What Are the Best Project Management Certifications?
What Are the Best Project Management Certifications?
When you’re building and growing your career in project management, you’re bound to encounter project management certifications. These professional designations are a way to enhance your skills, bolster your knowledge, and demonstrate expertise and credibility in your field.
That’s all good news for professional project managers. But here’s where things get tricky: There are a lot of different project manager certifications out there.
And while that gives you a huge array of opportunities to continue your education, it can also be confusing. How can you possibly decide which certifications for project management are worth pursuing? Which ones will have the biggest impact on your chosen field, your reputation, and your overall career?
In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the most well-known project management certifications out there. We’ll also give you the details on why certifications are beneficial in the first place and what to consider when making your choices. That way you can spend less time doing your research and more time doing what actually matters: mastering your craft.
Why do you need a project management certification?
As a project manager, you undoubtedly have a lot of balls in the air. Going after a professional certification might feel like yet another thing to add to your already lengthy to-do list.
But pursuing this type of credential offers a number of compelling benefits for project managers. Let’s look at a few of the major ones.
Expand your knowledge
One of the most notable advantages of a project management certification is the opportunity to learn new project management skills.
These designations often come at the end of a fairly rigorous and comprehensive course of study, which means you’ll learn a lot about your chosen field. Some dig deep into a certain skill set or area of project management — like scheduling or becoming a Certified ScrumMaster — while others cover more broad project management concepts.
Either way, pursuing any sort of certification provides a chance to vastly expand your skills and expertise.
Boost your reputation and credibility
A project management certification provides a decent boost to your resume and LinkedIn profile, too. Achieving your certification is almost like a badge of honor — it’s a literal symbol that you were put to the test and know your stuff.
That gives you more credibility in your industry and can also make you seem more trustworthy to team members, potential employers, and even other project managers.
Build industry connections
Going after a certification can also give you an outlet to forge more relationships within your industry — whether you connect with course instructors, fellow students, or even people who have already obtained the designation you’re pursuing.
Like so many other careers, a project manager’s success often hinges on their professional connections. So, it can’t hurt to have another avenue to build bonds with a wider array of people.
Gain confidence
Imposter syndrome is real, particularly in a field like project management that often attracts people who strive for order and perfection.
Achieving a project management certification can be challenging. But when you reach the finish line, it’s incredibly rewarding — and it can often be the validation you need to gain confidence in the fact that you really do understand the ins and outs of your chosen career path.
Earn a higher salary
Money talks and data shows that certified project managers can demand higher wages.
According to the Project Management Institute as reported by Forbes, non-certified project managers in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $93,000. That’s a respectable living, but project managers who achieved their Project Management Professional (PMP) certification earn a median wage of $123,000 per year. That’s a 32% increase over those who are non-certified.
It’s proof that a project management certification can quite literally pay off.
What is the best project management certification?
The benefits of getting certified as a project manager are enticing. And when you decide you’re ready to go for it, you’ll probably find yourself wondering about the best project management certificate for you to pursue.
Well, that answer will be different for everyone. Ultimately, the best project management certification is the one that’s the best match for you. Not sure how to figure that out? Here are a few things to think through:
- Your level of experience: Some certifications will cover more broad or entry-level project management concepts while others will go in-depth on more niche or complex topics. Keep your own level of experience in mind while reviewing certification opportunities — you don’t want to choose one that’s too elementary or one that’s way over your head.
- Your focus area or industry: Similarly, there are certifications focused on specific skills or project management functions, such as risk management, scheduling, or certain Agile concepts. If you have the desire to hone in on a specific area of project management, that’s worth thinking about so you can find a certification that supports that focus.
- Your employer’s needs: In some cases, employers will even provide assistance for project managers who pursue certifications, whether that’s in the form of paid time to study or reimbursement of any course or exam fees. However, many companies will want to know that the certification will benefit them directly as well. If you’re hoping to have the full backing and support of your employer, you’ll want to find a certification that not only matches your needs but the needs of your company, too.
- Your future career goals: When you think five or 10 years in the future, what do you picture for your project management career? Are there distinct skills you want to learn or moves you want to make? Your certification shouldn’t just benefit you in the here and now — it should pay off down the road as well. Think through where you see your career headed so you can narrow down to certifications that support your career ambitions.
- Your time constraints: Different certifications will have varying requirements for how much time you need to dedicate to preparing for your exam. Look at your schedule and be honest with yourself about how much time you have to commit to your professional development. Pursuing your certification might still be challenging and demanding, but you need to make sure you’re being realistic about whether or not it’s something you can take on right now.
Best PMI project management certifications
Now that you’re equipped with some criteria, it’s time to get into the meat and potatoes: the actual certifications that you can pursue.
When it comes to project management certifications, the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the authority in the industry. The organization started offering certifications in the mid-1980s and, since then, its available certifications have continued to grow.
Today, PMI has a range of certifications that cover a variety of areas of project management. We’ll provide the details of a few of its most popular and well-known ones here.
PMP
This certification is best for: Experienced project managers who want to earn a renowned certification that’s in demand in all industries
Exam fee: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members
PMI describes the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification as the “gold standard” in the industry, and for good reason. Without a doubt, it’s the most popular and most widely recognized project management certification out there.
People who wish to obtain this certification need to meet certain criteria to then qualify to take the 180-question PMP exam. To be eligible for PMP certification, project managers need to satisfy one of the following:
- A four-year degree with 36 months of experience leading projects within the last eight years, plus 35 hours of project management training through on-demand courses, webinars, and authorized training partners
- A secondary education diploma or equivalent with 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years, plus 35 hours of project management training through on-demand courses, webinars, and authorized training partners
If you meet the criteria, you’ll gather your paperwork (like documentation of the projects you’ve led and the training you’ve completed), submit your application, and then receive information about how to pay your exam fee and schedule your exam.
Because this certification is desired by organizations in all sorts of fields, the exam focuses on broadly applicable project management concepts and best practices in PMI’s five phases of project management: Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.
You can take the exam online or at a Pearson Vue Testing Center, and you’ll have a limit of 230 minutes to make it through all of the questions. If you don’t pass, you’re able to take the exam up to three times in one year.
CAPM
This certification is best for: Entry-level project managers who want to learn the fundamentals of project management and set themselves up for a successful first career step
Exam fee: $225 for PMI members, $300 for non-members
The Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) designation is similar to PMP in that it covers more broad project management concepts. However, while the PMP certification is geared toward more experienced project managers, the CAPM certification is specifically for entry-level project management professionals.
To qualify for the exam, PMI explains that you need to meet both of the following requirements:
- Have a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, GED, or global equivalent
- Have at least 23 contact hours of project management education completed before the exam (PMI mentions its online Project Management Basics course can help with this)
When you confirm that you qualify, you can apply for the exam, pay the exam fee, and schedule your test, which is available online. The exam itself is 150 questions and you have three hours to complete it. Similar to the PMP, you can take the exam up to three times in a year if you don’t pass the first time.
As far as the content of the actual exam, think of it as a test of all of the basics of project management. You’ll be asked about topics like the role of project managers, communication, risk management, project scope, scheduling, resource management, and more.
Earning this certification is a great way to kick-start your project management career before you gain more experience and eventually move on to the PMP certification.
PgMP
This certification is best for: Advanced project managers who want to demonstrate their expertise in managing multiple complex and connected projects
Exam fee: $800 for PMI members, $1,000 for non-members
You can think of the Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification as the next step up from the PMP designation.
The PgMP is aimed at senior-level program managers who are responsible for managing multiple related and oftentimes complex and cross-functional projects to help an organization achieve its strategic goals. Put simply, this certification isn’t for entry-level project managers — it’s for those who have advanced experience and skills.
Much like the other PMI certifications, you should start by confirming your eligibility for this specific designation. To qualify for the PgMP exam, PMI explains that you need to satisfy the following prerequisites:
Option #1:
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent)
- 48 months of project management experience OR PMP
- 84 months of program management experience within the last 15 years
Option #2:
- Four-year degree
- 48 months of project management experience OR PMP
- 48 months of program management experience within the last 15 years
If you check all of the boxes in one of the above options, then you are eligible to apply. When you submit your application, the first step of the process is a panel review during which certified program managers evaluate your application and experiences. PMI warns that this review process can take up to 60 days, so be patient.
If your review is successful, you’ll move on to the 170-question multiple choice exam, which you have four hours to complete. Exam questions will go in-depth on related topics like strategic program management, the program life cycle, and stakeholder management.
Much like the other PMI exams, this can be a strictly online project manager certification. Alternatively, you can take your test at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. You can take the exam up to three times in a year.
PfMP
This certification is best for: Advanced project managers who already manage a portfolio of projects and programs
Exam fee: $800 for PMI members, $1,000 for non-members
If you’re unfamiliar with the role of a portfolio manager, you can think of this position like a bridge. Portfolio managers oversee all of a company’s projects and programs and ensure that they’re aligned with the organization’s overall strategy and objective. Put simply, they confirm that all of the disparate projects across the company actually help execute on the company’s goals.
It’s a big job, and the Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) certification is one way to demonstrate expertise and credibility in this important role.
Much like the PgMP certification, the PfMP is aimed at project managers with advanced skills and not those who are considered entry-level. However, the eligibility for PfMP differs from PgMP. To qualify, you’ll need to satisfy one of the following:
Option #1:
- Minimum of 96 months of professional business experience within the last 15 years
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
- 84 months of portfolio management experience
Option #2:
- 96 months of professional business experience within the last 15 years
- Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent)
- 48 months of portfolio management experience
The application process works almost the same as PgMP: a panel review followed by a 170-question multiple choice exam that spans four hours. The exam covers advanced topics like strategic alignment, governance, portfolio performance, portfolio risk management, and communications management. And, as you might guess, you can take it up to three times in one year.
Other top project management certifications
PMI offers some of the most popular and recognizable project management certifications in the industry — but that doesn’t mean they’re the only options out there. Here are a few other worthy certifications from other organizations.
CSM
This certification is best for: Beginner or experienced project managers who want to learn the Scrum framework and how they can apply it
This certification is offered by: Scrum Alliance
Fees: Your total cost depends on which CSM course you choose, as course prices vary. Your first two attempts at the exam are free. If you don’t pass and choose to make another attempt within a 90-day period, you’ll need to pay $25 for each additional attempt.
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is more focused on working through an actual course. There’s still an exam component, but that comes at the end of completing an in-depth online or in-person CSM course that offers at least 14 hours of instruction from a verified trainer.
ScrumAlliance offers a variety of courses at different price points and all led by diverse instructors, so you have the flexibility to choose one that best meets your needs and goals.
When you’re done with your course instruction, you’ll take a 50-question course with a 60-minute time limit. To pass, you need to answer at least 37 out of the 50 questions correctly.
The exam will test you on everything you learned throughout the course, including the Scrum framework, team accountabilities, events, artifacts, and how to successfully apply Scrum on a team.
PRINCE2
This certification is best for: Entry-level or experienced project managers in the U.K., Europe, and Australia, as that’s where this methodology is most popular
This certification is offered by: ILX Group
Fees: How much can you expect to pay depends on the course you choose, with courses starting at around $900
PRINCE stands for “PRojects IN Controlled Environments” and is a process-based project management method that’s most popular in the U.K., Europe, and Australia.
The PRINCE2 certification is actually split into two distinct levels:
- Foundation: This is an overview of PRINCE2 principles, concepts, and processes. It focuses on delivering successful projects by managing risks and adhering to schedules and budgets.
- Practitioner: This goes beyond knowledge and focuses on applying those principles in a work environment.
There aren’t any formal prerequisites for PRINCE2 Foundation. You’ll complete an exam either in-person at an exam center, online, or as part of an accredited training course through your PRINCE2 training provider. The closed book exam is 75 questions (five of which are trial questions) to be completed in 60 minutes, and you need to get at least 35 correct to pass.
There are more stringent qualifications for the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, as it’s a more advanced designation. In order to sit for an exam, you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve passed one of the following:
- PRINCE2 Foundation
- Project Management Professional (PMP)®
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
- IPMA Level A (Certified Projects Director)
- IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
- IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
- IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)
If you qualify, you’ll sit for an open book (official PRINCE2 manual only), 68-question exam that lasts 150 minutes. You’ll need to get at least 38 of the questions correct in order to pass.
ILX Group also offers a PRINCE2 Agile certification that’s similarly split into Foundation and Practitioner levels. As the name implies, this one is focused on the fundamentals of combining PRINCE2 with Agile methodology.
CompTIA Project+
This certification is best for: Project management professionals who manage smaller, less complex projects and want to build on their foundational project management skills
This certification is offered by: Computing Technology Industry Association
Fees: The cost of exam preparation materials can vary, but the exam itself costs $358. CompTIA offers a variety of bundles for people who want to save some money on their learning resources and the exam.
Offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the CompTIA Project+ certification is often viewed as comparable to the CAPM certification as it covers more fundamental subject matter and is an entry-level designation.
However, it maintains a fairly broad focus, covering all sorts of project management concepts and not just one framework or methodology.
CompTIA offers all sorts of different exam preparation resources — labs, study guides, online courses, instructor-led training, and more — all designed to help project managers successfully pass the CompTIA Project+ exam.
CompTIA actually offers two different Project+ exams with different focuses:
- Exam PK0-004 is for business professionals who coordinate or manage small-to-medium-size projects inside and outside of IT
- Exam PK0-005 is geared toward IT professionals who manage smaller, less complex projects
Both exams are multiple choice with a maximum of 95 and 90 questions respectively. You’ll have 90 minutes to take the exam online or at a Pearson VUE Testing Center.
Take your project management expertise (and reputation) to the next level
Whether you’re just starting your career as a project management professional or are looking to gain more credibility and progress to a senior-level role, a project management certification is one of the most effective ways to increase your own expertise and move forward with confidence.
There are a variety of certifications that will expand and test your knowledge in a variety of different areas — from project management tips and fundamentals to advanced business functions.
Use this as your guide to find the certification that is the best fit for you, your interests, and your future career goals.
When you find the right match, get studying and prepare for the gratifying feeling you get from learning something new — and quite literally gaining the paperwork that proves you know your stuff.
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