5 Important Certifications for Project Managers

Did you know that there are more than 50 Project Management certifications you could test for?  And this doesn’t even include certifications you could earn from a college or university.

That’s a lot!

Luckily, you don’t need to test for all of them.  Selecting the one or two most important certifications for Project Managers in your domain and for your experience level is sufficient.

This is a good thing because if you’re like most Project Managers, you’re super busy.  You don’t have time to waste preparing for a Project Management certification that isn’t going to help your career.

It’s important to remember that the purpose of a Project Management certification is to validate your competence to perform the role of a Project Manager.

Project Management organizations like the Project Management Institute (USA), the International Project Management Association (Netherlands), and the ScrumAlliance (USA) publish Project Management standards based on best practices.

These organizations will then certify the experience and knowledge an applicant has against their standards.  those that pass the exams are then certified Project Managers.

As a Project Manager, earning a certification has several advantages…

First, for Project Manager positions in large companies, a certification is usually required to even get an interview.

Second, salary surveys have shown that certified Project Managers make more money than their non-certified colleagues.

Third, earning a Project Management certification ensures that you have a thorough understanding of all the functions and responsibilities of managing and leading projects.  Understanding this basic framework positions you for success as a Project Manager.

As you can see, earning a Project Management certification can help you advance in your career.

Here are five of the most important Project Management certifications for you to consider…

Disclosure:

I may receive a commission if you purchase a training program using some of the links on this page.

Issued By:  Project Management Institute (PMI)

Description:  The CAPM certification recognizes those who are starting a career in Project Management as well as those who want to demonstrate their Project Management knowledge.  This certification denotes that the holder understands the principles and terminology defined in PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide).

Experience:  Entry Level

Requirements

Costs

Issued By:  Project Management Institute (PMI)

Description:  The PMP certification is the most widely recognized Project Management certification in the world.  It demonstrates to employers, clients and colleagues that the holder has the necessary Project Management knowledge, experience and skills to successfully manage projects.

Experience:  Advanced

Requirements

Costs

Issued By:  Project Management Institute (PMI)

Description:  The PMI-ACP certification recognizes the holder’s knowledge of agile principles and their skill with agile techniques.  This is PMI’s fastest growing certification as more companies begin to utilize agile approaches with their projects.

Experience:  Advanced

Requirements

Costs

Issued By:  ScrumAlliance

Description:  The CSM certification demonstrates that you understand the Scrum framework, including its roles, events, and artifacts.  This certification is a good introduction to managing agile software development projects.

Experience:  Entry Level

Requirements

Costs:  $600 – $1000 for training and the exam

Issued By:  CompTIA

Description:  The CompTIA Project+ certification is ideal for those that manage smaller, less complex projects as part of their jobs and need to have an understanding of Project Management fundamentals.

Experience:  Entry Level

Requirements

Costs:  $329

Depending on how much experience you have and which domain you work in, here is a simple two-step certification road map you can consider if you have less experience managing projects.  If you have over 2 years experience as a Project Manager, you can go directly to Step 2.

Step 1:  CAPM certification

Step 2:  PMP certification

Step 1:  CSM certification

Step 2:  PMI-ACP certification

Step 1:  CompTIA Project+ certification

Step 2:  PMP certification

The Critical Path Method

The Critical Path Method (CPM) can help you keep your projects on track. Step-by-step examples to help you learn critical path analysis and scheduling.

Project Cost Estimating Tools & Techniques

Learn which project cost estimating tools and techniques can help you develop more accurate cost estimates for your projects.

Project Quality Management

Project quality management includes all the processes and activities needed to determine and achieve project quality. Learn 3 key quality management concepts that will help you deliver a high quality project.

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