Top 10 Scheduling Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a scheduling manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual is knowledgeable and qualified to manage complex scheduling tasks. Certifications can also help make a scheduling manager more competitive in the job market, as they provide evidence of additional skills and knowledge beyond what is typically expected. Certifications can also help validate a scheduling manager's experience, as they require passing an exam or completing a particular course to obtain them. Ultimately, certifications can be used to demonstrate that a scheduling manager has the necessary expertise to effectively manage projects and operations.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Scheduling Managers and explains how they can contribute to a scheduling manager's career by providing valuable knowledge, skills, and credentials.

What are Scheduling Manager Certifications?

Scheduling Manager Certification is a professional certification designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage complex schedules. It focuses on the fundamentals of schedule management, such as planning, controlling, monitoring, and reporting on projects. The certification also covers important concepts related to scheduling such as earned value analysis, critical path analysis, resource loading, and risk management. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their proficiency in managing schedules and gain recognition for their competency in this field.

The primary benefit of Scheduling Manager Certification is that it provides professionals with an objective measure of their knowledge and skills in the area of schedule management. This certification can be used to prove one’s expertise in managing schedules and increase their chances of getting hired or promoted. It also allows employers to identify qualified professionals who are capable of meeting tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards. Additionally, the certification can be used to obtain continuing education credits or demonstrate commitment to the profession. Finally, it is an excellent way for individuals to stay up-to-date on best practices in schedule management and ensure they remain competitive in today’s job market.

Pro Tip: When scheduling manager certification, plan ahead and create a timeline. Map out each step of the process, including any training or additional preparation that may be needed. That way, you can ensure that all requirements are met and that everyone involved is prepared for the certification.

Related: What does a Scheduling Manager do?

Top 10 Scheduling Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Scheduler (CPS)

Certified Professional Scheduler (CPS) is a certification program offered by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI). The CPS certification is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in project scheduling and control.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as project management principles, scheduling techniques, earned value management, and cost estimating. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CPS certification exam varies depending on the country in which you take it. In the United States, the cost is $400 USD for AACEI members and $600 USD for non-members.

In order to be eligible to take the CPS certification exam, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least three years of professional experience in project scheduling or control and having completed a minimum of 40 hours of formal training in project scheduling or control within five years prior to taking the exam.

Once an individual has successfully passed their CPS certification exam, they will receive their certificate within six weeks. This certificate is valid for three years from the date it was issued. After this time period has expired, individuals must renew their certification by completing at least 40 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

2. Certified Project Scheduling Professional (CPSP)

Certified Project Scheduling Professional (CPSP) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in project scheduling.

The CPSP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of project scheduling experience, including at least three years of direct involvement with project scheduling. Applicants must also pass an online exam which covers topics such as project management fundamentals, schedule development, and risk management.

The entire CPSP process typically takes about six months to complete. The first step is to fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents. Once your application is approved, you will be able to register for the online exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining a CPSP certification varies depending on your country of residence and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 USD for the application fee, exam fee, and any additional fees associated with obtaining the certification.

3. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. The PMP credential demonstrates that a project manager has the knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully lead and direct projects.

In order to be eligible for the PMP exam, an individual must have either a four-year degree or equivalent work experience in the field of project management. Additionally, they must have 4500 hours of leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within four hours. It costs $555 USD to take the exam.

To get certified, individuals must pass the PMP exam with a score of at least 61%. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

4. Microsoft Project Certification

Microsoft Project Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their expertise in using Microsoft Project software. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of project managers, business analysts, and other professionals involved in project management.

The certification consists of two exams: one on the fundamentals of Microsoft Project and one on advanced features. The fundamentals exam covers topics such as creating a project plan, entering tasks, assigning resources, tracking progress, managing costs, and reporting results. The advanced exam covers topics such as customizing views and reports, setting up enterprise projects, linking projects together, working with resource pools and calendars, and creating macros.

The certification process typically takes about 6-8 weeks to complete. To get certified you must first pass both exams with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points. Once you have passed the exams you will receive your official Microsoft Project Certification badge.

The cost for taking the two exams is $165 each for a total cost of $330 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

5. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential that validates the skills of project managers in planning, executing, and delivering projects on time and within budget. It is designed for professionals who manage small to mid-sized projects, typically up to 25 people. The certification covers topics such as project management best practices, risk management, communication, quality assurance, resource management, and more.

The CompTIA Project+ certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To earn the certification you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To prepare for the exam you can take an instructor-led training course or self-study using online resources such as webinars and practice tests. Additionally, CompTIA offers study guides that cover all the topics included in the exam.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ certification exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD.

6. Oracle Primavera P6 Certification

Oracle Primavera P6 Certification is a professional certification program that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the use of Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management (EPPM) software. It validates an individual’s ability to effectively manage projects, programs, and portfolios using the Oracle Primavera P6 EPPM software.

The certification process typically takes between one and three months to complete. The first step is to register for the exam at the Oracle website. Once registered, you will need to purchase the required study materials and begin studying for the exam. You will also need to schedule a time to take the exam at an approved testing center.

Once you have completed your studies and taken the exam, you will receive your results within two weeks. If you pass, you will be notified via email that you have been certified as an Oracle Primavera P6 Professional.

The cost of Oracle Primavera P6 Certification varies depending on which country you are in. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD for registration and study materials, plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

7. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the principles and practices of project scheduling. The PMI-SP certification demonstrates a professional’s ability to use project management tools, techniques, and processes to develop and maintain realistic schedules that support the successful completion of projects.

In order to become certified as a PMI Scheduling Professional, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having either a four-year degree or secondary diploma plus at least three years of professional experience in project scheduling, or at least five years of professional experience in project scheduling without a degree or diploma. You must also have 35 contact hours of formal education in project scheduling.

Once you are eligible for the PMI-SP certification, you must then pass an exam administered by PMI. This exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as scheduling fundamentals, schedule development, schedule control, and schedule analysis. The exam takes four hours to complete and costs $405 for non-members of PMI and $355 for members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your PMI Scheduling Professional certification which is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain your certification status during this time period, you must earn 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) every three years through activities such as attending conferences or completing courses related to project management.

8. Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP)

Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PSP certification recognizes professionals who have demonstrated their ability to effectively plan and schedule projects. This certification is designed for those with experience in project management, planning, scheduling, and cost control.

The PSP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To prepare for the exam, PMI recommends taking a training course or self-study using recommended materials. The cost of the PSP exam is $405 USD for PMI members and $555 USD for non-members.

In order to qualify to take the PSP exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent plus at least 7500 hours of project planning and scheduling experience; OR a bachelor's degree plus at least 4500 hours of project planning and scheduling experience; OR a master's degree plus at least 2500 hours of project planning and scheduling experience.

Once an applicant has met the eligibility requirements, they can register to take the exam through PMI’s website or by calling their customer service number. The registration process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish. After registering, applicants will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time.

The PSP certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed through continuing education credits or reexamination.

9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification offered by the Scrum Alliance to individuals who have completed an accredited training program and demonstrated a commitment to Scrum principles. The CSM certification is designed to demonstrate mastery of the Scrum framework and its practical application in software development projects.

The CSM certification process typically takes 2-4 days, depending on the training provider. To become certified as a CSM, you must attend an official Certified ScrumMaster course from an accredited training provider and pass the associated exam. The cost of the course and exam vary based on the training provider, but can range from $500-$2000 USD.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the Six Sigma process improvement methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and reduce costs.

The certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in the field, as well as completion of an approved Six Sigma Green Belt training program. The training program typically takes four to eight weeks to complete, depending on the provider and format.

To get certified, you must pass an exam administered by one of the accredited organizations such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost for the exam varies depending on the organization and can range from $200-$500 USD.

Once certified, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in Six Sigma process improvement concepts such as DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) and Lean Six Sigma tools such as root cause analysis, project management, data collection and analysis, problem solving techniques, and more.

Do You Really Need a Scheduling Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A Scheduling Manager Certificate is a credential that can be beneficial for individuals interested in pursuing a career in management or scheduling. It provides evidence of knowledge and expertise in the field, which can help someone secure a job or advance their career.

However, not everyone needs to obtain a Scheduling Manager Certificate. Those already experienced in the field may find it unnecessary, as they may already possess the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their current position. Someone who is starting from scratch may find more value in obtaining the certification, as it can provide them with the necessary background knowledge to get started in their new role.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Scheduling Manager Certificate will depend on their individual circumstances and goals. For some, it may be an invaluable tool for advancing their career; for others, it may not be necessary.

Related: Scheduling Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Scheduling Manager Certifications

1. What is a Scheduling Manager Certification?

Answer: A Scheduling Manager Certification is a certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and expertise in scheduling management. It provides the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage the scheduling of resources, activities, and tasks.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified varies depending on the specific certification program chosen. Generally, the process takes between one and two years of study and practice.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified include improved job prospects, higher salaries, increased credibility, greater job satisfaction, and better chances for promotion.

4. What topics are covered in a Scheduling Manager Certification program?

Answer: Topics typically covered in a Scheduling Manager Certification program include project management fundamentals, resource planning techniques, scheduling strategies, risk mitigation strategies, performance metrics, communication techniques, budgeting principles, and more.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

Answer: Prerequisites for getting certified vary from program to program but generally include having at least three years of experience in scheduling or related fields such as project management or operations management.