Behind every successful project, you’ll find a highly skilled project manager. There’s no doubt that project management skills are in high demand. And one of the best ways to signal that you have the skills and experience organizations are demanding is by obtaining a project management certification.
These certificates are an indication that you have the know-how to plan, schedule, budget, execute, deliver and then report on your projects.
Let’s take a look at why project management certifications matter. We will also highlight the top certifications, their requirements, and their cost.
Why Project Management Certifications are Important
First things first, what is the benefit of having a certification in project management? There are a few actually:
Gain Global Recognition
Many project management certifications are offered by renowned institutes like the Project Management Institute (PMI), aiming to provide world-class education. With a certification from a reliable institute, you’re qualified to work in companies anywhere in the world.
Earn a Higher Salary
Being a certified project manager enhances your marketability and puts you in a better position to negotiate higher pay. According to the 9th edition PMI salary survey, if you’re PMP certified, you can expect up to a 20% increase in your salary.
Access Better work Opportunities
A project management certification will make your resume stand out. PM certifications from reputable institutions are in high demand by recruiters. Such a credential increases your chances of getting hired for plum project management jobs by outstanding organizations.
Improve your Project Performance
When you obtain a project management certification, you add to your knowledge and skill. The whole process involves building your expertise in project management, which will help you manage your next project better. You better understand initiation, planning, execution, closure, and risk management processes. You also learn how to implement the best project management practices.
Top 12 Project Management Certifications of 2022
Now that it’s clear that obtaining a project management certificate is a career power move; let’s take a look at some of the best certifications that can take your career to the next level:
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the most sought-after industry-recognized certifications for project managers. What makes this certificate stand out is that it’s recognized worldwide, and a holder can work in virtually any industry with any methodology and in any location. This certification focuses on the three primary project management constraints: Time, Cost, and Scope. The Project Management Institute (PMI) administers the certificate. The institute updates the course contents regularly to keep it up to date and aligned with the industry’s ever-evolving needs.
To take the course, you must have three years minimum experience in the project management field or an equivalent of 7,500 hours of directing projects in PM-related areas and an additional 35+ hours of project management education.
Accreditation:
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Price: Member: $405 Non-member: $555
2. Certified Project Manager–IAPM
Just starting in project management? Start with the Certified Project Manager (IAPM) certification. This course is most suitable for professionals who have a basic knowledge of project management but want to enhance their skills. It teaches professionals how to choose the correct methodologies and create the proper documentation to plan, assign, and manage project tasks correctly.
There are no prerequisites to sit the exam other than to take the three-day training course
Accreditation: CCPC Global
Price: $630-$800
3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Certified Associate in Project Management is another basic-level course offered by the PMI. It’s not too demanding and is packed with many learning opportunities. CAPM covers fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes of effective project management. The certificate is valid for five years.
To obtain the certificate, you need 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.
Accreditation: Project Management Institute PMI
Price: Member: US $225.00 Non-member: US $300.00
4. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification
If you believe that transformation is essential in your projects, then Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is the course for you. ACP is yet another certification from the industry greats, PMI. The certificate promotes the Agile methodology for project management. It acts as a step-by-step guide of all the Agile practices and how to apply them in real-life scenarios.
Prerequisites include at least 2000 hours of experience in project management and prior experience with Agile teams or companies.
Accreditation: Accreditation: Project Management Institute PMI
Price: Member: $435 Non-member: $495
5. PRINCE2 Project Management Certifications
If you’re looking to advance your PM skills , consider taking the PRINCE2 certifications. These top-level project management certifications are globally recognized and highly sought after by potential employers. There are two certifications: PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. The courses provide a systematic approach to managing and delivering projects from initiation delivery. PRINCE2 certified practitioners can deliver successful projects of any size and complexity safely.
Given that PRINCE2 is a top-level project management certification, the exams have a couple of prerequisites you must first fulfill:
- Any of the IPMA Level A to B Certifications
- Certified Project Management Associate Certification
- PRINCE 2 Foundation Course (If taking PRINCE2 Practitioner)
- Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)
Accreditation: AXELOS Ltd
Price:
$900
6. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a globally recognized certification offered by the ASQ institute. The course focus on the Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. By the time you’re certified as a black belt (fancy right!), you’ll have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) model under the Six Sigma principles. The fancy title doesn’t come easy, however. It takes about 18 more certifications to be Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
Course requirements include completing at least two different types of projects before, at least three years experience as a project manager in the field, and past project affidavits to showcase your work.
Accreditation: ASQ
Cost: $540
7. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate
The Certified Six Sigma Green Belt certificate is also administered by the ASQ institute. It’s one of the most important of the Six Sigma certifications. It places focus on process analysis, project planning, resource management, and performance management.
Prerequisites include at least three years of experience dealing with Six Sigma projects.
Accreditation: ASQ
Cost: $440
8. Professional in Project Management (PPM)
Professional in Project Management (PPM) is a mid-level certification that places attention on planning, executing, scheduling, managing, controlling, measuring, and completing projects. This certification aims to produce experienced project managers who can mitigate risks and handle crises. In addition, you will get strategic insights on how to increase overall performance by applying key concepts such as Agile methodology.
To be certified, the candidate must complete the mandatory E-Course and have at least some project management experience.
Accreditation:
Global Association of Quality Management
Price: $100-$340
9. Business Value-oriented Principles (BVOP)
Are you looking to learn the Agile principles and all its frameworks? Then the Business Value-oriented Principles (BVOP) certification is for you. The certificate emphasizes the best project management practices and activities that every business needs for success. Though relatively new, this certification is rapidly gaining popularity acrossin all parts of the world. In addition to gaining project management skills, you’ll also learn about people and product management for business.
There are no prerequisites for this certification.
Accreditation:
Business Value-Oriented Principles Ltd
Price:
$130
10. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
More and more project managers are looking to become certified Scrum masters as many organizations adopt agile methodologies. The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) course will teach you the Scrum framework and help you understand team roles, events, artifacts, and rules that enable teams to perform at their highest level.
To obtain the certificate, you must have a general familiarity with Scrum, attend an in-person, two-day (16 hour) CSM course, and complete your Scrum Alliance membership profile after passing the CSM exam and accepting the License Agreement.
Accreditation:
The Scrum Alliance
Price:
$990-$1400
11. Certified Project Director (CPD)
Certified Project Director (CPD) is one of the most prestigious levels of project management and is offered by the Global Association of Quality Management. This course targets senior and experienced professionals who want to go beyond the usual PPM and become project management experts.
To take the course, you must have demonstrated hands-on knowledge about the principles and methodologies of project management as a director.
Accreditation: Global Association of Quality Management
Price:
$400 – $555
12. CompTIA Project+ certification
The CompTIA Project+ certification is most suitable for project management professionals who manage small-to-medium-sized projects. It’s an entry-level certification but considerably more versatile than other certifications because it covers more than just a single project methodology. You’ll learn project basics, constraints, tools, documentation, and change management. This course is an excellent place to start your project management career as you work towards other advanced certifications.
Prerequisites include:
- One year’s worth of knowledge of how the project life cycle works
- Ability to manage resources and stakeholders
- Communication skills
- Project documentation
Accreditation: CompTIA Project Co.
Cost: $285
Conclusion
The most successful project managers never stop learning. They know that the industry is rapidly changing, and consequently, the demand for project managers with the right set of qualifications continue to rise. That’s why they continuously seek certifications that provide them with credentials and become familiar with project management software, like Mission Control, to help their careers flourish.
Be versatile. Take any of these courses to attain essential project management skills, knowledge, and credibility that will help you effectively meet modern-day organizations’ demands.