Whatever your role in IT, getting a project management certification will boost your career. Below, we look at the top project management certifications and their costs.
Behind every successful IT project is a good project manager. Whether it’s hardware and software upgrades, ongoing security patches, application development, or new software rollouts, project managers keep teams on track and productive.
Almost any IT professional can benefit from adding a project management certification to their CV. This certification shows you can plan, schedule, budget, execute, deliver, and report on IT initiatives. Here, we look at the most popular project management certifications that will add value to your career and help you develop your skills this year.
Top Project Management Certifications
1. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) proves your knowledge of agile principles and practices. It is ideal for those working in agile teams or in agile organizations.
Exam Content
The ACP exam covers Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP), Test-Driven Development (TDD)
The certification covers seven knowledge areas:
Agile Principles and Mindset: Understanding the agile principles that underpin the methodologies.
Value Delivery: Delivering value to stakeholders throughout the project life cycle.
Stakeholder Engagement: How to engage and communicate with stakeholders.
Team Performance: How to build high-performing teams in an agile environment.
Adaptive Planning: To plan for change and feedback.
Problem Detection and Resolution: To detect and fix problems quickly to keep the project moving.
Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
Cost
$435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members.
Requirements
To sit the ACP exam, you must meet the following criteria:
Education: Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent).
Training: 21 hours of agile training.
Experience: 12 months of general project experience in the last 5 years or 8 months of agile project experience in the previous 3 years.
Also, having a current Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification can count towards the 12 months of project experience but is not required to sit the exam.
2. Associate in Project Management (APM)
The Associate in Project Management (APM) certification from The Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) is an entry-level project management certification that proves your knowledge of the Project Management Framework. It is ideal for those with little to no project management experience.
Course
To sit for the APM certification, you must complete an online course that is a prerequisite for the certification exam. The course covers:
Project Management Fundamentals: an introduction to the core concepts and principles of project management.
Project Management Training: Best practices and methodologies used in the field.
Basics of the Project Management Role: What are the responsibilities and skills required to be successful in project management.
The APM certification is for:
Managers and project team members looking for upskills.
Graduate or undergraduate students interested in project management.
Entry-level practitioners looking to get a foundation in project management.
Anyone interested in pursuing a career in project management.
Cost
$175
Requirements
To sit the APM certification, you must:
GAQM Body of Knowledge Study: Read the GAQM project management body of knowledge.
E-Course: Complete the online course associated with the certification.
There are no education or experience requirements to sit for the APM certification, so it’s open to individuals at any stage of their career.
3. BVOP Certified Project Manager
The BVOP Certified Project Manager certification is based on the Business Value-Oriented Principles (BVOP) framework, an agile framework widely used in the UK. This certification focuses on delivering business value in all project management activities and practices, making it a unique offering in the project management certification space.
Certification
The BVOP Certified Project Manager is for senior practitioners with project management and people management experience. What makes this certification different is its focus on the people-oriented culture, which is key to leadership in today’s team-based work environments. This certification is for:
Senior project managers
Agile professionals
Product managers and owners
Scrum masters
Business analysts
The BVOP approach helps professionals improve their collaboration skills and become more people-focused leaders. Candidates for certification will gain knowledge of project and product management and develop their team-leading skills.
Exam
The certification exam questions are taken from various parts of the course materials covering:
Project management principles
Program management concepts
Product management strategies
This broad coverage ensures you are ready for the complexities of modern project management.
Cost
$130
Requirements
One of the benefits of the BVOP Certified Project Manager certification is you don’t need any prior professional project management experience. This makes it open to a wide range of individuals looking to upskill in project management. Plus, free study guides and preparation materials are available online, so you can prepare for the exam.
4. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is an entry-level certification for those looking to get into project management. It’s often considered a stepping stone to the more advanced Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Certification
The CAPM certification is for professionals without a college degree or basic project management experience. It’s also for those who want to pursue their PMP certification step by step rather than all at once. By getting the CAPM, candidates can show they have knowledge of project management principles and practices, making it a valuable addition to their professional profile.
For more information, see the “CAPM Certification Guide: Certified Associate in Project Management Exam Explained.”
Cost
$225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.
Requirements
To sit for the CAPM certification, you must meet the following requirements:
Education background: High school diploma, associate degree, or equivalent.
Experience: 1,500 hours of project management experience or
Education: 23 hours of project management education.
These requirements ensure you have a basic understanding of project management concepts before sitting the exam.
5. Certified Project Director (CPD)
The Certified Project Director (CPD) certification is the highest level of project management certification offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM). This elite designation is for experienced project managers who are responsible for multiple complex projects and programs.
Certification
The CPD certification covers:
Managing Multiple Projects: Candidates will learn to manage several projects simultaneously and ensure that each project is aligned with the organizational goals and objectives.
Budgeting: The certification highlights the importance of good budgeting practices to ensure projects are delivered within budget.
Defining Scope: Defining and managing the scope of multiple projects is key to delivery.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Candidates will learn to assess and mitigate interdependent risks that can impact project outcomes and deliver projects successfully.
The CPD program is for individuals with significant project management experience, so it’s a great credential for those looking to upskill in leadership roles in project management.
Cost
$280
Requirements
To sit for the CPD certification, you must meet the following:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree (or global equivalent).
Certifications: Hold one of the following certifications:
A Project Portfolio Management (PPM) certification from GAQM
A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI
A PRINCE2 Practitioner certification from APMG
A Certified Project Manager (CPM) certification from GIAC
These requirements ensure you have a solid understanding of project management principles and practices before attempting to direct complex projects at the advanced level.
6. Certified Project Manager (CPM)
The Certified Project Manager (CPM) certification from the EC-Council was launched in response to the challenges of cyberterrorism and the need for increased information security after the 9/11 attacks. This certification is for project managers who want to measure their skills through hands-on experience and gain knowledge of various management techniques and tools for managing complex projects.
Certification
The CPM certification course covers:
On-Demand Instructor-Led Videos: Access to a library of videos that cover project management topics and practices.
Online CyberQ Labs: Interactive labs where you can apply your knowledge and learn project management tools and techniques.
Continuing Education Video Subscription: A subscription that gives you access to educational content so you can stay up to date with the latest project management trends and practices.
Live Instructor-Led Training: In-person or online training sessions with experienced instructors for personalized guidance and support.
You can choose from three options:
Basic Package: Single video course, labs, e-courseware, and exam.
Midtier Package: Add CodeRed continuing education video subscription and live instructor training to the basic package.
Top-Tier Package: Add another certification course, exam insurance, and online exam prep resources.
Cost
$999 for a single video course
$2,999 for unlimited video courses
$3,499 for a complete live-course bundle
Requirements
None
7. CPM-IAPM
CPM certification is offered by the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM as an entry-level certification for individuals who have a basic understanding of project management principles. This certification is for those who want to build a career in project management, and no prior experience is required.
Certification
According to IAPM, CPM certification covers the knowledge needed to “theoretically plan, organize, and implement a project.” The exam covers:
Project Check: Initial assessment and planning stages of a project.
Project Environment: Context in which projects operate, organizational culture, and stakeholder dynamics.
Steering Committees and Core Teams: Roles and responsibilities of key project stakeholders and teams.
Phase Model: Structured approach to project phases and milestones.
WBS: Breaking down project deliverables into smaller components.
Cost Breakdown and Budget: Budgeting and financial management in projects.
Risk Analysis: Identifying and assessing risks that can impact project success.
Project Review: How to measure project performance and outcomes.
The certification covers both hard and soft skills required for a project manager role and gives you the tools to lead projects effectively.
For those new to project management, IAPM also offers the Certified Junior Project Manager certification, and for experienced professionals, the Certified Senior Project Manager certification.
Cost
Cost: The exam fee varies depending on the candidate’s country of origin. In the US, it is $514.
Requirements
No formal prerequisites for CPM certification. But IAPM provides resources to help you prepare:
Workshops: Offered through global training partners to learn and understand project management concepts.
Recommended Literature: Self-study materials to prepare for the exam.
Self-Test: Take a self-assessment test to measure your knowledge and readiness for the certification exam.
8. CSM
Agile has become a standard in the IT industry, and there is a high demand for professionals who can manage projects in an agile environment. Among various Scrum master certifications available, CSM from Scrum Alliance is a good starting point for project managers who want to become Scrum practitioners.
Certification
CSM certification is offered by Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes Scrum and agile practices. The organization has user groups and learning events and provides resources for professional development, with over 450,000 certified professionals worldwide.
For more information on CSM certification, check out “CSM Certification Guide: Certified ScrumMaster Exam Explained.”
Cost
Cost: The cost of CSM certification varies by training provider, usually between $995 to $1,395 which includes the training and exam fee.
Requirements
To be eligible for CSM certification, you must meet the following:
General knowledge of Scrum: A basic understanding of Scrum principles and practices is recommended before applying for the certification.
Two-Day CSM Training Course: You must attend and complete a two-day training course conducted by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). This course will give you the knowledge and skills to implement Scrum in projects.
9. CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Project+ is an entry-level certification for IT professionals who manage small—to medium-sized projects as part of their jobs. This certification is for those who want to gain foundational knowledge of project management in IT.
Certification
Candidates for CompTIA Project+ certification should have knowledge and experience in:
Project Life Cycles: Understanding the project from initiation to closure.
Project Documentation: Keeping project plans, progress, and changes documented.
Resources and Stakeholders: Coordinating team members and resources to achieve project goals.
Communication: Facilitating communication among stakeholders and team members throughout the project.
The exam covers:
Project Basics: Project management basics and terminology.
Project Constraints: Understanding the limitations and obstacles that can affect project success.
Communication and Change Management: Strategies for communication and change during project lifecycle.
Project Tools and Documentation: Knowledge of project management tools, techniques, and documentation.
CompTIA Project+ is for:
IT project coordinators or managers
IT project team members
Business analysts
Managers, directors, or team leaders
Cost
$348
Requirements
To be eligible for CompTIA Project+ certification, you must meet at least 12 months of cumulative project management experience or equivalent education. This ensures you have foundational knowledge of project management principles and practices before attempting the certification exam.
10. Master Project Manager (MPM)
The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) offers a master project manager (MPM) certification based on the “professional licensure” framework used in various professions, such as pilots, engineers, doctors, and lawyers. This certification is not only for professional project managers but also for those with business and technical management responsibilities.
Certification
MPM certification is for senior project managers and project directors with an undergraduate or master’s degree. It recognizes advanced project management skills and knowledge, making it a prestigious certification for experienced professionals in the field.
Cost
$300, which covers application, review, processing, initiation, and certification fees.
Requirements
To be eligible for Master Project Manager (MPM) certification, you must meet the following:
Experience: Minimum of three years of project management experience and training. This ensures you have a solid foundation in project management principles and practices.
Waivers: Waivers will be available for those with a master’s degree, other qualified training and experience, military experience, or project management instructors. This will allow more candidates to apply for the certification.