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  • Top Project Management Certification


    As per a consultancy firm, Brain & company, most of the work in organizations will be project-based by 2027. As a result, the Project Management institute (PMI) also reports a growing demand for Project Management managers and professionals in every organization irrespective of the industry.

    Since Project Management is driven by experienced professionals, Project Management Certifications are some of the most sought-after credentials organizations look for in a professional. Project Management Certifications demonstrate your ability to work at the highest levels and validate your knowledge and skills in the Project Management domain.

    There is no doubt that organizations will prefer certified Project Management professionals to non-certified individuals to lead and direct complex projects. In this article, let's take a look at the top 8 Project Management Certifications that you can opt for to become certified in the Project Management field.

    Average salary of top 5 Certification holders is $ 76,448 (IIBA Salary survey 2018)
    Top benefits of Certifications were found to be increased fulfilment at work, salary increase and promotion (IIBA Salary survey 2018)
    CBAP Certification holders get 13% higher salary ((IIBA Salary survey 2018))


    Why are Project Management Certifications important?

    A Project Management Certification enriches the candidate's skills and knowledge of Project Management concepts, making them capable of handling unexpected events or challenges of a complex Projectalong with the capability to lead the projects to success.
    Here are a few things that make Project Management Certifications essential for Project Management enthusiasts.

    • Adds Value to your Professional Capabilities: A Project Management Certification adds value to your professional capabilities by giving recognition to your skills and knowledge of best Project Management practices and processes.
    • Globally Recognized: Project Management Certifications are globally recognized, which means you can apply for various Project managerial roles without the restriction of geographical barriers.
    • Financial Growth: One of the many reasons for earning a Project Management Certification is increased financial growth. Project Management is one of the highest-paying fields globally.
    • Job Opportunities: There is a growing demand for professionals with Project Management Certification in almost every industry. The Project Management Certifications being globally accepted and recognized open doors to lucrative job opportunities in various Project Management roles.

    Top 8 Project Management Certification



    Project Management Professional (PMP)

    Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is an advanced-level credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to candidates who pass a comprehensive exam that covers three integral domains of Project Management- people, process, and business environment.

    This Project Management Certification not only offers candidates the ability to learn the best Project Management practices, skills, and tools but also offers a path to financial and professional growth as a certified Project Management professional.


    • Certification Validity: A PMP Certification is valid for up to 3 years and can be maintained by earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs).
    • Expected Salary: A PMP certified professional can earn an annual average salary of $100,000 – $110,000
    • Accreditation: Project Management Institute (PMI)
    Examination Cost

    Exam administration type PMI member status US dollars
    Centre-based testing (CBT) Member $405
    Centre-based testing (CBT) Non-Member $555
    Online testing (OPT) Member $405
    Online testing (OPT) Non-Member $555


    Eligibility Requirement
    • Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate, or the global equivalent).
    • 7,500 hours-directing and leading projects.
    • 35 hours of Project Management education.
    • Minimum requirement of 60 months (5years) of professional Project Management experience.
    • or
    • Four-year degree.
    • 4,500 hours-directing and leading projects.
    • 35 hours of Project Management education/training.
    • Minimum requirement of 36 months (3 years) of professional Project Management experience.
    Exam Structure
  • 180 multiple-choice questions
  • Duration of 230 minutes
  • Computer-based or paper-based examination





  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

    A Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification is ideal for entry-level candidates with or without any prior experience in the Project Management field. CAPM Certification is recognized as an entry-level Certification and is offered by PMI.

    CAPM Certification is given to candidates who pass the exam that focuses on Project Management concepts, terminology, and processes. This Certification can be a good stepping stone for candidates who want to enter the Project Management field.

    • Certification Validity: The CAPM Certification is valid for 3 years and can be renewed by earning 15 PDUs within the 3 years of the Certification cycle.
    • Expected Salary: A CAPM certified professional can earn an annual average salary of $90,000 – $101,000
    • Accreditation: Project Management Institute (PMI)
    Examination Cost

    PMI member status US dollars
    PMI Member $225
    Non-PMI Member $300


    Eligibility Requirement
    • Secondary degree (High school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
    • Completion of 23 hours of Project Management training/education before sitting for the exam.
    Exam Structure
  • 150 multiple-choice questions
  • Duration of 3 hours





  • Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

    Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification is again offered by the Project Management institute. The Certification revolves around the concepts of agile methodologies in Project Management. ACP aspiring candidates get an in-depth knowledge of agile principles, practices, and the ability to implement them in Project Management.

    The Certification covers different agile principles and tools along with several agile approaches such as Kanban, Scrum, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP), and Test-Driven Development (TDD).

    Hence, PMI-ACP Certification helps agile practitioners to apply their diversified skills on different projects.

    • Certification Validity: ACP Certification is valid for 3 years.
    • Expected Salary: A PMI-ACP certified professional can earn an annual average salary of $110,000 – $123,000
    • Accreditation: Project Management Institute (PMI)

    Examination Cost

    Membership Status Exam type Fees
    PMI member CBT $435
    PMI non-member CBT $495
    PMI member PBT $385
    PMI non-member PBT $445



    Eligibility Requirement
    • Secondary degree
    • 12 months of Project Management experience in the last 5 years
    • 1500 hours (8 months) of Agile experience using agile methodologies in the last 3 years.
    • 21 formal contact hours on agile practices.
    Exam Structure
  • 120 multiple-choice questions (including 20 pretest questions)
  • Duration of 3 hours





  • Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

    Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a Certification accredited by the Scrum Alliance. The Certification combines an in-depth knowledge of the Scrum framework and agile Project Management skills and practices. Candidates with a CSM Certification can become Scrum masters who use Scrum to handle and execute projects.

    • Certification Validity: CSM Certification is valid for 2 years.
    • Expected Salary: A CSM certified professional can earn an annual average salary of $85,000 – $80,000
    • Accreditation: Scrum Alliance
    • Exam Cost: $990 – $1,400 (USD)


    Eligibility Requirement
    • Familiarity with general scrum concepts.
    • Completion of 14 hours online or 16 hours offline CSM training course.


    Exam Format
  • 50 multiple-choice questions.
  • Duration of 60 minutes.






  • PRINCE2 Foundation / PRINCE2 Practitioner

    PRINCE refers to PRojects IN Controlled Environments. PRINCE2 is an advanced-level Certification and is better known as a Project Management degree of 3-4 years offered by AXELOS Ltd. This Certification includes two categories: PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 practitioner.

    PRINCE2 Foundation is an entry-level Certification that involves the basic study of Project Management methodologies, on the other hand, PRINCE2 practitioner is an advanced-level Certification that professionals can opt for after passing the PRINCE2 Foundation.

    • Expected Salary: The expected salary for PRINCE2 Certification is roughly around $90,000-$85,000 (USD).
    • Accreditation: AXELOS Ltd.
    • Exam Cost: Foundation: $200
                          Practitioner: $340

    Eligibility Requirement
    • PRINCE2 Foundation- You do not have to pass any eligibility requirements for the Foundation exam.
    • PRINCE2 Practitioner- To enroll yourself in the PRINCE2 practitioner course, you have at least one of the following Certifications: PMP, CAMP, PRINCE2 Foundation, or IPMA Certification.


    Exam Structure
  • PRINCE2 Foundation- 50 multiple-choice questions, duration of 60 minutes, passing requirement- 55%
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner- 50 multiple-choice questions, duration of 150 minutes, passing requirement- 60%






  • CompTIA Project+

    CompTIA Project+ is an entry-level Project Management Certification accredited with CompTIA Project Co. This Certification is ideal for candidates who do not have enough Project Management experience and are working in fields that do not require managing complex projects. The course revolves around the basics of Project Management tools and practices and covers all the essential Project Management concepts beyond the methodologies. This Certification is roughly on par with PMI's CAPM credential as mentioned above.

    • Expected Salary: The expected salary for CompTIA Project+ Certification is roughly around $80,000 – $85,000 USD.
    • Accreditation: CompTIA Project Co
    • Exam Cost: $285 (USD)


    Eligibility Requirement
    • One year experience in managing, directing, and leading small or medium-sized projects.
    Exam Format
    • 95 multiple-choice questions
    • Duration of 90 minutes





    Professional in Project Management (PPM)

    The professional in Project Management (PPM) is a Certification in Project Management offered by the global association for quality management (GAQM). PPM is considered a mid-level Certification for professionals who work towards risk and crisis management, and those who are involved in planning, executing, controlling, and completing the projects.



    Eligibility Criteria
    • Requirement of an e-course completion.
    • Basic knowledge and experience in Project Management.
    Exam Format
    • 150 multiple-choice questions
    • Duration of 3 hours





    Master Project Manager (MPM)

    Master Project Manager (MPM) is an advanced level Project Management Certification for experienced professionals who are looking to enhance their productivity in the Project Management domain.

    MPM Certification is also ideal for candidates associated with technical or business management roles.



    Eligibility Requirement
    • 3 years of Project Management experience and training.
    • Fee waivers to professionals with master’s degree, or other qualified training/education.
    Exam Format
    • 20 questions
    • Duration of 55 minutes





    Conclusion


    Project Management can be a beneficial career choice considering the increasing demand for certified Project Management professionals. You can go through the above-mentioned top Project Management Certification and get yourself certified to take your Project Management career to rewarding heights.