Top 10 Project Executive Certifications

Certifications are important for project executives in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. They demonstrate to employers that the individual is qualified to manage complex projects and has the technical skills necessary to complete them successfully. Additionally, certifications can give project executives an edge over other candidates who may not have the same qualifications or experience. Lastly, having certifications shows potential employers that the individual is dedicated to their profession and willing to invest time and money into furthering their professional development.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Project Executives and explains how they can help to further a project executive's career.

What are Project Executive Certifications?

Project executive certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the area of project management. This certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of project management.

Project executive certification can be beneficial to individuals who are interested in advancing their careers in project management. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to excellence and expertise in the field. They also gain access to a variety of resources, such as networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, certified professionals are often viewed more favorably by employers when competing for jobs or promotions.

Having project executive certification also offers numerous advantages on the job. Those with this credential can better manage multiple projects simultaneously, which can lead to improved efficiency and productivity levels within an organization. Furthermore, certified professionals tend to possess higher levels of leadership skills and strategic thinking abilities than non-certified professionals, which can help them drive successful projects from start to finish. Finally, having this credential allows individuals to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, enabling them to better serve their organizations’ needs.

Pro tip: When pursuing project executive certification, make sure to build a comprehensive portfolio of your experience and skills. This will help demonstrate your knowledge and abilities to potential employers and certify that you have the right qualifications for the job.

Related: What does a Project Executive do?

Top 10 Project Executive Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. The PMP certification recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced project managers in leading and directing projects.

It typically takes around 6 to 12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your existing experience, background, and study habits. To be eligible for the PMP exam, you must have at least three years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or training.

To get the PMP certification, you must first apply for the exam with PMI and pay the associated fees. After submitting your application, you will need to take a 200-question multiple-choice exam which covers topics such as initiating projects, planning projects, executing projects, monitoring and controlling projects, closing projects, professional responsibility and ethics. You must pass this exam with a score of at least 61% in order to receive your PMP certification.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD; for nonmembers it costs $555 USD. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with studying for and taking the exam such as books or online courses.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the principles of project management and their ability to apply them in practice. The CAPM certification is intended for individuals who are just beginning their project management career or those with limited experience.

To become certified, an individual must pass a three-hour multiple choice exam that tests their knowledge of the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge). To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) plus 1,500 hours of project experience OR 23 hours of project management education completed prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the CAPM exam varies depending on which country you are located in. Generally, it costs between $225 and $300 USD. It takes approximately two weeks from when you submit your application until you receive your results from PMI.

3. 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 applying agile principles and practices. The ACP certification requires a combination of education, experience, and an exam.

In order to become an ACP, applicants must first meet the educational requirements. This includes having 21 contact hours of training in agile methods, tools, and techniques. Applicants must also have at least 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last five years, with at least 500 hours working on agile project teams.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can take the ACP exam which consists of multiple-choice questions based on the PMI Agile Practice Guide. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $435 for PMI members or $495 for non-members.

The ACP certification is valid for three years from the date of completion. After three years, applicants must renew their certification by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs) related to agile principles and practices.

4. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology developed by the UK Government in 1996. It is now used by many organizations around the world, and is recognized as one of the most popular project management methodologies.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is an internationally-recognized qualification that demonstrates your understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology and its application to real-world projects. The certification consists of two levels – Foundation and Practitioner – which must be taken in sequence.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of study, including a 2-hour written exam. The exam tests your knowledge of the seven principles, themes, and processes outlined in the PRINCE2 manual. Successful completion will earn you a certificate from AXELOS, the official body for PRINCE2 certifications.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification requires a minimum of 35 hours of study, including a 3-hour written exam. The exam tests your ability to apply the principles, themes, and processes outlined in the manual to case studies based on real-life scenarios. Successful completion will earn you a certificate from AXELOS confirming your status as a qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner.

In order to obtain either level of certification, you must register with an accredited training provider or take an online course that meets AXELOS’ criteria for quality assurance and content delivery. Prices vary depending on provider but typically range from £400 - £800 for both levels combined.

5. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead and manage improvement projects, as well as to provide them with an understanding of the tools and techniques used in Lean Six Sigma.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes about two weeks to complete, depending on the program you choose. During this time, you will learn how to apply the principles of Lean Six Sigma to improve processes, reduce waste and increase efficiency. You will also gain an understanding of how data can be used to measure performance and identify areas for improvement.

To get your Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, you must first complete a training course offered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. After completing the coursework, you will then need to pass an exam administered by either organization in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining your Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification depends on the provider you choose; however, most courses range from $500-$1500 USD.

6. Scrum Master Certification

Scrum Master Certification is a certification program designed to validate a professional’s knowledge and experience in the Scrum framework. The certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of Scrum in software development.

The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and an online course. The written exam covers topics such as the fundamentals of Scrum, roles and responsibilities, artifacts, events, and techniques for successful implementation. The online course focuses on more advanced topics such as agile principles, team dynamics, and how to lead effective sprints.

To become certified as a Scrum Master, applicants must first pass the written exam with at least 75% accuracy. Once this is done, they can register for the online course which typically takes around 16 hours to complete. After completing both parts successfully, applicants will be awarded their official Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certificate from the Scrum Alliance.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you are located but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD for both parts combined.

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification for IT professionals. It stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library and is a set of best practices used to improve the quality of IT services. The certification is designed to provide an understanding of the core concepts, processes, and terminology used in IT service management.

It typically takes between one and two months to study for the ITIL Foundation exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 60 minutes. The passing score is 65%.

In order to get the ITIL Foundation Certification, you must first take an accredited course from an approved training provider. There are both online and classroom courses available depending on your preference. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be able to register for the exam with PeopleCert or AXELOS directly.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification can vary depending on your chosen training provider, but generally it costs around $600 USD or more.

8. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed for professionals who have experience in risk management and are looking to demonstrate their expertise. The PMI-RMP certification recognizes an individual’s ability to identify, assess, control, and manage project risks.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the PMI-RMP exam. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of 4500 hours of project risk management experience within the last five years and 35 contact hours of formal education in project risk management. Once you meet these criteria, you can register for the exam through PMI’s website.

The cost of taking the PMI-RMP exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. Additionally, there are other fees associated with maintaining your certification such as annual membership dues and recertification fees every three years.

9. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes practitioners who have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in developing, managing, and maintaining project schedules. The PMI-SP credential is designed to validate the skills of experienced project schedulers who are able to create realistic project plans and timelines.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the PMI-SP exam. Candidates must meet certain prerequisites before taking the exam, including having at least 3 years of professional experience in project scheduling and 24 contact hours of formal education related to project scheduling.

To get the PMI-SP certification, candidates must first apply for it through PMI’s website. After submitting an application and paying the required fee, they will be given access to a practice exam which they can use to familiarize themselves with the format and content of the actual test. Once they are ready, they can schedule their exam date through Pearson VUE, an online testing platform used by PMI for its certifications.

The cost of obtaining the PMI-SP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. If you are a member, then it costs $405 USD; if you are not a member, then it costs $555 USD.

10. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification designed to validate the skills of project managers. It is an internationally recognized certification that validates a candidate’s ability to manage projects and ensure successful completion.

To get CompTIA Project+ certified, you must pass the CompTIA Project+ exam (PK0-004). The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions, and you have 90 minutes to complete it. To pass the exam, you must score at least 750 out of 900 points.

You can prepare for the exam by taking an online course or attending a classroom training session. There are also study guides and practice tests available online that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. You may also need to pay additional fees for any additional materials or services related to preparing for the exam, such as books or online courses.

In terms of time commitment, it usually takes about one month of studying and preparation before taking the CompTIA Project+ exam. However, this timeline may vary depending on how much time and effort you put into studying for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Project Executive Certificate?

Project executives are an integral part of any successful project. They are responsible for overseeing the entire project, from start to finish. As such, they need to have a strong understanding of how projects work and how to manage them effectively. A Project Executive Certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in this field.

The Project Executive Certificate is a professional certification program that provides comprehensive training and education on the principles of project management. It includes courses on project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management and more. The certificate also requires that you complete a portfolio demonstrating your accomplishments in the field.

Having a Project Executive Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in this field or for those who want to make sure they have the necessary skills and knowledge needed for their current role. It can also be helpful if you are looking to apply for a new job or promotion within the organization you currently work for as employers often view it as evidence of your commitment to excellence in project management. Additionally, having this certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess one when applying for positions outside of your current company or industry.

Overall, whether or not you need a Project Executive Certificate depends on your individual goals and needs. If you think it will help further your career prospects or give you an edge over other applicants then it may be worth considering obtaining one. However, if you don’t feel that it is necessary then it may not be worth investing the time and money into obtaining one at this point in your career.

Related: Project Executive Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Executive Certifications

1. What are the benefits of project executive certifications?

Answer: Project executive certifications provide individuals with a variety of benefits, including increased knowledge and understanding of project management principles, improved career prospects and earning potential, recognition as a certified professional in the field, and enhanced credibility among peers and employers.

2. How do I get started on obtaining a project executive certification?

Answer: To get started on obtaining a project executive certification, you’ll need to research which certification is right for you based on your experience and desired career path. You may also need to gather any necessary educational requirements and study materials before beginning the process.

3. What is the cost of obtaining a project executive certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a project executive certification varies depending on the type of certification you choose to pursue. Many organizations offer different levels of certifications at various prices, so it’s important to research what best fits your budget before making any commitments.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a project executive certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require applicants to have some level of prior experience or knowledge in order to qualify for certain certifications. It is important to research what prerequisites are required by each organization before applying for any certifications you are interested in pursuing.

5. How long does it take to obtain a project executive certification?

Answer: The time it takes to obtain a project executive certification varies depending on the type of certification and individual circumstances such as prior experience or educational requirements that must be met first. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks up to several months or even longer in some cases depending on how quickly one can meet all requirements for their chosen program.