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No matter how small, where it’s located or what industry it serves, every business needs to rely on project management to be successful. Without effective project managers, a company would have difficulty delivering new products and services to customers, growing revenue and meeting other critical business objectives.

Besides earning a degree, an aspiring or current project management professional can also enroll in courses and earn certifications in project management to go the extra mile. Knowing which certificates are worth the time, energy and money can be challenging with so many choices.

Continue studying to learn about project management certifications and how they could benefit someone looking to increase their knowledge, Strengthen their skills and land a project management position.

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Why earn a project management certification?

Project management skills can help job seekers Strengthen their marketability and show potential employers what value they can bring to an organization. Projects are getting more complex and resource intensive, meaning employers need to invest in a solid project manager with expertise and project management skills to get the job done.

Project managers are in demand in virtually every industry, from construction to advertising and everything in between. When a hiring manager or recruiter parses through thousands of resumes, those with a project management certification may rank higher, meaning that those candidates would have a higher chance of being hired at an organization. While this isn’t a guarantee, it’s commonly understood that earning this type of certification can increase an applicant’s value and help a project manager get hired faster.

A project management certification can also help you command a higher salary: A Project Management Institute survey found that U.S. project managers who earned a Project Management Professional certification reported 32% higher salaries than those who didn’t. While they do require an upfront investment in terms of time and money, for many project managers, getting a certification pays dividends down the road.

SEE: Hiring kit: Project manager (TechRepublic Premium)

Best project management certifications

For those interested in receiving a project management certification, it’s worth researching which one will help Strengthen their skills, build their knowledge and potentially advance their career. Below are some of the best project management certifications to consider.

PMP certification

In simple terms, the Project Management Professional certification is the most recognized in the project management industry. It’s considered the “gold standard” for project management and more than 1,200,000 professionals hold a PMP certification worldwide. Top-performing companies like ExxonMobil, Apple, Exelon and SAIC often hire project managers with a PMP certification. Those who earn this certification can typically work in any industry, use any methodology and succeed in various situations.

There are helpful online training courses available for professionals who want to sit for the PMP test and earn the certification, but the training courses aren’t included in the cost of the exam. Giving the length and breadth of the exam, studying before is strongly encouraged.

Prerequisites

You must either have a four-year degree and 36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years or a high school diploma or Associates Degree and 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years. You must also have 35 hours of project management education/training or Certified Associate in Project Management certification (CAPM®).

Key skills tested

• Demonstrating the skills to lead and motivate a project team
• Showing how the success of a project impacts overall strategic goals
• Choosing whether a predictive, agile or hybrid approach will work best for a particular project

Key differentiators

• Top ranked project management certification that is recognized globally
• Excellent choice for experienced project managers who want a certification
• Can be used with many different project management methodologies

Duration of exam

The test contains 180 questions and has a time limit of 230 minutes.

Cost of exam

The PMP test costs $405 for members and $575 for nonmembers.

CAPM certification

If you don’t have enough experience to sit for the PMP, the CAPM certification is a more suitable option for those early in their professional project management career. The CAPM certification demonstrates that an entry-level project manager has a strong foundation in project management and can help young professionals become more marketable to potential employers.

Before earning the PMP certification, many novice project managers will need to complete training and receive the CAPM certification. Earning the CAPM certification is easier as it has fewer requirements than the PMP, only mandating 23 hours of project management education.

Prerequisites

You must have a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, GED (general educational development) or global equivalent. You must also have at least 23 contact hours of project management education completed before the exam, which can be fulfilled by taking a course from PMI or another organization.

Key skills tested

• Fundamentals of project management and the role of project managers
• Project management environment and project integration management
• Project scope, schedule, cost, quality and resource management
• Project procurement, communication, stakeholder and risk management

Key differentiators

• More suitable for early career professionals than the PMP exam
• Training education is required but not included in test price
• Covers the fundamentals of project management, not tied to a specific methodology

Duration of exam

The test contains 150 questions and has a time limit of three hours.

Cost of exam

The CAPM test costs $225 for members and $300 for nonmembers. The test cost is separate from any training courses that you pay for.

DOWNLOAD: The TechRepublic project management checklist

PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner certification

The PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner certifications are two other highly sought-after certifications for project managers. Government agencies and organizations often look for candidates with these certifications, which are delivered by AXELOS, a joint venture between the U.K. government and Capita.

These certifications can help professionals Strengthen their skills and capabilities. They both focus on managing a project from the start (initiation) to finish (delivery). The PRINCE2 Foundation is a more basic certification and the PRINCE2 Practitioner is more advanced. Many people choose to earn the Foundation certification first and then later go on to get the Practitioner certification.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the PRINCE2 Foundation test besides completing the accompanying course. In order to take the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, you must provide proof of a current certification from the following list:

• PRINCE2 Foundation (5th Edition or 6th Edition version)
• 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)

Key skills tested

• Understanding of PRINCE2 principles, methods and themes and how they are applied throughout the project
• Applying and tailoring relevant aspects of PRINCE2 in context

Key differentiators

• PRINCE2-specific training and testing
• Training courses included in the price of both certifications
• Available in self-guided online, virtual classroom and physical classroom formats

Duration of exam

The PRINCE2 Foundation test contains 60 questions and lasts 60 minutes. The PRINCE2 Practitioner test contains 68 questions and lasts 150 minutes.

Cost of exam

The PRINCE2 Foundation course and test starts at $1,116, and the PRINCE2 Practitioner course and test starts at $1,176. This includes the price of the test and access to the virtual training courses and resources for 12 months.

IAPM certification

The Certified Agile Project Manager certification is offered by the International Association of Project Managers. The IAPM recommends enrolling in online Agile courses, studying relevant literature and spending time researching some major topics. Scrum roles, product backlog, team building, conflict management and project environment are some examples of relevant subjects for this certification.

This certification is best suited for managers looking to enhance their skills and grow their knowledge, specifically in Agile project management. IAPM provides access to a web learning platform that you can use to prepare for the exam.

Prerequisites

You need to have a basic understanding of Agile, but no specific amount of project experience is required for this certification.

Key skills tested

• Scrum roles, scrum charts and daily scrum practices
• Sprint backlog, planning, review and retrospective
• Team building, motivation and conflict management
• Product vision and project environment

Key differentiators

• Covers the fundamentals of agile project management, including different methodologies
• Web learning platform available for self-guided test prep
• Available around the world, test prices are based on location

Duration of exam

The IAMP test contains 120 questions and lasts 80 minutes.

Cost of exam

The cost of the test fluctuates depending on what country you live in and the exchange rates. Right now, it costs about $535 for United States residents.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Offered by Scrum Alliance, the Certified ScrumMaster certification is an introductory course designed for professionals leading scrum teams who are looking to learn more about the scrum framework and agile project management methodology. This is one of the most well-regarded scrum certifications, which is why it made both of our lists for the best overall Scrum certifications and the best Agile certifications. Participants must complete a minimum of 14 hours of live virtual training spread across two to four days before sitting for the exam.

Those looking for a more advanced scrum certification should check out other offerings from Scrum Alliance, such as the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster and Certified Scrum Professional ScumMaster courses. Scrum Alliance also offers other certifications in product owner and developer tracks.

Prerequisites

You need to have a basic understanding of Scrum, but no specific amount of project experience is required for this certification because the training is included.

Key skills tested

• Fundamentals of Scrum framework and roles
• Basics of Agile principles and how they apply to Scrum
• Team leadership and collaboration skills

Key differentiators

• Focused specifically on Scrum concepts and tactics
• Suitable for early career project management professionals
• Includes live virtual training courses as well as exam

Duration of exam

The CSM test contains 50 questions and lasts 60 minutes.

Cost of exam

The CSM training and test costs between $405 and $695, with additional test sitting costing $25 each.

Consider earning a project management certification

While there are many other project management certifications out there, these are some of the best options to choose from because they will help project management professionals Strengthen their skills. Earning a certification is a big commitment, but the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks for most project managers.

Project management roles are becoming increasingly popular, so it’s important for those interested in them to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is by earning certification, which allows someone to prove their skills and knowledge to a potential employer.

While these certifications may not certain an aspiring or seasoned project manager a job, earning one will be a good step in the right direction to take your career to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out in your project management career or are a seasoned project manager looking to add to your resume, there’s a certification out there to fit your needs.

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Description
 

As project management grows in scope, importance and recognition, so do the related career and credential options available to students. RIT K (A.U.K) Training and Development Institute has successfully rolled out the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) and PMP (Project Management Professional) courses.

International Project Management Preparatory Training Program is based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The processes, tools, inputs and outputs of PMBOK will build the fundament of this training. Project Management Processes are grouped in five process groups and nine knowledge areas:

The Project Management Institute (PMI) stands as a global leader in the field of project management. It is well known that PMI certification involves a rigorous, examination-based process that represents the highest quality in professional standards. Therefore, PMI’s professional certification is universally accepted and recognized.

Objectives

During the 6 day intensive program, participants will learn and apply the practices of project management identified by PMI, in order to manage projects successfully.

• Development of the general managerial skills;
• Development of interpersonal skills;
• Understanding and learning of PMI terms, acronyms and definitions;
• Getting to know the main activities and their interconnections;
• Getting to know the main PMI tools and their applications;
• Getting to know the main PMI techniques and their applications;
• Getting to know the most efficient methods of project management;
• Getting to know the best practices of project management;
• Development of fundamental skills for managing a project;
• Practicing of developed skills;
• Simulation for CAPM and PMP exams

Outline

The course contains these components:

• Project Integration Management
• Project Scope Management
• Project Time Management
• Project Cost Management
• Project Quality Management
• Project Human Resource Management
• Project Communications Management
• Project Risk Management
• Project Procurement Management
• Project Stakeholder Management
• Learn the concepts and study materials – what you really need to know in order to pass CAPM & PMP Exam
• Play games and exercises
• Practice exams and questions
• Tricks of the trade
• Learn reasons why you might fall the exam

Audience

This professional training benefits many individuals who deal with project coordination, project managers and business analysts, and those who wish to enter into this field of study. The developed knowledge from this training will be beneficial to you throughout your whole life.

Schedule

Successful delivery of the training requires 48 training contact hours.

Since most of the candidates are working professionals, we usually deliver all lectures on Saturday’s. This training model has been proposed in order to allow enough time for participants to study, work in groups and read thoroughly official materials.

Lectures are held on Saturday’s 09:00-16:00 at the main building of RIT K (A.U.K).

Associated Certifications

To be eligible for PMI certifications, participants must first meet specific education and experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct.

Certified Associate in Project Management – CAPM ® exam

If the participant a less experienced project manager looking to demonstrate their commitment to project management, Strengthen their ability to manage larger projects and earn additional responsibility, and stand out to potential employers, the CAPM certification is right for them.

To apply for the CAPM ® exam, participant needs to have:

• A secondary diploma (high school or the global equivalent), AND
• At least 1,500 hours experience OR 23 hours of project management education.

Project Management Professional – PMP exam

The PMP recognizes demonstrated competence in leading and directing project teams. If the participant has some experience in project management and is looking to solidify their skills, wants stand out to employers and maximize their earning potential, the PMP credential is the right choice for them.

To apply for the PMP, you need to have either:

• A four-year degree (bachelor’s or the global equivalent) and at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education, OR
• A secondary diploma (high school or the global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

For more information on the certifications, please visit www.pmi.org

Price: Option 1 (09:00 – 16:00) 650.00 € 

Apply Now

Purdue University developed its online Project Management Essentials, Project Management Professional (PMP)® test Preparation and Agile courses as a series to help learners effectively plan, orchestrate and control complex projects in their organizations. The courses also help learners prepare to pursue certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) if they choose.

Project Management Essentials is the first step for professionals who seek fundamental knowledge and skills to immediately apply to their projects and advance their careers. It also helps learners earn the educational hours required by PMI for PMP certification.

Many of our learners follow up Project Management Essentials with the Agile Certificate Online Course and finally the PMP test Preparation course. This course is an in-depth review designed for experienced project managers who want to gain a firm understanding of PMP test content, identify areas of opportunity for strengthening their grasp of PM principles and develop a comprehensive study plan.

The Agile Certificate Online Course can be completed at any point in the series, or as a stand-alone course. It offers a deep dive into the Agile methodology and commonly used frameworks. Learners gain an understanding of cutting-edge practices they can immediately apply to their careers. They also earn the prerequisite contact hours in Agile training required by the PMI and will be prepared to sit for the PMI Agile Certified Professional (PMI-ACP)® or PMP certification exam.

Employers worldwide consider PMP certification the industry standard for project managers. As a result, the knowledge, skills and experience required for PMP certification are transferable across industries and continents.

To remain competitive in this evolving ecosystem, companies are focusing on the need for adept problem solvers and relationship builders who can not only drive change but also align projects to realize the business vision of the organization. This demand for project leaders, especially those equipped with power skills, becomes a beacon of opportunity especially in times of turbulence. This is because navigating change and dealing with ambiguous situations demands not only the best technical skills but critical power skills to ensure that, right from the get-go, the brief is understood correctly, and constant course correction is undertaken in line with resources and constraints.

The PMI Pulse of the Profession® 2023 report underlines that communication is the linchpin, identified by 68% of respondents as the most critical power skill, closely followed by problem-solving (65%), collaborative leadership (62%), and strategic thinking (58%).

Mastering these behaviours, coupled with core technical skills, is one of the many benefits of getting PMP certified. Whether it’s infrastructure – digital, social, or physical - or the IT industry, project management is the key to achieving organizational goals and realizing project benefits.

Here are six reasons why aspiring and seasoned project professionals should get ahead by getting PMP certified:

1. Elevated Earning Potential

The numbers speak volumes – PMP-certified professionals earn, on average, 33% higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts across 21 surveyed countries. According to the thirteenth edition of Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, this certification sets you on a trajectory to financial success, making it a wise investment in your career.

2. Global Standard of Excellence

Regardless of your geographical location – whether you're in the Americas, Europe, Asia, or Africa – the PMP certification is a universally recognized standard for project management professionals. It's not just a certification; it's a global validation of your expertise in leading and directing projects, making you stand out in high-demand roles.

3. In-Demand Certification Across Industries

The PMP certification is not industry-specific; it's universally sought after. Organizations globally actively seek PMP-certified individuals and, in some cases, make it a prerequisite for certain roles. This versatility means that you become an asset in any industry, anywhere in the world, and with any project management methodology.

4. Career Flexibility and Marketability

In an era of economic uncertainties, the PMP certification provides more than just a career boost – it offers career resilience. Recognized as the gold standard in project management certifications, PMP equips you with a diverse skill set that includes agile and hybrid approaches, Scrum, and wicked problem-solving. It's not just about managing projects; it's about mastering power skills like collaborative leadership, empathy, and communication, making you a well-rounded professional.

5. Variety of Certification Options

PMI doesn't just stop at PMP – it offers a variety of certifications tailored to different career stages and goals. In addition to the world-renowned PMP certification, PMI provides a suite of options covering diverse methodologies like agile and hybrid approaches. These certifications not only align with industry trends but also ensure professionals stay at the forefront of their careers. So right from the start of your journey with the foundational Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM)® or advancing with specialized certifications like the Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, PMI offers a comprehensive range to meet your specific needs and career aspirations.

For example, CAPM is a great preparation ground for a professional to pursue a PMP.

6. Recognized Proficiency in Leading Projects

The PMP certification isn't just about theoretical knowledge; it's about applying that knowledge to real-world project management experiences. From motivating people and teams to using predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches, PMP validates your ability to lead projects in any industry. This recognition makes you a valuable asset, contributing significantly to the success of your projects and your organization. By connecting you with an accomplished community of achievers, you keep up your learning journey of best practices via multiple interaction opportunities that a PMI member enjoys exclusively.

Conclusion: Your Path to Success Begins with PMP Certification

In conclusion, embarking on the journey to PMP certification is not just a career move; it's a strategic decision to elevate your professional standing, increase your marketability, and unlock a world of opportunities. As a PMP-certified professional, you position yourself as a leader in project management, ready to navigate the complexities of the global job market with confidence and competence. Invest in your future success – get PMP certified today and join the growing tribe of certified project professionals who are powering the progress of humanity one project at a time.

For further details, please visit: https://www.pmi.org.in/

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

The five-week Purdue Agile Certificate Online Course is a deep dive into the core principles and frameworks of the project management methodology.

Developed by subject matter experts in project management and aligned with the Agile Practice Guide of the Project Management Institute, this standalone course equips learners with the latest Agile tools and methods, enhancing their ability to drive project success and Strengthen customer satisfaction.

In this asynchronous program, learners view on-demand lecture videos and complete practical assignments that will deepen their understanding of Agile concepts and tools. They’ll have the opportunity to engage with their instructor and peers through discussion boards. The program is supplemented by two key textbooks: Agile Practice Guide from the Project Management Institute and Agile Project Management: 2 Books in 1 by Sam Ryan.

Course Curriculum and Modules

The 100% online, instructor-led Agile Certificate Online Course is conducted in the Brightspace online environment. Learners will complete two to three modules per week, for a total of 12 modules.

Learners can expect to spend an average of four to five hours each week on assignments, depending on prior knowledge and experience. Most course materials will be provided in Brightspace, but learners are responsible for purchasing their textbooks.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, learners will be able to:

• Define Agile project management and the benefits of using Agile approaches
• Summarize the Agile mindset and Agile Manifesto and how they both contribute to project success
• Describe how to prepare for effective Agile implementation, including key tools needed for a successful Agile approach
• Explain methods used to manage Agile projects
• Describe popular Agile approaches, including Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP) and Scrumban
• Explain measurement methods to ensure ongoing success

The Agile Certificate Online Course is advantageous to anyone who manages projects, regardless of industry. Current project managers, those interested in moving into a project management position and individuals who require Agile knowledge in their roles — including business analysts, marketing strategists and software engineers — will all benefit from this program.

After completing this course, some learners go on to pursue their Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI). Others choose to build on their skills with Purdue’s Project Management Essentials and PMP® test Preparation courses, with the goal to sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam.

Learners who are already PMI-ACP certified earn 2.1 continuing education units, which they can apply toward maintaining certification.

One career option for course completers is Scrum master. These individuals are part of a Scrum team working to meet sprint goals and are well versed in Agile methodology and the Scrum approach. The average annual salary for Scrum masters is upwards of $107,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Agile and the Agile Certificate Online Course

What is Agile?

Agile methodology is an adaptable type of project management. It has many frameworks for implementation, but at its core, it is about being flexible, collaborative and efficient. Teams work in short cycles, or iterations, to develop small parts of a project over time. This approach allows teams to respond quickly to changes and continuously Strengthen the product based on feedback. Agile works best for projects with shifting requirements and for those where not all requirements are known.

What are the benefits of completing this course with Purdue rather than learning about Agile myself?

What is Agile certification?

What other certifications will this program prepare me for?

Course Instructor