How to Become a Project Management Consultant?

A management consultant helps organizations plan and execute projects and help businesses grow. To achieve this goal, the consultant may recommend a variety of strategies to alter the organization's structure or operation methods in ways that result in increased profits, better systems, and improved efficiency. 

In the article below I will discuss their roles and responsibilities, skills required to become a project management consultant, various certifications available, online course providers, Project Management course outline and much more.

Who is a Project Management Consultant and What do They do?

A Project Management Consultant role is one of the most significant roles in the realm of project management. These professionals work with external or internal clients/organizations and offer recommendations to run projects effectively. They work with stakeholders to identify areas where improvement is required and play a very crucial role in the functioning of businesses and organizations. 

Project Management Consultants build strategies and processes to be implemented in various functions of the business. They offer their expertise from the inception to the completion of projects. They collaborate with the leadership team to bring about changes in the way processes function.

Project management consultants wear multiple hats depending on the industry, technology, process and business. For example, for an installation project, project management consultant plays the multiple roles of business manager, developer and trainer, as well as project manager. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to project management. 

How to Become a Project Management Consultant in Simple Steps?

In this section, I will share the steps involved in becoming a project management consultant. Let us look at each of these steps in detail:

Step 1: Master Skills

Top Skills Needed to Become a Project Management Consultant

Project management consultants are supposed to be all-rounders when it comes to skills. They are expected to lead teams, apply business strategies, implement complex processes and motivate teams. Without having the right skill set, the entire ecosystem could crash, leading to inefficient solutions, increased costs, directionless teams, etc.

Let us look at the skillsets, competencies and expertise required for the role of project management consultant:

Soft Skills

• Communication: Project management consultants should be able to communicate effectively with a variety of people, including clients, team members, and stakeholders. They should be able to clearly articulate project goals, requirements, and timelines, listen effectively, and build rapport with others.
• Problem-solving: Project management consultants should identify and solve problems quickly and effectively. They should be able to think critically and creatively and come up with solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders.
• Leadership: Project management consultants lead and motivate others. They set clear expectations, delegate tasks, and build consensus. They also manage conflicts effectively.
• Interpersonal skills: Project management consultants need to be able to work effectively with others. They need to be able to build rapport, collaborate, and resolve conflict. They also need to be able to understand and appreciate different perspectives.
• Adaptability: Project management consultants adapt to change quickly. They work under pressure and adjust their plans as needed. 

Hard Skills 

• Advanced MS Office Skills: Project management consultants must have in-depth knowledge of MS Excel and MS PowerPoint, their features, and functionalities to effectively analyze data, gain insights, and create graphical representations.
• Project Management Tools: Having a strong knowledge of project management methodologies and frameworks (e.g., PMP, Agile, Waterfall) and working on PM tools like Trello, Asana, Microsoft Projects, etc., is an essential skill to manage projects effectively.
• Analytical Thinking: As a project management consultant, you should be able to analyze data to find patterns, gain insights, and build business strategies to make smarter project decisions.
• Reporting: As a project management consultant, you must be very good at communicating critical data points and high-priority data points to the clients. Good reporting skills are a must here, as you may need to source and compile information quickly to advance the project. 

Other Competencies

Project management consultants need to be highly strategic when tackling problems. They should also be comfortable working with numbers because they have to analyze a lot of data. It's crucial for them to think clearly and stay dedicated to finding solutions.

Top Project Management Consultant Certifications / Degrees

You can consider these leading certifications and degrees in the field of project management consulting to boost your career and knowledge:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Getxinstitute

The PMP certification offered by the Project Management Institute is one of the best and industry-recognized project management credentials. With over 1 billion certificate holders, it is recognized as the gold standard certification in project management all over the world. 

You should have at least three years of experience in project management. The certification tests your ability to conduct processes manage people, and your knowledge of management principles. The PMP exam is a multiple-choice 200, 200-question exam that tests your knowledge of project management principles, practices, and tools. The exam is 4 hours duration.

There are various institutes that offer courses for you to prepare for your PMP certification. You can choose the Project Management Professional PMP course from this list based on your preference.

2. PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner

The PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environment) Foundation certification is an entry-level certification offered by Axelos that introduces you to the PRINCE2 methodology, principles, processes, etc. The PRINCE2 methodology provides a structured framework for managing projects effectively. 

The PRINCE2 Foundation exam is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of the PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes. The exam is 2 hours long and there are 75 questions. The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must renew it by taking the PRINCE2 Foundation exam again. 

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environment) Practitioner is an advanced level of certification offered by Axelos to professionals who are responsible for project management. To become a PRINCE2 Practitioner, you must pass the PRINCE2 Foundation exam. Holders of the PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) are eligible to take the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam without taking the Foundation exam. 

The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam tests your knowledge of the PRINCE2 principles, terminologies, processes, etc. The exam is 2 hours in duration, and there are 120 questions. To pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, you need to score at least 65%. The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must renew it by taking the PRINCE2 Foundation exam again.

There are various institutes that offer courses for you to prepare for your Prince2 certification. You can choose the best online PRINCE2 course from this list based on your preference.

3. Professional in Project Management (PPM)

The Professional in Project Management (PPM) certification is an advanced certification offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) for project management professionals. This certification tests your knowledge of project management modules, including how to plan, execute, control and complete projects.

The exam comprises 150 Multiple Choice Questions, out of which the candidate needs to score 75%. It is an online proctored exam with a duration of 2 hours.

4. Master Project Manager (MPM)

Master Project Manager is a two-year postgraduate degree accredited by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM). A lot of reputed universities like George Washington University, Boston University, Penn State World Campus, etc. offer the MPM program. You must have at least 3 years of experience in project management to enroll in this degree program.

5. Certified Project Director (CPD)

The Certified Project Director (CPD) certification is a professional certification offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM). It is designed for experienced project managers who want to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in leading and managing complex projects.

The CPD certification is a rigorous certification that requires a significant amount of experience and knowledge. To qualify for the certification, candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of experience leading and managing complex projects. The exam comprises 100 multiple choice questions out of which the candidate needs to score 80%.

6. PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

This is another certification offered by PMI. It’s an advanced-level certification geared towards those professionals who work with project teams, manage requirements and product development, and conduct business analysis as project and program managers. Therefore, unlike other certifications, it focuses on business analysis, identifying business needs and recommending relevant solutions.

7. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)

This certification shows an advanced competency in the coordination management of a portfolio of projects. It’s for senior-level portfolio managers and instructs on ways to achieve strategic objectives. The goal is to fail less often and waste less money when aligning projects, programs and operations with strategic objectives and investing resources to deliver value.

Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Timeline

An assessment of your current skills and knowledge in project management will give you a fair idea of the time you will take to prepare for your certifications.

Start Learning in a Format That Suits You

It is very important that you choose the learning format which meets your criteria. There are a lot of options available for learners to become project management consultants. Below is a list of learning options available for you to check.

• Online Courses: Online learning platforms like KnowledgeHut, LinkedIn Learning, edX, etc. offer various project management online courses that are highly flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. You can choose KnowledgeHut's best project management prep courses, it helps you to prepare for the certification with the necessary knowledge and confidence.
• University Programs: Many universities offer project management courses and degree certifications as part of their executive programs. These courses are targeted at working professionals to want to enhance their project management skills. 
• Webinars and Workshops: Look for webinars and workshops hosted by project management organizations and industry experts. These short, focused sessions can provide valuable insights and practical tips.
• Get hands-on experience: The best way to learn project management is by doing it. Look for opportunities to volunteer or work on small projects. This will give you the chance to apply what you have learned and to gain valuable experience.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Project Management Consultant? 

The time it takes to become a project management consultant can vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, in general, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years to acquire the necessary skills and experience to become a successful project management consultant.

Here are some of the factors that can affect how long it takes to become a project management consultant:

• Education: If you have a bachelor's degree in project management or a related field, you will be well-positioned to start your career as a project management consultant.
• Work Experience: The more experience you have working in project management, the better prepared you will be to become a consultant. If you have experience working in a variety of industries and with different types of projects, you will be even more marketable as a consultant.
• Consulting Skills Development: To become a successful consultant, you'll need to develop skills beyond project management, such as communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and client management. This is an ongoing process that takes time and practice.
• Your network: Your network can also play a role in how long it takes you to become a project management consultant. If you have connections with other project management consultants or with people who hire project management consultants, you are more likely to find a job as a consultant.
• Certifications: If you do not have a degree in project management, you can still become a consultant by gaining experience in the field and earning a certification, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. 

Step 3: Begin Building Your Portfolio / Resume

Having a strong resume will not only make you stand out but will also increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

Portfolio Example or Resume Template for Download

You can check the project management consultant's resume for your reference.

Step 4: Where and How to Find a Job?

Finding a project management consultant job that matches your skill set and work experience is the last but most important step. There are many ways that you can find jobs. You can look for jobs on various online job portals like LinkedIn, indeed, Glassdoor, etc. You could also register in Recruitment agencies or staffing firms that specialize in project management roles. Also, another option available for you is to research company websites to look for project management-related jobs. 

Top Companies Hiring Project Management Consultant

IBM, Capgemini, Accenture, Deloitte, Cisco Systems are a few companies that hire project management consultants.

Job Outlook for Project Management Consultant

Business environments are becoming more global, digitalized and highly competitive, hence delivering high-quality products and services at a faster pace has become the norm. To remain relevant in the market, businesses need to adopt new ways of functioning. Also, the increase in complexity of projects and the upsurge of technology has made organizations adopt project management as part of their work practices.

Organizations are shifting their way of conducting tasks in a more project-oriented fashion which means that more and more project management professionals will be employed. Hence, we can safely say that project management is a skill which is in high demand and has changed the way work is being accomplished.

Also, with the rapid changes in technology and business environments, the role of project management consultant is not restricted only to project management but has become more strategic and diverse. They are not only individuals who manage projects but are also leaders who implement business strategies and guide projects in the right direction.

Step 5: Ace the Interview

If you’re looking to become a project consultant, you’ll need to ace your job interview. One way to do this is to be prepared for a variety of project consultant interview questions.

Brief Overview of Interview Process + Tips

In the interview process, you will be assessed on both your technical skills and soft skills. You will be evaluated based on your qualifications and work experience to gauge your fitment in the job role and company culture. It typically involves several stages designed to evaluate candidates thoroughly. 

Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position. Focus on highlighting your relevant experience and soft skills. Also be confident and calm during the interview process.

Example: “I believe I am the ideal candidate for this position because of my extensive experience in project consulting. My background includes working with a variety of clients, from small businesses to large corporations, and helping them develop successful projects that meet their goals. I have a deep understanding of the entire project life cycle, from initial planning and design to implementation and evaluation. I also bring strong communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.

You can check the project management consultant interview questions and get going with your preparation. It is always ideal to showcase your experience in strategic decision-making, problem-solving skills, successful projects implementation, etc., during the interview by sharing relevant stories or experiences. Ask very relevant questions to the interviewers so as to understand the role and your responsibilities in depth. It is advisable to be specific and to the point while answering questions. Last but not least, do not forget to remain energetic, calm and positive during the entire interview process.

Who Can Become a Project Management Consultant?

You may have this question as to how to become a Project Management Consultant. To become a project management consultant, you require certain educational qualifications, work experience, and certifications. I have discussed some of these requisites below:

Project Management Consultant Requirements

• You must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business management, project management, business administration, etc.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in project management is typically required. This experience should include a variety of project types and sizes.
• Project management consultants need to have strong technical skills in project management, such as analytical skills, applying PM tools, etc. They also need to have strong soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
• Maintaining certifications in project management, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Project Management Professional (CPMP), to name a few will definitely enhance your credibility and marketability as a project management consultant.

Why Become a Project Management Consultant?

Project management consultant has become a sought-after role in the past few years. Project management consultants can earn a good salary, especially if they have a lot of experience and a high level of expertise.

What’s the Demand for a Project Management Consultant?

The global demand for project managers is increasing since they are sought after in various industries, including technology, healthcare, construction, financial services, etc. Organizations are adopting a projectized way of doing daily tasks. This means that more and more employees will be using project management as part of their daily job. PMI says that by 2027 employers will need nearly 88 million people in project-related roles. Also, as projects are becoming more complex due to the technology shift, project managers with advanced skills are much in demand. So, to sum it all, having project management skills will not only give you a competitive edge but also help you move ahead in your project management consultant career path. 

Salary details for top 5 countries

As per Glassdoor, below is the list of the top 5 countries project management consultant salary:

Country	Base Salary Range
USA	$110,000 to 129,000
Canada	C$70,000 to $110,000
Australia	A$52,000 to $90,000
UK	£29,500 to £55,000
India	₹780,000 to₹1,900,000

Conclusion

To conclude, project management consultants play a vital role in guiding projects with their knowledge, skills and expertise. These consultants work closely with project managers and teams to help them achieve the set project goals. As organizations are transforming the way projects are being done, project management consultants are becoming an integral part of the ecosystem. They help businesses quickly adapt to changes with their focused approach and best practices. They help project teams get clarity on project goals and objectives and help everyone be on the same page.