Top 11 Project Assistant Certifications

Certifications for a project assistant are important in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a position. Certifications also show employers that a person is committed to their profession and is willing to invest time and money into furthering their education. Having certifications can provide an edge over other candidates when competing for project assistant positions, as employers will know that the individual already has the required skills and knowledge to excel in the role.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Project Assistants and explain how they can help to further a Project Assistant's career.

What are Project Assistant Certifications?

Project Assistant Certification is a professional certification program designed to help project assistants become more effective and efficient in their roles. The certification covers the essential skills needed to successfully manage projects, including project management principles, tools, techniques, risk management, budgeting and scheduling. It also provides training in software applications such as Microsoft Project and other project management tools.

The certification helps project assistants gain an understanding of the basics of managing projects, which can help them better support their team leads in meeting deadlines and delivering quality results. It also provides an opportunity for them to develop their own leadership skills by learning how to delegate tasks, manage resources effectively and communicate clearly with stakeholders. Finally, it gives project assistants the confidence they need to take on more responsibility within their organization as well as advance professionally.

Pro Tip: When considering project assistant certification, it is important to research the various certifications available and determine which best fits your career goals. Additionally, look for certifications that are accredited by a recognized organization, as this will ensure that you receive the most current knowledge and skills needed for success in your chosen field.

Related: What does a Project Assistant do?

Top 11 Project Assistant Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects. PMP certification is highly sought after by employers, as it validates an individual’s ability to effectively manage complex projects.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. The time frame depends on the individual’s level of experience and how much time they are willing to dedicate to studying for the exam. In order to become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and professional requirements, including having a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience over the past 8 years, or 7500 hours if they have a bachelor's degree or higher. They must also complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education.

In order to apply for the PMP exam, individuals must create an account with PMI and pay a fee of $555 for members or $700 for non-members. After submitting their application and paying the fee, they will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date. The actual cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

Once individuals successfully pass the PMP exam, they will be awarded their certification and can use it to demonstrate their expertise in project management.

2. 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 provide project managers with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage projects. The CAPM certification demonstrates a professional's understanding of the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology used in project management.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

To get your CAPM certification, you must first register with PMI and pay the required fees. After that, you can take an online course or attend an in-person training session to prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your training and passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from PMI.

The cost of getting your CAPM certification varies depending on whether you take an online course or attend an in-person training session. Generally speaking, online courses range from $200-$1,000 while in-person classes can cost anywhere from $1,000-$5,000. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the actual exam which is currently $225 for members of PMI and $300 for non-members.

3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

A Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the Scrum framework for agile software development. The CSM designation is awarded by the Scrum Alliance, an organization that provides training and certification for professionals in the field of Agile project management.

The CSM certification requires a two-day course with an experienced Scrum trainer. During this course, participants learn the basics of Scrum, including roles, events, artifacts, and rules. After completing the course, participants must pass an online exam to become certified.

Getting a CSM certification typically takes about two weeks from start to finish. It can take longer if you need additional study time or if there are delays in scheduling your exam.

The cost of getting a CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether or not you receive any discounts or special offers. Generally speaking, most courses cost between $800-$1,500 USD. This cost includes both the course fees and the exam fees.

In addition to taking a course and passing an exam, there are other requirements for obtaining a CSM certification. These include agreeing to abide by the Scrum Alliance Code of Conduct and having at least one year of experience working on a software development team using Scrum methodology.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying agile principles, practices, and tools. The ACP certification is intended for those who are involved in leading or managing agile projects or teams.

The ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as agile principles, values, and mindset; agile project management; team dynamics; stakeholder engagement; and product delivery.

To become an Agile Certified Practitioner, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by PMI. These include having a minimum of 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last five years, 21 contact hours of training in agile practices within the last two years, and passing the ACP exam.

The cost of taking the ACP exam varies depending on your PMI membership status. For non-members, it costs $435 USD; for members it costs $375 USD; and for students it costs $275 USD.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt

Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead successful process improvement projects. It is an intermediate-level certification that requires a minimum of three years of work experience in a quality-related field. The program focuses on Six Sigma principles, tools and techniques, and their application to process improvement initiatives.

The Six Sigma Green Belt certification requires the completion of a two-day course and passing an exam. The course typically takes one to two weeks to complete, depending on the provider and individual learning speed. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

To become certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must demonstrate mastery of six sigma principles through successful completion of the two-day course and passing of the exam with a score of at least 70%. Additionally, they must have three years’ experience in a quality-related field or equivalent training/experience in quality management or process improvement initiatives.

6. PRINCE2 Foundation

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology used by organizations around the world to manage projects of all sizes. It provides a structured approach to managing projects, and is based on seven principles, seven themes and seven processes.

The PRINCE2 Foundation qualification is the first step in becoming a certified PRINCE2 practitioner. It provides an understanding of the PRINCE2 method and how it can be applied in any project environment. The Foundation level does not require prior knowledge or experience of project management, but some basic understanding of the subject would be beneficial.

The Foundation exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 55%.

In order to take the Foundation exam, you must first purchase an official PRINCE2 manual from AXELOS (the owners of PRINCE2). You will then need to register for an accredited training course with an approved training provider. Once you have completed your training course, you will be able to book your exam online or through your training provider.

The cost of taking the PRINCE2 Foundation exam varies depending on where you take it and who provides it. Generally speaking, prices range from £200 - £400 GBP ($250 - $500 USD).

7. ITIL Foundation

ITIL Foundation is a certification program designed to provide an understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It is the entry-level qualification in IT service management and provides a framework for businesses to deliver effective services.

The ITIL Foundation certification takes approximately 16 hours to complete, depending on the individual's learning style. The course is typically delivered through classroom or online training and covers topics such as service design, service transition, service operation, continual service improvement, and more. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 60 minutes.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, individuals must take an accredited training course from an approved provider and pass the ITIL Foundation Exam. There are no prerequisites for taking the exam; however, it is recommended that individuals have knowledge of basic IT concepts prior to enrolling in a course.

The cost of getting certified in ITIL Foundation varies depending on the provider and type of delivery chosen (e.g., classroom or online). Generally speaking, the cost can range from $500 to $2,000 USD per person.

8. Microsoft Project Certification

Microsoft Project Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft Project. This certification is available for all versions of Microsoft Project, including the latest version, Microsoft Project 2019.

To become certified, you must pass two exams: Exam 77-423: Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013 and Exam 77-424: Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2016. Both exams are offered by Prometric and can be taken at any authorized testing center. Each exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and costs $150 USD.

In order to prepare for these exams, you should have a good understanding of project management concepts as well as experience using Microsoft Project. It’s also recommended that you take an official Microsoft training course prior to taking the exams. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official certification from Microsoft which will be valid for three years from the date of completion.

The cost of the certification depends on how many courses or exams you take in order to prepare for it. Typically, the cost ranges from $500-$1000 USD depending on what type of preparation you choose to do.

9. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in risk management. It is designed to recognize professionals who have the skills and experience necessary to identify, analyze, assess, and respond to project risks. The PMI-RMP credential is intended for individuals who work in or lead project risk management roles.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the requirements for the PMI-RMP certification. To qualify for the certification, applicants must meet one of three eligibility criteria: they must have a minimum of 4500 hours of professional project risk management experience; or they must have a bachelor’s degree or higher plus at least 3 years of professional project risk management experience; or they must have a secondary degree plus at least 5 years of professional project risk management experience.

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, applicants must also pass an examination administered by PMI. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as risk strategy alignment, stakeholder engagement, risk monitoring and control, and communication.

The cost of the PMI-RMP certification varies depending on whether you are already a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD; for members it costs $405 USD.

10. CompTIA Project+

CompTIA Project+ is a certification program designed to validate the skills of project managers. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage small-to-medium sized projects. The certification covers the entire project life cycle, from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support and closure.

It typically takes 3–6 months to prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100–900.

You can purchase the CompTIA Project+ exam voucher online through various vendors such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies depending on the vendor but generally ranges from $250 to $300 USD. Additionally, you may need to purchase study materials such as books or practice tests which can range in price from $50 to $100 USD.

11. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of business analysis principles and practices. The CBAP certification is highly sought after in the business analysis field, as it demonstrates an individual’s expertise and commitment to the profession.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CBAP exam, depending on the individual's experience level and study habits. To be eligible for the CBAP exam, candidates must meet certain requirements such as having 7500 hours of business analysis experience over the last 10 years, or 3500 hours with a bachelor's degree or higher. Candidates must also complete at least 21 hours of professional development within the last 4 years.

In order to obtain the CBAP certification, candidates must pass a 3 hour multiple choice exam that consists of 120 questions. The exam fee is $325 USD for IIBA members and $450 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals must maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years in order to stay certified.

Do You Really Need a Project Assistant Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Project Assistant Certificate depends on your specific career goals. Depending on the type of job you are applying for, a certificate may be required, or it may be beneficial but not necessary.

If you are applying for a position as a project assistant, then having a Project Assistant Certificate can give you an edge when competing against other applicants. A certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about the role and have acquired the skills necessary to be successful in that position. It shows employers that you are dedicated to your profession and willing to invest in yourself and your career.

On the other hand, if the job does not specifically require a Project Assistant Certificate, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one. Employers often look for candidates with experience in related fields who also possess strong technical skills and knowledge of project management principles. If this is the case, your experience and knowledge may be enough to demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate without requiring additional certification.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not to pursue obtaining a Project Assistant Certificate. Consider what is required by potential employers in your field and weigh those requirements against your own goals before making a decision.

Related: Project Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Assistant Certifications

Q1. What is a Project Assistant Certification?

A1. A Project Assistant Certification is a professional recognition that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in project management, project scheduling, risk management, budgeting, and other related areas. It is awarded by organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM).

Q2. What are the requirements to obtain a Project Assistant Certification?

A2. The specific requirements vary depending on the certifying body, but typically include passing an exam and meeting certain educational or experience requirements. For example, PMI requires applicants to have three years of project management experience or 23 hours of formal education in project management topics.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as a Project Assistant?

A3. The amount of time required for certification varies depending on the certifying organization and individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can take several months to complete all requirements for certification.

Q4. Is there an age limit for becoming certified as a Project Assistant?

A4. No, there is no age limit for obtaining certification as a Project Assistant; however, some certifying bodies may require additional qualifications based on age or experience level due to their specific standards and expectations for certification candidates.

Q5. Are there any benefits associated with becoming certified as a Project Assistant?

A5: Yes! Becoming certified can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions in your field, demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to potential employers or clients, and provide opportunities for professional development through networking with other professionals in your industry who are also certified by similar organizations