Top 11 Program Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for program managers in the job market because they provide evidence that a candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the role. Certifications demonstrate expertise and dedication to the profession, as well as commitment to ongoing professional development. They also provide employers with assurance that a potential employee is qualified and capable of managing various aspects of a project. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities by showing employers that you have the credentials needed to take on more complex roles, making you more desirable than other applicants who lack certification.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Program Managers and explains how they can help to advance a program manager's career.

What are Program Manager Certifications?

Program Manager Certification is a type of professional certification for individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively manage large-scale projects. This certification is offered by many professional organizations, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), and can be used to demonstrate an individual’s competency in managing complex projects.

This certification can help individuals seeking employment in program management roles by providing them with a recognized credential that demonstrates their expertise. It can also be used to advance existing careers by providing individuals with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to continuing professional development. Additionally, it can help employers assess the qualifications of potential employees and identify those who are qualified for specific program management roles.

The Program Manager Certification exam covers topics related to project planning, execution, monitoring and control, risk management, communication management and other areas of project management. Those who pass the exam receive a PMP credential from PMI. This credential serves as proof of an individual’s proficiency in program management and provides employers with assurance that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills for success in program management roles.

Pro tip: When considering program manager certification, make sure to research the program's accreditation and its requirements. This will ensure you are receiving a quality education and will be able to use the certification for professional development. Additionally, look for certifications that have an emphasis on practical skills, so you can apply what you learn directly in the workplace.

Related: What does a Program Manager do?

Top 11 Program Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of project management principles and practices. The CAPM certification provides assurance to employers that certified individuals possess the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage projects.

The CAPM certification requires passing an exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of formal project management education prior to taking the exam.

To obtain the CAPM certification, applicants must first register with PMI and pay the associated fees. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members, it costs $225 USD while for non-members it costs $300 USD. After registering and paying the fees, applicants can then schedule their exams through Prometric Testing Centers located around the world. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official CAPM certificate from PMI.

2. PMP® – Project Management Professional

PMP® (Project Management Professional) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after certifications for project managers, as it demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skill in the field.

The PMP® certification requires applicants to have a certain amount of experience managing projects, as well as passing an exam. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus at least 5 years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects; OR a four-year degree plus at least 3 years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.

Once qualified to take the exam, applicants must register with PMI and pay the associated fees. The current cost to take the exam is $555 USD for PMI members, and $405 USD for non-members. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

The PMP® certification is valid for three years from the date it was awarded. To maintain their certification, PMPs 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 taking online courses related to project management topics.

3. PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner

PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based project management methodology that provides structure and control for managing projects of any size or complexity. It is used by organizations around the world to ensure successful delivery of projects.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner qualifications are designed to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to apply and tailor the PRINCE2 methodology within a project environment. The Foundation qualification is aimed at those who need an understanding of the PRINCE2 principles, terminology and processes, while the Practitioner qualification focuses on how to apply and tailor the method in different scenarios.

The PRINCE2 Foundation exam typically takes two hours to complete, while the Practitioner exam lasts three hours. Both exams are closed book, meaning candidates must rely on their own knowledge rather than reference material during the assessment.

In order to gain either certification, candidates must attend an accredited training course with an approved training provider. The cost of these courses varies depending on location and duration but typically range from £500 - £1,500 (GBP).

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s expertise in using agile practices in their projects. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience of Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques.

It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. During this time, individuals should focus on studying the topics covered in the exam such as Agile values and principles, Agile project management processes and tools, Agile estimation techniques, and Agile team dynamics. Individuals can also take online courses or attend classroom training to help them prepare for the exam.

To get certified as a PMI-ACP, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least 21 contact hours of formal education related to agile methods within the past two years prior to applying for the exam. Additionally, individuals must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of general project experience over the past five years prior to applying for the exam and 2,000 hours of agile project experience within those five years.

The cost of taking the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on where you are located but typically ranges between $435-$495 USD.

5. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in project management. It is designed to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles of project management, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, quality assurance and resource allocation.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study to prepare for the exam. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working in a project environment and be familiar with project management concepts and processes.

To get CompTIA Project+, candidates must pass the CompTIA Project+ (PK0-004) exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. The cost of the exam is $329 USD.

The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website. Candidates must register for the exam in advance and pay the fee before they can take it. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certification from CompTIA.

6. Microsoft Project Certification (MCP)

Microsoft Project Certification (MCP) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates an individual’s technical expertise and experience in using Microsoft Project. The MCP certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Project and its associated technologies, including project management principles, project scheduling techniques, resource management, and reporting.

To obtain the MCP certification, you must pass one or more exams related to the specific version of Microsoft Project you are using. The exams cover topics such as project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting, tracking progress, and reporting results. Depending on your level of experience with Microsoft Project, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to prepare for the exam(s).

You can register for the MCP exam online through the Microsoft Learning portal. You will need to pay an exam fee which varies depending on your location and the version of Microsoft Project you are taking the exam for. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $100-$200 USD per exam.

Once you have passed all required exams for your chosen version of Microsoft Project, you will receive an official MCP certificate from Microsoft recognizing your accomplishment. This certificate is valid for two years and can be used as proof of your knowledge when applying for jobs or promotions within project management roles.

7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt:

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead Lean Six Sigma projects. The program focuses on teaching problem-solving, process improvement, and data analysis techniques that can be used to improve business processes. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt typically has a basic understanding of the principles of Lean and Six Sigma, as well as experience with project management. The certification is most commonly awarded after completing a course or series of courses in Lean Six Sigma, which generally takes around two weeks to complete.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ (American Society for Quality) or IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification). The cost of the exam varies depending on the organization administering it, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Black Belt:

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a higher level certification program designed for individuals who have already achieved their Green Belt certification and are looking to further their knowledge and expertise in process improvement and data analysis techniques. The program focuses on teaching advanced problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis, design of experiments (DOE), failure mode effects analysis (FMEA), and statistical process control (SPC). A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt typically has extensive experience leading projects using Lean and/or Six Sigma tools.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. This certification requires more time and effort than the Green Belt certification; typically it takes six months or more to complete all requirements for the Black Belt certification. The cost of the exam varies depending on the organization administering it, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

8. ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

The ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management is a globally recognized qualification that provides an understanding of the key concepts, processes, and terminology used in the ITIL service lifecycle. It is designed to introduce individuals to the core principles of IT service management and provide them with the knowledge needed to support organizations in their adoption and improvement of IT services.

The course typically takes between two and three days to complete, depending on the format chosen. The most common format is classroom-based training, but there are also online courses available. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from £500-£1000.

To get certified, you must pass a 60-minute multiple choice exam at the end of your course. You must score at least 65% to pass. The exam fee is usually included in the cost of your course.

9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program created by the Scrum Alliance to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a working knowledge of Scrum principles and practices. The CSM certification is designed for professionals who work in an Agile environment, such as software developers, project managers, product owners, and other stakeholders.

The CSM certification requires successful completion of a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The course covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including the roles and responsibilities of each team member, how to plan and manage sprints, and how to use metrics to measure success. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an online exam to earn their CSM certification.

The cost of the CSM course varies depending on the instructor and location. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000–$1,500 USD per person for the two-day course plus exam fee.

In order to maintain your CSM certification you must renew it every two years by taking a refresher course or completing continuing education activities.

10. Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II)

Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) is an advanced certification offered by Scrum.org, the official Scrum certifying body. It is designed to provide professionals with a deeper understanding of the Scrum framework and how to use it effectively in their organization. The PSM II certification requires a minimum of two years of experience working with Scrum and at least one year of experience as a Professional Scrum Master.

The PSM II exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To pass the exam, you must score 85% or higher. The cost for the exam is $500 USD.

To prepare for the exam, you should have a good understanding of all aspects of the Scrum framework, including roles, artifacts, ceremonies, and rules. You should also be familiar with Agile principles and practices such as Lean and Kanban. Additionally, you should have experience leading teams through successful product delivery using Scrum methodology.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your Professional Scrum Master II certification from Scrum.org which is valid for two years from the date of passing. After two years, you will need to recertify by taking another PSM II exam or by completing continuing education activities related to professional development in Agile/Scrum topics.

11. SAFe Program Consultant (SPC4)

SAFe Program Consultant (SPC4) is a certification program for professionals who are looking to become experts in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This certification is designed to help professionals become knowledgeable and experienced in leading SAFe implementations.

The SPC4 certification requires that candidates have at least three years of experience in software development, project management, or product management. The course consists of two days of classroom training and an online exam. The course covers topics such as understanding the principles and practices of SAFe, creating an implementation roadmap, and leading a Lean-Agile transformation.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the SPC4 certification process. Candidates must attend two days of classroom training, complete an online exam, and submit their application materials. After completing these steps, they will receive their SPC4 certificate.

The cost for the SPC4 certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Program Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no. Although a program manager certificate may be beneficial in certain situations, it is not absolutely necessary to become a successful program manager. The most important factor when it comes to becoming a successful program manager is having the right skills and knowledge. This includes being able to effectively manage people and resources, as well as understanding the project management process and how to use it to complete projects on time and within budget.

However, depending on your industry or organization, having a program manager certificate can open up additional opportunities for career advancement and recognition. It can also serve as proof that you have taken the necessary steps to become an effective leader in your field of expertise. Additionally, having a certificate may make you more attractive to employers who are looking for qualified candidates with proven experience in project management.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary for you to have a program manager certificate in order to be successful at managing projects, having one can certainly give you an edge over other applicants vying for the same job or promotion. Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a certification is right for you will depend on your individual goals and circumstances.

Related: Program Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Program Manager Certifications

1. What is a Program Manager Certification?

A Program Manager Certification is an educational credential that demonstrates the holder's knowledge and expertise in program management. It is designed to help individuals become more effective and efficient managers of programs, projects, and teams.

2. Is a Program Manager Certification worth it?

Yes, a Program Manager Certification can be very beneficial for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field of program management. It can also provide job seekers with an edge over other applicants.

3. How long does it take to get a Program Manager Certification?

The amount of time it takes to obtain a Program Manager Certification depends on the particular certification program you choose. Generally, most programs require between six months to one year of study and preparation before taking the final exam.

4. How much does it cost to get a Program Manager Certification?

The cost of obtaining a Program Manager Certification varies depending on the certification program you choose. Generally, most certification programs charge between $500-$2000 for tuition and materials fees, as well as any applicable test fees or registration fees required by the certification organization.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting a Program Manager Certification?

Most certification programs require that applicants have some prior experience in program management or related fields such as project management or business analysis before they are eligible to take the final exam for the certification program.