Top 11 Project Manager Certifications

Certifications for a project manager are important because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field. These certifications allow employers to quickly assess a job candidate's qualifications. They also show that a project manager is committed to continuing their education and staying up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry. Additionally, certifications can provide an edge over other potential candidates when it comes to job interviews, promotions, and salary negotiations. Finally, having a certification can open up new opportunities such as networking with peers and employers in the same field of work.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Project Managers and explains how they can contribute to a project manager's career growth.

What are Project Manager Certifications?

Project manager certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a project manager’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of project management. It is awarded by accredited organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI). Having a PMP certification can help project managers demonstrate their expertise in project management to potential employers and clients.

The PMP certification requires applicants to have at least 3 years of experience leading and directing projects, 4500 hours of leading and directing projects, 35 hours of formal education in project management, and passing an exam. The exam tests applicants on five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

By obtaining the PMP certification, project managers can gain increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Employers may require or prefer a PMP certified candidate for job positions that involve managing projects or leading teams. Additionally, having a PMP certification helps distinguish a project manager from other candidates when applying for jobs. Furthermore, having a PMP certification can help build trust with clients who are looking for professionals with proven project management skills.

Overall, the benefits of obtaining a PMP certification include gaining recognition in the field of project management as well as increasing job opportunities and higher salaries.

Pro Tip: When considering project manager certification, look for certifications that are accredited by a reputable organization such as the Project Management Institute (PMI). This will ensure that you are receiving quality training and knowledge in the field of project management.

Related: What does a Project Manager do?

Top 11 Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a 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 that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully lead and direct projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have either a four-year degree or high school diploma plus at least 5 years of project management experience with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

In order to obtain the PMP certification, applicants must first apply for the exam through PMI’s website. After submitting their application they will receive an email from PMI with instructions on how to schedule their exam. Once they have registered for their exam, they can begin studying for it using any number of resources available online or in print form.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 USD; for members it costs $405 USD. In addition to this fee there may also be other associated costs such as study materials or training courses.

2. 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 demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of project management principles, processes, and terminology. The CAPM certification is intended for those who are new to project management or have limited experience.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the CAPM exam. To become certified, you must pass the 3-hour long CAPM exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. You must also have completed a minimum of 23 hours of project management education prior to taking the exam.

In order to take the CAPM exam, you must first register with PMI and pay a fee of $225 USD ($300 USD if you are not a PMI member). Once registered, you can schedule your exam at any Prometric testing center worldwide.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

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 individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of and proficiency in applying Agile principles and practices. The ACP certification is intended to help organizations identify qualified professionals who can help them achieve their business goals through successful Agile project management.

The ACP certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of Agile principles, values, and mindset; Agile planning; Agile estimation; Agile development; and Agile delivery. To become certified, applicants must complete 21 contact hours of training in these areas as well as pass an exam administered by PMI.

The ACP certification process typically takes between two and four months depending on the applicant’s availability for training and the exam date chosen. Applicants should plan to spend at least 40 hours studying for the exam before taking it.

The cost of becoming an ACP varies depending on the training provider chosen but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD. This cost covers both the training and exam fees.

4. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner

PRINCE2 (Projects In Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology developed by the UK government in 1989. It is now used worldwide, particularly in the public sector. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner qualifications are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage projects using the PRINCE2 methodology.

The Foundation qualification provides an understanding of the PRINCE2 principles, processes and themes. It is a prerequisite for taking the Practitioner qualification, which focuses on how to apply and tailor PRINCE2 to different project scenarios.

It typically takes around two months of study to prepare for both exams, but this depends on individual learning styles and experience.

To get certified, you must pass both the Foundation and Practitioner exams. The Foundation exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 1 hour 30 minutes. The Practitioner exam consists of 8 scenario-based objective test questions and must be completed within 2 hours 30 minutes.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your location, but expect to pay around £400 - £500 for both exams (including training materials).

5. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the area of risk management. The PMI-RMP credential recognizes individuals for their knowledge, skills and experience in identifying, assessing and controlling project risks.

To become certified as a PMI-RMP, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least four years of project risk management experience in the past eight years, or three years of project risk management experience if you have a degree related to the field. You must also have 35 contact hours of formal education in project risk management.

Once you meet these criteria, you can apply to take the PMI-RMP exam. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of three hours and thirty minutes. The cost for taking the exam is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members.

Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your PMI-RMP credential. This credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed every three years by earning 30 professional development units (PDUs) related to project risk management during that period.

6. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to effectively develop and maintain project schedules. The PMI-SP credential is a valuable asset for project managers and those seeking to advance their career in project scheduling.

The PMI-SP certification requires applicants to have at least 2,000 hours of experience leading and directing projects as well as 35 contact hours of formal education in project scheduling. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that tests their understanding of the PMI Scheduling Standard and other related topics.

To get the PMI-SP certification, you must first apply online through the PMI website. Once your application has been accepted, you can register for the exam. The exam typically takes four hours to complete and consists of 170 multiple choice questions.

The cost of taking the PMI-SP exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, the cost is $555 USD while members pay $405 USD.

7. Scrum Master Certification (SMCTM)

Scrum Master Certification (SMCTM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the Scrum framework. The certification is awarded by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum.

The SMCTM certification requires successful completion of a two-day course and an online exam. The course covers topics such as Scrum fundamentals, roles and responsibilities, product backlogs, sprint planning, daily scrums, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and more. Upon completion of the course and passing the exam, you will receive your SMCTM certification.

The cost of the SMCTM certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether or not you are a member of the Scrum Alliance. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD. Some organizations may offer discounts for members or group rates for multiple people taking the course together.

In order to get your SMCTM certification you must first find a training provider offering courses that meet the requirements set by the Scrum Alliance. Once you have found a suitable training provider you can register for their course and begin studying for your exam. After completing your training and passing your exam you will officially be certified as a Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and implement Six Sigma processes within an organization. The certification is based on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology of process improvement.

The certification typically takes between four and six months to complete depending on the provider. To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, you must complete a training course that covers topics such as project management, data analysis, process improvement tools, and problem-solving techniques. After completing the training course, you must pass an examination in order to receive your certification.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification will vary depending on the provider and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD.

9. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful Lean Six Sigma projects. It is an advanced level of certification that requires a comprehensive understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and methodologies. The program is typically completed in three months or less, depending on the individual's ability to learn and apply the material.

In order to become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as process improvement methodology, project management, problem solving techniques, data analysis tools, and team dynamics. Upon completion of these courses and exams, individuals will be awarded their Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

The cost of obtaining the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from around $2,000 to $4,000 USD for the full course package. This cost includes all materials needed for the coursework and exams as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

10. IT Project+ Certification

IT Project+ Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing IT projects. It is offered by CompTIA, a leading provider of IT certifications. The certification focuses on the most important aspects of project management, such as planning, budgeting, scheduling, communication and risk management.

The IT Project+ certification requires applicants to pass an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as project scope and objectives, resource allocation, quality control and project closure. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and requires a minimum score of 720 out of 900 points to pass.

To get the IT Project+ certification, applicants must first register for the exam through CompTIA’s website or through an authorized testing center. After registering for the exam, applicants must then study for it using approved materials from CompTIA or other sources. Once ready to take the exam, applicants can schedule it at a testing center or online through CompTIA’s website.

The cost of the IT Project+ certification varies depending on where you take the exam and if you are taking it online or in person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD.

11. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to manage projects, plan and execute tasks, as well as understand the business environment in which they will be working. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it can be applied to any type of project or organization.

It typically takes around two months to complete the CompTIA Project+ certification process. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice exams, and attending a training course if desired. To become certified, applicants must pass a 90-minute multiple choice exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale from 100-900. The exam covers topics such as project management fundamentals, communication strategies, risk management techniques, and quality assurance principles.

The cost of obtaining CompTIA Project+ certification varies depending on the method chosen for study and preparation. Self-study materials are available online for free or at low cost; however, attending an instructor-led course may cost more than $1,000 depending on the provider. Exam vouchers can also be purchased directly from CompTIA for $329 USD plus applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Project Manager Certificate?

Project managers are important members of any team, and having a project manager certificate can certainly be beneficial for job seekers. However, the decision to pursue a project management certification should be based on an individual's specific needs and goals.

For those who already have experience in the field and want to gain more recognition or credentials, a project management certificate could be an excellent option. This type of certification demonstrates knowledge in key areas such as scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, communication, and stakeholder management. It also shows that you are committed to learning new skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Furthermore, many employers prefer candidates with certifications over those without them.

On the other hand, if you’re just starting out in the field or don’t have much experience yet, then it may be better to focus on gaining experience first before considering a certification. Many employers value practical experience over formal training when it comes to hiring for project management positions. Taking on internships or volunteer roles can help build your resume and give you tangible proof of your capabilities as a project manager.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a project management certificate depends on your own circumstances and career goals. If you feel that earning this credential will benefit you in some way—either professionally or personally—then it may be worth investing in this type of training.

Related: Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Manager Certifications

1. What are the different types of project manager certifications?

Answer: The most common certifications for project managers include Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP), and Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP).

2. How do I become certified as a project manager?

Answer: Earning a certification requires completing an accredited course and passing the associated exam. Depending on the type of certification, you may also need to have experience in the field and/or meet certain educational requirements.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a project manager?

Answer: It depends on which certification you pursue and your level of experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete all of the necessary steps for becoming certified.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a project manager?

Answer: The cost of certification can vary depending on the type of certification you pursue, but typically ranges from $500-$2000 USD. This includes fees related to exams, course materials, and other costs associated with becoming certified.

5. What is the difference between CAPM and PMP certifications?

Answer: The main difference between these two certifications is that PMP requires more experience in order to be eligible for certification; generally 5 years or more in project management roles with 7500 hours leading projects or 35 hours of formal education related to project management topics. CAPM only requires 1500 hours of experience leading projects or 23 hours of formal education related to project management topics in order to be eligible for certification.