Top 10 Project Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are an important way for a project coordinator to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. They provide evidence of competence and can be used to differentiate candidates from others who may have similar levels of experience. Certifications also give employers confidence that the project coordinator has the necessary qualifications and expertise to complete their projects successfully. Finally, certifications can open up new opportunities for project coordinators as they demonstrate their commitment to professional development and continued learning.

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

What are Project Coordinator Certifications?

Project coordinator certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in managing projects. This certification can be earned through various organizations, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM). With this certification, project coordinators can demonstrate to employers their ability to effectively plan, organize, and execute projects within a given timeline and budget. It also provides them with the necessary skills to successfully manage teams and resources.

Having a project coordinator certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants in the job market due to its prestige. It can also give them an edge when negotiating salaries or promotions. Additionally, it gives them access to industry networks and professional development opportunities, which can lead to increased job security and higher wages. Finally, it allows for greater credibility when working with clients since having a certified project manager implies a high level of competence and dedication.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of project coordinator certifications available in your area and find one that is tailored to your specific industry and job role. A good certification program should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and help you develop the necessary skills to effectively manage projects.

Related: What does a Project Coordinator do?

Top 10 Project Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of project managers who are responsible for leading and directing projects. The PMP credential demonstrates a commitment to project management excellence, as well as an understanding of global standards in the profession.

To become a PMP, you must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass an exam. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either a four-year degree or at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. In addition, applicants must complete 35 hours of formal project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge across five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes four hours to complete and costs $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded the PMP credential which is valid for three years. After three years you must renew your certification by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

In total it can take several months to prepare for the PMP exam depending on how much time you are able to dedicate each week. However, once you have passed the exam you will have earned one of the most respected credentials in project management which can open up new career opportunities and increase earning potential.

2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a deep understanding of the Scrum framework and the ability to apply it in practice. It is designed to help professionals become successful Scrum Masters, leading teams in the implementation of Scrum.

The CSM certification requires completion of a two-day training course with an accredited provider. The course covers all aspects of the Scrum framework, including roles, artifacts, events, and processes. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are eligible to take an online exam and receive their CSM certification.

The cost for the two-day training course varies depending on which provider you choose. In addition to the cost of the course itself, there is also a one-time fee for taking the exam and receiving your certification. This fee usually ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Once certified as a CSM, you must renew your certification every two years by completing 16 hours of continuing education or attending another two-day training course with an accredited provider.

3. 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 give project practitioners the foundational knowledge and understanding of project management processes and terminology. CAPM certification validates an individual’s understanding of the principles of project management, as defined by PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

It typically takes around 3-6 months to prepare for the CAPM exam, depending on your prior experience with project management. To be eligible for the exam, you must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) and at least 1,500 hours of project experience; OR 23 hours of formal education in project management topics.

The cost for the exam varies by region but generally ranges from $225-$300 USD. You can register for the exam through PMI's website or through an approved testing center.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in using Agile principles, practices, and tools. The ACP certification is based on the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) exam.

The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The topics covered include Agile principles and values, team dynamics, project planning and execution, product delivery, stakeholder engagement, risk management, quality management, and continuous improvement.

In order to become an ACP certified practitioner you must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least 21 contact hours of training in Agile practices and techniques as well as passing the PMI-ACP exam. Once you have met these requirements you can apply for the certification through the PMI website.

The cost of becoming an ACP certified practitioner varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD. This includes the cost of the exam fee as well as any applicable taxes or fees associated with applying for the certification.

5. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based method for effective project management. It is used extensively by the UK Government and in many other countries, and is widely recognised as one of the most successful project management methods available.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner qualifications are globally recognised qualifications that demonstrate an individual's understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. The Foundation qualification provides a basic understanding of the principles, themes, processes and terminology used in PRINCE2. The Practitioner qualification builds on this knowledge to provide an understanding of how to apply and tailor the method to different types of projects.

It typically takes around 3-4 months to complete both the Foundation and Practitioner qualifications depending on how much time you have available for study. To get qualified you will need to attend a training course with an accredited provider or take an online course, then sit two exams - one for each level of qualification.

The cost of getting qualified varies depending on where you take your training but typically ranges from £500-£1,000 for both levels combined.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive overview of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It is designed to give IT professionals a basic understanding of how ITIL can be used to improve service management and delivery. The certification covers topics such as service strategy, design, transition, operation, and improvement.

The ITIL Foundation Certification typically takes between two and four days to complete. The course consists of lectures, group discussions, case studies, and examinations. Participants must demonstrate their knowledge by passing a multiple-choice exam at the end of the course.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, individuals must attend an accredited training program or take an online course from an approved provider. After completing the coursework, participants must pass the exam to become certified.

The cost for taking the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on the provider and type of training chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for online courses and up to $2,000 USD for instructor-led training programs.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to give individuals the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful in the field of quality management. It is an internationally recognized standard for demonstrating proficiency in Six Sigma methodology, which is a set of tools and techniques used to improve processes and reduce costs.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes about four weeks to complete. During this time, individuals will learn about the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) process, how to use statistical analysis software, problem solving techniques, and how to apply these skills in a business setting. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of how Six Sigma can be used to improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first pass an exam administered by either the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). The cost of the exam varies depending on which organization administers it; however, it usually ranges from $200-$400 USD. After passing the exam, individuals must also complete at least two projects that demonstrate their mastery of Six Sigma principles and methods.

In addition to passing the exam and completing projects, some organizations may require additional training or experience before granting certification. For example, ASQ requires applicants to have three years of work experience in a related field before they can take their certification exam.

Overall, becoming certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt is an excellent way for professionals to demonstrate their commitment to quality improvement and gain recognition within their industry.

8. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in project management. It is designed to validate the ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor/control, and close projects. The certification is vendor-neutral and covers all aspects of project management including scope, time, cost, quality, risk, procurement, communication, resources and more.

To achieve CompTIA Project+, candidates must pass one exam containing 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes 90 minutes to complete and requires a score of 750 on a scale of 100-900.

To get CompTIA Project+, individuals can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through OnVUE. Candidates must have a valid form of identification with them when taking the exam.

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

9. Microsoft Project 2016 Certification

Microsoft Project 2016 Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s expertise in using the Microsoft Project 2016 software. It is designed to help project managers, business analysts, and other professionals who use Microsoft Project 2016 for project planning and management.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam 70-343: Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2016 and Exam 70-344: Managing Programs and Projects with Microsoft Project Server 2016. The first exam focuses on the core features of the software while the second exam covers advanced topics such as managing multiple projects, resource management, and working with external data sources. Both exams must be passed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get certified, you must register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Each exam costs $165 USD and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. You can prepare for the exams by taking an official Microsoft course or studying independently using study materials available online or from bookstores.

Overall, obtaining a Microsoft Project 2016 Certification requires time and effort but can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in project management or related fields.

10. 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 knowledge and skills in agile project management, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming. The PMI-ACP certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to apply agile principles and practices in their work environment.

To become certified as a PMI-ACP, individuals must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either:

2,000 hours of general project experience working on teams within the last five years; OR

1,500 hours of project experience working on agile project teams or with agile methodologies within the last three years.

Applicants must also complete 21 contact hours of formal education in agile practices. This can include courses from PMI approved providers or other sources such as conferences or self-study.

The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The cost of the exam is $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members.

Once the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their official PMI-ACP certification which is valid for three years. Renewal requires 30 professional development units (PDUs) earned during those three years in areas related to agile methods, tools and techniques.

Do You Really Need a Project Coordinator Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need a Project Coordinator Certificate, the answer is that it depends on your individual goals and ambitions. If you are looking to grow in your career as a project coordinator, then having a certificate can be beneficial. It shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about the specific skills and knowledge needed for this role. Having a certificate may also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

However, if you are already working in the field of project coordination and have been doing so for some time, then having a certificate may not add much value to your resume. In fact, it could even be seen as redundant, since employers will likely assume that you already have the knowledge necessary to do the job well. Additionally, depending on your current employer’s policies, they may require additional certifications or qualifications before they will consider promoting you within the company.

Ultimately, having a Project Coordinator Certificate can be beneficial if it helps you reach your career goals more quickly or gives you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. However, if you are already employed in this field and have been doing so for some time without needing any additional certifications or qualifications, then it may not be necessary for your career growth.

Related: Project Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Project Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Project Coordinator Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of project coordination. It provides recognition for those who have achieved the necessary qualifications to coordinate projects successfully.

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

Answer: To become certified as a Project Coordinator, you must complete an accredited certification program and pass an examination. The certification requirements vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically include coursework or training in project management, communication, and facilitation skills.

3. Are there any prerequisites to become certified as a Project Coordinator?

Answer: Most certifying organizations require that applicants have at least two years of experience in project coordination or related fields. Some may also require that applicants possess certain academic credentials such as a degree in project management or business administration. Additionally, many organizations require that applicants pass an exam prior to being awarded the certification.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Project Coordinator?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Project Coordinator can open up career opportunities and increase job security. It can also help demonstrate your commitment to professional development and provide recognition within the industry for your expertise in managing projects effectively and efficiently.

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

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain certification depends on several factors such as the certifying organization, the applicant’s experience level, and the type of program chosen (e.g., online or in-person). Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all requirements for certification depending on these factors