Top 11 Program Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a program specialist in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field. Certifications can help to set a program specialist apart from other applicants and give them an advantage in the job market. Additionally, certifications can provide evidence that an individual has the necessary skills to successfully complete tasks or projects related to their specialization. Finally, certifications can give employers assurance that a program specialist is capable of meeting their expectations.

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

What are Program Specialist Certifications?

Program specialist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in designing, developing, and implementing successful programs. This certification is usually offered by professional organizations or universities and requires the completion of specific coursework, passing an examination, and meeting other requirements. Program specialists are responsible for understanding the needs of their organizations and developing programs that meet those needs effectively.

Program specialist certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise to potential employers or clients. It may also provide career advancement opportunities as it shows employers that the individual has the necessary skills to develop successful programs. Additionally, obtaining program specialist certification may make individuals more competitive in the job market since they will have a higher level of knowledge and experience than those without this credential. Finally, program specialist certification can also provide access to resources such as networking events and continuing education opportunities which can further enhance an individual’s skillset.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a program specialist certification, make sure to research the requirements and expectations of the certification and ensure that your experience aligns with them. This will help you maximize your chances of success in achieving the certification.

Related: What does a Program Specialist do?

Top 11 Program Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP)

Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing complex programs and projects. The CPMP credential is offered by the International Institute of Program Management (IIPM), which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in program management.

The CPMP certification program consists of a comprehensive training course and examination. The course covers topics such as project management fundamentals, risk management, quality assurance, budgeting and scheduling, communication skills, and leadership development. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass a written exam to become certified.

The CPMP certification program takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates can enroll in the course online or attend classes at IIPM's training centers located in various cities throughout the United States.

The cost of the CPMP certification program varies depending on the type of enrollment chosen. Online courses typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000 while classroom courses range from $2,500 to $3,000. In addition to these fees, there is also an examination fee of $250 for both online and classroom courses.

To become certified as a Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP), applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least five years of experience in managing complex programs or projects and passing the written exam with a score of 70% or higher.

2. Certified Program and Portfolio Manager (CPPM)

Certified Program and Portfolio Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification program designed to provide project managers, portfolio managers, and other professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage programs and portfolios of projects. The CPPM certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

To become certified as a CPPM, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by PMI. These requirements include having a minimum of five years of experience in program or portfolio management, holding a valid PMP certification from PMI, and completing 35 contact hours of education in program or portfolio management. Once these requirements are met, you can then apply for the CPPM exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States, it costs $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CPPM certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years after which time you must renew it by submitting proof of continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected certification in the field of project management.

The PMP certification requires applicants to have a certain amount of experience working on projects, as well as passing an exam. To be eligible, you must have at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, or a combination of 7,500 hours in leading and directing projects if you don't have a four-year degree. You also need 35 contact hours of project management education.

To get the PMP certification, you must first apply to take the exam through PMI's website. Once your application has been approved, you can register for an exam date and pay the fee. The cost varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI; members pay $405 while non-members pay $555.

The exam itself consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. After taking the exam, it typically takes about four weeks to receive your results. If you pass, you will receive your certificate in six to eight weeks after passing the exam.

4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program for individuals looking to gain knowledge and expertise in the field of Scrum, an agile framework used by software development teams and organizations. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a global organization dedicated to advancing the practice of Scrum.

The CSM certification requires completion of a two-day course that covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles, events, artifacts, and processes. During the course, participants will learn how to effectively use Scrum to manage complex projects and build high-performing teams. After successful completion of the course, participants will receive their CSM certification.

In order to become certified as a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you must attend an approved two-day training course and pass an online assessment with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the training varies depending on location and provider but can range from $500-$2000 USD.

Once you have completed your training and passed your assessment, you will be eligible for your CSM certification which includes access to various resources such as webinars, articles, and other materials related to Scrum. You will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles.

Overall, becoming a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is an excellent way to gain knowledge in this rapidly growing field and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

5. Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM)

Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that validates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of agile project management principles and practices. The CAPM certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to agile project management and their ability to apply agile principles in their work.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CAPM exam, depending on how much time you have available and how quickly you can learn the material. To get certified, individuals must first complete a minimum of 23 hours of project management education, then pass a 3-hour multiple choice exam.

The cost for the CAPM certification varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it costs $225 USD for PMI members and $300 USD for non-members. The cost includes access to online resources such as practice exams and study guides, as well as the exam fee itself.

6. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the body of knowledge related to the implementation and management of Six Sigma projects.

The CSSBB certification requires a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma methodology, including process improvement, project management, data analysis, and problem solving. The certification also requires passing an exam administered by ASQ.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Six Sigma principles and tools, process improvement techniques, project management, and statistical analysis. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all areas in order to pass the exam.

The cost for taking the CSSBB exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost around $400 to take the exam at an ASQ testing center. Additionally, there are other costs associated with studying for and obtaining the certification such as study materials and membership fees.

In total, it typically takes between six months to a year to complete all requirements needed to become a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

7. ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

The ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive overview of the ITIL framework. It covers the five core disciplines of IT service management, including service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations and continual service improvement. The certificate is designed to give individuals a better understanding of how to effectively manage services within an organization.

The ITIL Foundation Certificate typically takes two days to complete and can be taken either in person or online. To get the certificate, you must pass an exam with a score of at least 65%. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 60 minutes.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it. In some countries, the cost may be included in your course fee; however, in other countries you may have to pay for it separately. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200 - $250 USD per person.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Applications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Applications is a certification that validates the skills of IT professionals in building, deploying, and managing business applications with Microsoft technologies. It is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in using Microsoft products and services to build, deploy, and manage solutions for businesses.

The MCSE: Business Applications certification requires candidates to pass two exams: Exam 70-778: Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI; and Exam 70-779: Analyzing Data with Microsoft Excel. To earn the certification, candidates must have at least one year of experience working with Power BI or Excel.

It typically takes three months or more to prepare for these exams depending on your level of knowledge. There are many online resources available to help you prepare for the exams including practice tests, study guides, tutorials, and webinars. You can also attend instructor-led training courses offered by Microsoft or its partners to gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to pass the exams.

The cost of the MCSE: Business Applications certification depends on which exam you choose to take first. The cost for Exam 70-778 is $165 USD while the cost for Exam 70-779 is $150 USD. You may also need to purchase additional study materials such as practice tests or books which could add up to several hundred dollars more depending on your needs.

9. Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management Certification

Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management (EPPM) Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the use of Oracle Primavera P6 EPPM software. This certification is intended for individuals who are responsible for managing projects, portfolios, and resources using Oracle Primavera P6 EPPM.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on lab exam. The online exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of project management, resource management, scheduling, budgeting, reporting and analytics. The hands-on lab exam requires you to demonstrate your proficiency in the use of Oracle Primavera P6 EPPM software.

The entire certification process typically takes around three months to complete. You can begin by registering for the online exam on the Oracle website. Once you have successfully completed the online exam, you will be eligible to register for the hands-on lab exam.

The cost of Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management Certification varies depending on where you take the exams and whether or not you purchase any additional training materials or services from Oracle. Generally speaking, expect to pay at least $500 USD for both exams plus any additional fees associated with taking them at an official testing center.

10. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is an entry-level certification designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals who are involved in project management. It is designed for business professionals who coordinate or manage small-to-medium sized projects, and it covers the entire project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support, and closure.

It typically takes about 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. The passing score is 750 out of 900 points.

To get CompTIA Project+ certified, you will need to pass the CompTIA Project+ exam. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide or online via a proctored environment.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on your location but typically costs around $300 USD.

11. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a widely-used project management methodology that provides structure and control to projects. It is based on seven principles, seven themes, and seven processes. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications are designed to ensure that professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the PRINCE2 methodology effectively in their own projects.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is the entry-level certification for those who want to learn the basics of the PRINCE2 methodology. This certification requires passing an exam with a minimum score of 50%. The exam takes approximately two hours and covers topics such as understanding the principles, themes, processes, roles, and responsibilities associated with PRINCE2.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is designed for those who want to demonstrate their ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology in real-world scenarios. This certification requires passing an exam with a minimum score of 55%. The exam takes approximately three hours and covers topics such as tailoring PRINCE2 for different projects, managing risks and quality issues, monitoring progress, and closing a project successfully.

In order to get either of these certifications, you must attend an accredited training course or use self-study materials provided by AXELOS (the organization responsible for maintaining the PRINCE2 standard). After completing your training or self-study program, you can register for an online or paper-based exam at a testing center near you.

The cost of getting either of these certifications varies depending on where you take your training course or purchase your self-study materials from. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD depending on how much preparation you need before taking the exams.

Do You Really Need a Program Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and aspirations. If you are looking to advance in a specific field, then a Program Specialist Certificate may be beneficial. A program specialist certificate can provide you with in-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of program management, as well as improve your skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs. This specialized training can also help you gain valuable experience working with organizations or businesses that specialize in program development and management.

In addition to providing you with more advanced knowledge and skills, a Program Specialist Certificate may also increase your job prospects. Many employers look for candidates who have specialized training or certifications when hiring for positions related to program development and management. Having a Program Specialist Certificate may make you stand out from other applicants when applying for such jobs.

Having said that, it is important to note that whether or not you need a Program Specialist Certificate will depend on the type of position you are aiming for. If the job does not require this particular certification, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue one. It is also worth noting that some jobs might require prior experience instead of formal education or certifications. Therefore, it is best to research the job requirements before making any decisions about pursuing a certificate in order to ensure that it is the right fit for your needs and career goals.

Related: Program Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Program Specialist Certifications

1. What are the requirements for Program Specialist Certification?

Answer: The requirements for Program Specialist Certification vary depending on the specific certification program. Generally, most certifications require a bachelor's degree in a related field, relevant work experience, and successful completion of an exam.

2. How long is the Program Specialist Certification valid?

Answer: The length of validity for Program Specialist Certifications typically varies by program, but can range from two to five years depending on the organization offering the certification.

3. How much does it cost to become certified as a Program Specialist?

Answer: The cost of obtaining Program Specialist Certification varies depending on the type of certification and organization offering it, but generally ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Program Specialist Certification?

Answer: Yes, many organizations offering certifications require you to complete continuing education credits or other activities in order to maintain your certification status.

5. Are there any online resources available to help me prepare for my Program Specialist Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, there are many online resources available that can help you prepare for your Program Specialist Certification exam, such as practice exams and study guides.