Top 11 Technical Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for technical project managers in the job market because they demonstrate a knowledge of industry standards and best practices. They also show potential employers that an individual has taken the initiative to gain specialized skills and knowledge in order to stay competitive in the job market. Certifications can also be used as a way to differentiate oneself from other applicants, as employers often look for candidates with specific credentials when hiring. Finally, certifications may provide access to exclusive professional networks, which can help project managers find new opportunities and stay informed about industry developments.

The article reviews top certifications for Technical Project Managers and explains how they can help a technical project manager's career growth.

What are Technical Project Manager Certifications?

Technical project manager certification is a professional credential that is designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in the management of technical projects. It typically involves a combination of coursework, exams, and practical experience. The certification can help individuals to gain credibility in the field of project management, as well as increase their chances for career advancement.

Technical project managers are responsible for leading technical teams and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. They must be able to understand the specific needs of a project, develop plans and strategies for completing it, and then manage the execution of those plans. Technical project manager certification provides proof that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills necessary to do this job effectively.

The certification also provides potential employers with assurance that the individual is qualified for positions related to technical project management. By having a recognized certification, individuals can better compete for jobs within their field, as well as demonstrate their commitment to professional development. Additionally, some employers may require certain certifications in order to be considered for certain positions or promotions.

Overall, obtaining technical project manager certification can be beneficial in terms of increasing one's employability opportunities in the field of project management. It can also provide employers with added assurance that they are hiring an individual who has the necessary skills and qualifications required for successful completion of projects.

Pro Tip: Consider getting certified as a technical project manager. Certification can be an important credential for a project manager, demonstrating knowledge of industry standards and best practices. It can also be a way to stand out in the job market and open up opportunities for career advancement.

Related: What does a Technical Project Manager do?

Top 11 Technical Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most widely recognized and respected certification for project managers. The PMP demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully lead and direct projects.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam, depending on your experience level and study habits. To qualify for the exam, you must have either a four-year degree or a secondary diploma plus 5 years of project management experience, with 7500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

To get certified as a PMP, you must first register for the exam through PMI's website. You will then need to complete an application form and provide proof of your educational qualifications and professional experience. Once approved, you can schedule your exam date with Prometric or Pearson VUE.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD; for members it costs $405 USD. There may also be additional fees associated with registering for the exam, such as payment processing fees or late registration 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 want to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes of effective project management. CAPM provides a foundation for those who are new to project management and want to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

It typically takes about 3 months of dedicated study time to prepare for the CAPM exam. The amount of time you need will depend on your experience and background in project management. To get certified, you must first apply for the exam and pay the associated fees. You will then be required to pass an online exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

The cost of taking the CAPM exam varies depending on whether or not you are a PMI member. If you are not a PMI member, it costs $300 USD; if you are a PMI member, it costs $225 USD.

3. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in agile project management. The ACP certification is based on the PMI Agile Practice Guide, which provides guidance on how to effectively use agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. The certification validates that practitioners have the knowledge and skills required to successfully lead agile projects.

The ACP exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. To be eligible for the ACP certification, applicants must hold either a current PMP or PgMP credential from PMI or have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years.

The cost of the ACP exam varies depending on your geographic region. In the United States, it costs $435 for members of PMI and $495 for non-members. In other countries, prices may vary slightly. You can register for the exam online through PMI’s website or contact an authorized testing center near you.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official ACP certificate from PMI and become an officially certified Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP). Your certificate will be valid for three years from the date you pass your exam. After three years, you will need to renew your certification by taking another exam or completing additional training courses related to agile project management.

4. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology designed to help organizations manage projects more effectively. It provides a comprehensive framework for managing projects, from initiation to completion.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates proficiency in the use of the PRINCE2 methodology. The Foundation level introduces the principles, terminology and processes of PRINCE2, while the Practitioner level focuses on applying the methodology in practice.

The Foundation course typically takes two days to complete, while the Practitioner course takes three days. Both courses must be completed in order to gain certification.

To get certified, you must pass both exams: the Foundation exam and the Practitioner exam. The Foundation exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within one hour; it requires a minimum score of 55%. The Practitioner exam consists of 8 objective test questions and 1 scenario-based question; it requires a minimum score of 50% for each question and must be completed within 2 hours 30 minutes.

The cost for both exams varies depending on where you take them, but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to teach the fundamentals of Scrum, an agile project management framework. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization that provides training and resources for Scrum practitioners.

The CSM certification requires a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During the course, participants learn about the values and principles of Scrum as well as how to apply it in their own organizations. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on the trainer and location of the course. Generally, courses range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

In order to maintain your certification, you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This can include attending conferences or workshops related to Scrum or taking online courses.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized entry-level certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage IT service delivery. It is based on the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework, which is a set of best practices for managing IT services. The certification covers key concepts, processes, and terminology related to IT service management.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete. To get certified, individuals must pass the exam with a minimum score of 65%. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally ranges from $200-$300 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, individuals should familiarize themselves with the ITIL framework and its core concepts by taking an accredited training course or studying independently using books or online resources. Additionally, some organizations offer practice exams that can help individuals prepare for the real thing.

Overall, obtaining an ITIL Foundation Certification can be beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in IT service management as it demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of this important field.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to help organizations improve their processes and operations, while also increasing customer satisfaction.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and tools used in the Six Sigma methodology. Candidates must pass an exam to earn the certification. The exam covers topics such as process improvement, project management, data analysis, problem solving, and team dynamics.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's experience and how much time they are willing to dedicate to studying for the exam. Most people can expect to spend between three and six months preparing for the exam.

To become certified, individuals must first complete an approved training program or course from an accredited provider. After completing the training program or course, candidates must then register for and pass an exam administered by one of several organizations that offer Six Sigma certifications (e.g., American Society for Quality [ASQ], International Association for Six Sigma Certification [IASSC], etc.).

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which organization you choose to take your exam through and which type of training program or course you take prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on length and content covered in each program/course.

8. Certified Project Director (CPD)

Certified Project Director (CPD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced project directors. The certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

To become certified as a Project Director, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a minimum of five years of experience in project management or related field.

2. Have earned at least 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics such as cost estimating, scheduling, risk management, quality assurance, etc.

3. Pass an exam that covers all aspects of project management including planning, execution, monitoring and control.

4. Agree to adhere to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete all the requirements for CPD certification depending on your current level of knowledge and experience in project management topics. You can prepare for the exam by taking courses from accredited institutions or online programs that offer PMI-approved training materials and practice exams. Additionally, you can join local PMI chapters or other professional organizations that provide networking opportunities with experienced professionals who can help guide you through the process.

The cost for CPD certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam but generally ranges from $500-$2000 USD including application fees, study materials, and any applicable testing fees.

9. 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 experience in using agile practices in their project management. The PMI-ACP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in agile methodology, principles, and practices.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. To become certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least 21 contact hours of training in agile practices and 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last five years. Additionally, you must pass a three-hour exam with 120 multiple-choice questions.

The cost of the PMI-ACP certification varies depending on your country and region. Generally speaking, it costs around $435 for members of PMI and $495 for nonmembers.

10. CompTIA Project+ Certification

CompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers. It is designed to validate the ability to manage small-to-medium-sized projects, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the project management process. The certification is vendor neutral and covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, closing, and professional responsibility.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CompTIA Project+ exam. To get certified, you must pass one exam (PK0-004) with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100–900 points. The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes.

The cost of the CompTIA Project+ exam varies depending on your location but usually ranges from $200-$300 USD.

11. Microsoft Project Certification

Microsoft Project Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual's skills and knowledge in Microsoft Project, the project management software from Microsoft. This certification is intended for those who are responsible for managing projects, resources, and budgets.

The certification consists of two exams: Exam 70-348 (Managing Projects and Portfolios with Microsoft Project) and Exam 70-349 (Managing Programs and Projects with Microsoft Project). Both exams must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The exams are available online through Pearson VUE or at a local testing center. The cost of each exam is $165 USD. Depending on your experience level, it can take anywhere from one to three months to prepare for the exams.

To get certified, you need to register for the exams through Pearson VUE or a local testing center and then pass both exams within 12 months of registering for the first exam. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official Microsoft Project Certification certificate in the mail along with a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles.

Do You Really Need a Technical Project Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on an individual's career goals and professional experience. For those who have already been working in the project management field, a technical project manager certificate may not be necessary. However, for those who are new to the field or are looking to advance their career, a technical project manager certificate could be beneficial.

A technical project manager certificate demonstrates a commitment to the profession and can provide credentials that help employers recognize an individual as having a higher level of expertise than someone without such credentials. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with certifications due to their demonstrated knowledge of specific industry standards and practices. Furthermore, certification can lead to better job prospects and higher salaries since it shows potential employers that an individual is serious about the profession and has the knowledge necessary for success.

Finally, a technical project manager certificate can also provide access to specialized resources such as online courses that may offer additional skills development opportunities or networking events with other professionals in the field. These resources can help individuals stay up-to-date on industry trends and better prepare them for success in their careers.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a technical project manager certificate depends on your career goals and professional experience. It can provide valuable credentials that demonstrate expertise in the field as well as access to specialized resources and networking opportunities which may enhance career advancement opportunities.

Related: Technical Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Technical Project Manager Certifications

1. What are the benefits of a Technical Project Manager Certification?

A: A Technical Project Manager Certification can help you gain the knowledge and skills to manage complex technical projects, improve your leadership abilities, and increase your marketability in the job market. It also provides a recognized credential that can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to project management.

2. What types of Technical Project Manager Certifications are available?

A: Different certifying bodies offer various types of certifications for Technical Project Managers, such as PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or PMP certification; CompTIA’s Project+ certification; AXELOS’ PRINCE2 certification; Microsoft’s MCTS certification; and other vendor-specific certifications.

3. How long does it take to get a Technical Project Manager Certification?

A: The time it takes to obtain a Technical Project Manager Certification depends on the type of certification you pursue, as well as how much time and effort you are willing to commit to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, most certifications require between 30 - 120 hours of study time prior to taking the exam.

4. How much does a Technical Project Manager Certification cost?

A: The cost of obtaining a Technical Project Manager Certification varies depending on the type of certification you pursue and which organization is offering it. Generally speaking, certification exams range from $200 - $500 USD per exam plus any applicable administrative fees or memberships required by the certifying body or vendor.

5. How do I maintain my Technical Project Manager Certification once I have obtained it?

A: Most certifying bodies require that certified professionals complete continuing education units (CEUs) every few years in order to maintain their credentials. Additionally, many organizations will require that certified professionals remain active within the project management field through professional development activities such as attending conferences or seminars, taking additional courses, or completing specific tasks related to project management in order to stay current with industry trends and best practices.