Types of Project Management Certifications

Project management is the process of executing and managing projects from their initiation to termination. For success, the project manager must effectively plan and control the project to complete the it within the budget and allocated time.

If and when projects fail the blame falls on the project manager. Therefore, with the present demand for qualified project managers, the first step to proving your capabilities is earning a certification which will boost your marketability.

The Project management Institute is the first place to turn for various certification programs which differ in skill levels, cost, and requirements. Some of the certifications offered are:

Project Management Professional: PMP

For global recognition, the PMP is the ideal choice and the gold standard. It is a widely recognized certification and is not domain specific. The accreditation covers project management scope, time and cost.  As a project management professional, you can practically work anywhere, using any methodology and in any company.

Holders of the certificate will enjoy higher salaries, making PMP desirable by many managers. The Project Management Institute requires the following credentials if you want to enroll: secondary degree, 35 hours of PM education, 7,500 hours of directing and leading projects. The exam costs $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members.

Certified Associate in Project Management: CAPM

CAPM is a pioneer of PMP, and it is usually taken before attempting to pass the PMP exams. After completing the course, you gain knowledge on project management global standard practices.  For PMI members, the course costs $225 and $300 for non-members.

Aspiring project managers must have 1,500 hours of project experience or garner 23 hours of project management education. Holders of a secondary degree can apply.

Certified Scrum Master: CSM

Agile procedures have become essential in the IT industry, engineering, and other business areas. Project managers who can manage such environments which produce new products and services are in demand. The CSM offered by Scrum Alliance is an essential start-off for new Scrum project managers.

CSM credentials cost an average of $1100 depending on the training provider. Managers must attend a two-day training course taught by qualified trainers. The exam is comprised of 35 questions, and the minimum passing mark is 24 correct answers.

Professional Project Management: PPM

PPM is a moderate project management credential from GAQM. Project managers will learn how to allocate resources efficiently, direct communications, give clear directions, and maintain minimal risk while delivering quality services.

PPM targets intermediate to professional project managers who are involved in daily crisis and risk management. The cost of the exam starts around $300. No formal experience or education is required although candidates should have some project management experience. 

Certified Project Director

It is the highest-level of GAQM project management certification. The program is suitable for project managers who have significant experience in directing many complex projects. They should also be familiar with practices and principles of project management. To take the test the candidate needs to pay $300 and should have passed in the PPM to qualify.

Is a Project Management Certificate Suitable for Me? 

To scale up in the competitive world of project management, you have to get certified. The growth potential of holders with certificates is limitless, and you will also enhance your skills.