Obtaining project manager certifications is an excellent way to advance a project manager’s career. You can use these certifications to demonstrate to employers that you have knowledge of all the current strategies in the field of project management. A project management certification can be a good investment in your career, but it takes time and money.
No matter what IT position you hold, a project management certification can boost your career. This guide outlines which project management certifications are available and how much they cost.
Successful IT projects begin with a highly skilled project manager. From software and hardware upgrades to ongoing patches, application development, and software rollout, project managers keep your teams on track.
Any IT professional can benefit from adding a project management certification to their list of IT credentials, proving their ability to plan, schedule, budget, execute, deliver, and then report on IT initiatives.
What is a Project Management Certification?
The project management certification verifies that you have successfully completed training courses related to project management. The PM certification courses focus on topics such as implementing Agile strategies, improving team communication and meeting deadlines faster. A number of different organizations offer project management certifications, each of which differs slightly from the rest.
READ: Why Companies Need An Excellent IT Solutions Partner
8 Best Project Management Certifications
We have listed the top project management certifications that will add value and help you improve your skills this year.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Associate in Project Management (APM)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- CompTIA Project+
- PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional certifications are the gold standard in project management certifications, covering everything needed to prove you can manage the “triple constraints”: time, cost, and scope. The PMI is this credential’s parent organization, and strives to ensure relevance by working with businesses and academia on a continual basis.
An Organization: Project Management Institute
Cost: Computer-based exams: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members; paper-based exams: $250 for PMI members, $400 for non-members
Prerequisites: A four-year secondary degree plus 3 years of project management experience, 4,500 hours of leading and managing projects, and 35 hours of project management education; or a high-school diploma plus 5 years of project management experience, 7,500 hours of leading and managing projects, and 35 hours of project management education.
The PMI certification is an essential certification if you are interested in a career as a project manager in the IT industry. ExamPirate can help you prepare for the PMP exam in a short time. Practicing the questions and answers of PMP certifications will help you prepare for the real exam. When you practice, you will gain more confidence and feel more at ease during the real test.
So what are you waiting for? To clear the exam in one attempt, start practicing questions for Project Management Professional Certification.
2. Associate in Project Management
The Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), which manages the Associate in Project Management (APM) together with a Professional in Project Management and a Certified Project Director certification is a global, not-for-profit certification body that offers credentials for an array of specialties in information technology.
Certifications in project management from the GAQM emphasize effective resource allocation, clarity of direction, adaptability to change, good communication, and quality deliverables at minimal risk. APM is designed for those who want to learn more about project management, or for those who want to get started in the field.
An Organization: Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM)
Cost: $300
Prerequisites: GAQM body of knowledge study and e-course; no formal education or experience requirements
3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Project Management Institute (PMI) administers the Certified Associate in Project Management, which is the precursor to Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. For professionals without a college degree, those with only rudimentary experience in project management, and those who wish to earn their PMP certification in stages, the CAPM serves as a stepping-stone to the more rigorous PMP.
An Organization: Project Management Institute
Cost: $225 for PMI members; $300 nonmembers
Prerequisites: An associate’s degree in project management or a high school diploma, plus at least 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education
4. Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP)
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the EC-Council was created to address issues of cyberterrorism and information security for all countries. For project managers who are looking to benchmark their skills through hands-on experience and across various tools and techniques required to manage complex projects efficiently, EC-Council offers its Certified Project Management Practitioner program. In order to develop the managerial, leadership, and technical skills necessary to make any project, small or complex, a success, the CPMP course provides value to management professionals.
An Organization: EC-Council
Cost: $199 for exam voucher
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites, but candidates are recommended to attend a three-day preparation course.
5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Since agile methodologies are now standard, it isn’t surprising that IT professionals who are uniquely qualified to manage projects in agile environments are in high demand. While there are many Scrum master certification programs available, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance is a great starting point for project managers who are interested in becoming Scrum practitioners. This credential is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization that promotes Scrum and agile practices, sponsors user groups and learning events, and provides professional development resources. There are more than 450,000 certified Scrum practitioners in the world.
An Organization: The Scrum Alliance
Cost: Varies by training provider, but approximately $995 to $1,395
Prerequisites: Basic Scrum knowledge and completion of the two-day Certified Scrum Master training
6. CompTIA Project+
The CompTIA Project+ PK0-004 is the latest version of this popular and entry-level certification for project managers. The Project+ certification is recognized worldwide as a sign that employees understand the principles of project management and are ready to apply them to their jobs. CompTIA ranks project management as the third most desired IT specialty skill, and certification in Project+ can open doors to better-paying projects. The CompTIA Project+ certification is designed based on the feedback provided by the computing industry, government representatives, research institutions, academia, and independent experts.
An Organization: CompTIA
Cost: $285
Prerequisites: A minimum of one year’s experience managing, directing, or participating in small- and medium-sized projects.
7. PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner
Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) management technique is best known outside the U.S., especially in the U.K. and its government institutions. ILX Group offers PRINCE2 certifications, which focus on the directing, managing, and delivering of projects throughout the entire lifecycle: from pre-project, to initiation, to delivery, to final delivery.
There are two main certifications: PRINCE2 Practitioner and PRINCE2 Foundation. PRINCE2 Foundation certification tests basic project management terminology and methodology, while PRINCE2 Practitioner certification tests advanced project managers who have already obtained PRINCE2 Foundation certification.
An Organization: ILX Group
Cost: Foundation: $200; Practitioner: $340
Prerequisites: PRINCE2 Foundation: PRINCE2 Foundation course; PRINCE2 Practitioner: one of the following: PRINCE2 Foundation, Project Management Professional (PMP), CAPM, or an IPMA certification
8. Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)
The Project Management in IT Security (PMITS) workshop by the EC-Council examines the challenges involved in managing an IT security project. Obtaining this certification enhances candidates’ existing project management skills while tailoring them to the unique demands of implementing and managing IT security within organizations.
An Organization: EC-Council
Cost: $250 (PMITS courseware)
Prerequisites: Candidates must have experience in information security, as well as a background in security (a bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred); they may also choose to attend an EC-Council training course before taking the exam.
Benefits Of Having A Project Management Certification
There is a project management certification that can help you advance in your career regardless of whether you’re an experienced professional or a newbie. You can use these certifications as stepping stones to do better, be better, and find opportunities you never thought possible.
The following are some detailed reasons why project management certifications are so important today:
1. Acknowledgement of Global Recognition
The Project Management Institute (PMI) and other renowned institutes and online portals provide world-class education and certifications to aspiring professionals. With a certification from a reputable institute, you can showcase your skills to companies worldwide.
2. Gains in Financial Terms
There is also a significant salary increase associated with obtaining a project management certification. If you are a PMP certified project manager, your salary will increase compared to someone who isn’t. You could see an increase in your earnings by getting a quality project management certification.
3. A Better Chance of Success
It helps you gain the trust of people in higher positions if you have a project management certification. Once you develop the right skill set, you can handle any project they have for you. A certification also enables you to find project management jobs in great organizations as it provides both knowledge and experience.
4. Improvement in Project Performance
Project management professionals with certification tend to perform better than those without any certification. A certified project manager understands the processes of initiation, planning, execution, and closure, as well as risk management and best project management practices.
5. Smart Investment For the Future
In spite of the fact that these certifications aren’t that expensive as compared to other courses or exams, one should never overlook their impact on your career.
As an example, the PMP certification exam is available for $555 for non-PMI members, and $405 for PMI members. The cost isn’t too high either. About 60% of candidates pass the exam on average. Taking the test does not require formal training. Professionals who are certified are protected even during economic downturns. You seem to have made a smart career investment based on all the factors you considered.
Conclusion
Managers know the best way to stay current with their skills is to learn continuously. All of us should resolve right now to educate ourselves and to gain the knowledge and credibility that will enable us to climb the highest ladder. Consider taking one of these project management certification courses today and taking your career to the next level!
