Project management is a critical skill in today's fast-paced business world. Certification in project management demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully plan, execute, and complete projects on time and on budget.
However, with so many certifications available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this guide, we'll introduce you to the most common project management certifications, including their requirements, costs, and potential career benefits.
What is a project management certification?
A project management certification is a formal recognition by a professional organization that confirms that an individual has met certain qualifications and demonstrated a certain level of competence in project management.
There are several different certifications, each with its own requirements and focus. Among the most popular certifications are: PMP (Project Management Professional) from the Project Management Institute (PMI)
CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) from PMI
PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) from AXELOS
Scrum Master from the Scrum Alliance
How to choose the right certification
When choosing a certification, it is important to consider your current role and future career goals. For example, if you are a project manager working in a traditional waterfall environment, the PMP or PRINCE2 certifications may be a better fit. If you work in an agile environment, the Scrum Master certification may be more relevant.
It's also important to consider the cost and time required for each certification. For example, PMP certification requires a high level of experience and a four-hour exam, while CAPM certification is less rigorous and requires a three-hour exam.
PMP Certification
The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected project management certifications. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is based on the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) guide.
To qualify for the PMP certification, students must demonstrate: a high school diploma or equivalent
A minimum of 5 years of project management experience 35 hours of project management training
Successfully pass the PMP exam
The PMP exam is a four-hour, 200 multiple-choice question test covering the following areas:Initiate
- Plan
- Execute
- Monitor and Control
- Completing
The cost of PMP certification includes the exam fee, membership fee, and all required training.
CAPM Certification
The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification is also offered by PMI and is designed for individuals who are at the beginning of their project management career.
To be eligible for certification
CAPM certification, you must demonstrate: a high school diploma or equivalent 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education
Successfully pass the CAPM exam
The CAPM exam is a three-hour, 150 multiple-choice question test that covers the same areas as the PMP exam.
PRINCE2 Certification
The PRINCE2 certification (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based approach to project management and is offered by AXELOS. It is widely used in the UK and is becoming increasingly popular in other countries.
To be eligible for PRINCE2 certification, participants must:Successfully complete PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner training
Successful completion of the PRIN