If we were to analyse qualifications of Project managers it is quite easy to observe that Project Management is one of the most underrated disciplines. Many managers just manage projects owing to their seniority. Although seniority can be of serious assistance, it would be naive to ignore different management methodologies. If you believe in managing projects efficiently it is important to adapt evolving management practices.
A good place to start for most would be to get certified in project management practices. Getting certified has its own benefits. In addition to efficiently delivering projects, as a certified professional you can get recognition worldwide which automatically increase your chances of getting higher salaries as well as sets you apart from the crowd. You can now take on much more challenging projects and showcase your skills.
One of the leaders in project management certifications, Project Management Institute provides a variety of certifications.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Regardless of your career stage, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is an asset that will distinguish you in the job market and enhance your credibility and effectiveness working on – or with – project teams.
Being an entry-level certification, it indicates that though not experienced, the manager now has fundamental understanding of knowledge, terminologies and processes of project management.
Price:
For members: US $225
Non-members: US $ 300
Minimum requirements for joining:
- A secondary degree (high school diploma or the global equivalent), 1500 hours of project experience
- 23 hours of project management education
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Professional (PMP®) is the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers.
It is one of the most recognised and sought after project management certification. Studies have shown that individuals with PMP certifications earn 20% more than their non-certified peers. (Source)
Price:
For members: US $405
Non-members: US $ 555
Minimum requirements for joining:
- 4 year degree, 4500 hours leading and directing projects, 35 hours of project management education
- Secondary diploma (high school or the global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, 7500 hours leading and directing projects, 35 hours of project management education
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
As a candidate for the PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)®, you know there is much more to project scheduling than just the use of tools and technology to build a schedule for your team.
More advanced than CAPM certification, this is at a mid-level difficulty that deals with scheduling aspects of programs and projects. For individuals who are involved in managing and maintaining project schedules, this one is highly recommended.
Price:
For members: US $ 520
Non-members: US $ 670
Minimum requirements for joining:
- 4 year degree, 3500 hours project scheduling experience, 30 hours of project scheduling education
- Secondary degree, 5000 hours project scheduling experience, 40 hours of project scheduling education
There are specialised certifications that support Agile methodology and are thus more in demand.
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®
If you’re experienced using agile approaches, have good collaboration skills, eagerly embrace complexity and thrive on rapid response times, then your talents are in demand.
With its ability to recognise Agile methodology, it is no wonder that it is one of the fastest growing certifications. While other certifications rely solely on training and exams, PMI-ACP focuses on more real-world, hands on experience and skills.
Price:
For members: US $ 435
Non-members: US $ 495
Minimum requirements for joining:
- 2,000 hours of general project experience working on teams
- 1,500 hours working on agile project teams or with agile methodologies as well as 2,000 hours of general project experience
- 21 contact hours of training in agile practices
Program Management Professional (PgMP)®
As a program manager, you’re a senior-level practitioner on the forefront of advancing your organization’s strategic goals. You manage multiple, related projects in a coordinated way, achieving benefits that could not occur if the projects were handled separately.
Of all the certifications by PMI, PgMP is the most difficult to attain. It is the highest form of certification that is suited to senior individuals who mostly have other entry-level or mid-level PMI certifications.
Price:
For members: US $ 800
Non-members: US $ 1000
Minimum requirements for joining:
- 4 year degree, 6000 hours project management experience, 6000 hours program management experience
- Secondary degree, 6000 hours project management experience, 10500 hours program management experience
While we have mentioned a few certifications that can be most useful for you depending on your role in the organisation, you can always look for options that are much more suited to develop your career.
Project management is an ever evolving discipline of interest to academia as well as practitioners. Which other certifications you know can help project managers become better at their work?
