Top 5 Project Management Certifications

In business scenarios, highly skilled project managers are essential in IT projects. The project managers align the team for better productivity, including software-to-hardware upgrades, ongoing security patches, and software rollouts.

Almost every business sector individual, especially in IT companies, benefits from adding the best project management certification to their list of IT credentials that show how to plan, budget, schedule, and execute strategies on time.

So, here we will put some light over the top five best project management certifications that will add value to your resume and show your expertise in handling the IT projects.

What are Project Management Certification Programs?

A project management certification is another formal confirmation certificate that shows that an individual has the expertise and ability to lead and manage projects accurately. Think of it this way: suppose you need certification to get accepted in the project manager role. Having a project management certification will enhance your value and show that you have the knowledge and skills that the company is looking for.

Top Five Project Management Certifications

Here are the top five project management certifications that you can choose and gain expertise to achieve a successful job.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional is among the best courses, covering almost everything you need to prove your skills and knowledge in managing the project’s “triple constraints:” cost, time, and scope.

The PMP® Certification is specially designed to ensure that credential holders possess the qualifications and skills necessary for the successful management of all project phases, including planning, initiating, scheduling, controlling, and monitoring.

Moreover, companies also depend on PMP professionals to manage and track costs, budget, and scope, and identify which changes are needed in project management.

Requirements

      Individuals must have a four-year secondary degree and three-year experience in project management.

      Individuals must have 4500 hours of directing projects and leading them.

      High-school diploma or 35 hours of project management education.

Price

      For PMI members, the PMP exam fee is $405 and $555 for non-PMI members.

2. PRINCE2 Certification

The PRINCE2 certification (project in a controlled environment) covers the project management skills that are essential for managing projects of any complexity and size. This certification program focuses on the scalable management approach to handle any project precisely.

It offers two levels of certification.

PRINCE2 Foundation: This entry-level certification program deals with the basic principles of project management.

PRINCE2 Practitioner: This is an advanced-level certification meant for individuals with experience and who hold a PRINCE2 Foundation certificate.

Requirement

PRINCE2 Foundation:

• There are no prerequisites to attend PRINCE2 Foundation training.      

PRINCE2 Practitioner:  

To get the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, one must hold any of the following:

• PRINCE2 Foundation
• 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)

Fee

• For PRINCE Foundation: £245.00
• For PRINCE Practitioner: £405.00

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The certified associate in project management (CAMP) is the part of basic level IT project management professional PMP® Certification. The higher tier of CAMP is considered the stepping stone credential for those individuals who want to have a great start in their project management career. CAPM is the valuable entry-level certification for those who have little or no experience in project management. 

Requirement

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
• 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam. 

Fee

• For PMI members, the cost of the CAPM exam is $225.
• For non-PMI members, the cost of the CAPM exam is $300. 

4. Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is another excellent project management certificate program that is offered to individuals. This certification stresses the use of agile practices in project management. 

The PMI-ACP certification course covers Agile strategies, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. These strategies are featured for project managers who help manage project responsibilities. It is scaled up as the advanced tier certification within the Agile project management certification.

Requirement

• Secondary degree
• 21 contact hours of training in agile practices
• 12 months of general project experience within the last 5 years. A current PMP® or PgMP will satisfy this requirement but is not required to apply for the PMI-ACP.
• 8 months of agile project experience within the last 3 years

Fee

• For PMI members, the cost of the PMI-ACP exam is $435.
• For non-PMI members, the cost of the PMI-ACP exam is $495. 

5. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

This project management certificate program highlights your ability to assess the project risk, identify risk, capitalize on the opportunities, and mitigate the threats.

Having this PMI-RMP certificate keeps you apart from the other project management professionals.The certification involves identifying, evaluating and quick response to the risk associated with the business and is also helpful in monitoring the risk. The processes that you learn from PMI-RMP certification training can be applied at different levels in business organizations like business unit and project risk management. 

Requirement

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
• 36 months of project risk management experience within the last 5 years
• 40 hours of project risk management education
• Four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent)
• 24 months of project risk management experience within the last 5 years
• 30 hours of project risk management education

Fee

• For PMI members, the cost of the PMI-RMP exam is $520.
• For non-PMI members, the cost of the PMI-RMP exam is $670. 

Word Wrap

Project management certification is undeniably the hottest area for employers and certification seekers alike. In today's competitive job market, having any of these prestigious certifications will distinguish you from uncertified individuals, demonstrating your commitment to excellence and ability to navigate complex projects confidently.

By obtaining one of these certifications, you enhance your professional credibility and open doors to new opportunities and career advancements. Whether you're just starting your journey in project management or looking to elevate your expertise to the next level, enrolling in one of these certification programs is a strategic move that can propel your career forward.
So, take the initiative to invest in your future by pursuing one of these project management certifications. Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and recognition needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment, and prepare to embark on a rewarding journey towards achieving your career's next level.