Top 10 Project Management Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a project management consultant's job market. Certification validates the individual's knowledge, skills, and experience in a particular area of project management. This can be invaluable to employers who need to know that their consultants have the expertise to manage projects successfully.

Certifications also demonstrate dedication and commitment to the profession as they require ongoing education and training in order to maintain them. Employers will often look for certifications when hiring project managers and may even prefer those with certifications over those without. This is because certification provides assurance that the individual has the necessary knowledge and experience required to do the job effectively.

Finally, certifications can provide additional career opportunities for project management consultants by increasing their visibility in the job market. Many organizations prefer to hire certified professionals because they have more confidence in their ability to deliver results.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Project Management Consultants and discuss how these certifications can help advance a consultant's career.

What are Project Management Consultant Certifications?

Project management consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s ability to effectively manage projects and consult on project-related topics. It is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to become effective project managers, as well as provide them with the ability to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

Project management consultant certification can help individuals gain more credibility and recognition within their organization or industry. It can also give them an edge when competing for jobs or promotions, as employers may view certified professionals as having more knowledge and experience than those without certification. Furthermore, this certification can provide individuals with the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, which can lead to new career opportunities.

Additionally, project management consultant certification can help individuals stay up-to-date on best practices and trends in the industry. This can be invaluable for staying ahead of competitors and ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and successfully. Lastly, this certification provides an easy way for individuals to show potential clients that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle complex projects.

Pro Tip: Project management consultant certification can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and credibility in the field. It is important to research different certifications available, as some offer more specialized training than others. Additionally, it is important to make sure that any certification you pursue is recognized by industry professionals and organizations.

Related: What does a Project Management Consultant do?

Top 10 Project Management Consultant Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected project management certification in the world. The PMP credential demonstrates a mastery of project management skills and knowledge, as well as an understanding of the principles and practices of successful project management.

To be eligible for PMP Certification, candidates must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects; or a four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent) with at least three years of project management experience with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes up to four hours to complete.

In order to get PMP Certification, candidates must first apply for the exam through the PMI website. Once approved, they must then take an online training course in order to prepare for taking the exam. After completing the course and passing the exam, candidates will receive their certificate from the PMI.

The cost for taking the PMP Exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members it costs $405 USD while non-members pay $555 USD.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is a professional credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts, processes, and terminology used in project management. The CAPM certification is ideal for those who are just starting out in project management or those looking to advance their career.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CAPM exam. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by PMI. These include having a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) and 1,500 hours of professional project experience OR 23 contact hours of formal education in project management topics.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can then register for the CAPM exam online through PMI’s website. The cost of the exam is $225 USD for members of PMI and $300 USD for non-members.

When taking the exam, you will be tested on your knowledge of five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing; as well as ten knowledge areas: integration management; scope management; time management; cost management; quality management; human resource management; communications management; risk management; procurement management; and stakeholder engagement.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. A passing score on this exam is required to become certified as a CAPM.

3. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a widely used project management methodology developed by the UK government. It is based on seven principles, seven themes and seven processes which provide an effective framework for managing projects. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage projects using the PRINCE2 methodology.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is designed to give individuals a basic understanding of the PRINCE2 project management methodology. It covers topics such as the principles, themes, processes and terminology of PRINCE2. To obtain this certification, candidates must pass a one-hour multiple-choice exam consisting of 75 questions. This exam can be taken online or at an accredited training centre. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from £150 - £300.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification builds on the knowledge gained in the Foundation course and tests candidates’ ability to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios. To obtain this certification, candidates must pass a two-and-a-half hour multiple-choice exam consisting of 68 questions. This exam can also be taken online or at an accredited training centre and costs around £250 - £500 depending on location.

In order to take either of these exams, candidates must have completed a minimum of 21 hours of formal PRINCE2 training from an accredited provider or have sufficient experience in working with projects using the PRINCE2 methodology.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to help Agile practitioners demonstrate their knowledge and experience with the Agile methodology. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is an internationally recognized certification that validates an individual’s ability to use Agile practices in their work environment.

The ACP Certification requires candidates to have a minimum of 21 contact hours of training in Agile principles and practices, as well as a minimum of 1,500 hours of experience working on Agile teams over the past three years. Candidates must also pass an exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and scenario-based exercises.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $435 for PMI members or $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their certification within four weeks.

To maintain the ACP Certification, certified professionals must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs can be earned through attending conferences, taking courses, or participating in other activities related to Agile development.

5. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the area of risk management. The PMI-RMP credential demonstrates an individual’s ability to identify, assess, and respond to project risks.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the PMI-RMP certification. In order to qualify for the PMI-RMP certification, applicants must have at least 4500 hours of project risk management experience within the last 5 years and 35 contact hours of formal project risk management education. The application process also requires passing an online examination consisting of 150 multiple choice questions.

The cost of obtaining the PMI-RMP certification varies depending on your country or region. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 USD for members of PMI and $550-$750 USD for non-members. Additionally, there are annual fees associated with maintaining the credential which range from $60-$150 USD per year depending on your membership status with PMI.

6. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification is a professional credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed for project management professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in scheduling. The PMI-SP certification recognizes individuals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively create, maintain, and analyze schedules.

The PMI-SP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of scheduling principles, tools, techniques, and best practices. The exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent plus 5 years of project scheduling experience or a bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of project scheduling experience.

To get the PMI-SP certification, applicants must first submit an application form with the required documentation and fees to PMI. Once approved, they can register for the exam online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam is $405 USD for members of PMI and $555 USD for non-members.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their certification from PMI within 4 weeks after completing all requirements. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or retaking the exam.

7. Project Management Institute – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification

The Project Management Institute – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification is a credential designed to recognize an individual’s knowledge and skills in using agile practices in their project management roles. It is the most recognized agile certification available and provides an industry-recognized credential for practitioners of agile methodologies.

The PMI-ACP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of 2,000 hours of general project experience and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last five years, as well as 21 contact hours of formal education in agile principles. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The cost for the exam is $435 for members of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and $495 for non-members.

To prepare for the PMI-ACP exam, applicants can take part in training courses or self-study with study materials such as books, videos, and online courses. Many organizations offer PMI-ACP training courses that provide comprehensive instruction on all aspects of agile methodology and prepare participants to pass the exam. These courses typically range from two to five days in length and can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 depending on the provider and length of course.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also agree to adhere to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct before they are awarded their certification. Once certified, PMI-ACP holders must recertify every three years by earning 30 professional development units (PDUs).

8. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification:

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes by eliminating waste, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction. The certification requires candidates to have a basic understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and practices, as well as an ability to apply them in real-world situations. The certification typically takes between four and eight weeks to complete, depending on the speed of the learner. To get certified, individuals must pass a written exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$2,000.

Black Belt Certification:

Six Sigma Black Belt certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the Lean Six Sigma methodology and its application in complex business environments. This advanced level of certification requires candidates to have a thorough understanding of all aspects of Lean Six Sigma including project management, data analysis, problem solving techniques, and change management strategies. The certification typically takes between eight and twelve weeks to complete depending on the speed of the learner. To get certified individuals must pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost for this certification also varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,500-$4,000.

9. ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

The ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates your understanding of the principles and core elements of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL). It is designed to provide an understanding of how IT services are delivered, managed, and supported.

The ITIL Foundation Certificate requires a minimum of 21 hours of study time and can be completed in as little as one week. You can get certified by attending instructor-led or online training courses, or self-study using books and other resources. The cost for certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500 to $2,000.

In order to become certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as service management processes, roles and responsibilities, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, technology and architecture, security management and more. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes.

10. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in project management. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage projects of all sizes and complexity.

The CompTIA Project+ exam covers the following topics: project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure; risk management; communication; resource management; quality assurance; and professional responsibility. The exam also tests an individual’s knowledge of industry best practices and standards such as PMI’s PMBOK Guide.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam. The exam itself consists of 100 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 90 minutes. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass this exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale from 100-900.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ certification varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website.

Do You Really Need a Project Management Consultant Certificate?

If you are considering a career in project management, then a project management consultant certificate may be something to consider. Although it is not required for all positions in the field, a certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the area.

A project management consultant certificate can provide you with an advantage over other applicants when competing for jobs. It shows employers that you have taken the time to develop your skills and knowledge beyond the basics of project management. Having this certification can also give you more confidence in your job search, as it provides validation that you have the necessary skills to be successful in the role. Additionally, having a certification from an accredited institution may open up doors to higher paying jobs or promotions within your current organization.

For those who already have experience in the field, obtaining a project management consultant certificate could provide additional recognition for their work. A certification can also be used as evidence of professional development when applying for new positions or seeking promotions. Furthermore, if you decide to move into consulting or teaching roles later on in your career, having a certification will give you credibility and help set yourself apart from other qualified candidates.

In short, while obtaining a project management consultant certificate is not required for all positions in the field, it is certainly something to consider if you want to stand out among other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to developing your skills and knowledge as a professional.

Related: Project Management Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Management Consultant Certifications

Q1: What is a Project Management Consultant Certification?

A1: A Project Management Consultant Certification is a professional certification that validates the knowledge and experience of project management consultants. The certification demonstrates expertise in the field of project management, helping to build credibility and trust with potential clients.

Q2: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Project Management Consultant?

A2: Becoming certified as a Project Management Consultant can help you stand out from other consultants, increase your earning potential, and enhance your career prospects. Additionally, it can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects successfully.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Project Management Consultant?

A3: To become certified as a Project Management Consultant, you must pass an examination administered by an accredited organization such as PMI (Project Management Institute). You may also need to complete coursework or demonstrate relevant experience in the field.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified as a Project Management Consultant?

A4: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the requirements set by each certification body. Generally, it takes around 6-12 months to complete all of the required steps for certification. However, this timeframe can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Q5: Is there any ongoing training or education required after I am certified as a Project Management Consultant?

A5: Yes, most certifying organizations require ongoing professional development to maintain certification status. This typically includes attending workshops and seminars or completing online courses related to project management topics.