Managing project require certain skills and competency. Through consistent practice of managing various projects these skills and competency may be developed. Some project management skills may be learned ty obtaining knowledge of project management principles and fundamentals. There are various project management certification programs available now a day based on different project management methodologies, that may help project managers to gain knowledge of project management principles and fundamentals. Some of the best project management certifications are discussed here:
Index
Project Management Professional (PMP)
This is one of the most important project management certification which is recognized globally. There is a good demand to PMP certified project managers, because PMP Certified project managers are competent in handling complex projects. PMP certified project managers also get higher salaries. This certification is administered by Project Management Institute (PMI).
| Name of Certification | Project Management Professional (PMP) |
| Course Duration | 3 Years |
| Expected Salary | US$ 100,000 to US$ 110,000 |
| Accreditation | https://www.pmi.org/ |
| Required Qualification | Four-year degree, 4,500 hours in leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education OR Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or equivalent), 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education Note: Credential holders must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) per each three-year cycle to maintain certification. |
| Cost of Certification | Paper* and computer-based exams: PMI member: $405 (retake $275) Nonmember: $555 (retake $375) *Paper-based exam only available if candidates lives more than 150 miles from testing center or if testing center is not available in the country of residence and travel would provide an undue burden. Exam administered by Prometric. Eligibility ID from PMI required to register. |
| Exam Details | One (200 questions, 4 hours) |
| Website | http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Project-Management-Professional-PMP.aspx |
| Self- Study Material | PMI maintains a list of training resources on the PMP exam guidance webpage, including links to sample questions, the PMP Exam Content Outline and the PMP Handbook. Additional training materials (quizzes, publications, books, practice guides and more) are available from the PMI Store. Numerous books are available, including: Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Sixth Edition; Sept. 22, 2017; Project Management Institute; ISBN-10: 1628251840; ISBN-13: 978-1628251845 (available for free download to PMI members) PMP Exam Prep: Accelerated Learning to Pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam, Ninth Edition, by Rita Mulcahy; Feb. 1, 2018; RMC Publications Inc.; ISBN-10: 1943704040; ISBN-13: 978-143704040 CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Fourth Edition, by Joseph Phillips; April 23, 2018; McGraw-Hill Education; ISBN-10: 1259861627; ISBN-13: 978-1259861628 Practice exams: PMP Exam Practice Test and Study Guide, Ninth Edition, by J. LeRoy Ward and Ginger Levin; June 28, 2018; Auerbach Publications, ISBN-10: 1138440299; ISBN-13: 978-1138440299 |
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The CAPM certification is suitable for professionals starting their carrier in project management. The Certified Associate in Project Management is also administered by the PMI. It is a basic-level certification that’s lined up with plenty of learning and growth opportunities for beginners. If you are already managing projects and want to manage bigger projects and want to take more responsibility in the organization, then this certification may help you in acquiring best project management skills and to know standards being applied tin today’s world. With this certification, you also meet one of the requirements to take other project management certifications.
| Name of Certification | Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) |
| Accreditation | https://www.pmi.org/ |
| Expected Salary | US$90,000 – US$101,000 |
| Required Qualification | High school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent, plus 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education Certification valid for five years; candidates must retake exam to maintain credential |
| Cost of Certification | Computer- or paper-based exams: PMI member: $225 (retake $150) Nonmember: $300 (retake $200) Exam available in online proctored or center-based test (CBT) formats. Exam administered by Pearson VUE. |
| Exam Details | One (150 questions; 15 questions are unscored; three hours to complete) |
| Website | http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Certified-Associate-in-Project-Management-CAPM.aspx |
| Self- Study Material | PMI maintains a list of self-study materials on its exam guidance webpage, including the Exam Content Outline, sample exam questions and the CAPM Handbook. Numerous books are available, including: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Sixth Edition; Sept. 22, 2017; Project Management Institute; ISBN-10: 1628251840; ISBN-13: 978-1628251845 (available for free download to PMI members) CAPM Exam Prep, Third Edition, by Rita Mulcahy, Sept. 2013, RMC Publications, ISBN-10: 1932735720, ISBN-13: 978-1932735727 CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Fourth Edition, by Joseph Phillips; April 23, 2018; McGraw-Hill Education; ISBN-10: 1259861627; ISBN-13: 978-1259861628 |
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 is an advanced certification in the project management. You need to clear a couple of pre-requisites to sit in the exam which are mentioned in the table below. PRINCE2 Certified engineers are highly reputed in their concerned field. Organizations expect a lot from these individuals since they are well equipped with the knowledge of validating employees, core project management skills, concepts about IT project management lifecycle and business development tools as well.
| Name of Certification | PRINCE2 certification |
| Course Duration | 3- 5 years |
| Expected Salary | US$90,000 |
| Accreditation | https://www.axelos.com/ |
| Required Qualification | There are two levels namely the PRINCE2 foundation and practitioner certification with different prerequisites. PRINCE2 foundation course does not demand any prerequisites but just have some basic knowledge about project management. On the other hand, to apply for the PRINCE2 practitioner course you must have completed any of the following certifications and must submit the proof. CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management IPMA Level A – Certified Projects Director IPMA Level B – Certified Senior Project Manager IPMA Level C – Certified Project Manager IPMA Level D – Certified Project Management Associate PRINCE2 Foundation – 5th Edition or 6th Edition version PMP – Project Management Professional |
| Cost of Certification | Around US$ 900 |
| Exam Details | Foundation Exam It is an online examination with 60 multiple choice questions and you will be given 60 minutes to complete the test. Closed book examination and referring in any form is prohibited. You must get at least 33 correct answers to pass the examination. Practitioner Exam It is an open book examination with 68 MCQs and is expected to be completed in 150 minutes with a passing score of 38. The pass percentage for getting certified both levels is 55%. |
| Website | https://p2certification.ie/ |
| Self- Study Material | The recommended resources for the preparation of this certification are: https://www.axelos.com/store/book/prince2-agile https://www.ntaskmanager.com/blog/prince2-certification-guide-for-misguided-projectmanagers/ There are lots of training institutes who also provide online as well as classroom training & certification for PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner course. They also provide self-study material. These institutes charge some amount for training material. Some of the websites are given below: https://staragile.com/info/project-management/prince2-certification-cost#ecs https://www.simplilearn.com/project-management/prince2-foundation-certification-training Books and other resources: https://www.amazon.com/Prince2-Beginners-Certification-Project-Management/dp/1501037110, https://www.slideshare.net/frankturley/p2-f-traingmanualv0114 https://www.amazon.com/PRINCE2-Study-Guide-David-Hinde/dp/1119970784 https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Principles-Practices-PMBOK-Prince/dp/0134060814 https://www.amazon.com/PRINCE2-Value-Driven-Project-Management/dp/1499726201 |
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
ScrumMaster certificate teaches agile practices. Many companies adopt Agile methodologies to streamline processes, build quality into products and ensure that final builds meet customer requirements. As Agile methodologies have become more popular, there is increased demand for IT practitioners qualified to manage projects in Agile environments. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is administered by Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organization which encourages adoption of Scrum and Agile practices and provides resources for professional development. The organization boasts more than 500,000 certified practitioners worldwide. CSM makes an excellent entry-level credential for project managers getting started as Scrum practitioners.
| Name of Certification | Certified ScrumMaster |
| Course Duration | 1 year |
| Accreditation | https://www.scrumalliance.org/ |
| Expected Salary | $80,000 – $85,000 |
| Required Qualification | General familiarity with Scrum Completion of a two-day CSM training course (price varies by training provider; candidates can expect to pay $920 to $1,295) Note: Some training providers are affiliated with PMI; candidates may earn 14 PDUs for their PMI certification. |
| Cost of Certification | US$ 990 – US$ 1,400 |
| Exam Details | One (37 correct answers out of 50 questions required to pass;60-minute time limit)) |
| Website | https://www.scrumalliance.org/certifications/practitioners/certified-scrummaster-csm |
| Self- Study Material | Scrum Alliance offers blogs, articles, reports, online learning, suggested reading, presentations, Certified ScrumMaster Learning Objectives, Scrum Foundations Learning Objectives and more. |
Certified Project Manager by IAPM
The IAPM International Association of Project Managers is a global project management association dedicated to supporting people interesting in project management and active project managers. The organization offers numerous certification options via the IAPM certification body.
IAPM offers certifications in various project management disciplines (traditional and agile project management). Certified Junior Project Manager (IAPM), Certified Project Manager (IAPM), Certified Junior Agile Project Manager (IAPM) and Certified Agile Project Manager (IAPM) are certifications which confirm the holder’s theoretical project management knowledge.
“Certified Project Manager (IAPM)” certification is a level for candidates with a basic knowledge of project management. This knowledge is necessary to theoretically plan, organize and implement a project effectively. The Project Managers’ Guide (IAPM) forms the basis for the knowledge questions.
The examination covers both the hard and soft factors of project management. It is not necessary to provide proof of project management experience to take this level of certification. Obviously, however, project management experience is an advantage.
| Name of Certification | International Association of Project Managers |
| Required Qualification | People who aspire a carrier as Project Manager, no experience is required. |
| Cost of Certification | The costs are based on the gross domestic product of your country of origin. For e.g., the Cost for Certified Project Manager (IAPM) in India is 140 US$. The Cost for Certified Project Manager (IAPM) in India is 520 US$ |
| Exam Details | One, 120 questions, 80 minutes duration |
| Website | https://www.iapm.net/en/certification/levels-of-certification/certified-project-manager-iapm/ |
| Self- Study Material | Learning resources can be accessed at https://www.iapm-cert.net/weblearn/cpm-en/ |
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
CSSBB is an ASQ certification which is globally recognized and certifies candidate’s expertise, mastery of industry and regulation standards, and mastery of the ASQ Body of Knowledge. ASQ offers 18 credentials, three of which are related to project management: (1) the Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) (expert level), (2) the Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) (professional level) and (3) the Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) (entry level). The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is ASQ’s highest Six Sigma credential. The CSSBB is suitable for experienced practitioners who understand Six Sigma methodologies (including the DMAIC model), tools, systems and philosophies.
Candidates aspiring for CSSGB has to go through a rigorous process. In addition to passing a comprehensive exam, candidates must complete two projects that employ Six Sigma tools and processes, resulting in project improvement and a positive financial project impact.
| Name of Certification | Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) |
| Course Duration | Several years or until you have demonstrated 2 projects at least |
| Accreditation | ASQ |
| Expected Salary | US$97,200 |
| Required Qualification | Two completed projects with signed project affidavit, or one completed project with signed affidavit plus three years of experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge |
| Cost of Certification | $438 members, $538 nonmembers (retakes $338) Exams administered by Prometric. |
| Exam Details | One: computer-based (165 questions, 4.5 hours) or paper-based (150 questions, 4 hours) |
| Website | https://asq.org/cert/six-sigma-black-belt |
| Self- Study Material | ASQ maintains a comprehensive list of exam prep materials, including training opportunities, question banks, interactive sample exams, books and other recommended references. |
Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)
The Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) by ASQ is a professional-level credential suitable for experienced Six Sigma practitioners. CSSGBs identify issues and drive quality and process improvements in projects.
To earn the credential, candidates should have at least three years of experience working with Six Sigma processes, systems and tools. The work experience must have been full time and compensated; an unpaid internship, for example, doesn’t considered. In addition, work performed must have been in at least one of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge competency areas.
In addition to work experience, candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge. Currently, the Green Belt Body of Knowledge includes six competency areas:
Overview: Six Sigma and the Organization (organizational goals, lean principles, design methodologies)
- Define Phase (project identification, customer voice, project management basics, management and planning tools, project business results, team dynamics and performance)
- Measurement Phase (process analysis and documentation, probability and statistics, statistical distributions, data collection, measurement system analysis, process and performance capability)
- Analyze Phase (exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing)
- Improve Phase (design of experiments, root cause analysis, lean tools)
- Control Phase (statistical process control, control plan, lean tools for process control)
Overall, this is an excellent credential for those who have some experience but are not quite ready to take on the roles and responsibilities of a Black Belt.
| Name of Certification | Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) |
| Course Duration | 1 Year or until the prerequisite requirement has been met |
| Accreditation | ASQ https://asq.org/ |
| Expected Salary | US$77,000 – US$80,000 |
| Required Qualification | Three years of experience in one or more of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge areas Experience must be a full-time paid position (internships do not meet the experience requirement) |
| Cost of Certification | One: computer-based (110 questions, 4.5 hours) or paper-based (100 questions, 4 hours) |
| Exam Details | $338 members, $438 nonmembers; retakes cost $238 Exams administered by Prometric. |
| Website | https://asq.org/cert/six-sigma-green-belt |
| Self- Study Material | ASQ maintains a comprehensive list of exam prep materials, including training opportunities, question banks, interactive sample exams, books and other recommended references. |
Summary
Certified project managers are in demand always. Having a project management certification has many benefits as mentioned below:
(1) Your resume will stand out for other job seekers. Such certifications are in high demand by organizations all across the globe. Having such a credential increases your credibility for hiring managers.
(2) You can earn a higher salary. Such certifications enhance your marketability and you can expect a salary hike of around 20%.
(3) Your knowledge and skill in the area of project management is enhanced. Such certifications require you to build your knowledge in project management, and thus help you manage complex projects.
The rise in average incomes for project managers can be seen into salary reports published by industry associations such as:
Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey
Project Management between 2010 to 2020
The average salary for project managers in the US is around $116,000 across all industries.
This average salary however differs depending on certain factors including location, industry, years of experience and other qualifications of the professional.