Top Project Management Certifications

Irrespective of your role, a project management certification adds value to your skills. Here is a list of the top project management certifications valid around the globe. Any professional can benefit from including a project management certification to their credentials’ list; validating their skills to plan, schedule, execute, deliver and budget.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

PMP is globally recognized certification for Project Management and one of the highest-paying certification too. This certification is offered and maintained by the Project Management Institute (PMI®). In 210 countries and territories worldwide, there are almost 730,000 active PMPs.

Governing Body: Project Management Institute

Prerequisites: To appear for the PMP certification exam, you must fit in either of the following criteria:

• Secondary degree with minimum 5 years of experience in project management (7500 hours leading projects) and 35 hours of PDU.
• Higher degree with minimum 3 years of experience in project management (4500 hours leading projects) and 35 hours of PDU.

Certification Cost: $405 for PMI members; $555 for non-members.

 

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The precursor of the PMP, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is also administered by the PMI. For professionals with rudimentary project management experience or without a college degree, the CAPM is a stepping-stone.

Governing Body: Project Management Institute

Prerequisites: Associates degree, high-school diploma or equivalent with minimum 1,500 hours of experience in project management OR 23 contact hours of project management education.

Certification Cost: $225 for PMI members; $300 nonmembers

 

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Many organizations use Agile methodologies and certified agile professionals are highly in demand. There are several Scrum certifications available in the market, but the Scrum Alliance’ Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is the best start point for project managers getting started as Scrum practitioners.

Governing Body: The Scrum Alliance

Prerequisites: Familiarity with scrum and a course completion certificate of a two-day Certified ScrumMaster training.

Certification Cost: The cost for ScrumMaster training varies by training provider, but is

approximately $999 to $1,399.

 

PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner

Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) certification is delivered by the ILX Group and focuses on managing, directing and delivering projects across all phases, including pre-project, initiation, execution and delivery. The certification divided into two qualifications as, PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. The Prince2 Foundation certification is a basic credential that offers an understanding of basic project management terminology and methodology, whereas the Practitioner certification is for professionals who already have knowledge of PRINCE2 Foundation.

Governing Body: ILX Group

Prerequisites: PRINCE2 Foundation requires a training on PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner requires atleast of the following: PRINCE2 Foundation; Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM); Project Management Professional (PMP); or an IPMA certification.

Certification Cost: Foundation: $200; Practitioner: $340

 

CompTIA Project+ certification

CompTIA’s Project+ is designed after taking feedback from the entire computing industry, research institutions, academia, government representatives and independent experts to design the certification. It is again an entry level course, yet required experience to get certified.

Governing Body: CompTIA

Prerequisites: To take the CompTIA Project+ certification, one must have 1 year of experience managing, directing or participating in projects.

Certification Cost: $285

 

Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP)

The Certified Project Management Practitioner from EC-Council is specially designed for project managers who want to improve their skills through hands-on experience and learn various management tools and techniques to manage complex projects efficiently. The CPMP adds value to management professionals by developing leadership, managerial and technical skills essential to make any project successful.

Organization: EC-Council

Certification Cost: $199 for exam voucher

Prerequisites: No prerequisites.

 

Master Project Manager (MPM)

The Master Project Manager (MPM) is followed by many professions like pilots, doctors, engineers and lawyers. Managed by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM), this certification focuses on professional project managers, but also useful for professionals with technical and business management responsibilities.

Organization: American Academy of Project Management

Certification Cost: $300

Prerequisites: Minimum three years of experience in project management and training.

To get above credentials or any other relevant certifications to your domain, you can contact MSys Training, a leading certification provider in North America. They offer numerous certification training, including project management, quality management, IT service & management and much more.