For all project managers and those aspiring to become project managers in the future, project management certifications are essential for success together with academic study and real-world experience. Most businesses believe that project management certification online courses give them additional abilities they need to complete their projects competently without having to take a break from work.
Every team member likes to be the team's leader rather than remain in the background in today's competitive environment, thus there is a huge demand for project management certification courses to become a professional leader who effectively leads the project team. Employers prefer candidates with project management certificates in the sector related to their projects when hiring staff for their projects because experience and degree certifications are reasonably widespread among all people.
Over sixty certificates in different areas of project management are offered by approximately 11 certification-issuing organizations worldwide. The top 15 project management certifications in 2024, along with the necessary qualifications, project management certification requirements, and fees, are given below. We will also update you on how to get Project management certification for beginners.
What are Project Management Certifications?
Project management certifications are certificates awarded by globally recognized professional organizations such as PMI, IPMA, Association for Project Management, AXELOS, and others after passing exams and meeting conditions such as education and experience. By administering the exam, these certifications evaluate your theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional expertise in project management which you can obtain by enrolling in project management certification online training classes.
Top 15 Certifications in Project Management:
Before diving into the subject, there is a piece of crucial information for people who wish to master the fundamentals of project management: PMI provides a one-hour free project management certification course called “Kickoff” course.
There are many different project management certifications available, but in this article, we'll focus on the 15 top ones that are highly regarded by employers, have the most project managers enrolled, and are growing steadily in popularity. Let us examine the following list:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification
- PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification
- PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner Certification
- CompTIA Project+
- PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification
- Program Management Professional (PgMP) Certification
- Certified Project Manager (CPM) Certification
- PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification
- Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP) Certification
- Associate in Project Manager (APM) Certification
- Professional in Project Management (PPM) Certification
- Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) Certification
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional Certification is one of the most popular PMI project management certifications, with more members than any other certification. PMI established the “PMP certification Project Management Professional” to meet the growing need for qualified project managers in every branch of engineering. In fact, PMP is considered one of the best suitable for healthcare project management certification. As of the end of March 2021, there were 1,135,460 people who held PMP certification; by the end of January 2022, that number had risen to 1,259,817. As of October 26, 2023, there are over 1 million active PMP certifications held by individuals worldwide. This figure comes from the Project Management Institute (PMI®). The increase in PMP holders from 1,135,460 to 1,259,817 in just 9 months demonstrates the demand for Project Management Professional preparation course among project managers worldwide.
The PMP assessment looks at the project manager's competencies and capabilities in the following areas:
- Leading the team from the front, effectively controlling the crew, and inspiring the members.
- Using the right approaches and tools to accomplish the task effectively.
- To achieve organizational goals by completing the project successfully.
Prerequisites
Before applying for PMP certification, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Four years of degree qualification.
- 36 months of project management experience.
- CAPM® certification or Project management education/training of 35 hours.
OR
- Associates Degree or High School Diploma
- 60 months of project management experience.
- CAPM® certification or Project management education/training of 35 hours.
Exam Pattern
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Number of questions: 180
- Contains multiple choice questions
Project Management Certification Cost
The exam fee differs depending on whether you are a PMI member or not.
- Exam fee for Member: ＄405.00
- Exam fee for Non-Member:＄555.00
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
CAPM Project management certification is an entry level project management certification that may be obtained by passing an exam and demonstrating comprehension of key concepts, processes, and terminology as outlined in "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK Guide).
Project management Institute issues CAPM certification; newcomers with no expertise in project management can also apply for it. This certification will be valid for three years, and in order to keep it, participants must obtain 15 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
Prerequisites
Before applying for CAPM certification, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- High school Diploma or Secondary degree.
- No project management experience is required.
- Project management education/training of 23 hours.
Exam Fee
The exam fee differ depending on whether you are a PMI member or not.
- Exam fee for Member: ＄225.00
- Exam fee for Non-Member: ＄300.00
Examination Details
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Number of questions: 150
3. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Project management institute, one of the top organizations, issuing the PMI-ACP certification. This agile project management certification verifies your familiarity with agile concepts and the use of agile methods in your project work. It incorporates a variety of agile methodologies, including Kanban, Scrub, Lean, extreme programming, and test-driven development.
This certification guarantees that practitioners are knowledgeable about different approaches and do not adhere to a single agile approach. Organizations that use agile approaches have a higher success rate when completing projects. To maintain PMI-ACP certification, participants must obtain 15 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
Prerequisites
Before applying for PMI-ACP certification, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- A secondary degree or Bachelor’s degree.
- Agile project management certification online training of 21 hours.
- In the last five years, twelve months of experience working on general projects.
- Eight months of experience working on agile projects during the previous 3 years.
Exam Cost
The exam fee differs depending on whether you are a PMI member or not.
- Exam fee for Member: ＄435.00
- Exam fee for Non-Member: ＄495.00
Examination Details
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Number of questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification
The CSM certification was created by the scrum alliance for anyone who wishes to use scrum to become more agile. This scrum project management certification is regarded as the gold level of certification. Your comprehension of the Scrum framework, team responsibilities, events, and artifacts, as well as how you guide your team to use Scrum are verified by this certification.
This credential broadens employment options and strengthens leadership abilities. Additionally, it exhibits your expertise in encouraging organizational transformation.
Prerequisites
Before applying for CSM certification, you must complete a CSM course with at least 14 hours of interactive teaching from a qualified trainer.
CSM Certification Cost
- It costs ＄495.00 including all certification costs and exam fee.
Examination Details
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Number of questions: 50 (need to answer 37 correctly to pass)
5. PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification
AXELOS provides the PRINCE2 project management certification, which are the most valued and widely recognized. Scope, timeliness, and budget are the three primary principles that make up each project's aim. By giving your projects a structure and a shared understanding as it guides you through each step of a project's life cycle, PRINCE2 manages all of those objectives. There are two levels in certification:
1. PRINCE2 Foundation
Theoretical information on project planning, management, and delivery is provided by the PRINCE2 Foundation. The Foundation level exam must be passed in order to earn the Practitioner credential.
2. PRINCE2 Practitioner
The information you learn at the Foundation level is expanded upon by PRINCE2 Practitioner, allowing you to use and customize the approach in a real-world working setting.
Prerequisites
- PRINCE2 foundation has no prerequisites.
- By passing the PRINCE2 foundation, you can enroll in PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner.
Examination Details
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Number of questions: 60 (multiple choice)
- Marks required to pass: 33 (55%)
Exam Fee: Cost varies from country to country.
6. PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner Certification
The specified governance of PRINCE2 is combined with the adaptability and reactivity of agile in PRINCE2 Agile. There are two levels of training and certification offered:
1. PRINCE2 Agile Foundation
It tests your understanding of PRINCE2 governance requirements, agile ideas and procedures, and the interface between them. The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation covers the foundational elements of the PRINCE2 methodology so you may integrate PRINCE2 Agile into your regular work practices.
2. PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner
The information learned at the Foundation level is applied to the workplace by the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner utilizing examples from real-world management.
Prerequisites
- PRINCE2 Agile foundation has no prerequisites.
- By passing the PRINCE2 foundation, you can enroll in PRINCE2 Practitioner.
Examination Details
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Number of questions: 60 (multiple choice)
- Marks required to pass: 33 (55%)
Exam Cost: Cost varies from country to country.
7. CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Project+ certification is issued by an American non-profit organization called Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). CompTIA is regarded as one of the leading trade organizations in the IT sector as it issues certifications related to IT project management certifications. IT professionals may handle small to medium-sized projects successfully with the help of CompTIA Project+.
This certification serves as proof of your expertise in effective documentation, enhanced communication, and project life cycle and resource management.
Prerequisites
Require six to twelve months of practical experience running projects in the IT sector.
CompTIA Project+ Certification Cost
It costs $398.00 for exam fee.
Examination Details
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of questions: 90 (New exam code PK0-005)
- The passing score is 710 on a scale of 100 to 900.
8. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification
The project management institute offers the PMI-RMP certification to qualify project managers who specialize in recognizing and evaluating project risks. Risks are present in practically every project, but if they are not properly handled, they can cause delays, excessive costs, and project failure.
The PMI-RMP certification indicates the project manager's ability to detect, analyze, and reduce risks. Because risks exist in all sectors, the PMI-RMP is appropriate for any project manager. Participants must earn 30 professional development units (PDUs) in risk management-related areas every three years in order to keep their PMI-RMP certification active.
Prerequisites
Before applying for PMI-RMP certification, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Four years of degree qualification.
- Within the previous five years, you must have had 24 months of project risk management experience.
- Project risk management education/training of 30 hours.
OR
- Associate’s Degree or High School Diploma
- Within the previous five years, you must have had 36 months of project risk management experience.
- Project risk management education/training of 40 hours.
Exam Fee
The exam fee differ depending on whether you are a PMI member or not.
- Exam fee for Member: ＄520.00
- Exam fee for Non-Member: ＄670.00
Examination Details
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Number of questions: 115
9. Program Management Professional (PgMP) Certification
The Project Management Institute offers the advanced certificate in project management known as PgMP. The capacity to manage numerous projects simultaneously to reach an organizational goal that cannot be attained if handled individually is demonstrated by this certification.
You have a clear edge in terms of employment and promotion thanks to the Program Management Professional (PgMP) designation, which is a visible indicator of your advanced expertise and competence. This certification was completed by a very small number of experts, which highlights the breadth of knowledge needed to successfully achieve it.
Prerequisites
Before applying for PgMP certification, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Four years of degree qualification.
- Within the previous 15 years, you must have had 48 months of program management experience.
- PMP certification or 48 months of project management experience.
OR
- Associate’s Degree or High School Diploma
- Within the previous 15 years, you must have had 84 months of program management experience.
- PMP certification or 48 months of project management experience.
Exam Cost
The exam fee differ depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. Let us have a look at them:
- Exam fee for Member: ＄800.00
- Exam fee for Non-Member: ＄1000.00
Examination Details
- Duration: 4 Hours
- Number of questions: 170
10. Certified Project Manager (CPM) Certification
CPM certification project management is created and issued by the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM). It is one of the top recognized international project management certifications. CPM certification is intended for applicants with basic project management skills and this expertise is required to conceptually design, organize, and successfully implement a project.
Prerequisites
No project management experience is required.
Certification Cost
The examination cost varies from country to country. It costs $490 for exam fees in the United States.
11. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Certification
PMI-SP certification validates the knowledge and skills required to improve project schedule management. The majority of projects fail to complete the job within the originally scheduled period.
Due to the fact that scheduling is one of the fundamental components of project management, improper scheduling of team meetings, tasks, and plan executions causes delays and, occasionally, results in project failure. PMI-SP certifies the project manager's ability to overcome these faults.
Prerequisites
Before applying for PMI-SP certification, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Four years of degree qualification.
- Within the previous five years, you must have had 24 months of project scheduling experience.
- Project risk management education/training of 30 hours.
OR
- Associate’s Degree or Secondary degree
- Within the previous five years, you must have had 40 months of project scheduling experience.
- Project risk management education/training of 40 hours.
Exam Fee
The exam fee differ depending on whether you are a PMI member or not.
- Exam fee for Member: ＄520.00
- Exam fee for Non-Member: ＄670.00
Examination Details
- Duration: 3.5 Hours
- Number of questions: 170
12. Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP) Certification
This certification is issued by the International Center for Quality Pioneers (ICQP). This certification exam covers several facets of the fundamental abilities and knowledge needed by a qualified project manager. You gain all the abilities you need to efficiently manage various tasks thanks to CPMP.
There are no prerequisites to attain this certification.
Exam Fee: ＄315.00
13. Associate in Project Manager (APM) Certification
APM certification is an entry-level certification offered by GAQM (Global Association for Quality Management). APM certification can be obtained even by a candidate with no prior experience. The APM certification proves that the applicant possesses the necessary expertise in project management.
Anyone can apply for this exam, including students, project team members without prior leadership experience, and project management enthusiasts. ACP certification has no prerequisites.
Exam Fee: ＄128.00
Examination Details
- Duration of the exam: 60 minutes
- Number of questions: 50 (multiple choice questions)
- Percentage to be obtained to pass: 70%
14. Professional in Project Management (PPM) Certification
This certification is issued by GAQM, it includes the courses that demonstrate how to plan, carry out, manage, and finish projects. PPM project is highly helpful for project schedules, developing project metrics and ways to project management; and how to build, lead, and inspire project teams. Its main focus is on major trends in managing projects and expectations on the project managers. Project managers receive extra respect and recognition inside the organization upon earning this certification.
Prerequisites: Mandatory 45–50 hours of online course completion is necessary.
Exam Fee:＄210.00
Examination Details
- Duration of the exam: 120 minutes
- Number of questions: 150 (multiple choice questions)
- Percentage to be obtained to pass: 75%
15. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) Certification
It is one of the senior-level project management certifications offered by PMI, and it recognizes project managers who possess the advanced skills, knowledge, and performance necessary to oversee a variety of projects and initiatives in order to achieve organizational goals. There are only a few thousand PfMP certification holders globally, making it the most demanding designation, similar to the PgMP.
The designation of "Portfolio Management Professional" (PfMP) denotes project manager's advanced proficiency inside the coordinated management with one or even more portfolios to accomplish strategic goals.
Prerequisites
- Four years of degree qualification.
- Within the previous 15 years, you must have had 96 months of professional business experience. (This requirement is common to all).
- Experience in portfolio management for 48 months.
OR
- Associate’s Degree or High School Diploma
- Within the previous 15 years, you must have had 96 months of professional business experience.
- Experience in portfolio management for 84 months.
Exam Cost
The exam fee differ depending on whether you are a PMI member or not.
- Exam fee for Member: ＄800.00
- Exam fee for Non-Member: ＄1000.00
Examination Details
- Duration: 4 Hours
- The number of questions: 170 multiple choice questions.
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Benefits of Certifications in Project Management
Project managers who earn project management certification obtain numerous benefits. Listed below are some of them:
- Certification holders receive additional financial perks, such as pay increases and new job prospects with higher incomes.
- Project managers have a ton of chances because their credential is recognized worldwide.
- The course training for Project management certification will boost your capacity to accomplish assignments successfully.
- It enhances the ability to lead a team.
- Organizations believe you have important management abilities if you have a project management certificate.
- Improved communication skills.
- The ability to guide and train the team successfully is improved through this certification.
How Do I Get Certifications in Project Management?
Globally renowned professional organizations such as PMI, IPMA, the Association for Project Management, AXELOS, and others give project management certificates. Every organizational course has a unique set of requirements for project management certification, costs, and exam formats. The most frequently asked question about project management is ”how to get a project management certification”, so let's have a look at the certification process:
- Choose the best project management certification for your job and the projects you work on.
- Visit the certifying organization's website.
- Make sure you are aware of any requirements, such as educational background, work history, and exam fees.
- After fulfilling the requirements, register for the exam by paying the exam cost.
- Take the required online courses or training to earn your certification.
- Learn the format of your exam and prepare thoroughly.
- Take your examination.
- If you receive passing grades, you will have earned your project management certification.
- As most certificates have a certain period of validity, it is now your responsibility to maintain the certification.
Conclusion
Aside from the aforementioned credentials, several institutions or universities also offer a graduate certificate in project management online training, that provides essential theoretical and practical knowledge. In this article, we have researched the top 15 project management certifications that assess project managers' abilities and knowledge globally. It is simple to obtain a certification if one is dedicated to taking online programs and acquiring practical project management experience.
PMP credential helps civil managers in getting construction project management certification online training. As a result, practically every sector of project managers needs pursue project management certification. You can go for KnowledgeHut’s PMP self-paced training to get the best in terms of quality teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which certification course is best for project management?
Many project managers believe that the PMP certification is the best for project management, as evidenced by the rising number of certification holders worldwide.
2. What is a PMP certification equivalent to?
Many people think that obtaining a PMP certification is similar to earning a master’s certificate in project management. However, a master's degree in project management is only theoretical in nature, while a PMP needs at least 36 months of actual, hands-on experience.
3. What is CAPM vs PMP?
While PMP involves practical experience and is an experience-based test, CAPM is an entry-level certification that is knowledge-based.
4. Can I get a PMP without a degree?
If you don't have a four-year degree, you can still apply to take the PMP test with a worldwide equivalent high school diploma or secondary degree.
5. Is a Project management certificate worth it?
Yes, according to a PMI survey conducted across 40 countries, PMP certification holders earn 16% more than those without certification.
