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Project management has evolved over the years. The process has adapted in line with the modern workplace, whether that means how or where we work, the technology we use or other business complexities.
With such a fast-moving target, it can be challenging to keep your project management skills current. One way to stay on the top of your game is to look into the project management certifications that come recommended by experts in the field. Having that educational backing can be a step toward a better job or a higher salary.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of project management specialist is predicted to grow exponentially, with 69,000 new positions expected to be created between 2023 and 2033.
Table of Contents
- 6 Highly Rated Project Management Certifications to Consider
- 1. PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
- 2. PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- 3. Google Project Management Certificate
- 4. APMG’s Agile Project Management Certification
- 5. Scrum Alliance’s Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- 6. Microsoft Project Management Professional Certificate
- Do You Need a Degree in Project Management?
- Moving Forward With Project Management Training
6 Highly Rated Project Management Certifications to Consider
There are several certification programs project managers and aspiring project managers can look to to expand their knowledge. Recommended options include:
1. PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
- Price: $675 (non-members)
- Format: Exam online or in-person
There are quite a few worthwhile project certification programs, but the top one across multiple industries is offered by the Project Management Institute, according to business consultant and project management professional Heidi Angell.
“They provide an incredibly comprehensive certification system that is globally recognized and built around knowledge as well as experience,” she explained. “They provide cross-discipline training, so I can sit down and talk with project managers in construction, tech, government, engineering or business development, and we can understand what each of us are doing through common principles without getting too in the weeds about the differences across industries.”
Still, she added, just because you have a PMP doesn’t mean you can go get a job working in construction managing projects. Your background skills and previous education will still play a role.
PMP certification is ideal for those with three to five years of experience in the field. And once you gain certification, you’ll need to earn 60 professional development units in each three-year cycle to maintain it.
Related Article: 9 Learning and Development Certifications for the Workplace
2. PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Price: $300 (non-members)
- Format: Online or in-person
Another option offered through PMI is the CAPM program, which focuses on foundational knowledge and can be completed by those who are new to the field and have no prior experience.
Common career paths for those who complete this certificate, according to PMI, include:
- Assistant project manager
- Project analyst
- Project coordinator
- Project administrator
The CPM program prepares learners to take on a range of projects. Project management fundamentals and core concepts make up the bulk of the program, but the exam also covers: predictive, plan-based methodologies, agile frameworks and methodologies, and business analysis frameworks.
One thing Angell loves about PMI is the focus on constantly learning and growing. She pointed to the global summits available online, where practitioners from various industries come together to present new ways of working, along with weekly online seminars on a wide range of topics.
3. Google Project Management Certificate
- Price: $49/month
- Format: Online
“If you are specifically interested in project management for technology, Google has a great project manager certification that is all education-based and gives you a great start on PMI’s CAPM certification.” said Angell.
Google’s project management program does not require any previous experience. It teaches learners how to manage projects efficiently using traditional and agile methods, and touches on the capabilities of AI in the field.
The course, which is offered via Coursera, takes around six months to complete when putting in 10 hours per week. However, you can learn at your own pace if you want to move ahead faster or need more time.
Once you complete the course, Google offers a number of industry specialization add-ons that build on the skills from the foundational certificate. Right now, the two specializations available include construction and sustainability.
4. APMG’s Agile Project Management Certification
- Price: Varies based on training provider selected
- Format: Exam online or in-person
PMI certifications are still the gold standard, said Jami Yazdani, project management and planning consultant. However, she added, more specialized certifications for agile methodologies, like scrum, or industry-specific certifications can be worthwhile.
One such program that focuses on agile methodologies is APMG’s. This certificate is broken down into two levels, starting with the AgilePM Foundation, which introduces the philosophy and principles of agile, the lifecycle of an agile project, techniques used within this methodology along with their benefits and limitations — and more.
The second level is the AgilePM Practitioner, which aims to give learners more in-depth knowledge. In this course, learners find out how to apply a number of agile practices to a project, how to test, estimate and evaluate profit delivery in an agile project and the agile approach to manage and prioritize requirements.
“PMI and many agile certifications are rooted in well-established methods and are often connected with respected professional organizations, making them an excellent choice for those wanting flexible certifications that can apply across industries and organizations,” said Yazdani.
Related Article: 4 Tips to Create a Lean and Agile Organization
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5. Scrum Alliance’s Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Price: Varies based on instructor
- Format: Live online
This course introduces learners to the scrum framework, which relies on cross-functional and self-managing teams to deliver products and services in short cycles. It aims to provide leadership with fast feedback, quicker innovation, easy adaption to change and a reduction in time from idea to delivery.
The CSM program teaches learners how to take the scrum methodology and apply it to their teams and infuse it throughout the whole organization. Beyond the framework, the program also covers team accountabilities, events and artifacts.
Those who wish to move on past the introductory level can follow the entire Scrum Master Track, which includes the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster and the Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster.
6. Microsoft Project Management Professional Certificate
- Price: $49/month
- Format: Online
Microsoft’s project management program is another one Angell flagged. It acts as a stepping stone to the PMP certification, claiming that it prepares learners to take the PMP certification exam.
It’s a nine-course series for beginners. Offered via Coursera, it takes around four months to complete when putting in 10 hours per week — though learners can work through the materials at their own pace.
The courses within this program focus on project management fundamentals, team building and leadership, how to engage with stakeholders, PMP formulas and more. The program culminates in a capstone project using real-world scenarios, along with a practice PMP exam.
Do You Need a Degree in Project Management?
Certifications can be a great way to expand your skillset and advance in your career. But do you need a degree to excel in project management and become a leader in the field?
According to Angell, a lot of tech schools offer project management courses. In fact, her local school does it in conjunction with PMI as an addition to students’ primary focus, like construction management or IT. However, she noted, a project management-exclusive degree doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense.
“I would say that 80% of the project managers I deal with started out in a different role and used their company education fund or were tapped by a leader to get their certifications and the company pays for it.”
If you’re currently employed, Angell recommends asking your direct supervisor (or your benefits team) if they know about corporate-sponsored training as an option. If they don’t, she suggested signing up for PMI and joining your local chapter.
Yazdani added, “Consider the certifications, training or experience required in your desired roles or the organizations where you hope to work. If you are trying to upskill to perform better in your current role, there may be non-certification training that can help you learn those skills.”
Related Article: Employees Want More Peer-to-Peer Learning Opportunities
Moving Forward With Project Management Training
The path you choose for project management training will depend entirely on your experience and current skillset, along with the industry you work (or plan to work) in.
Yazdani noted that some organizations may even request customized training programs to help their teams manage projects in their unique environment using internal best practices.
To find the right choice for you, look at all the options available, speak to your current employer — or those working in the industry you hope to enter — and determine the skills and training you need to get ahead. Then, you can better select the right path to get there.
