Top 10 Project Controller Certifications

Project controllers are responsible for overseeing the financial health of a project and ensuring that the project stays within its budget. As such, certifications can be an important tool to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to potential employers. Certifications can provide recognition of a project controller's expertise in areas such as financial management, cost accounting, project management, and risk analysis. They also provide evidence of a commitment to professional development and a dedication to staying current with industry standards and best practices. Moreover, certifications can help differentiate applicants from other candidates who may not have the same level of experience or qualifications. In short, certifications are an essential part of any successful job search for a project controller.

The article reviews the top certifications for Project Controllers and explains how they can help to advance a project controller's career.

What are Project Controller Certifications?

Project Controller Certification is a professional certification program designed to help project controllers and financial analysts demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage projects in any industry. The program provides training and assessment of competencies related to project budgeting, forecasting, tracking, analysis, reporting and financial management. It also covers topics such as risk management, change control, resource planning and organizational structures.

The certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers or enter the field of project controlling. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully manage projects with sound financial principles. This helps employers make informed decisions when selecting potential employees for positions requiring project controlling expertise. Additionally, having the Project Controller Certification on your resume can give you an edge over other applicants who are competing for similar jobs. Finally, if you are already working as a project controller or financial analyst, getting certified can help you gain recognition from employers and colleagues alike as someone who is knowledgeable in this field.

Pro Tip: When seeking project controller certification, it's important to understand the requirements of the certification and to ensure that any training or coursework you take aligns with those requirements. Additionally, experience in the field is key; be sure to have plenty of hands-on experience before attempting the certification.

Related: What does a Project Controller do?

Top 10 Project Controller Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification demonstrates that a project manager has the knowledge, experience, and skills to successfully manage projects.

To become certified as a PMP, an individual must have at least three years of project management experience and 35 hours of formal education in project management. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing.

The PMP exam is offered in two formats: computer-based testing (CBT) or paper-based testing (PBT). Depending on the format chosen, it can take anywhere from one to four hours to complete the exam.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. If you are a member of PMI, then the cost is $405 USD; if you are not a member of PMI then the cost is $555 USD.

Overall, obtaining your PMP certification requires dedication and commitment but can be very rewarding both personally and professionally.

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 individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage projects. The CAPM certification is intended for those who are new to project management and want to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental concepts, terminology, and processes of effective project management.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To become certified, applicants must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of formal education in project management topics.

In order to get CAPM certification, individuals must first register for the exam through PMI's website. After registering, they will receive an email containing instructions on how to access the online application form. Once the form has been submitted and approved, applicants can schedule their exam date with an approved testing center.

The cost for the CAPM exam is $225 USD for members of PMI and $300 USD for non-members. There may also be additional fees associated with scheduling a test date at a testing center.

3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance for individuals who have an understanding of the Scrum framework and its applications. The CSM certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in using the Scrum framework.

The CSM certification process consists of two parts: attending a two-day training course and passing a multiple-choice exam. The training course provides an overview of the Scrum framework, including its roles, events, artifacts, and rules. It also covers topics such as team dynamics, product backlogs, sprint planning, and more. After completing the training course, participants must pass a 50-question multiple-choice exam in order to become certified.

The cost of obtaining a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2000 USD per person.

In addition to attending a training course and passing an exam, individuals must also agree to adhere to the Scrum Alliance Code of Conduct before they can become certified as a CSM. This includes agreeing to use only approved materials when teaching or coaching others about Scrum and refraining from any unethical behavior that could damage the reputation of the organization or profession.

Overall, becoming a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) requires dedication and commitment but can be highly rewarding for those looking to expand their knowledge of Agile methodologies and gain recognition within their field.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is an industry-recognized certification for professionals who use Agile approaches in their work. It is designed to demonstrate a practitioner’s knowledge and experience in applying Agile principles, values, and practices. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the requirements for the ACP certification. To become certified, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as Agile project management, Scrum methodology, product delivery, team dynamics, and more. You must also have at least two years of professional experience working on Agile projects or teams.

The cost of the ACP certification depends on your country of residence and whether you are a PMI member or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 USD to take the exam. Additionally, if you choose to become a PMI member before taking the exam, there may be additional fees associated with membership.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your official ACP certificate from PMI. This certificate will serve as proof of your expertise in Agile project management and will be recognized by employers worldwide.

5. Project Management Institute Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

The Project Management Institute Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in project risk management. The PMI-RMP credential recognizes the knowledge and experience of professionals who identify, assess, and manage risks on projects and programs. It also provides organizations with assurance that their risk management processes are being managed by qualified professionals.

To become a PMI-RMP certified professional, you must have at least three years of full-time project risk management experience within the past five years, or four years of part-time project risk management experience within the past eight years. In addition, you must have 4500 hours of specialized project risk management experience and 35 contact hours of formal education in project risk management topics.

To apply for the PMI-RMP certification exam, you must first create an account on the PMI website and submit your application along with all required documents. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exam with Prometric or Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for nonmembers. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions which need to be completed in three hours.

Once you pass the exam, you will need to pay a one-time certification fee of $60 (for members) or $150 (for nonmembers). After that, you will need to maintain your certification every three years by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs).

6. Microsoft Project Specialist and Expert Certifications

Microsoft Project Specialist and Expert Certifications are certifications that demonstrate a person’s knowledge of the Microsoft Project software. The certification is designed to help project managers, business analysts, IT professionals, and other stakeholders in their work with Microsoft Project.

The Microsoft Project Specialist Certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to manage projects using the Microsoft Project software. It requires passing one exam that covers topics such as project planning and scheduling, resource management, progress tracking, and reporting. This certification typically takes about four hours to complete and costs around $150 USD.

The Microsoft Project Expert Certification is the highest level of certification for those working with the Microsoft Project software. It requires passing two exams that cover topics such as advanced project management techniques, risk management, resource optimization, team collaboration, and more. This certification typically takes about eight hours to complete and costs around $300 USD.

In order to obtain either of these certifications, individuals must register for an exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Microsoft Learning website. Once registered for an exam, individuals will need to study for the exam using resources provided by Microsoft or third-party providers. After successfully completing an exam, individuals will receive their certification from Microsoft via email or mail.

7. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals with expertise in project scheduling and the application of scheduling techniques and tools. The PMI-SP credential demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience to develop, maintain, and analyze project schedules.

To obtain the PMI-SP credential, applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent; a minimum of 3 years of project scheduling experience; or a minimum of 4500 hours of project scheduling experience. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by PMI.

The exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as schedule development and analysis, resource management, cost management, quality management, risk management, communication management, change control processes and procedures.

The cost to take the exam is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any authorized testing center worldwide. It typically takes around four hours to complete the exam.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification offered by the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide IT professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve service management processes. The certification requires candidates to pass a 60-minute multiple choice exam, which consists of 40 questions.

The ITIL Foundation Certification is intended for those who want to gain a basic understanding of the ITIL framework, including its core concepts, terminology, and processes. It is ideal for those who are new to IT service management or those who need to demonstrate their knowledge in this area.

The certification typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on the candidate’s level of experience and study time commitment. Candidates must have a minimum of two years’ experience in an IT role before they can take the exam.

To get certified, candidates must register for and attend an accredited training course or self-study using approved materials. Once they have completed their studies, they must then book and sit the exam at an accredited examination centre.

The cost of taking the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on where you take your training course or purchase your self-study materials from. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1000 USD in total for both training and exam fees.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a mastery of the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help professionals improve their skills and knowledge in areas such as problem-solving, process improvement, data analysis, and project management.

The certification process typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on the type of program you choose. To get certified, you must complete a series of courses and pass an exam. You can take courses online or in person at accredited institutions like universities or corporate training centers.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the institution and program you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 for online programs and up to $10,000 for in-person programs.

Once you’ve completed your coursework and passed the exam, you will receive your Six Sigma Green Belt Certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. Certified Cost Engineer/Manager (CCE/CCM).

Certified Cost Engineer/Manager (CCE/CCM) is a professional certification program developed by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of cost engineers and cost managers in order to ensure that they are competent professionals in their field.

The CCE/CCM certification requires applicants to have at least four years of experience in cost engineering or cost management and pass an examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project planning, scheduling, estimating, budgeting, control systems, risk management, contracts, and ethics.

It typically takes six months or more to prepare for the CCE/CCM exam. Applicants should review AACEI's study guide and take practice tests to become familiar with the material covered on the exam. Additionally, it is recommended that applicants attend AACEI's training courses or seminars to gain a better understanding of the concepts tested on the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CCE/CCM certification varies depending on whether you are an AACEI member or non-member. For members, it costs $450 USD to register for the exam and $400 USD for each retake if necessary. For non-members, it costs $550 USD to register for the exam and $450 USD for each retake if necessary.

Do You Really Need a Project Controller Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. If you have aspirations of becoming a project controller, then obtaining a project controller certificate can be beneficial. A certification in project management will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as a project controller. It can also give you an edge over other candidates who are applying for the same job.

However, if you already have extensive experience in project management, or if you’re just looking to enhance your current qualifications and experience, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a project controller certificate. You could instead focus on developing additional skills within the field of project management that are relevant to the role of a project controller such as budgeting, planning and scheduling.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not obtaining a project controller certificate is right for your career goals. If your goal is to become a successful project manager, then having the certification may be beneficial. However, if you already have experience in the field and are simply looking to enhance your existing qualifications and skill set, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one.

Related: Project Controller Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Controller Certifications

1. What is a Project Controller Certification?

Answer: A Project Controller Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the attainment of expertise in project control and management. It demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in managing projects.

2. How do I become certified as a Project Controller?

Answer: To become certified as a Project Controller, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited certifying body such as the PMI (Project Management Institute) or GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals). You may also need to complete additional training or coursework depending on the specific certifying body.

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

Answer: Becoming a certified Project Controller offers many benefits, including increased job security, higher salaries, access to more job opportunities, increased credibility with employers, and recognition from your peers. Additionally, certification can help enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Project Controller?

Answer: Yes, there are prerequisites for becoming certified as a Project Controller. Generally speaking, applicants must have at least three years of experience in project control or management before they can qualify for certification exams. Depending on the certifying body, additional requirements may apply such as completing relevant coursework or having certain educational qualifications.

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

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Project Controller varies depending on the certifying body and individual factors such as prior experience and education levels. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to one year or longer to become fully certified depending on these factors and other considerations such as study time needed for exam preparation and application processing times for certifying bodies.