Top 11 Project & Product Management Certifications

Certifications in project and product management are important for job seekers because they demonstrate a mastery of the skills necessary to be successful. They provide tangible evidence that the job candidate has the knowledge, experience, and technical ability to effectively manage projects and products. Certifications can be used as a way for employers to separate candidates with similar qualifications but different levels of experience. By having a certification, employers can quickly evaluate if a job candidate meets the specific requirements for the position. Additionally, certifications help to differentiate job applicants from their competition and show potential employers that they have gone above and beyond standard expectations by investing in additional education or training.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Project & Product Managers and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Project & Product Management Certifications?

Project and product management certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the areas of project and product management. It can help individuals to demonstrate their qualifications for positions in project and product management, as well as provide them with the opportunity to increase their career potential.

Project and product management certification requires an individual to pass a rigorous exam that tests their understanding of various project and product management principles, processes, techniques, tools, and technologies. In addition to passing the exam, many certifications also require individuals to have a certain amount of experience in the field or take additional courses.

Having project and product management certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants by demonstrating their qualifications for positions in this field. It can also give employers confidence that they are hiring someone who is knowledgeable about project and product management best practices. Additionally, having certification can open up opportunities for promotions or higher-level positions within an organization. Finally, it may even be beneficial when negotiating salary since it shows that the individual has taken initiative to learn more about the profession.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing any project & product management certification, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the topics covered in the program. This will help ensure that you are well-prepared for the exam and can maximize your chances for success.

Related: What does a Project & Product Management do?

Top 11 Project & Product Management Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Project & Product Managements today.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and it demonstrates that a project manager has the knowledge, skills, experience, and competency to lead and direct projects.

The PMP Certification requires an applicant to have at least 4500 hours of leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of formal project management education. Applicants must also pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. The exam covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

In order to get the PMP Certification, applicants must submit an application with proof of their project management experience and education. If approved, they can then register for the exam. The cost of the application fee is $555 for PMI members or $800 for non-members. The cost of the exam itself is $405 for PMI members or $555 for non-members.

It typically takes between 2-6 months to complete all requirements necessary to obtain the PMP Certification depending on how quickly you are able to complete your project management experience requirements and study for the exam.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is a globally-recognized professional certification for project practitioners. It is designed to provide an introduction to the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology of effective project management. The CAPM certification is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

To obtain the CAPM certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible, applicants must have either: 1) a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) and at least 1,500 hours of project experience; or 2) 23 hours of project management education completed prior to taking the exam.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. Applicants must score at least a 73% on the exam in order to pass.

The cost of obtaining the CAPM certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For PMI members, the cost is $225 USD for the application fee plus $300 USD for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $300 USD for both fees combined.

Overall, it typically takes about two months from start to finish to get your CAPM certification if you are well prepared and have all your documents ready when applying.

3. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize practitioners of Agile methodology. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the project management industry.

The ACP certification program consists of three parts: an online assessment, a training course, and an exam. The online assessment tests your knowledge of Agile principles and practices, while the training course provides more in-depth instruction on Agile methodology. The exam tests your ability to apply Agile principles and practices in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete all three parts of the ACP certification program. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual learning speed and availability of courses in your area.

To get certified as an ACP, you must first register for the PMI’s online assessment. Once you have passed this assessment, you can then enroll in an accredited training course that covers all topics related to Agile methodology. After completing the training course, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost for the ACP certification program varies depending on where you take your courses and how long it takes you to complete them. Generally speaking, expect to pay around $1,500 - $2,000 for all three parts of the program.

4. Scrum Master Certification (CSM)

Scrum Master Certification (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the art of Scrum and Agile project management. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual's commitment to the Scrum methodology and Agile principles. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum in software development.

The CSM certification requires successful completion of a two-day course and passing an online exam. The course covers topics such as roles and responsibilities, team dynamics, sprint planning, product backlog, sprint review, release planning and retrospective meetings. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an online exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions.

The cost for the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$2,000 USD for the two-day course plus exam fee.

To get your CSM certification you must first register with the Scrum Alliance website and complete a two-day certified training course provided by one of their accredited partners or trainers. After completing the training you will need to pass an online exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions within 90 minutes. Once you have passed this exam you will receive your official certificate from the Scrum Alliance confirming your status as a Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

5. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Certification

The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification is a professional credential offered by the Scrum Alliance to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of Scrum. It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the basics of product ownership within a Scrum framework.

The CSPO certification requires applicants to attend an in-person training course or complete an online course that covers the fundamentals of product ownership and how it applies to Scrum. Once completed, participants must take a two-hour exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the material. Upon passing the exam, individuals will receive their CSPO certificate.

The cost for attending an in-person training course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. Online courses are more affordable and can range from $500 - $1,000 USD. The cost of taking the exam is included in either option.

It typically takes between one and two days to complete an in-person training course or three to five days for an online course. After completing the training, applicants must wait at least 24 hours before taking the exam which is available online through Scrum Alliance’s website.

Once certified, CSPOs are required to renew their certification every two years by demonstrating continued learning and development within product ownership roles. This includes attending approved events such as conferences or workshops as well as participating in online communities dedicated to product owners and scrum masters.

6. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology developed by the UK government. It is used in many countries and organizations around the world, and is becoming increasingly popular as a way to manage projects. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications are two levels of certification that demonstrate an individual's understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification provides an introduction to the principles, processes, themes, and techniques of the PRINCE2 methodology. It is designed for those who need to understand how to apply PRINCE2 in their organization or who are involved in projects using this approach. To get the Foundation certification, you must pass a one-hour multiple-choice exam consisting of 75 questions. The exam can be taken online or at an accredited training provider.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification builds on the knowledge gained from the Foundation level and demonstrates your ability to apply the method effectively in real-life situations. To get this certification, you must pass a three-hour multiple-choice exam consisting of 80 questions. This exam can also be taken online or at an accredited training provider.

It typically takes about five days to complete both levels of certification if you take them back-to-back with a qualified trainer. However, some people may take longer depending on their existing knowledge and experience with project management methods such as PRINCE2.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you choose to take your exams and whether you opt for self-study or instructor-led training courses. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for both certifications combined (including exam fees).

7. Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certifications

Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certifications are certifications that provide individuals with the necessary skills to become successful in their field. The Green Belt certification is designed to give individuals a basic understanding of Six Sigma principles, while the Black Belt certification provides a more advanced level of knowledge.

The Green Belt certification typically takes around three months to complete, depending on the individual's availability and commitment. It covers topics such as process improvement, customer satisfaction, and data analysis. To get the Green Belt certification, one must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of Six Sigma principles. The cost of the exam varies from provider to provider but can range from $200-$500.

The Black Belt certification is more comprehensive than the Green Belt and usually takes between six months to one year to complete. It covers topics such as advanced problem solving, project management, and statistical analysis. To get the Black Belt certification, one must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of Six Sigma principles as well as their ability to apply them in real-world situations. The cost of the exam varies from provider to provider but can range from $500-$1000.

Both certifications are highly valued by employers and can open up many opportunities for those who have them. They also demonstrate a commitment to excellence and dedication to continuous improvement which are important qualities in any professional setting.

8. Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green, and Black Belt Certifications

Lean Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools for process improvement. It combines two approaches: Lean, which focuses on eliminating waste, and Six Sigma, which focuses on reducing variation. The Lean Six Sigma methodology is used to improve processes by identifying and removing sources of waste and inefficiency, while reducing variation in the process.

The Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification is designed for those who want to gain a basic understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the coursework and obtain the certification. To get certified, you must pass an online exam or attend a classroom-based training session. The cost of obtaining the certification varies depending on the provider but can range from $100-$500 USD.

The Green Belt certification is designed for those who are more experienced with Lean Six Sigma and wish to become certified practitioners. This level requires more in-depth knowledge than Yellow Belt, as well as completion of an additional project demonstrating mastery of the methodology. The time required to obtain this certification ranges from 6-12 months depending on the provider, with most requiring between 40-80 hours of coursework and project work. The cost for this level of certification also varies depending on the provider but can range from $1,000-$4,000 USD.

The Black Belt certification is designed for experienced professionals who want to become expert practitioners and trainers in Lean Six Sigma. This level requires even more in-depth knowledge than Green Belt, as well as completion of an additional project demonstrating mastery of the methodology. The time required to obtain this certification ranges from 12-18 months depending on the provider, with most requiring between 80-120 hours of coursework and project work. The cost for this level of certification also varies depending on the provider but can range from $2,000-$6,000 USD

9. ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

The ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual's understanding of the core principles of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is the entry-level certification for anyone wanting to learn about IT service management best practices.

The ITIL Foundation Certificate is awarded after successfully completing a two-hour, 40 multiple choice question exam. The exam can be taken in either paper or computer-based format and covers topics such as service strategy, design, transition, operations, and continual service improvement. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% or 26 out of 40 questions correctly.

In order to take the ITIL Foundation Exam, you must first register with an accredited training provider. These providers offer training courses that cover all aspects of the ITIL framework and prepare you for the exam. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider and can range from $500 - $2,000 USD.

Once you have completed your course and passed your exam, you will receive your official ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management. This certificate is valid for three years before it must be renewed by taking a refresher course or re-taking the exam.

The cost of taking the exam itself varies depending on which provider you choose but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD per attempt.

10. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close projects. It also covers the fundamentals of effective communication, risk management, quality management, resource management and integration management.

The CompTIA Project+ exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get the CompTIA Project+ certification, you must first register for the exam at CompTIA's website. You can then choose from several training options such as self-study guides or instructor-led courses offered by accredited training providers. Once you have completed your training and feel prepared for the exam, you can schedule it through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $250-$400 USD.

11. PMI-Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

PMI-Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to effectively identify, assess, and manage project risks. The PMI-RMP credential demonstrates that an individual has the expertise to develop strategies for mitigating risk and maximizing opportunities in projects.

To obtain the PMI-RMP credential, individuals must have at least 3 years of project risk management experience, 4500 hours of leading and directing projects with risk management responsibilities, and 35 contact hours of formal education in project risk management.

The exam for the PMI-RMP credential consists of 170 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The exam fee is $405 for members of PMI or $555 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Project & Product Management Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and situation. If you are looking to advance your career in project or product management, then a certificate could be beneficial. It can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage projects or products, as well as demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

On the other hand, if you already have significant experience in project or product management, earning a certificate may not be necessary. Many employers value experience over credentials, so having a solid track record of successful projects or products may be more important than having a certification.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not a project & product management certificate is right for you. Consider what career goals you have and what kind of recognition would be most beneficial for advancing in your field before making a decision.

Related: Project & Product Management Resume Examples

FAQs About Project & Product Management Certifications

Q1. What are the benefits of project and product management certifications?

A1. Project and product management certifications provide a range of benefits, including increased credibility and recognition from employers, more job opportunities, improved understanding of industry best practices and processes, expanded professional networks, and greater confidence in leading projects to successful completion.

Q2. What types of project and product management certifications are available?

A2. There are several different types of project and product management certifications available, including the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI®), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification from Scrum Alliance®, Certified Product Manager (CPM) certification from the Association of International Product Marketing & Management (AIPMM), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification from PMI®, and Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA®).

Q3. How do I become certified in project or product management?

A3. To become certified in project or product management, you must complete an approved training program or course for the specific certification you are pursuing. Depending on the specific certification requirements, you may also need to pass an exam demonstrating your proficiency in the subject area as well as meet any other prerequisites such as work experience or educational background.

Q4. How long does it take to get a project or product management certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get a project or product management certification varies depending on the specific requirements for each type of certification as well as how much time you can dedicate to studying for it. Generally speaking, most people can expect to spend anywhere between 2-6 months preparing for a certification exam depending on their level of knowledge before they attempt it.

Q5. Are there any online resources available to help me prepare for my project or product management certification?

A5: Yes! There are many online resources available to help prepare for project or product management certifications such as practice exams, study guides, video tutorials, webinars, podcasts, and more! Additionally, many organizations offer accredited courses that cover all aspects needed to pass a particular certification exam which can be completed remotely if necessary.