Top 11 Program Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a program supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job. They also show potential employers that the individual is committed to professional development and has taken the initiative to learn important industry standards. Additionally, certifications can provide program supervisors with access to valuable networking opportunities, help them stay current on changes in their field, and give them an advantage when competing for jobs.

This article reviews the top certifications for Program Supervisors and explains how they can help advance a program supervisor's career.

What are Program Supervisor Certifications?

Program supervisor certification is a type of professional development program that teaches supervisors and managers the skills they need to successfully manage, supervise, and lead their employees. It focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage people, resources, processes, and projects. The program typically includes courses in topics such as communication, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, leadership styles, performance management, problem solving and decision making.

Program supervisor certification can help supervisors become more effective leaders by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their team. With this certification supervisors can learn how to create an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation within their organization. They can also learn how to develop strategies for dealing with difficult situations or personnel issues. Additionally, the program teaches supervisors how to evaluate employee performance, set goals for their team members, and provide feedback in a constructive manner. By having these skills supervisors will be better equipped to manage their teams more efficiently and productively.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a program supervisor certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for the specific certification you are interested in. Additionally, look into any continuing education requirements that may be necessary for maintaining the certification over time.

Related: What does a Program Supervisor do?

Top 11 Program Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Program Manager (CPM)

Certified Program Manager (CPM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in program management. It is designed for experienced professionals who are responsible for leading and managing complex projects, programs, and portfolios.

The CPM certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and requires applicants to pass an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. To qualify to take the CPM exam, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: hold a current PMP certification; have at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects; or have at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The cost of the CPM certification exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, the fee is $405 USD while members pay $295 USD. Once you have passed the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $60 USD to maintain your credential status as active.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP credential is highly sought after by employers, as it shows that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and practices.

In order to become certified as a PMP, one must meet certain educational and experience requirements. The educational requirements include having either a four-year degree or an equivalent combination of project management education and/or experience. Additionally, one must have at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam fee varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not; for non-members it costs $555 USD while members pay $405 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official PMP certificate from the PMI. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years and submit them to the PMI along with the renewal fee of $60 USD for members or $150 USD for non-members.

3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate successful Scrum projects. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization that promotes the use of Scrum in software development and other areas.

The CSM certification requires completion of a two-day course, which covers topics such as Scrum roles and responsibilities, product backlogs, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSM course varies depending on the provider; however, it typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 USD. The cost includes access to online learning materials, two days of instructor-led training with a certified trainer, and the online assessment fee.

In order to maintain their certification status, Certified Scrum Masters must renew their certification every two years by completing 16 hours of approved continuing education activities or attending a two-day recertification course. The cost for recertification is approximately $500 USD.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in Agile project management. The ACP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their understanding of Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques.

The ACP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as Agile principles and values, team dynamics, planning and estimation techniques, product delivery, quality assurance, and Agile leadership. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the ACP certification exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), seven thousand hours of project experience with at least four thousand hours in Agile projects over the past five years; or a four-year degree plus 4500 hours of project experience with at least two thousand hours in Agile projects over the past three years. In addition, applicants must have 21 contact hours of training in Agile methods.

The cost for the ACP exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $405-$495 USD. Once you pass the exam you will receive your official PMI-ACP certification which is valid for three years after which you will need to renew it by earning 30 professional development units (PDUs).

5. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices. The CAPM certification is an entry-level credential that validates a professional’s ability to work on projects of any size or complexity.

To become certified as a CAPM, you must complete the following steps:

1. Pass the CAPM exam: The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. You must score at least a 73% to pass the exam.

2. Meet the experience requirements: To qualify for the CAPM exam, you must have either 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of formal project management education completed within five years prior to taking the exam.

3. Submit an application: Once you have passed the exam and met the experience requirements, you can submit your application online through PMI's website. Your application will be reviewed by PMI and if approved, you will receive your official certification as a CAPM.

The cost for taking the CAPM exam is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of becoming certified as a CAPM includes both the cost of taking the exam and submitting your application to PMI ($225 or $300).

6. ITIL Program Manager Certification

ITIL Program Manager Certification is a certification program offered by the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) that provides IT professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage IT programs. The program focuses on key areas such as service delivery, risk management, project management, and change management.

The ITIL Program Manager Certification is divided into two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. To obtain the Foundation level certification, candidates must complete an online exam that covers topics such as service design, service transition, and service operations. This exam typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete. After passing the Foundation exam, candidates may then move onto the Practitioner level certification which requires completing a more in-depth training course. This course covers topics such as program planning and execution, stakeholder engagement, resource management, and governance. The Practitioner level certification typically takes around 4 days to complete depending on the provider offering it.

In order to obtain either of these certifications, candidates must first register with an accredited provider who will administer the exams or courses required for completion of each level of certification. There are numerous providers available both online and in person who offer these certifications; prices vary depending on the provider chosen but can range from $200-$1000 USD for each level of certification.

Overall, obtaining ITIL Program Manager Certification provides IT professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage IT programs from start to finish while also providing them with a valuable credential that can help them advance their career in this field.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required to lead and manage Six Sigma projects. It is an internationally recognized certification that is designed to demonstrate a person’s commitment to quality, process improvement, and customer satisfaction. The certification provides individuals with the tools necessary to identify problems, analyze data, and implement solutions in order to improve processes within their organization.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between three and six months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level and availability. The certification consists of two parts: an online course that covers the fundamentals of Six Sigma as well as a project-based assessment that tests an individual’s ability to apply the concepts learned in the course.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first pass both parts of the exam with a minimum score of 70%. After passing both parts of the exam, individuals will receive their official certificate from ASQ (American Society for Quality).

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt varies depending on the provider offering the certification program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for all materials associated with completing the program.

8. Certified Project Director (CPD)

Certified Project Director (CPD) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a high level of competency in the field of project management. It is designed for professionals who wish to demonstrate their expertise in the areas of project management, leadership, and strategic planning.

The CPD certification requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in project management and/or related fields, as well as a minimum of three years’ experience leading projects. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, closing, and professional responsibility.

It typically takes around six months to complete the CPD certification process. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework and pass the PMI exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application for certification along with proof of their experience and education.

The cost of obtaining CPD certification varies depending on the individual's background and whether or not they are already members of PMI. For non-members, it typically costs around $1,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with taking the exam. For members, it usually costs around $600 USD.

9. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help professionals understand and apply the tools, techniques, and principles of Lean Six Sigma to improve organizational performance. The certification requires a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the Lean Six Sigma approach, including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), project management, data analysis techniques, and process improvement tools.

The certification typically takes two to four months to complete depending on the individual’s background and experience. It is recommended that applicants have at least five years of experience in the field prior to applying for the certification.

In order to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, applicants 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, data analysis methods, and problem solving strategies. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply Lean Six Sigma principles in a real world setting through a series of case studies.

The cost for the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on which organization is providing it. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$2,500 for the course materials and exam fees.

10. Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that validates an individual's expertise in business analysis. It is designed to recognize a professional’s competency in the principles and practices of business analysis, including requirements management, planning and monitoring, enterprise analysis, requirements elicitation and communication, solution assessment and validation.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to prepare for the PMI-PBA exam. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility criteria which includes having a minimum of 7500 hours of experience in business analysis activities within the past 8 years or have a Bachelor's degree plus 3500 hours of experience in business analysis activities within the past 8 years. After meeting these criteria, you must then pass the PMI-PBA exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for taking the PMI-PBA exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. Additionally, there are also costs associated with study materials such as books or online courses.

11. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Project Management (MCSE: PM).

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Project Management is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to plan, manage, and deliver successful projects. The MCSE: PM certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in using Microsoft Project to manage projects from initiation through completion.

To obtain the MCSE: PM certification, candidates must pass two exams: Exam 70-348 and Exam 70-349. Exam 70-348 covers topics such as project planning, resource management, scheduling, cost control, communication management, risk management, and quality management. Exam 70-349 focuses on topics such as project implementation and closure; project integration; project scope; stakeholder engagement; collaboration tools; reporting; and project portfolio management.

The cost of the exams varies depending on the country in which they are taken. Generally speaking, the cost of each exam is around $150 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams at certain locations or for certain services such as proctoring or special accommodations.

It typically takes between 4 – 6 months to prepare for both exams and obtain the MCSE: PM certification. This timeline can vary depending on an individual’s experience level with Microsoft Project and other related technologies. To prepare for the exams, individuals should review available materials such as textbooks, online courses/tutorials, practice tests/exams, and hands-on experience with Microsoft Project software.

Do You Really Need a Program Supervisor Certificate?

Deciding whether or not to pursue a Program Supervisor Certificate is an individual decision. It depends on the career goals of the person in question, as well as their existing qualifications and experience. For those who are considering a career in program supervision, such as managing day-to-day operations of a program or organization, a certificate may be beneficial.

A Program Supervisor Certificate demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage programs. This certification can provide evidence of the holder’s expertise and experience in program supervision, which can be beneficial when applying for positions that require such qualifications. Additionally, having the certification may give an individual an edge over other applicants who do not have it.

The certificate also serves as proof that the holder has taken part in specialized training related to program supervision, which can be useful when looking for new job opportunities or promotions within an organization. Moreover, some employers may prefer to hire people with a Program Supervisor Certificate due to their increased knowledge and understanding of program management processes.

Ultimately, obtaining a Program Supervisor Certificate is a personal decision that should be made based on one’s own needs and goals. If someone feels they would benefit from having this additional qualification, then pursuing it could be worthwhile. However, if they are already qualified for positions in program supervision without it, then it might not make sense to spend time and money on obtaining one.

Related: Program Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Program Supervisor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a program supervisor?

Answer: Generally, program supervisors need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as education, social work, psychology, or public administration. In some states and organizations, additional certification may be required.

2. How do I get certified as a Program Supervisor?

Answer: The requirements for certification vary by state and organization. Generally, you will need to complete an accredited program in the field of your choice and pass an exam to become certified. You may also need to complete continuing education courses or other requirements in order to maintain your certification.

3. How long does Program Supervisor Certification last?

Answer: Certification is typically valid for two years after which it must be renewed by completing continuing education credits or passing an exam.

4. What types of jobs can I get with Program Supervisor Certification?

Answer: With Program Supervisor Certification, you can pursue many positions within the fields of education, social work, psychology, and public administration including roles such as school administrator, social services director, mental health counselor and more.

5. Is there any financial assistance available for Program Supervisor Certification?

Answer: Some states and organizations offer grants or scholarships to help cover the cost of certification programs and exams. Additionally, some employers may provide tuition reimbursement or other financial assistance for employees who are pursuing certification in their field of expertise.