Top 11 Technology Project Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for technology project managers in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and experience in specific areas. They show potential employers that the individual has taken the time to learn about specific topics related to their field, as well as having put in the effort to become certified. Certified project managers can be trusted to have a thorough understanding of the processes and techniques needed to successfully manage projects. Certifications are also great for networking, as they provide an opportunity for potential employers to connect with those who have already gone through the process of becoming certified. Finally, certifications can often lead to higher salaries or better positions within an organization, giving individuals an edge over those without them.

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

What are Technology Project Manager Certifications?

Technology project manager certification is a type of certification that helps individuals demonstrate their expertise and understanding of the principles and practices of project management in the field of technology. It is designed to help individuals develop the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to manage successful technology projects. This certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the technology industry or for those who want to learn more about how to effectively manage projects within their organization.

The certification typically requires applicants to complete a coursework program which covers topics such as project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, quality assurance and more. By completing this program, professionals are able to gain valuable insight into best practices for managing various types of technology projects. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to network with other certified professionals and stay up-to-date on new trends in project management.

In addition to gaining valuable skills and knowledge through the coursework requirements, obtaining a technology project manager certification provides other benefits as well. For example, it can provide an individual with a competitive advantage over others when applying for jobs or promotions. It also demonstrates that an individual has taken initiative by proactively developing their professional skillset and increasing their value as an employee or consultant. Ultimately, obtaining a technology project manager certification can be extremely beneficial for those looking to stay ahead in their field and make their mark in the technology industry.

Pro Tip: It is important to research the various technology project manager certifications available and select one that fits your career goals. Make sure to review the requirements for each certification, as some may require specific experience levels or a certain number of hours of training. Additionally, be sure to look into the cost of each certification and any potential renewal fees.

Related: What does a Technology Project Manager do?

Top 11 Technology Project Manager Certifications

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

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after credentials in the project management field. The PMP credential demonstrates mastery of project management concepts and experience in leading and directing projects.

To become certified as a PMP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of 4,500 hours of project management experience over the past 8 years, or a secondary degree with at least 3 years of project management experience in the past 8 years. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time you should familiarize yourself with all aspects of project management and review sample questions from the PMI website. You can also take courses or attend seminars to help prepare for the exam.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on your country of residence and whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members in North America, it costs $555 USD; for members it costs $405 USD; and for those outside North America it costs $400 USD (non-member) or $300 USD (member).

In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as books, online courses or seminars.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to individuals who demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles of project management. This certification is designed for those who are new to project management or have limited experience in the field. It is also beneficial for experienced professionals who want to validate their expertise.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. The exam covers topics such as project integration, scope, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk management, procurement and stakeholder management.

To get the CAPM certification, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), 1,500 hours of professional project experience OR 23 hours of project management education prior to taking the exam. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the exam through PMI's website and pay the associated fee ($225 for PMI members; $300 for non-members). After passing the exam, you will receive your CAPM certification which is valid for five years.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI and if you need to take any additional courses or training prior to taking the exam. For those without any prior experience in project management, it could take several months or longer to prepare for and pass the exam.

3. PRINCE2 Practitioner

PRINCE2 Practitioner is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and understanding of the PRINCE2 project management methodology. It is suitable for anyone who works in, or is looking to work in, a project environment.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification requires candidates to pass an examination that tests their ability to apply the PRINCE2 principles, processes and themes to a given scenario. The exam typically takes around three hours to complete and consists of 68 multiple-choice questions.

To get the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, you must first have completed the Foundation level training and passed the Foundation level exam. You can then attend a two-day Practitioner course which will provide you with all the information needed to pass the Practitioner exam. Once you have completed this course, you can book your exam through an accredited provider such as PeopleCert or AXELOS.

The cost of the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification depends on where you take it, but typically ranges from £400 - £500 (including VAT). This includes both the cost of attending the two-day course and taking the exam.

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in Agile principles, practices, and tools. The ACP certification is based on the PMI’s Agile Practice Guide and provides an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Agile project management.

The ACP certification process takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. To get certified, candidates must first pass the PMI-ACP exam, which consists of 120 multiple choice questions covering topics such as Agile values and principles, team dynamics, collaboration techniques, and more. Candidates must also demonstrate experience working with Agile teams or projects for at least 1,500 hours over the past three years.

The cost of the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $435-$495 USD for members of PMI and $495-$595 USD for non-members. Additionally, there are other costs associated with preparing for the exam such as training courses or materials.

Overall, obtaining your ACP certification can be a great investment in your career as it will help you stand out from other professionals in the field and give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions.

5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a certification program that validates one’s knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework. It is designed to help individuals become more effective Scrum practitioners and better understand how to use Scrum in their organization. The program includes a two-day course, followed by an online assessment.

The CSM certification takes approximately two days to complete. The first day consists of an interactive classroom session led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). During this session, participants learn about the Scrum framework, its roles, events, artifacts and rules. On the second day, participants take an online assessment that tests their knowledge of the material presented in the classroom session.

To get certified as a CSM, you must attend an approved two-day course with a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The cost for these courses can vary depending on the provider and location but typically range from $1,000-$2,000 USD. After completing the course and passing the online assessment, you will receive your official Certified ScrumMaster certificate from the Scrum Alliance.

6. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of IT service management best practices. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of the key concepts, processes, and terminologies used in the ITIL service lifecycle. The certification is based on the ITIL 4 framework and covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations, continual service improvement, and the four dimensions of service management.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%.

To get certified in ITIL Foundation, you will need to register for an accredited course or self-study program. Accredited courses are offered by organizations such as PeopleCert and AXELOS. These courses typically include online learning materials, instructor-led classes and exams. Self-study programs are also available through online providers such as Simplilearn or Udemy.

The cost of getting ITIL Foundation certified can vary depending on the provider you choose and the type of course you take (e.g., instructor-led vs self-study). Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$600 USD for an accredited course or self-study program.

7. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is typically offered through organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The certification process typically takes between four and six months, depending on the organization offering it. To become certified, you must complete a series of courses, pass an exam and demonstrate your knowledge of the Six Sigma methodology through real-world projects.

To get started, you will need to find a training provider that offers the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program. Most providers offer online courses and instructor-led classes, so you can choose whichever option works best for you. Once you’ve completed your coursework and passed your exam, you will receive your certificate.

The cost of Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies by provider but typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 USD. This includes both course fees and exam fees. Additionally, some providers may charge additional fees for materials or services such as mentoring or coaching.

8. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of the Six Sigma methodology and its tools. The certification is designed to certify individuals who have the knowledge and skills to lead and manage improvement projects, analyze data, and drive process improvement initiatives.

It typically takes up to three months to complete the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program. During this time, you will be required to attend lectures, workshops, and seminars on topics such as Lean Six Sigma principles, problem-solving techniques, project management practices, process improvement strategies, statistical analysis methods, and more. You will also need to complete an online exam at the end of the program in order to receive your certification.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first meet certain prerequisites. These include having a minimum of three years of experience working in a quality or continuous improvement environment; having a bachelor’s degree in engineering or business; or having completed an approved training course in Lean Six Sigma. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for certification through one of several accredited organizations that offer the program.

The cost of getting certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt varies depending on which organization you use for your certification. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 USD for all fees associated with taking the course and completing the exam.

9. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology and their ability to lead improvement projects. It is designed for professionals who wish to develop their skills in process improvement, problem-solving, and data analysis.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes around two months to complete. This includes completing a course of study, taking an exam, and submitting a project report. The course of study covers topics such as the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology; process mapping; statistical tools; and team dynamics.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, you must first complete a training program from an accredited provider. Once you have completed the training program, you must pass an exam administered by the accrediting body. After passing the exam, you must submit a project report demonstrating your application of Lean Six Sigma principles in a real-world setting.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,000 - $3,500 USD for online programs and $3,000 - $6,000 USD for in-person programs.

10. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to provide professionals with the necessary tools to effectively lead and manage projects, improve processes, and increase customer satisfaction.

How long does it take to get it?

The amount of time required to complete the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally, it takes between four and six weeks to complete the coursework and examinations.

How to get it?

In order to obtain a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, individuals must first complete a training program from an accredited provider. Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass both a written exam and a practical project assessment in order to earn their certification.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification depends on the provider. Generally, courses range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for online programs or up to $7,000 USD for in-person training programs.

11. CompTIA Project+

CompTIA Project+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates a project manager’s knowledge and skills in managing projects. It is designed to help project managers demonstrate their understanding of the entire project life cycle, from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring and control, and closure.

The exam for CompTIA Project+ takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The passing score for the exam is 750 out of 900 points.

To get CompTIA Project+, you must first register for the exam with CompTIA or one of their approved testing centers. You will then need to prepare for the exam by studying course materials or taking a training class. Once you are ready to take the exam, you can schedule it online or contact a local testing center.

The cost of CompTIA Project+ varies depending on where you take the exam, but it typically ranges from $250-$350 USD.

Do You Really Need a Technology Project Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a technology project manager certificate depends heavily on your current job requirements and future career goals. If you are already employed as a technology project manager, then having a certificate may be helpful in demonstrating your qualifications and increasing your value to the company. A certificate can also provide evidence of ongoing professional development, which is increasingly important in today's competitive job market.

On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the field, then it is likely that you have sufficient expertise without the need for certification. In most cases, employers prefer to hire people with experience over those with certificates, since they can be more confident that the person has the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully complete their tasks. Additionally, many employers will also require additional training or certifications beyond what is provided by a technology project manager certificate program.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a technology project manager certificate depends on where you currently stand in your career and where you want to go in the future. If you already have experience and want to demonstrate your qualifications for an employer, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial. However, if you are just starting out or don't yet have much experience, then it is probably best to focus on gaining more hands-on experience before pursuing certification.

Related: Technology Project Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Technology Project Manager Certifications

Q1: What is a Technology Project Manager Certification?

A1: A Technology Project Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in technology project management. It certifies that the individual has the necessary training, experience and expertise to manage complex technology projects successfully.

Q2: What are the requirements for obtaining a Technology Project Manager Certification?

A2: Requirements for obtaining a Technology Project Manager Certification vary depending on the certification provider. Generally, applicants must have at least two years of experience in project management and/or IT, possess a relevant degree or other qualification, and pass an examination.

Q3: How much does it cost to obtain a Technology Project Manager Certification?

A3: The cost of obtaining a Technology Project Manager Certification varies depending on the certification provider. Generally, costs can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Q4: What are the benefits of having a Technology Project Manager Certification?

A4: Benefits of having a Technology Project Manager Certification include increased job opportunities and higher salaries due to enhanced credibility with employers, improved job performance due to increased knowledge and skills, better chances of promotion within an organization, greater recognition within one’s field and industry, and more respect from colleagues and peers.

Q5: How long is a Technology Project Manager Certification valid for?

A5: The validity period of a Technology Project Manager Certification depends on the certification provider. Generally speaking, certifications are valid for two or three years before they need to be renewed or updated through continuing education courses or exams.