Top 10 Project Administrator Certifications

Certifications for a project administrator can be beneficial in the job market as they demonstrate an individual's knowledge and expertise in their field. By obtaining certifications, project administrators can showcase their specialized skill set and prove that they have the necessary qualifications to handle the challenges of a project management role. Certifications also provide validation to employers that a project administrator has the necessary skills and experience to take on more complex tasks, which can give them an edge over competitors when applying for jobs. Furthermore, certifications often come with additional benefits such as access to industry networks and resources, making them invaluable tools for any project administrator looking to build their career.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of popular certifications for Project Administrators and their potential benefits to a project administrator's career.

What are Project Administrator Certifications?

Project administrator certification is a type of professional qualification that demonstrates a person's knowledge and competence in the field of project management. It is usually awarded by professional organizations or universities after completion of a course or exam. This certification can be extremely beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career in project management, as it provides evidence that they understand the fundamentals of project management and possess the necessary skills needed to successfully manage projects. Having this certification can open up more job opportunities, give access to higher salaries and allow individuals to become more competitive in their chosen field. Furthermore, having this certification shows employers that an individual has taken the initiative to learn and develop their skills in project management, which can be highly advantageous when applying for certain positions.

Pro Tip: When pursuing project administrator certification, make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest industry trends and best practices. This will ensure that you stay up-to-date with the most current information and technologies available, helping you to become a more valuable asset to your organization.

Related: What does a Project Administrator do?

Top 10 Project Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Project Administrators today.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, experience, and proficiency in the field of project management. The PMP credential is highly sought after by employers and can open up many career opportunities.

The certification process typically takes three to six months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience over the past eight years and 35 hours of formal education in project management. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing projects.

The cost of the PMP Certification Exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members it costs $555 USD while members pay $405 USD. Additionally there are other fees associated with the application process that can add up to several hundred dollars more.

Overall obtaining your PMP Certification can be a lengthy and costly process but it is well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of project management principles and processes. The CAPM certification is ideal for those who are new to project management or are looking to take their career in this field to the next level.

It typically takes around three months to complete the requirements for the CAPM certification. To get certified, individuals must first pass a 3-hour exam that covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, closing, and professional responsibility. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum score of 61% to pass.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least 23 hours of formal project management education or 1,500 hours of experience leading projects over the past 5 years. Those with less than 23 hours of formal education can still qualify if they have worked on at least 15 different projects over the past 5 years.

The cost of obtaining the CAPM certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, it costs $300 USD while members pay $225 USD. In both cases, there is an additional fee for taking the exam ($150 USD for non-members and $125 USD for members).

3. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a globally-recognized project management methodology used in many industries. It is owned by AXELOS, and is based on three core principles: continued business justification, learn from experience, and defined roles and responsibilities.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage projects using the PRINCE2 methodology. The certification consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner.

The Foundation level provides an introduction to the PRINCE2 methodology, including its principles, processes, themes, techniques, roles, and responsibilities. It also covers how to apply the methodology in different contexts. This level can be completed in one day or less.

The Practitioner level builds upon the knowledge gained at the Foundation level by providing more detailed information on how to use PRINCE2 in a practical setting. It includes topics such as tailoring PRINCE2 for specific projects, applying it in different environments, and understanding how it fits into other project management frameworks. This level typically takes two days or more to complete.

To get certified at either level of the PRINCE2 certification program you must pass an exam administered by AXELOS or one of their accredited training organizations (ATOs). The exams are multiple choice with a pass mark of 55%.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take your exam and which ATO you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $400 USD for self-study materials up to $1,500 USD for classroom-based courses with an ATO.

4. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification that validates the skills of project managers and other professionals who are responsible for managing projects. The certification is designed to ensure that project managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully plan, execute, and manage projects from start to finish.

The CompTIA Project+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, you must have at least one year of experience in a project management role or hold another CompTIA certification.

To get your CompTIA Project+ certification, you must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam is $320 USD. Once you have registered for the exam, you will need to study for it using materials provided by CompTIA or third-party vendors. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within two weeks.

5. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the Agile methodology. This certification is designed to help project managers and other professionals in the field of agile development to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in using the Agile approach.

The ACP certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Agile principles, values, and processes; Agile project management; and Agile tools and techniques. The exam must be taken within a three-hour window and can be taken at any PMI-approved testing center worldwide. The cost of taking the exam varies by region but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including having a minimum of 21 contact hours of formal education or training in agile practices, have at least 1,500 hours of general project experience in the past five years, and have 8 months of experience working on an agile team or project within the past three years.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam online through PMI’s website. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their ACP certification which is valid for three years. During this time, they must maintain a minimum number of professional development units (PDUs) to remain certified.

6. Microsoft Project 2013 Certification

Microsoft Project 2013 Certification is a professional certification program that verifies an individual's expertise in using Microsoft Project 2013, a project management software. The certification tests an individual’s understanding of the features and functions of the software and their ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam 70-343 and Exam 70-344. Exam 70-343 focuses on managing projects with Microsoft Project 2013, while Exam 70-344 covers advanced topics such as resource management and reporting. Candidates must pass both exams in order to earn the certification.

The exams typically take between 90 minutes and 2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the questions. Candidates can register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam is $150 USD.

Once candidates have passed both exams, they will receive their official Microsoft Project 2013 Certification from Microsoft Learning. This certification is valid for three years, after which time it must be renewed by taking a refresher course or taking additional exams related to the software.

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 understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the best practices for managing IT services and processes. The certificate focuses on the core principles, processes, and functions of service management.

The ITIL Foundation Certificate typically takes around two to three days to complete. The course is usually offered as an instructor-led classroom session or online through a virtual platform. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

In order to obtain the certificate, candidates must pass an exam at the end of the course. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum score of 65% in order to pass. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management from AXELOS Global Best Practice.

8. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification is a credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in project scheduling. The PMI-SP certification validates an individual’s ability to develop, maintain, and control schedules using accepted scheduling methods and tools.

To obtain the PMI-SP certification, you must meet certain requirements. You must have at least three years of experience in project scheduling or related fields, with at least 4500 hours dedicated to project schedule development and maintenance activities. You must also possess 35 contact hours of formal education in project scheduling topics.

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the PMI-SP certification by submitting an application form with your professional experience details and payment of the required fee. After submitting your application, you will be required to take a four hour computer based exam that covers all aspects of project scheduling. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded the PMI-SP certification.

The cost for obtaining the PMI-SP certification is USD 405 for members of PMI and USD 555 for non-members. The entire process from application submission to receiving your certificate may take up to four weeks depending on how quickly you complete each step.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of competency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage projects using the Six Sigma approach.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the training and certification process. The requirements for certification vary from one provider to another, but generally include a combination of online courses, classroom training, and hands-on experience. In addition, most providers require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first find an accredited provider of Six Sigma training programs. Once you have identified a provider, you can register for their program and begin your training. Depending on the provider, you may be able to take the courses online or in person at their facility.

The cost of obtaining your Six Sigma Green Belt Certification will vary depending on the provider and type of program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $1,000 - $3,000 USD. This cost includes tuition fees as well as any materials or supplies needed for completing the program.

10. Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed to provide individuals with a basic understanding of the principles and tools of Lean Six Sigma, which can be used to improve processes and reduce waste in any organization.

The certification program typically takes about 40 hours to complete and includes both online and in-person training. The program covers topics such as process mapping, problem solving, data analysis, project management, and more. Upon completion of the program, individuals will receive a certificate from a recognized organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

To obtain the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the program. The exam typically consists of multiple choice questions and is administered by an accredited testing center.

The cost for obtaining the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Project Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For those who are looking to become a project administrator, a certificate may be beneficial. Project administrators must have a strong understanding of project management principles, communication and organizational skills, and technical knowledge. A certificate can demonstrate a person’s commitment to the field and can give them an edge when competing for jobs.

However, not all employers require job candidates to have a certificate in order to be considered for a project administration role. It is important for individuals to research the specific requirements for each job they apply for in order to determine if having a certificate is necessary. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with experience over those with only certificates or education.

In some cases, obtaining a project administrator certificate may be beneficial even if it is not required by an employer. For example, someone who has no experience in the field but wants to become a project administrator may benefit from taking courses in project management and obtaining certification as it will help them build their skill set and gain knowledge in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a project administrator certificate depends on their individual situation and career goals. It is important for individuals to do their research before deciding whether or not to pursue certification in order to make sure that it is right for them.

Related: Project Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Administrator Certifications

1. What is a Project Administrator Certification?

Answer: A Project Administrator Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have the skills and knowledge to plan, implement, and manage projects. It demonstrates proficiency in project management processes and techniques.

2. What are the benefits of having a Project Administrator Certification?

Answer: Having a Project Administrator Certification can increase an individual's credibility and marketability as a professional in the field of project management. It also provides evidence of a commitment to learning and professional development. It can also lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities in the industry.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Project Administrator?

Answer: To become certified as a Project Administrator, you must meet certain educational requirements, such as completing courses related to project management or obtaining relevant work experience in the field. You must also pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body, such as PMI (Project Management Institute).

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Project Administrator?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the certifying body and may include examination fees, study materials, and other associated costs. Some organizations offer discounts or scholarships for those seeking certification. Additionally, some employers may pay for their employees' certification fees as part of their employee development program.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Project Administrator?

Answer: The time required to become certified depends on many factors such as your existing knowledge level, how quickly you complete the course material, your ability to pass the exam on the first attempt, etc. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months up to 1 year for most people to complete all necessary steps towards becoming certified as a Project Administrator.