Top 11 Technical Program Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for technical program managers because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for. They provide credibility and recognition to the individual, showing potential employers that they have taken the time to invest in their own professional development and have the skills needed to successfully manage technical programs. Furthermore, certifications can help program managers stand out from other candidates, as having additional credentials can increase their marketability in the job market. Finally, certifications often come with access to exclusive networks and resources which can be beneficial for career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the key certifications for Technical Program Managers and discuss how they can help enhance a Technical Program Manager's career.

What are Technical Program Manager Certifications?

Technical Program Manager (TPM) certification is an industry-recognized certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful technical programs. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program that covers all aspects of program management, from project initiation and planning to execution and closure. TPM certification teaches best practices in areas such as resource management, risk management, change control, budgeting, scheduling, communications, quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

Having a TPM certification can help professionals demonstrate their ability to effectively manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. It also helps them stand out among other applicants for managerial positions in the technology field. Additionally, it can provide professionals with the confidence they need when taking on new challenges or leading new initiatives. With a TPM certification under their belt, professionals can more easily make the transition from individual contributor roles to managerial ones. By having this credential on their resume, they can show potential employers that they have the expertise and experience needed to take on higher-level responsibilities.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a technical program manager certification, make sure to build a strong foundation of knowledge in project management principles and the specific technology or product you will be managing. This can include taking online courses, reading relevant books and articles, or attending industry conferences and seminars. Additionally, when looking for a certification program, make sure it is from an accredited source that offers current and up-to-date information.

Related: What does a Technical Program Manager do?

Top 11 Technical Program Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Technical Program Manager (CTPM)

Certified Technical Program Manager (CTPM) is a professional certification program designed to help technical professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of technical program management. The CTPM certification is offered by the International Institute of Project Management (IIPM).

The CTPM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience in managing technology projects. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as project planning, resource management, risk management, budgeting and scheduling, and project closure.

To get the CTPM certification, candidates must first complete an online application form and pay a fee of $495 USD. Once approved for the program, candidates can begin studying for the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher in order to pass the exam and receive their CTPM certification.

The cost of the CTPM certification includes all materials required for studying for the exam, including access to online study guides and practice tests. Additionally, IIPM offers discounts on its fees for groups or organizations that enroll multiple individuals in its programs at once.

2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification program designed to teach the fundamentals of Scrum, an agile framework for managing complex projects. It is designed to help individuals and organizations understand and apply the principles and practices of Scrum in their own work. The CSM certification is awarded by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum.

The CSM certification program consists of two parts: a two-day course and an online assessment. The course covers the basics of Scrum, including roles, team dynamics, sprints, planning meetings, product backlogs, retrospectives, and more. After completing the course, participants must pass an online assessment in order to receive their certification.

The cost of getting a CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for the two-day course plus exam fee.

In order to maintain your CSM certification status you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This may include attending conferences or workshops related to Scrum or taking additional courses offered by the Scrum Alliance or other organizations.

3. 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 expertise in using agile practices in their projects. It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and experience with agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. To obtain the PMI-ACP certification, individuals must have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience working on teams and 1,500 hours of specific agile project experience within the last three years.

In addition to having the required project experience, applicants must also complete 21 contact hours of formal training in agile practices. The training can be obtained through PMI approved providers or through self-study courses. Once applicants have met all the requirements they can then apply for the exam.

The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. The cost of taking the exam is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their PMI-ACP certification which is valid for three years from the date it was awarded.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is a globally recognized credential for project managers, and it is one of the most prestigious certifications in the field.

The PMP certification process includes an application, an exam, and professional development activities. The application process requires that candidates demonstrate their work experience and education qualifications. To be eligible for the PMP exam, candidates must have at least three years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading and directing projects as well as 35 contact hours of project management education.

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

To get your PMP certification you will need to submit an application to the PMI and pay the associated fee. The current fee for a new application is $555 USD for members of PMI or $800 USD for non-members. Once your application has been approved you can register to take the exam at a local testing center.

In total, it usually takes 3-6 months to get your PMP certification depending on how quickly you can complete all the requirements and take the exam.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve IT service delivery. The certification is designed for individuals who want to gain an understanding of the ITIL framework and its best practices for managing IT services.

The duration of the course is typically two days, although some providers offer one-day courses. During the course, participants will learn about the five core disciplines of ITIL: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation and Continual Service Improvement. They will also learn about key concepts such as service lifecycle management and the roles and responsibilities within an organization’s IT service management framework.

To get certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited provider. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions which must be completed in 60 minutes or less. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65% on each question.

The cost of obtaining an ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on which training provider you choose to use. Generally speaking, prices range from $500-$1,000 USD per person for a two-day course with exam fees included.

6. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have mastered the Six Sigma methodology and its related tools. Six Sigma is a business process improvement methodology that focuses on reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving customer satisfaction. The certification is offered by many organizations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between three to six months to complete. The duration of the program depends on the organization offering it and the individual’s level of knowledge and experience with the Six Sigma methodology. Generally, individuals must complete a series of courses or workshops in order to qualify for the certification.

To get certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by their chosen organization. The exam covers topics such as project management, problem solving techniques, data analysis methods, and quality control principles. After passing the exam, individuals receive their certification from their chosen organization.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the organization offering it and other factors such as geographic location and additional training materials purchased. Generally, fees range from $500 to $2,000 USD per person.

7. SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)

SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) is a certification program offered by Scaled Agile, Inc. It is designed to help organizations and individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The SPC certification is based on the SAFe Principles, Practices, and Values that enable successful Lean-Agile transformations at enterprise scale.

The SPC certification requires completion of a two-day course which covers topics such as:

• Understanding the Lean-Agile Mindset
• Leading SAFe
• Implementing Agile Release Trains
• Executing PI Planning
• Building an Agile Portfolio
• Implementing Lean-Agile Program Management
• Developing Team and Technical Agility

The course includes hands-on exercises and simulations to reinforce learning objectives. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to take the online exam to become certified as an SPC.

It takes approximately two days to complete the course and obtain your SPC certification. The cost of taking the course varies depending on location and other factors but typically ranges between $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

8. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage projects. CAPM certification recognizes an individual’s understanding of the fundamental knowledge, processes, and terminology used in project management.

It typically takes about three months for individuals to prepare for the CAPM exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. To be eligible for the CAPM certification, individuals must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus 1,500 hours of project experience OR 23 hours of project management education by the time they sit for the exam.

The cost of CAPM certification varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For PMI members, it costs $225 USD while non-members will pay $300 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee that costs $150 USD regardless of membership status.

9. PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a globally recognized project management methodology that provides a framework for managing projects. It is used by organizations and individuals around the world to ensure successful project delivery. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage projects using the PRINCE2 methodology.

The PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Certification consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation level focuses on understanding the principles, processes, themes, and terminology of PRINCE2. The Practitioner level builds on this knowledge by teaching how to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to real-world situations.

The entire certification process typically takes about 10-12 weeks to complete. To get certified, you must first pass the Foundation exam, which is a multiple-choice test that assesses your understanding of the key concepts of PRINCE2. Once you have passed the Foundation exam, you can then take the Practitioner exam, which tests your ability to apply the principles of PRINCE2 in practice scenarios.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take your exams and how many attempts it takes you to pass them. Generally speaking, it costs around £400-£500 for both exams combined (Foundation + Practitioner).

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and ability to use Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques to improve business processes. It is designed for individuals who have experience in leading and managing projects, as well as those who are looking to move into a leadership role in the field of process improvement.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically takes around four months to complete, depending on the individual’s prior experience with Lean Six Sigma. The program includes classroom training, online courses, and hands-on project work. The courses cover topics such as process mapping, problem solving, data analysis, and project management.

To obtain the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. Candidates must also demonstrate their proficiency in applying Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques through a project portfolio or case study.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification can vary widely depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD.

11. Agile Certified Professional (ACP)

Agile Certified Professional (ACP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in Agile project management. The ACP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most widely recognized certifications for Agile professionals.

The ACP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of Agile principles, processes, and practices through a combination of education, experience, and an exam. To become certified as an ACP, candidates must have:

• A minimum of 21 contact hours of formal Agile training or equivalent experience
• At least 1 year of general project management experience
• At least 6 months of Agile project management experience
• A passing score on the PMI-ACP Exam

The PMI-ACP Exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as agile principles, values and mindset; agile planning; agile estimation and forecasting; agile execution; agile monitoring and control; agile tools and techniques; continuous improvement; stakeholder engagement; team dynamics; and organizational agility. Candidates must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass the exam. The exam takes up to three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the PMI-ACP Exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $435 while nonmembers pay $495. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or purchasing study materials.

Do You Really Need a Technical Program Manager Certificate?

No, you do not need a technical program manager certificate to be successful in this field. Although having a technical program manager certificate may give you an edge over other candidates, it is not necessary for success. Technical program managers are expected to have strong technical and organizational skills, knowledge of project management principles, and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders. A technical program manager certificate can help validate your knowledge and demonstrate that you have completed formal training in the field.

However, there are other ways to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience for this role. You can gain experience through internships or volunteer positions with technology companies and learn about project management principles through online courses or self-study. Additionally, many organizations look for evidence of previous projects managed successfully. Showcasing the results of successful projects you’ve managed will go a long way toward demonstrating your abilities as a technical program manager.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a technical program manager certificate depends on your particular situation and career goals. If you already have relevant experience in the field or know that you want to specialize in a particular area of technology project management, then pursuing a certificate could be beneficial. However, if you are just starting out or don’t have clear goals yet, then taking the time to gain experience and develop your skills may be more advantageous in the long run than investing in a certification course at this stage.

Related: Technical Program Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Program Manager Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a certified Technical Program Manager?

Answer: To become a certified Technical Program Manager, you will need to have a minimum of three years of experience in program management and hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Additionally, you will need to pass an exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Technical Program Manager?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as a Technical Program Manager depends on your prior experience and education level. Typically, it can take between 6 months and 2 years of studying and preparation before taking the PMI exam.

3. Are there any special requirements for getting certified as a Technical Program Manager?

Answer: Yes, in addition to the educational requirements mentioned above, you should also have at least 5 years of relevant work experience and knowledge of the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body Of Knowledge). You may also need to complete additional training courses or workshops depending on your specific situation.

4. What are some common topics covered in the PMI exam for becoming a Technical Program Manager?

Answer: Common topics covered in the PMI exam for becoming a Technical Program Manager include project planning and scheduling, risk management, cost analysis, resource allocation, quality assurance, communication management, and change control processes.

5. Where can I find resources for studying for the PMI exam?

Answer: There are many resources available online for studying for the PMI exam such as practice tests, study guides, tutorials, webinars and more. Additionally, many universities offer classes specifically designed to help prepare students for the PMI exam.