Top 11 Project Consultant Certifications

Certifications are essential for a project consultant in the job market because they provide tangible evidence that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively complete projects. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that a consultant is dedicated to their profession and has a proven track record of success. They also provide assurance that the individual is up-to-date on industry best practices and standards, as well as any new technologies or techniques related to project management. In addition, certifications can help consultants stand out from the competition, making them more attractive to potential employers.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Project Consultants and explain how they can help enhance a project consultant's career.

What are Project Consultant Certifications?

Project consultant certification is a professional qualification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and expertise in project management. It is designed to provide assurance that the consultant has the skills and qualifications necessary to effectively manage projects. By obtaining this certification, consultants demonstrate their commitment to the profession and gain credibility among potential clients.

The certification process typically includes an online or classroom-based training program, followed by an assessment of the candidate’s knowledge and skills. The coursework covers a range of topics related to project management, such as risk management, budgeting, scheduling, communication, stakeholder management, and more. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals receive a certification from an accredited organization.

Having a certified project consultant on board can be extremely helpful for organizations looking to implement complex projects or launch new initiatives. Certified professionals are better equipped to handle various aspects of project management including planning, resource allocation, problem solving, and more. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights into how best to use resources for maximum benefit with minimal disruption. Finally, having a certified project consultant on staff is also beneficial for organizations looking to improve their reputation in the industry as it demonstrates their commitment to quality standards and best practices in project management.

Pro Tip: When considering a project consultant certification, be sure to research the program thoroughly to ensure that it is accredited and meets industry standards. Make sure the course content is up-to-date and relevant to your needs. Additionally, look for programs with flexible schedules and comprehensive support from experienced professionals.

Related: What does a Project Consultant do?

Top 11 Project Consultant Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected project management certification in the world. The PMP certification demonstrates a professional’s expertise in leading and directing projects, as well as their ability to apply project management knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to projects.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the PMP exam. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice exams, and completing any required training courses.

To get the PMP certification you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a minimum of three years of project management experience and a minimum of 4500 hours leading or directing projects. You must also have 35 contact hours of formal education related to project management topics such as scheduling, cost control, risk management, etc.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $405-$555 USD.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of project management principles and practices. The CAPM certification is intended for those who are new to project management, or who may have some experience but lack formal training or education in the field.

The CAPM certification requires that applicants pass a three-hour exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have either 1,500 hours of professional project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

The cost of the CAPM exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For PMI members, the cost is $225 USD; for non-members, it is $300 USD.

The exam can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center worldwide. Once you have registered for the exam and paid your fee, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your test date and time. You should plan to allow up to four hours for the entire testing process including check-in and post-test surveys.

Once you have passed the exam, your name will be added to the official list of PMI Certified Associates in Project Management (CAPM). This certification does not expire but must be renewed every five years by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs).

3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of competence in the Scrum framework. The CSM is designed to help organizations and teams improve their use of Scrum, and it is widely recognized as one of the most popular certifications for Agile professionals.

To become a Certified ScrumMaster, you must complete an accredited two-day training course and pass an online assessment. After completing the training, participants receive a two-year membership with the Scrum Alliance, which includes access to resources such as webinars, forums, and other learning materials.

The cost of becoming a Certified ScrumMaster varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. Some courses may also include additional costs such as books or materials.

In addition to taking a course, there are other ways to prepare for the CSM exam. Reading books on Agile and Scrum is a great way to gain knowledge about the topics covered in the exam. Additionally, many organizations offer free or low-cost study groups that can help you prepare for the exam.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. The ACP certification is based on the PMI’s Agile Practice Guide and provides an industry-recognized credential for those who use agile approaches in their work.

To become an ACP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years, 1,500 hours of project management experience within the last seven years, and 21 contact hours of training in agile practices. After meeting these requirements you will then be able to take the exam which consists of 120 multiple choice questions. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your chosen method of payment but generally ranges from $435 - $495 USD. The exam itself typically takes around 4 hours to complete. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official ACP certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

5. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured project management methodology used by organizations worldwide. It provides a framework for managing projects in any industry, from construction to IT. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is the most widely recognized project management certification in the world.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation level provides an understanding of the principles and terminology of PRINCE2, while the Practitioner level focuses on how to apply and tailor PRINCE2 to different projects.

To get certified, you must pass both exams with at least 65%. The Foundation exam is a multiple-choice test that lasts 1 hour and contains 75 questions. The Practitioner exam is also a multiple-choice test that lasts 2 hours and contains 68 questions.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on where you take them, but it typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD. You can find training courses online or in person that will help you prepare for the exams. These courses usually last between 3 to 5 days and cost around $1,500 USD.

Overall, it takes about 4-6 weeks from start to finish to get your PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification if you are taking self-study courses or attending instructor-led classes.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program that provides an understanding of the IT Service Management (ITSM) framework and how it can be used to improve the quality of IT services. The certification is based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which is a set of best practices for managing IT services. It covers topics such as service delivery, service support, and continual service improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes two to three days to complete. During this time, participants learn about the different stages of the ITSM life cycle, as well as how to apply best practices in their own organization. Participants must pass an exam at the end of the course in order to receive their certification.

To get certified, individuals must first register for an accredited training provider or take an online course from a provider such as AXELOS or PeopleCert. After completing the course and passing the exam, participants will receive their official certificate from AXELOS or PeopleCert.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the training provider and whether you are taking an online or classroom-based course. Generally speaking, prices range from $500-$1,000 USD for classroom-based courses and $300-$600 USD for online courses.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals and organizations improve their quality management processes. It is based on the Six Sigma methodology, which is a set of principles and practices designed to reduce waste, improve customer satisfaction, and increase efficiency. The certification is offered by a variety of organizations including the American Society for Quality (ASQ), International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), and Project Management Institute (PMI).

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between three and six months to complete. To get certified, individuals must first pass an exam that covers topics such as project management, data analysis, process improvement techniques, and problem-solving strategies. After passing the exam, individuals must demonstrate their ability to apply Six Sigma principles in real-world situations through a series of case studies or projects.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the organization offering the certification. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for the exam fee alone. Additional costs may include study materials, travel expenses, and course fees if you choose to take an in-person training course.

8. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is an advanced certification that demonstrates a mastery of Lean Six Sigma tools and processes. It is designed to help professionals improve their ability to lead complex improvement projects and achieve significant results.

The certification process typically takes between 6-12 months, depending on the individual's experience level and the type of program they are enrolled in. To get certified, individuals must first complete a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training course, which covers the basics of Lean Six Sigma and provides an introduction to more advanced concepts. After completing the Green Belt training, individuals must then pass an exam in order to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, programs range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD for online courses or up to $20,000 USD for in-person training programs.

9. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and manage project risks. It is intended for those who are responsible for managing project risks and/or leading risk management activities.

The PMI-RMP certification requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of professional experience working with risk management processes within the last five years, as well as 40 hours of formal education in risk management topics. Candidates must also pass an exam consisting of 170 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

To get the PMI-RMP certification, candidates must first register with PMI and pay the applicable fees. After registration, they must submit their application along with supporting documentation such as proof of experience and education. Once approved, they can then schedule their exam at a Prometric testing center or online via Pearson VUE.

The cost for obtaining the PMI-RMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 for the application fee plus $405 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $555 for the application fee plus $555 for the exam fee.

10. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes professionals who demonstrate expertise in project scheduling. The PMI-SP credential is designed to help project managers and schedulers develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of schedule development, maintenance, and control.

To become certified as a PMI-SP, you must have at least 3 years of professional experience in project scheduling and pass an exam. You must also meet the prerequisites of having either a high school diploma or equivalent, or 7500 hours of project scheduling experience.

The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions and takes 4 hours to complete. It covers topics such as project scheduling principles, techniques, and tools; resource management; cost management; risk management; quality management; contract administration; monitoring and controlling projects; closing projects; and professional responsibility.

The cost for the PMI-SP exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. Additionally, there are various study materials available from PMI that can help you prepare for the exam. These include books, practice tests, online courses, webinars, seminars, and more.

11. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize an individual’s expertise in using agile principles and practices to successfully deliver projects. The PMI-ACP certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of agile principles, tools, and techniques, as well as their ability to apply them across multiple contexts.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. Applicants must also complete 21 contact hours of formal training in agile practices.

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 3 hours. The cost of the exam is $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals will need to renew their certification every three years by earning 30 professional development units (PDUs).

Do You Really Need a Project Consultant Certificate?

No, you do not need a project consultant certificate in order to be successful in the field. While having a certificate will give you an edge over other candidates and can help you stand out from the crowd, it is not necessary to have one in order to become a successful project consultant.

Project consultants can gain experience through on-the-job training and through developing relationships with clients. They also need to have working knowledge of project management principles, business analysis techniques, and software development processes. These skills can be developed without obtaining a certificate.

That being said, having a certification may give you an advantage when applying for jobs or consulting contracts because it serves as proof that you are knowledgeable and certified in the field of project management. It demonstrates your commitment to the industry and shows potential employers that you possess the necessary qualifications for the job.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to obtain a certification depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you feel that having a certification would benefit your career path then it is worth considering getting one; however, if not then there are still plenty of ways to become an effective project consultant without one.

Related: Project Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Consultant Certifications

Q1. What is a project consultant certification?

A1. A project consultant certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of project management. It proves that the individual has received specialized training and experience in managing projects, from planning to execution, and can provide expert advice on how to successfully manage projects.

Q2. How do I get certified as a project consultant?

A2. To become certified as a project consultant, you must first complete an accredited course or program in project management offered by an accredited educational institution or professional organization such as the Project Management Institute (PMI). You must then pass an exam to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts taught in the course or program.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for taking a project consultant certification exam?

A3. Yes, depending on the type of certification you are seeking, there may be certain prerequisites such as work experience or other certifications that must be fulfilled before taking the exam. Be sure to check with your chosen provider for details on their specific requirements.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a project consultant?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get certified will vary depending on your chosen provider and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere between six weeks and up to several months to prepare for and pass a certification exam.

Q5. Is there ongoing maintenance required after becoming certified?

A5: Yes, most certifications require periodic renewal in order to maintain their validity over time – typically every three years – so that you can stay up-to-date with best practices and industry trends in project management