Are you looking to advance your project management career and acquire a competitive advantage? Look no further, because becoming certified in project management will not only provide you with an advantage over the competition, but it can also help you grow confidence and skills. In this blog, we’ll look at the best project management credentials and why they’re important for your career. So let’s get this party started!
Statistics related to Project Management Certifications
There are several different project management certifications that professionals can earn, including the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification also offered by PMI. Here are some statistics on these two certifications:
- As of December 2021, there were approximately 2.9 million PMP certified individuals worldwide. The pass rate for the PMP exam is about 60%.
- The CAPM certification is designed for individuals with less project management experience and is a stepping stone to the PMP certification. There are currently more than 100,000 CAPM certified individuals worldwide.
- According to PMI, those with a PMP certification earn 20% more on average than those without one.
- The PMP certification is the most widely recognized and respected project management certification in the world.
- The PMP certification exam is based on the PMI Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which outlines the knowledge and skills that are required of a project management professional.
- The PMP certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) over that period.
- According to PMI’s 2021 Pulse of the Profession report, organizations with a high percentage of PMP certified project managers were more likely to meet their project goals, have higher stakeholder satisfaction, and experience fewer project failures.
Top 23 Project Management Certifications
1. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
The Project Management Institute (PMI) developed the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) credential for experienced project managers. This certification demonstrates a high degree of proficiency in project management utilizing Agile methodology and concepts.
An ACP certificate holder is required to be well-versed in Agile concepts, methodologies, and technologies. They should be skilled in establishing an Agile project environment and have led small and big teams on successful projects.
An ACP certificate demonstrates that a person understands these concepts as well as the practical application abilities required to make them function in their project setting.
ACP holders must demonstrate both technical expertise and experience, demonstrating their ability to lead high-level Agile initiatives. Certification necessitates up to 35 hours of formal training (21 contact hours) as well as the execution of real-world Agile projects under supervision. In order to keep their certification status, ACP holders must participate in continuing education events each year, according to the PMI.
2. Associate in Project Management (APM)
The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Associate in Project Management (APM) certification is specifically developed to equip experienced project managers with a higher level of competency in the industry. It can assist managers in applying best practices and principles to their work, improving performance, and ensuring project completion.
An APM certification shows that projects were managed in accordance with PMI’s strict standards of excellence, measurable performance outcomes, and performance indicators. It also demonstrates that a manager has developed the skills required to be an effective project manager.
Companies hiring managers should place a high value on this certification because applicants with this credential frequently demonstrate greater accountability, the ability to work with diverse teams and challenging timelines, are effective communicators and problem solvers, work proactively under uncertain conditions, and are proactive risk-takers who strive for innovation and excellence in their projects.
Other certifications available through this programs include Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), and Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) for managerial jobs that span project management processes from inception to conclusion.
With these credentials, managers are better prepared to handle the planning and execution of complicated projects from beginning to end. By demonstrating experience with managerial duties required for advanced roles inside firms, the APM certification can lead to higher income growth potential.
3. BVOP Certified Project Manager
The BVOP Certified Project Manager certification is intended for individuals who want to improve their project management knowledge and skills. The certification focuses on the best practices for managing teams and resources, guiding projects to completion, and guiding stakeholders through the processes required to achieve goals.
The program focuses on five key topics: communication, team building, best practices, risk management, and quality control, all of which are required skills for any modern project manager.
This certification is available in two levels of certification: BVOP Certified Basic Project Manager (BBPM) and BVOP Certified Advanced Project Manager (BAPM) (BAPM). The BBPM level includes fundamental knowledge of vital project management principles such as project structure creation, stakeholder analysis, and communication framework management.
Candidates will learn advanced topics such as Agile methodologies, strategic planning, and global resource allocation at the BAPM level, which will enable them to identify problems early on, develop innovative solutions for complex projects, and ensure that all tasks are completed within time constraints.
Candidates will also get the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from industry leaders through mentorship sessions offered throughout the program. After successfully completing the course content, candidates may choose to take an online exam administered by third-party experts.
4. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification is an entry-level credential that may establish a foundation of project management knowledge and expertise while also allowing you to stand out from the crowd. The certification is available for those who have no prior experience or training in the industry, but it is also significant for those who have prior expertise and want to receive institutionalized project management education and acknowledgement.
All applicants must have completed either a secondary degree or a total of 23 hours of project management instruction in order to take the examination. While these requirements vary by region, applicants must also lower their expectations when it comes to completing the CAPM assessment because the minimum necessary score on the exam is lower than for other Project Management Institute (PMI®) certifications.
Holders of this certification gain a quick reputation among organizations looking for trained employees who understand fundamental project management principles and terminology. Furthermore, they will be entitled to join PMI® and its related networks as full members in good standing.
Along with being recognized as competent amateur project managers, certificate holders will be able to expand their knowledge base by taking advantage of exceptional discounts on continuing education courses relating to professional growth and higher education options.
5. Certified Project Director (CPD)
The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Certified Project Director (CPD) accreditation is a vital asset for project managers who need to demonstrate their mastery of the discipline. This certification validates the competence of persons with substantial expertise in the industry to successfully lead and manage projects.
The CPD designation also indicates that an individual has a thorough awareness of project management best practices and principles, the ability to make informed decisions, and the ability to deal with any unforeseen challenges that may develop throughout the course of a project.
To become CPD certified, an individual must have more than 7,500 hours of project leadership/management experience and two references attesting to the hours spent. Those pursuing this certification must also pass three exams: the Knowledge Exam (150+ minutes), the Experience Documentation (30-120 minute interview), and the on-demand performance test (90+ minutes).
Once these examinations are completed and accepted, they must commit to earning 60 PDUs within three years of certification in order to keep their CPD status. Many people consider this degree of dedication as an incentive to keep developing your skill set and staying current with industry trends so you can always be one step ahead.
6. Certified Project Management (CPM)
Certified Project Management (CPM) is a widely recognized credential that indicates an individual’s expertise and experience in project management. The certification is intended to examine your ability to manage projects and teams skillfully, as well as comprehend and demonstrate the benefits of project management.
PMI (Project Management Institute) awards CPM, which focuses on the development and maintenance of worldwide standards for project management practice, certification, education, training, research, and other areas.
Prior to taking the CPM exam, you should investigate your candidates’ or workers’ backgrounds and experience to verify they have a proper level of comprehension.
CPM candidates must generally have at least five years of work experience in a general business/professional working environment, including four years managing projects; applications, or any equivalent combination of education/experience. Possession or completion of other PM certifications, such as the PMP®, may also be advantageous for applicants seeking the CPM certification.
Prior to obtaining a CPM certification, ensure that a prospective candidate meets all eligibility standards and holds a minimal level of qualifications by reviewing courses that completely prepare them for PMI’s demanding tests.
7. Certified Project Manager (CPM-IAPM)
A certified project manager (CPM-IAPM) is a widely accepted project management credential. The International Association of Project Management provides this certification (IAPM). The CPM-IAPM credential is intended to examine a project manager’s ability and professionalism in managing both large and small projects.
The exam covers four topics: planning and execution, team dynamics, reporting and communication, and risk management. The CPM-IAPM credential validates an individual’s understanding of the critical components of an effective project management framework, as well as their ability to apply those abilities when working on projects.
Individuals who want to become CPM-IAPM certified must take an online exam with solely multiple-choice questions. The exam covers fundamental concepts such as quality control procedures, project organization structures, project documentation principles, and much more.
The CPM-IAPM certification is useful for anyone who wants to work with companies that use project management frameworks in their operations. It also demonstrates that project managers have specialized knowledge of the essential factors required for successful project delivery and progress measurement.
Having this qualification demonstrates to businesses that a candidate can deliver outcomes under pressure while also effectively directing teams throughout the process.
8. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The Scrum Alliance offers an entry-level certification called Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). This credential validates your core understanding of Agile project management ideas and techniques, as well as your dedication to the best, practices for successful project management.
The CSM certification is appropriate for professionals who are just starting out in Agile project management or those who want to extend their Scrum knowledge.
In addition to covering the fundamentals, such as how to plan sprints and retrospectives, practice continuous process improvement, and effectively use user stories, becoming certified demonstrates to potential employers that you are a dedicated professional who has invested time, money, and effort in furthering your career.
The CSM exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must obtain at least 24 of the 35 available points. In addition to the Scrum Alliance’s study materials, there are various online sites that might help you prepare for the exam.
9. CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Project+ certification project management knowledge and skills encompass common project planning, execution, and management processes. The qualification verifies the capacity to initiate and lead projects from the beginning to the end. This is very useful for professionals who want to learn the fundamentals of project management.
Project planning and scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, communication, risk management, and quality assurance are among the topics covered. This certification is for those who are new to project management or want to add a mainstream IT project qualification to their résumé.
CompTIA Project+ may take different forms in different countries, so please check with your local certification providers before proceeding.
10. Master Project Manager (MPM)
The Master Project Manager (MPM) certification is the most advanced level of project management qualification. It is intended for experienced project managers who are specialists in their sector and specialize in project completion. This certification is designed to give persons with the necessary knowledge and skills to become qualified project managers.
This certification requires completing a multi-part exam, which includes a written exam, performance simulation, and portfolio review. Participants obtain the MPM designation upon complete completion and must maintain this distinction by completing continuing education hours every three years.
The advantages of earning the Master Project Manager (MPM) certification include the possibility of becoming an employer’s highest-paid project manager, access to higher-level contract opportunities, recognition as a true expert in your field, the ability to design more complex projects, and the ability to earn more money as your career progresses.
This type of accreditation also prepares you for positions such as program manager and chief executive officer, as well as providing opportunities for future employment progression.
11. PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner
The most popular project management certifications available today are the PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. They are both certified by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s largest and most well-known project management certification body.
Both use the same methodology, although there are minor variances. Individuals can be certified by the PRINCE2 Foundation in project management disciplines such as project management, program management, change management, portfolio management, risk management, and stakeholder management.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is a more advanced version of the PRINCE2 Foundation certification that is intended for individuals with project management, program management, or project control expertise.
12. PRINCE2 Agile Foundation/Agile Practitioner
The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation/Agile Practitioner certification is an excellent alternative for managers and team members who want to understand how to employ adaptive project delivery methodologies.
The certification offers you in-depth and practical knowledge of agile concepts and best practices as they apply to projects. This contains a review of agile methodologies, frameworks, tools, and approaches, as well as how to implement them in a project setting.
You’ll learn the fundamentals of project management, the concepts of self-organizing teams, how to effectively manage stakeholders and customer expectations, and how to leverage agile processes and deliverables within an organization. As part of this qualification, you will also obtain all eight official PRINCE2 Agile Manuals as part of an APMG International resource bundle.
13. Professional in Project Management (PPM)
The Project Management Institute offers a certification program called Professional in Project Management (PPM) (PMI). It is intended to identify employees who possess the knowledge, abilities, and experience required to manage projects in the workplace. This certification program is required for project managers who want to advance in their professions and produce solutions on time and on budget.
The PPM certification covers a wide range of project types, including IT, software development, risk management, and sophisticated solution creation. The goal of this certification is to guarantee that project managers understand the complete project management process so that their organizations may achieve successful outcomes.
Both PMP principles and team building are emphasized in the PPM. Professionals must be able to see how teams collaborate and comprehend how conflict resolution can help a team or company as a whole.
A project manager must demonstrate mastery of broad project management procedures, principles, methodologies, and tools, as well as major components such as scope, schedules, risk assessment/analysis, cost control/estimation, quality control/assurance, and more in order to earn the PPM. Taking an exam administered by PMI-affiliated credentialing centers throughout the world is a crucial aspect in earning the PPM.
14. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is globally recognized and accepted. It is intended to demonstrate your understanding and skill in project management across all industries.
The PMP is the most essential project management certification, and it is intended for experienced professionals who wish to hone their skills and acquire recognition among their peers. To be certified, you must have at least three years of experience leading or coordinating complicated projects totaling at least 4,500 hours (or equivalent educational experience).
You must attend two days of approved training courses or workshops before taking the PMP Exam, covering topics such as initiation, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling deliverables, as well as supporting processes such as change management, quality assurance, and resource management.
After passing the exam, you will be recognized by PMI as a PMP-Certified Project Manager. This highly sought-after certificate assures hiring managers that you have the requisite skill sets to successfully manage complicated projects.
15. Program Manager Professional (PgMP)
The Program Manager Professional (PgMP) credential is one of the most sought-after in the world of project management today. This qualification, in conjunction with relevant ITIL certifications and other standards like Six Sigma and PMP, increases your worth to employers searching for employees with leadership skills, program improvement experience, and dependable project management acumen. Passing the PgMP exam validates your ability to effectively manage cross-functional program while defining strategy and sticking to high standards of excellence at all times.
As a result, PgMP-certified personnel are significant assets capable of coordinating different departments or initiatives that result in long-term success for their organizations.
Program planning, budgeting, scope management, risk assessments, and stakeholder relations are all covered in the PgMP certificate. Those who pass this exam should be conversant with parts of strategy such as cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and life cycle assessment (LCA).
Taking the test also validates your knowledge of tactical concepts related to planning processes such as project chartering and milestone reviews. In order to pass this difficult exam, participants must also demonstrate their skills in areas such as cost estimation and time management.
Individuals must also document their hands-on experience managing difficult projects (programs). Individuals must occupy responsible positions that deliver on corporate objectives while working within approved budgets over extended time periods, influence significant system changes, or include several initiatives where alignment is critical.
In short, a PgMP certificate conveys that you have mastered the processes required for effective program predictions, even when resources are limited.
16. CSSBB: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
The CSSBB, or Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, is an industry-recognized project management qualification. This certification is intended to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Lean Six Sigma principles and practices, allowing professionals to achieve cost savings, promote operational efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
CSSBB-certified individuals are team leaders capable of overseeing the implementation and enforcement of process improvement projects. They also understand statistical analytic techniques like the design of experiments (DOE), hypothesis testing, root cause analysis (RCA), and metric formulation.
The CSSBB certification demonstrates an understanding of the Lean Six Sigma basic concepts of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC). Green Belt (BB = Black Belt; MBB = Master Black Belt) assist personnel who come into an organization or department when LSS procedures need to be refined or expedited development.
Those seeking certification at any level must first pass a written exam and have relevant experience in the area; Green Belts must have two years of experience utilizing Lean/ Six Sigma, while BBs and MBBs must have three years. The written test covers every facet of the Lean/Six Sigma technique, including project execution, leadership, and strategy.
17. CompTIA Project+ certification
The CompTIA Project+ certification is an industry-recognized certification for project managers who want to demonstrate their abilities. The Project+ certification validates an individual’s ability to lead and supervise projects, manage change, generate and maintain budgets, and much more.
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers this certification, and you will be able to add it to your resume as confirmation of your project management proficiency.
The Project+ certification is intended to provide workers with the skills required to manage projects of any size in any industry, whether working alone or as part of a team. This certificate is perfect for those who are new to project management or want to increase their knowledge of the subject.
It also serves as an excellent basis for people seeking higher-level certifications such as PMP or CAPM. Job seekers who achieve the CompTIA Project+ certification demonstrate their ability to successfully lead projects from conception to finish while ensuring that all goals are met on time and within budget.
18. BVOP: Business Value-oriented Principles
Corporate Value-Oriented Principles (BVOP) certification is a business management system designed to boost productivity, efficiency, and overall business value. The BVOP system is an all-inclusive framework that encompasses project planning, risk management, document control, progress monitoring, quality assurance, and change management. This certification will provide you with a better grasp of how to take use of the system’s benefits and become a competent project manager.
This accreditation also allows you to efficiently measure the performance of your team against set standards, processes, and procedures. It also covers themes such as crucial project milestones and goals, stakeholder relationships and interactions, and new strategies for success.
This all-encompassing strategy assists you in developing solutions that enhance company value while allowing the team to stay fluid in their approach. By receiving this certification, you will gain vital insights into how modern firms operate while also advancing your project management career chances.
19. Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)
The Project Management in IT Security (PMITS) certification program was developed by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) and is recognized by the International Project Management Association (IPMA).
Risk analysis, technology and security, systems engineering, testing and assurance, and project management are the five basic areas of project management that PMITS focuses on. It is intended for IT security professionals seeking a globally recognized certification to demonstrate their understanding of standards and best practices.
PMITS contains a comprehensive program that covers issues ranging from system purchase through contract evaluation that includes IT security standards. Students in the program will learn how to review current processes, assess risk levels, identify areas for improvement, and develop plans to ensure correct technology deployment.
The curriculum gives a thorough review of contemporary IT security technologies while tackling difficult project management challenges encountered in the field of information technology. Professionals who complete the PMITS program can expect to have a mastery level of understanding in securing IT networks as well as managing big projects or program including IT components.
20. Project Management Certificate (PMC)
The Project Management Certificate (PMC) is one of the most well-known projects management credentials. The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the PMC, which equips applicants with a comprehensive knowledge and grasp of project management principles, methods, and practices.
Achieving a PMC shows potential employers that you have the skills necessary to manage a project from conception to completion. It also demonstrates to employers and clients that you are up to date on the newest project management trends and understands how to apply industry best practices to achieve project success.
The PMC places a high value on project management processes such as scheduling, budgeting, risk management, resource allocation, quality assurance, communication tactics, and project management software tools. Applicants must demonstrate their expertise in these areas by structured courses, examinations, or job experience in project teams or related tasks. Obtaining the PMC certificate increases your chances of landing top-level work in the project management business.
21. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
The Project Management Institute awards the Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) qualification (PMI). It is intended for the experienced project, program, and portfolio managers seeking to further their careers by proving their understanding of managing complex, multi-project portfolios.
The PfMP designation demonstrates to prospective employers that you have advanced skills and experience in strategic portfolio management, governance frameworks, resource coordination, and risk assessment.
A PfMP certification requires 8 years of professional project experience within the last 15 years, or 10 years within the last 20 years, plus 12 months of specialist portfolio management expertise. You must also agree to follow PMI’s recognized Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Once qualified as a PfMP certification holder, you must actively manage your ongoing professional development efforts in order to keep up with changes in technology, tools, and methodologies.
22. Risk Management Professional Certification (PMI-RMP) by PMI
The PMI-RMP is a globally recognized standard that will help you advance your career as a risk management expert. It is a practical, business-focused qualification that is accepted in over 60 countries worldwide. The PMI-RMP certification is extremely valuable in the risk management industry.
The PMI-RMP certificate is intended to assist you in developing the skills necessary to manage risks in any project context. You must have at least 2 years of professional project experience and 6 months of specialized portfolio management expertise to achieve this certificate. You must also agree to follow PMI’s recognized Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
The PMI-RMP is the most complete risk management certification available for professionals. It is designed for people who work in project, program or portfolio management.
The PMI-RMP requires you to complete a combination of four exams:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Project Management Professional in Risk Management (PMI-RMP)
- Project Management Professional in Quality Management (PMI-QMP)
23. Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) by APM
It is a certification that can be obtained in as little as three days and serves as an ideal introduction to the world of project management. The course is appropriate for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of project management or who is already experienced and wants to broaden their knowledge in this area. It is also appropriate for people looking to advance their careers in project management.
Who is this course intended for? The APM PFQ qualification can be obtained in as little as three days and is an ideal introduction to the world of project management.
This qualification is intended for persons who want to work in the construction business or for self-employed individuals who work on their own projects. You will learn everything there is to know about project planning, organization, management, delivery, control, and monitoring.
