing strategies, customer segmentation, user experience design, project management, and more. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam that covers all aspects of software product management.

The exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

To prepare for the exam, applicants can take advantage of SPMA’s online study materials and practice exams which are available for purchase through their website. Additionally, there are various books available on software product management that can help provide additional guidance and insight into the material covered by the exam.

Once certified as a CSPMP professional, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in software product management and have access to exclusive resources provided by SPMA such as networking opportunities with other certified professionals and discounts on professional development courses.

11. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in applying Agile principles, practices, and tools to project management. The ACP certification requires a combination of training, experience, and examination.

The ACP certification process typically takes three to six months to complete. To become an ACP certified practitioner, you must first take an approved Agile training course and pass the exam. After completing the training course, you must then apply for the certification by submitting an application form and paying the applicable fees. Once your application has been approved, you will be eligible to take the PMI-ACP Exam.

The cost of becoming an ACP certified practitioner varies depending on the type of training course taken and other factors such as location and duration of the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$3,500 USD for all associated costs including exam fees.

Once you have successfully passed the PMI-ACP Exam, you will be awarded with your official Agile Certified Practitioner certificate from PMI which is valid for three years from date of issue.

Do You Really Need a Product Development Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and objectives. If you are looking to become a product development manager, then it is likely that a certificate in product development management would be beneficial for you. It will provide the necessary skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.

A certificate program in product development management teaches you how to create, design, develop, market, and manage products from conception through launch. You will learn about different types of products, how to optimize them for customer needs and wants, how to effectively communicate with stakeholders throughout the process, and how to assess the performance of a product in the market. You will also gain an understanding of project management principles and techniques as well as team collaboration processes.

Having a certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to learning and expertise in the field. It could also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions because employers may view it as evidence that you have taken initiative in furthering your education and preparing yourself for success. Additionally, many companies are now offering professional development programs specifically designed for product managers which may require certification or completion of related courses as part of their requirements.

In short, while having a product development manager certificate is not essential for success in this field, it may provide you with an advantage when competing for job opportunities or seeking advancement within your current company.

Related: Product Development Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Product Development Manager Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Product Development Managers?

Answer: Currently, there are a variety of certifications available for Product Development Managers, including Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Agile Product Manager (CAPM), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

2. How do I become a certified Product Development Manager?

Answer: To become a certified Product Development Manager, you must complete the appropriate certification program and pass the required exams. Depending on the certification, this may include attending classes or workshops, completing online courses, or passing a written exam.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a Product Development Manager?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the specific certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most certification programs require between 6 months and 1 year to complete all requirements and obtain your certification.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified Product Development Manager?

Answer: Yes, depending on the certification program you choose, there may be some prerequisites that must be met before beginning your certification process. This could include having prior work experience in product development or having completed certain educational qualifications related to the field of product development management.

5. What is the cost of becoming a certified Product Development Manager?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which certification program you choose and other factors such as location and additional course materials that may be needed for completion of the program. Generally speaking, most certifications will range from $500 - $2,000 USD depending on these factors.