Top 11 Project Specialist Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for project specialists in the job market. They provide proof of knowledge and skills, as well as demonstrate commitment to a particular area of expertise. Certifications also demonstrate that a project specialist has taken the time to learn about the latest trends and best practices in their field, which is attractive to employers. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements, which shows employers that the project specialist is dedicated to staying up-to-date on their skills and industry knowledge. Finally, certifications can provide access to exclusive networking opportunities and job postings, giving project specialists an edge over other applicants.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Project Specialists and explain how they can enhance a project specialist's career.

What are Project Specialist Certifications?

Project Specialist Certification is a professional credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world's leading not-for-profit professional membership association for project management professionals. The certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skill in managing projects. It is designed to help project professionals advance their careers, build their credibility and enhance their ability to deliver successful projects.

The certification requires completion of a rigorous application process that includes passing an exam, submitting evidence of educational qualifications, and providing references from current or former employers. Once certified, Project Specialists demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of excellence in project management. They also gain access to resources and tools that can help them become more effective project managers.

Project Specialists are better able to lead teams, manage budgets, coordinate resources and develop strategies for successful project delivery. They can also demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement by staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices through PMI’s extensive library of publications, webinars and events. With this certification, Project Specialists can become more competitive in today’s job market as it shows employers that they possess the skills necessary for success in managing complex projects.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different certifications available for project specialists, and familiarize yourself with the prerequisites required to obtain each certification. Knowing what is required will help you decide which certification is right for you, and help you plan a successful path to achieving it.

Related: What does a Project Specialist do?

Top 11 Project Specialist Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after credentials for project managers and is recognized worldwide.

The PMP credential demonstrates a project manager’s knowledge, experience, and competency in leading and directing projects. To earn the PMP credential, applicants must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements and pass an exam.

To be eligible to take the PMP exam, you must have either:

• A four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects; or
• A secondary diploma (high school or the global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 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.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $555 USD while for members it costs $405 USD. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as an application fee ($100 USD for non-members/$60 USD for members), proctoring fees ($40-$80 USD), and other miscellaneous fees.

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 for project practitioners who have less than three years of experience and are looking to get into the field of project management.

The CAPM certification requires that applicants demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology used in project management. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers five domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CAPM exam. Applicants should study and review the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), which outlines all of the topics covered on the exam. Additionally, applicants may want to take a preparation course or use online resources to help them better understand key concepts and practice test questions.

To get certified as a CAPM, applicants must register with PMI and pay a fee of $225 USD for members or $300 USD for non-members. Once registered, applicants can schedule their exam at any Prometric testing center worldwide. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and has a three-hour time limit. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least a 73% or higher.

Once an applicant passes the CAPM exam they will be awarded their certification from PMI and be recognized as an official Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and teaching Scrum. CSM certification is designed to help individuals gain knowledge of the principles and practices of Scrum, as well as demonstrate their ability to apply them in real-world situations.

Getting certified as a CSM typically takes two days and involves attending a course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The course covers topics such as the fundamentals of Scrum, how to apply it in practice, and how to become an effective leader within a Scrum team. After completing the course, participants must pass an online exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming a CSM varies depending on where you take the course and who is teaching it; however, most courses range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful Agile practitioners. The ACP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in applying Agile principles, practices, and tools.

The ACP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their understanding of Agile methodology, techniques, and tools. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean Software Development, Extreme Programming (XP), Test Driven Development (TDD), and User Stories.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the ACP exam. During this time, applicants should familiarize themselves with the Agile Manifesto and its values and principles, study the various Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban, understand how to use Agile tools such as JIRA and Trello, and practice answering sample questions from past exams.

To get the ACP certification, applicants must first register for an online account on the Project Management Institute’s website. Once registered, applicants can purchase a voucher for the exam from PMI at a cost of $435 USD. After purchasing the voucher, applicants can schedule their exam at a nearby testing center or take it online using an approved proctoring service.

The cost of the ACP certification is $435 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or using a proctoring service.

5. PRINCE2 Practitioner

PRINCE2 Practitioner is a certification that demonstrates an understanding of the PRINCE2 project management methodology. This certification is designed for those who want to demonstrate their ability to apply and tailor PRINCE2 in a project environment.

How long does it take to get it?

The time required to obtain the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification depends on your level of experience, as well as the type of study you undertake. Generally, it takes around 20-30 hours of study, including attending a training course, studying the official manual and taking the exam.

How to get it?

To obtain the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, you must first pass the Foundation exam and then pass the Practitioner exam. The Foundation exam tests your understanding of the principles and terminology associated with PRINCE2. The Practitioner exam tests your ability to apply and tailor PRINCE2 in a project environment. To prepare for both exams, you can attend an accredited training course or self-study using official materials such as books or online courses.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification varies depending on how you choose to study for it. If you opt for an accredited training course, this could cost anywhere from £500 - £1,500 depending on where you take it and how long it lasts. If you choose to self-study using official materials such as books or online courses, this could cost between £100 - £200 depending on which materials you use.

6. CompTIA Project+

CompTIA Project+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in project management. It is designed to measure the ability of professionals to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control and close projects. This certification is suitable for project managers, business analysts, team leads and other professionals who need to demonstrate their expertise in project management.

The CompTIA Project+ exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as project initiation and planning, monitoring and controlling projects, closing projects and managing stakeholders.

To get CompTIA Project+, you must pass the CompTIA Project+ exam (PK0-004). You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers by paying the exam fee of $329 USD. You can also purchase study materials from CompTIA or third-party vendors to help you prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within 2-3 weeks via email. Your certification will be valid for three years after which you will need to recertify by taking another CompTIA Project+ exam or completing continuing education units (CEUs).

7. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification in the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve IT service management processes. The certification provides a comprehensive overview of the core concepts, principles, and processes that make up the ITIL framework.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 60 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65%.

To get certified as an ITIL Foundation professional, individuals must first register for and pass the ITIL Foundation Certification Exam. This exam can be taken at any accredited Pearson VUE testing center or online through Pearson VUE's remote proctoring services.

The cost of taking the ITIL Foundation Certification Exam varies depending on where you take it and who administers it. Generally speaking, most testing centers charge around $200 USD for the exam fee. Additionally, some organizations may require additional fees for registration or other administrative costs associated with taking the exam.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt

Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program designed to give professionals the skills and knowledge to lead improvement projects in their organization. It focuses on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) methodology for process improvement.

The Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes between 8-10 weeks of study time and requires passing an exam. The exam is usually administered by a third-party provider such as ASQ or IASSC.

To get a Six Sigma Green Belt certification, you must have at least three years of work experience in a related field and complete the required coursework. You can find courses offered online or through universities and colleges that offer Six Sigma training programs.

The cost to obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD.

9. SAFe 4 Agilist Certification

SAFe 4 Agilist Certification is a professional certification program designed to help organizations and individuals gain the skills and knowledge required to successfully implement Lean-Agile software and systems development. It is based on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which provides guidance for implementing Lean-Agile practices at scale. The certification is offered through Scaled Agile, Inc., and requires that individuals demonstrate their knowledge of the framework by passing an exam.

The SAFe 4 Agilist Certification typically takes between three to six months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, individuals must attend a two-day course that covers all aspects of the framework and pass an online exam. The cost of the course and exam vary depending on location but generally range from $1,500 - $2,500 USD.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a certification program designed to help professionals become more effective problem solvers and process improvers. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines the principles of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma quality control. The certification requires an understanding of both disciplines and their application in a business environment.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification typically takes six months to complete. This includes completing a series of courses, passing an exam, and completing a project demonstrating your knowledge and skills in the field. The courses cover topics such as problem solving, process improvement, data analysis, project management, and change management.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first complete the required training coursework. These courses are offered by various organizations such as ASQ (American Society for Quality) or IASSC (International Association for Six Sigma Certification). Once you have completed the coursework, you must pass an exam administered by one of these organizations to receive your certificate.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on the organization offering the training. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$5,000 USD to get certified through one of these organizations. This includes the cost of course materials and exams fees.

11. PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in using agile practices in project management. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding of agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques.

To become a PMI-ACP certified practitioner, individuals must have at least 1500 hours of general project experience and 2000 hours of agile project experience. They must also complete 21 contact hours of formal education in agile practices and pass the PMI-ACP exam.

The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 3 hours. The cost of the exam is $435 for PMI members or $495 for non-members. There are no additional costs associated with becoming a PMI-ACP certified practitioner.

Do You Really Need a Project Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A project specialist certificate can be a great way to demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field of project management and can help set you apart from other job seekers who do not have a certificate. However, before deciding if a project specialist certificate is necessary, it is important to consider the type of job you are applying for, as well as your current level of knowledge and experience.

For those looking to break into the field, a project specialist certificate may be beneficial as it shows potential employers that you are committed to learning more about project management and have taken steps to gain additional qualifications. For those already working in the field, a project specialist certificate may still be useful but may not be essential depending on the type of job being applied for. If the job requires extensive knowledge or experience in certain areas of project management then having a certification could be beneficial.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a project specialist certificate will depend on your specific situation and goals. It is important to thoroughly research what opportunities are available and assess if having an additional qualification would make you stand out from other applicants.

Related: Project Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Project Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a Project Specialist Certification?

A1. A Project Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in project management. It is designed to help project professionals understand the fundamentals of successful project management and demonstrate their ability to apply those principles in a variety of settings.

Q2. How long does it take to get certified as a Project Specialist?

A2. The amount of time required to obtain a Project Specialist certification varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing, as well as the institution offering the certification program. Generally, most programs require between 6-12 months of study and practice before sitting for the exam.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Project Specialist?

A3. Becoming a certified Project Specialist can provide numerous benefits such as gaining recognition for your skillset, improving job prospects, and increasing your earning potential in the industry. Additionally, it can also help you stand out from other applicants applying for similar positions and help build credibility with employers or clients who may be unfamiliar with your expertise or background.

Q4. What do I need to do to become certified as a Project Specialist?

A4: To become certified as a Project Specialist, you will typically need to meet certain educational requirements and have relevant work experience in project management or related fields before taking an exam administered by an accredited institution or organization that provides certification programs in this area. You will also need to pass the exam with a satisfactory score before receiving your official certification credentials.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Project Specialist?

A5: Depending on the specific program you are interested in pursuing, there may be certain prerequisites that must be met prior to enrolling in the program or taking the final examination required for certification. For example, many programs require applicants to have at least two years of relevant work experience in project management before they can even begin studying for their certification exam.