Have you noticed how project management certifications have gained immense popularity in recent years? It’s no surprise that more and more people are turning towards project management as a career path, and certifications have become an essential aspect of it. Did you know that 71% of hiring managers and recruiters consider PMP certification a critical criterion while hiring project managers?
This article will examine the best project management certifications that can help boost your career growth in 2023. So, whether you are a seasoned project manager or just starting, keep reading to discover which certificates are worth pursuing and how they can benefit your career.
What is a Project Management Certification?
Imagine you are working on a critical project with a tight deadline. You are in charge of the team, and everything goes according to plan. But suddenly, things start to spiral out of control, and you need to be more knowledgeable about handling the situation. It is where a project management certification comes in handy.
A project management certification is a professional credential that validates your expertise in managing projects effectively. Whether you’re an experienced project manager or just starting out, a project management certification can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to lead successful projects.
Benefits of a Project Management Certification
A Project Management Certification can bring several benefits to professionals in the field. Not only does it showcase your knowledge and skills, but it can also lead to career advancement and salary increases. Here are some of the benefits of getting certified:
- Recognition: A certification can give you recognition in the industry, making it easier to stand out from the competition and get hired.
- Professional Development: Earning certification requires continuing education, which helps you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in project management.
- Career Advancement: A certification can help you climb the ladder in your career and take on higher-level roles.
- Salary Increase: Certified project managers often earn more than their non-certified counterparts.
- Networking: A certification can help you connect with other professionals in the field and expand your network.
Top Project Management Certifications
Project management certifications can be the key to unlocking career growth and opportunities in project management. However, with various institutions providing different certifications, it can be overwhelming to determine which is best for your career goals. Therefore, let’s discuss the critical Project Management Certifications.
1.PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification
The Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most recognized project management certifications worldwide. It is intended for experienced project managers and demonstrates their knowledge, skills, and expertise in project management. The certification has multiple levels, including the PMP and the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).
- Prerequisites:
- A four-year degree
- At least three years of experience in project management with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, or
- A secondary diploma with at least five years of experience in project management with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.
- Cost
The cost of the PMP certification exam varies depending on your membership status with PMI. Non-members pay $555 for the exam, while members pay $405.
2.CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Certification
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is intended for entry-level project managers or those interested in pursuing a career in project management.
- Prerequisites:
- A secondary degree or equivalent
- At least 1,500 hours of project experience, or
- Twenty-three hours of project management education.
- Cost
The cost of the CAPM certification exam varies depending on your membership status with PMI. Non-members pay $300 for the exam, while members pay $225.
3.PRINCE2 Foundation & PRINCE2 Practitioner Project Management Certification
PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based methodology for project management. AXELOS offers the certification and has two foundation and Practitioner levels.
- Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the PRINCE2 Foundation level certification. However, to take the Practitioner level certification, you must first pass the Foundation level certification.
- Cost
The cost of the PRINCE2 Foundation level certification exam varies depending on the exam provider and location. The price for the Practitioner level certification is higher than the Foundation level.
4.CompTIA Project+ Certification
The CompTIA Project+ Certification is intended for project managers starting their careers. It covers the entire project life cycle, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring and control, and closure.
- Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the CompTIA Project+ Certification.
- Cost
The cost of the CompTIA Project+ Certification exam is $338.
5.APM (Associate in Project Management) Certification
The Associate in Project Management (APM) Certification is offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) and is intended for professionals interested in project management.
- Prerequisites:
- No prerequisites for the APM certification.
- Cost
The cost of the APM certification exam is $300.
6.CPD (Certified Project Director) Certification
The Certified Project Director (CPD) Certification is offered by the GAQM. It is intended for experienced project managers who want to demonstrate their leadership and strategic skills in managing complex projects.
- Prerequisites:
- A bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of experience in project management, or
- A master’s degree and at least eight years of experience in project management, or
- A doctorate and at least six years of experience in project management.
- Cost
The cost of the CPD certification exam is $500.
Agile Project Management Certifications
Agile project management has become popular recently, increasing demand for Agile certifications. Below are three top Agile Management Certifications in 2023 that professionals can pursue better career opportunities. Below are the certifications explained briefly.
1.CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) Certification
The Scrum Alliance offers the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification, one of the most recognized certifications in the Agile community. It provides an understanding of the Scrum framework and trains individuals to become Scrum Masters. The certification has two levels: CSM and Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM).
- Prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites for the CSM certification. However, attending a two-day CSM training course conducted by a Scrum Alliance-approved trainer is mandatory to be eligible for the certification.
- Cost
The cost of the CSM certification varies based on the trainer and location, with the average price being around $1,000 to $1,500.
2.Professional Scrum Master I, II & III
The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification offered by Scrum.org has three levels: PSM I, II, and III. It focuses on providing a deep understanding of the Scrum framework and trains individuals to be effective Scrum Masters.
- Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the PSM I certification. However, for PSM II and PSM III, individuals must have previous experience working in a Scrum environment and pass the relevant exams.
- Cost
The cost of the PSM certification varies based on the level, with PSM I costing $150, PSM II costing $250, and PSM III costing $500.
3.ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) Certification
The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is to validate an individual’s Agile knowledge and skills. It covers various Agile methodologies and frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP.
- Prerequisites
To be eligible for the ACP certification, individuals must have 2,000 hours of general project experience and 1,500 hours of Agile project experience. They also need to complete 21 hours of Agile training.
- Cost
The cost of the ACP certification for PMI members is $435, while non-members need to pay $495.
Project Management Certifications for Business & Technical Professionals
Project Management Certifications for Business & Technical Professionals are designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to manage complex business and technical projects effectively.
1.PMITS (Project Management in IT Security)
Offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), this certification program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills required to manage IT security projects.
- Prerequisites
The PMITS certification has no prerequisites.
- Cost
It costs $1,899 for the exam voucher.
2.MPM (Master Project Manager) Certification
The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) offers this certification program for business professionals who want to improve their project management skills.
- Prerequisites
The MPM certification has no prerequisites.
- Cost
It costs $300 for the exam.
Other Project Management Certifications
In addition to the popular project management certifications, several other certificates are available that may suit the specific needs of professionals. These certifications offer in-depth knowledge of particular project management methodologies and tools. This section will discuss four other project management certifications professionals can consider advancing their careers.
1.Program Management Professional (PgMP)
PMI offers Program Management Professional (PgMP) PgMP certification for professionals who manage multiple organizational projects. The certification focuses on program management and suits professionals with extensive experience managing complex projects and teams.
- Prerequisites
To apply for PgMP certification, candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria:
- A secondary degree, 6,000 hours of project management experience, and 10,500 hours of program management experience
- A four-year degree, 6,000 hours of project management experience, and 6,000 hours of program management experience
- Cost
The PgMP exam for PMI members is $800, and for non-members, it is $1,000.
2.Professional in Project Management (PPM)
Professional in Project Management (PPM) PPM is a certification by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) for professionals who want to enhance their skills in project management. The accreditation covers various aspects of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling.
- Prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites for the PPM certification. However, recommended to have some experience in project management.
- Cost
The cost of the PPM exam is $300.
3.CSSGB: Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Certification CSSGB, offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), is designed for professionals who want to learn the Six Sigma methodology for quality control and process improvement.
- Prerequisites
Candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria to apply for the CSSGB certification:
- Three years of work experience in one or more CSSGB Body of Knowledge areas.
- One year of work experience in one or more areas of the CSSGB Body of Knowledge and a college degree
- Cost
The CSSGB exam for ASQ members is $438, and for non-members, it is $538.
4.CSSBB: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Certification CSSBB offered by the ASQ is for professionals who want to master the Six Sigma methodology for quality control and process improvement.
- Prerequisites
Candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria to apply for the CSSBB certification:
- At least three years of work experience in one or more CSSBB Body of Knowledge areas.
- Two years of work experience in one or more areas of the CSSBB Body of Knowledge and a college degree
- Cost
The cost of the CSSBB exam for ASQ members is $538, and for non-members, it is $738.
Conclusion
Project management certifications can significantly boost career growth and help professionals stand out in a competitive job market. Furthermore, with various certifications available, professionals can choose one that aligns with their career goals and industry requirements. Therefore, investing in a project management certification is a worthwhile decision for professionals seeking to advance their careers in project management.
