Top 11 Project Control Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a project control analyst in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to their organization. Certifications also provide a way for project control analysts to differentiate themselves from other job applicants, as certifications show employers that an individual has gone above and beyond in gaining the required knowledge and expertise to excel in their role. Additionally, certifications can signify a certain level of commitment from an individual, as obtaining them requires dedication and effort. Finally, many organizations prefer to hire individuals who have obtained certifications related to project control analysis due to the increased credibility it brings.

This article reviews the top certifications for Project Control Analysts and explains how they can benefit a project control analyst's career.

What are Project Control Analyst Certifications?

Project control analyst certification is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to help project control analysts develop and demonstrate the skills needed to effectively manage projects. This certification can be beneficial in many ways, including providing an important recognition of one's expertise, increasing job opportunities and career advancement, and helping to ensure that best practices are being followed.

The PMI certification program provides a comprehensive overview of project management principles and techniques, as well as guidance on how to apply them in real-world scenarios. It covers topics such as budgeting, scheduling, risk management, resource allocation, change control, and cost control. It also provides an understanding of the various tools used for project control analysis. Through this program, analysts gain an appreciation for the importance of communication and collaboration between stakeholders throughout the life cycle of a project.

By obtaining this certification, project control analysts gain credibility in their field and demonstrate their commitment to professional development. This can lead to increased job prospects or promotions within their current organization. Additionally, having this certification opens up opportunities with other organizations looking for experienced professionals in the field of project management. Finally, employers can be confident that those who possess this certification have been trained in industry best practices related to project control analysis and are more likely to deliver successful projects on time and within budget.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a project control analyst certification, make sure you have experience in the field. Most certifications require applicants to have a certain amount of experience and knowledge in order to qualify. Additionally, researching the different certifications available can help you find the one that best fits your needs and career goals.

Related: What does a Project Control Analyst do?

Top 11 Project Control Analyst Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and sought after project management certification in the world. PMP certifies that an individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully manage projects of any size and complexity.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your level of understanding and experience with project management. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least four years of project management experience, including 7500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal education in project management.

To get your PMP certification, you will need to register with PMI and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 for the exam application fee plus $405 for the exam itself; for non-members it costs $555 for the application fee plus $555 for the exam itself. After registering with PMI, you will need to complete an online application form which includes questions about your work experience and educational background. Once approved, you can then schedule your exam date.

Good luck!

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize individuals who have a basic understanding of project management principles and practices. This certification is designed for professionals who are new to project management or those who want to demonstrate their knowledge of the profession.

The CAPM certification requires applicants to have at least 23 hours of project management education, which can be obtained through a variety of sources such as online courses, workshops, seminars, or degree programs. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers the five process groups and nine knowledge areas defined in PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CAPM exam. The amount of time needed depends on the individual’s background knowledge and experience with project management concepts. It is also important to note that PMI requires all applicants to have at least 23 contact hours of project management education before they can take the exam.

The cost for the CAPM certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, the cost is $300 USD while members pay $225 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam which range from $225-$500 USD depending on your location.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CAPM certificate from PMI and become part of an elite group of certified professionals recognized around the world for their expertise in project management.

3. Risk Management Professional (RMP)

Risk Management Professional (RMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in risk management. The RMP credential is held by those who possess the skills and knowledge required to identify, assess, control, and monitor project risks.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to prepare for the RMP exam. Preparation may include taking a training course or reading relevant books and articles on risk management. Additionally, individuals should review PMI’s Risk Management Professional Examination Content Outline which outlines the topics that will be tested on the exam.

In order to get the RMP credential, you must pass an examination administered by PMI. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and has a three-hour time limit. You must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least four years of professional risk management experience in addition to 35 contact hours of formal education in risk management topics.

The cost of obtaining the RMP credential varies depending on where you take the exam and whether or not you are a member of PMI. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD for non-members and $400-$500 USD for members.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a professional certification program developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The ACP certification is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in applying agile practices in the workplace. It is intended for individuals who are already working with agile methods or are interested in transitioning to an agile way of working.

The ACP certification requires applicants to pass a two-hour exam that covers topics such as project management, agile principles, and agile tools and techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or at a PMI testing center. Applicants must also have 21 contact hours of formal training in agile practices before taking the exam.

The cost of the ACP exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally, it costs around $500 USD for members of PMI and $700 USD for non-members.

In order to get certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 85%. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official ACP certificate from PMI within six weeks.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. It is offered through various organizations, including ASQ, IASSC, and AACE International.

The program typically takes between three and four months to complete, depending on the provider. It includes both classroom instruction and hands-on project work. The curriculum covers topics such as problem solving, process improvement, data analysis, and design of experiments.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, some providers also require applicants to have two years of experience working with Six Sigma or related processes before they can be certified.

6. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the Scrum framework and its application to software development projects. It is administered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum in software development.

The CSM certification requires completion of an in-depth two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The course covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including roles and responsibilities, ceremonies, artifacts, and tools. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must pass an online exam in order to receive their CSM designation.

The cost of the two-day course varies depending on location and instructor but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500. Additionally there is a one-time fee for taking the online exam which is currently $250. After passing the exam, participants must pay an annual membership fee to maintain their CSM status which is currently $100 per year.

7. Microsoft Project Certification

Microsoft Project Certification is a professional certification program that validates your expertise in using Microsoft Project to manage projects. It is designed to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in planning, scheduling, tracking, and managing projects using Microsoft Project.

The certification consists of two exams: the Microsoft Project 2016 Core exam and the Microsoft Project 2016 Expert exam. The Core exam covers topics such as project management fundamentals, project scheduling, resource management, and reporting. The Expert exam covers topics such as advanced project scheduling techniques, risk analysis, resource optimization, cost management, and collaboration.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exams depending on your experience with Microsoft Project. You can prepare by taking online courses or attending instructor-led classes. There are also study guides available to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking it costs around $200-$400 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or online proctoring service.

In order to obtain the certification you must pass both exams within 12 months of each other with a minimum score of 700 out of 1000 points for each exam. Once you have passed both exams you will receive an official certificate from Microsoft confirming your achievement and listing your credentials as a certified Microsoft Project user.

8. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology created by the UK government and used in many countries around the world. It provides a framework for managing projects, from initiation to closure. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner qualifications are designed to provide practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to apply the PRINCE2 methodology in their own projects.

The PRINCE2 Foundation qualification is the entry-level certification for anyone wanting to learn about the PRINCE2 methodology. It covers all aspects of project management, including planning, control, risk management, and quality assurance. The Foundation qualification is aimed at those who want to gain an understanding of how to use PRINCE2 in their own projects.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification builds on the knowledge gained by completing the Foundation course. It focuses on applying and tailoring PRINCE2 in different situations and environments, as well as providing guidance on how to manage projects successfully using the methodology. This qualification is aimed at those who want to become certified practitioners of PRINCE2 or use it professionally in their work.

It typically takes around 15-20 hours of study time to complete both qualifications. There are no prerequisites for taking either qualification but it is recommended that you have some prior experience with project management before attempting either one.

You can take both qualifications online or through a classroom course depending on your preference and budget. Online courses tend to be more cost effective than classroom courses but they may not be suitable for everyone depending on their learning style and preferences.

The cost of taking both qualifications varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from £400 - £1000 (GBP).

9. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed for project managers who want to demonstrate their expertise in scheduling and demonstrate their ability to effectively manage the timeline of a project.

The PMI-SP credential requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience leading and directing projects with an emphasis on scheduling activities. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of 35 contact hours of formal education in project scheduling.

To get the PMI-SP certification, you must first pass the PMI Scheduling Professional Examination. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions and has a three hour time limit. To prepare for the exam, you should review the PMBOK Guide and take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam.

The cost for taking the PMI-SP exam is $405 for members and $555 for nonmembers. After passing the exam, you will be required to pay an annual maintenance fee of $60 to maintain your credential.

Overall, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to obtain your PMI-SP certification depending on how quickly you complete all requirements such as obtaining experience hours and studying for the exam.

10. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage IT services. It is designed to help IT professionals understand the basic concepts of IT service management, including how to design, deliver, and improve services.

The certification consists of an exam that takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, and security management. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65 percent.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, you must first register for the exam through an accredited provider. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD. After registering for the exam, you can then study for it using online resources or attend a training course offered by an accredited provider. Training courses typically last three days and cost around $1,500 USD.

Once you have passed the exam and received your certificate, you will be officially certified in ITIL Foundation and can use this certification to demonstrate your knowledge of IT service management principles and practices.

11. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is designed to measure an individual’s ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control projects within an organization. The certification is vendor-neutral and covers all aspects of project management including scope, time, cost, quality, communication, risk management and procurement.

It typically takes about 40 hours to prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions with a passing score of 750 on a scale from 100-900. The exam must be taken at an authorized testing center.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ certification depends on the country in which you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD to take the exam in the United States.

In order to get certified you must pass the CompTIA Project+ exam. After passing the exam you will receive your official certificate via email within two weeks.

Do You Really Need a Project Control Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, what is the individual's goal in obtaining a Project Control Analyst Certificate? Is the goal to increase their knowledge of project control processes and functions or to obtain a credential that will help them advance their career? If the individual is looking for increased knowledge and skills, then a certificate may be beneficial. However, if the individual is looking for a credential that will lead to advancement in their current role or open new job opportunities, then it may not be necessary.

In addition to understanding the individual's goals, it is important to consider other qualifications they have that can demonstrate their competency in project control processes and functions. Do they have experience working with project control systems? Do they have relevant college coursework or certifications related to project management or business analysis? These qualifications may be enough to meet an employer's requirements without needing a specific certificate.

Finally, it is important to consider the cost of obtaining a Project Control Analyst Certificate. Depending on where the certificate is obtained from, there may be associated costs such as tuition fees, textbooks, and other materials. Furthermore, there may also be time commitments involved depending on how long it takes to complete the program. It is important for individuals considering this option to weigh these costs against potential benefits before making a decision.

In conclusion, whether or not an individual needs a Project Control Analyst Certificate depends on their goals and existing qualifications as well as any associated costs. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide if obtaining this certification will benefit them professionally and financially.

Related: Project Control Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Control Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Project Control Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Project Control Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in project control, which encompasses areas such as planning, scheduling, cost control, and change management.

2. How do I become certified as a Project Control Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as a Project Control Analyst, you must pass the exam offered by one of the certifying bodies such as PMI or APM. You must also have at least two years of experience working in project control.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Project Control Analyst?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Project Control Analyst can demonstrate to employers and clients that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively and efficiently. It also provides you with access to industry resources and networking opportunities.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that applicants have at least two years of experience working in project control before they can take the exam. Additionally, some may require applicants to complete certain courses or training programs prior to taking the exam.

5. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Most certifications need to be renewed every three years by taking continuing education credits or retaking the exam if required by your certifying body.