Best Project Management Certifications

Project management certifications have claimed a place in every top IT certification list for years. That’s because project managers are important to IT operations of all kinds. Whether you are interested in becoming an IT project manager or just want to add project management to your list of soft skills, these five leading certifications will help you add to or boost those skills and, in turn, increase your value.

If there’s a single set of soft skills that’s been fixed on the IT radar for the past decade or so, to the point where it’s become almost as sought after and every bit as valuable as top-level credentials, it must be project management. Thanks in large part to the immensely popular and widely pursued Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), this area has become an incredibly valuable merit badge for IT professionals of all stripes. That’s because it enhances and expands on the value of just about any other kind of technical credential.

Project management has everything to do with planning, scheduling, budgeting for, and then executing and reporting on projects of all shapes and sizes. In fact, anything and everything that IT does can be understood or handled as a project of some kind. It applies to one-of-a-kind activities that happen only once or very seldom (think hardware or OS upgrades or migrating from older to newer platforms or infrastructures). Ditto for a recurring series of activities that repeat regularly (think security patches, software updates or other regular maintenance tasks). Thus, project management is incredibly important and valuable to IT operations across the board.

According to PMI’s Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, 10th Edition [pdf], IT professionals who hold a PMP report median base annual salaries in the U.S. of almost $116,000. The top 25 percent of survey respondents report base salaries of at least $139,000. Depending on such factors as complexity and size of projects, location, fields of expertise (e.g., IT, construction or healthcare), and experience, salaries for some PMP credential holders can be much higher still.

Robert Half’s Technology & IT 2019 Salary Guide lists project management as a hot certification, with salaries varying slightly by technology area. It cites a salary range of $93,000 to $157,500 for project managers in application development environments. Project managers engaged in consulting and system integration roles can expect to earn $96,250 to $163,500 nationwide. This explains nicely why PMP appears in nearly every top 10 list of popular, targeted or most desirable certifications since the early 2000s. It’s no surprise that Robert Half also lists the PMP credential, along with Agile and Scrum certifications, as “highly valued technology certifications” trending up in the IT industry.

To give you an idea of which project management credentials employers look for in prospective candidates, they conducted a quick survey on some popular job boards. Clearly, the PMP is the overall favorite and remains their No. 1 pick for must-have project management certifications. PMI’s entry-level project management credential, the CAPM, also made their top five. The CSM from Scrum Alliance, along with ASQ’s Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt credentials, round out those picks. It’s also worth noting that job postings for project managers increased by 20 percent from 2018 across all project management certifications.

The same organization behind the more senior Project Management Professional (PMP) credential also backs the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). In fact, the CAPM is properly considered a steppingstone credential for those who wish to attain PMP status by stages, rather than in a single giant leap. That’s why PMI describes the CAPM as a “valuable entry-level certification for project practitioners” that is “designed for those with little or no project experience.”

The PMP requires three to five years of documented on-the-job project management experience, depending on the educational background of each applicant. On the other hand, the CAPM requires only a high school diploma and either 1,500 hours of documented on-the-job experience (about nine months of full-time work) or 23 hours of project management classroom training prior to taking the exam. The education prerequisite can be met by completing PMI’s Project Management Basics online course which costs $350 for PMI members and $400 for non-members.

Nor does the CAPM require continuing education (which PMI calls PDUs, or professional development units) as does the PMP (60 PDUs every three years) to maintain this credential. To recertify, CAPM holders must retake the exam once every five years.

The CAPM is one of a small set of entry-level project management certifications (including the CompTIA Project+) that IT professionals interested in project management might choose to pursue. Remember, though, that it is just a steppingstone to the PMP.

Unless you work in a large organization where a project management team is in place that includes junior as well as senior positions, the CAPM by itself is unlikely to provide a ticket to a project management job. However, it’s ideal for IT professionals for whom project management is a part-time job role or who want to grow into full-time project management.

Certification valid for five years; candidates must retake exam to maintain credential.

PMI member: $225 (retake $150)

Nonmember: $300 (retake $200)

Exam available in online proctored or center-based test (CBT) formats.

Exam administered by Pearson VUE.

Numerous books are available, including:

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Sixth Edition; Sept. 22, 2017; Project Management Institute; ISBN-10: 1628251840; ISBN-13: 978-1628251845 (available for free download to PMI members)

CAPM Exam Prep, Third Edition, by Rita Mulcahy, Sept. 2013, RMC Publications, ISBN-10: 1932735720, ISBN-13: 978-1932735727

CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Fourth Edition, by Joseph Phillips; April 23, 2018; McGraw-Hill Education; ISBN-10: 1259861627; ISBN-13: 978-1259861628

As companies seek to deliver more for less, many adopt Agile methodologies to streamline processes, build quality into products and ensure that final builds meet customer requirements. As Agile methodologies have become more popular, it’s no surprise that they see increased demand for IT practitioners qualified to manage projects in Agile environments.

While different Scrum master certifications are available, their pick is the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from the Scrum Alliance. This nonprofit encourages adoption of Scrum and Agile practices, promotes user groups and learning events, and provides resources for professional development. The organization boasts more than 500,000 certified practitioners worldwide.

The Scrum Alliance provides a support system for Scrum practitioners, including Scrum Gatherings, user groups, virtual communications, coaching, online training and much more. In addition to community and advocacy activities, the Scrum Alliance offers numerous Scrum-related certifications at the foundation, advanced, professional, elevated (guide) and leadership levels. Scrum Alliance certifications are designed for team members engaged in Scrum master, product owners and developer roles. The Scrum master and product owner tracks offer credentials at the foundation, advanced and professional levels which the developer track only offers a foundation and professional level cert.

For project managers getting started as Scrum practitioners, the CSM makes an excellent entry-level credential. Not only must candidates demonstrate an understanding of Scrum principles and values, but they’ll learn how to implement and apply Scrum in practice. The Scrum Alliance provides CSMs with multiple resources, plus checklists and information about the servant-leader role of the Scrum master.

Globally recognized, ASQ certifications attest to candidate expertise, mastery of industry and regulation standards, and mastery of the ASQ Body of Knowledge. Currently, ASQ offers 18 credentials, three of which specifically target project management: the Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) (expert level), the Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) (professional level) and the Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) (entry level).

The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is ASQ’s highest Six Sigma credential. The CSSBB aims at experienced practitioners who understand Six Sigma methodologies (including the DMAIC model), tools, systems and philosophies. CSSBBs can lead teams or manage team dynamics, roles and responsibilities.

The path to CSSBB certification is rigorous. In addition to passing a comprehensive exam, candidates must complete two projects that employ Six Sigma tools and processes, resulting in project improvement and a positive financial project impact. An affidavit is also required to attest to the veracity of the project. Alternatively, candidates with at least three years of experience in one or more of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge areas need only complete one Black Belt project.

CSSBB candidates are expected to demonstrate mastery of the ASQ Black Belt Body of Knowledge, called standards:

The CSSBB is valid for three years. To recertify, candidates must earn 18 recertification units or retake the exam.

Exams administered by Prometric.

The Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) by ASQ is a professional-level credential targeting experienced Six Sigma practitioners. Often, a CSSGB works under the direction of the more senior CSSBB or as an assistant. CSSGBs identify issues and drive quality and process improvements in projects.

To earn the credential, candidates should have at least three years of experience working with Six Sigma processes, systems and tools. The work experience must have been full time and compensated; an unpaid internship, for example, doesn’t count. In addition, work performed must have been in at least one of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge competency areas.

In addition to work experience, candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge. Currently, the Green Belt Body of Knowledge includes six competency areas:

Overall, this is an excellent credential for those who have some experience but are not quite ready to take on the roles and responsibilities of a Black Belt.

Experience must be a full-time paid position (internships do not meet the experience requirement)

Exams administered by Prometric.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) not only stands behind its Project Management Professional certification, it works with academia and training companies to ensure proper coverage and currency in the various curricula that support this and other PMI credentials. Boasting more than 500,000 global members and 750,000 PMP certified professionals around the world, PMI’s PMP remains one of the most prestigious project management credentials available. (Note: The PMP’s precursor, the CAPM, is covered in an earlier section of this article.)

That’s why you can obtain college- and university-based PMP training from so many institutions. It’s also why you may sometimes find PMP coverage integrated into certain degree programs (often at the master’s degree level).

The PMP credential is coveted by employers seeking the most highly skilled project management professionals. Developed by project managers, the PMP certification is the highest level offered in PMI certifications. It is designed to ensure that credential-holders possess the skills and qualifications necessary to successfully manage all phases of a project, including initiating, planning, scheduling, controlling and monitoring, and closing out the project.

PMP certified projects managers are also well versed and skilled in managing all aspects of the triple constraints – time, cost and scope. Employers depend on the skills of PMP professionals to manage budgets, track costs, manage scope creep, identify how changes to the triple constraints may introduce risk into the project, and minimize such risk to protect the project investment.

The standards for PMP certification are rigorous. Beyond passing a comprehensive exam, credential holders must first demonstrate and certify that they have the skills and education necessary to succeed in the project management field. Credential seekers should be ready to provide documentation for items such as education, projects worked on and hours spent in each of the five project management stages – initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing out the project.

While it’s difficult to achieve, the rewards for PMP credential holders can be significant. According to PMI’s Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, 10th Edition, PMPs in the U.S. earn an average of 23 percent more than their non-credentialed counterparts. The survey reports median salaries of PMPs in the United States at $115,000, as opposed to $92,000 for non-PMP certified project managers.

For those interested in program management or wishing to specialize in a project management area, PMI offers several interesting additional credentials:

The PMP remains a nonpareil certification for IT and other professionals whose responsibilities encompass project management. It is the standard against which all other project management credentials are judged.

It should be noted that, after meeting the prerequisites, candidates are also required to pass a rigorous exam. Candidates must obtain an eligibility ID from PMI before they can register for the exam.

Prerequisite skills: Four-year degree, 4,500 hours in leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education

OR

Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or equivalent), 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education

Note: Credential holders must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) per each three-year cycle to maintain certification.

PMI member: $405 (retake $275)

Nonmember: $555 (retake $375)

*Paper-based exam only available if candidates lives more than 150 miles from testing center or if testing center is not available in the country of residence and travel would provide an undue burden.

Exam administered by Prometric. Eligibility ID from PMI required to register.

Numerous books are available, including:

Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Sixth Edition; Sept. 22, 2017; Project Management Institute; ISBN-10: 1628251840; ISBN-13: 978-1628251845 (available for free download to PMI members)

PMP Exam Prep: Accelerated Learning to Pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam, Ninth Edition, by Rita Mulcahy; Feb. 1, 2018; RMC Publications Inc.; ISBN-10: 1943704040; ISBN-13: 978-143704040

CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Fourth Edition, by Joseph Phillips; April 23, 2018; McGraw-Hill Education; ISBN-10: 1259861627; ISBN-13: 978-1259861628

Practice exams: PMP Exam Practice Test and Study Guide, Ninth Edition, by J. LeRoy Ward and Ginger Levin; June 28, 2018; Auerbach Publications, ISBN-10: 1138440299; ISBN-13: 978-1138440299

Project management is truly a white-hot area for both certification seekers and employers. Several other project management certifications are available, for general IT project management as well as software development project management.

Honorable mention goes to the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) project management certifications, such as the Professional in Project Management, Associate in Project Management and Certified Project Director. The Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner qualifications (featured in the 2017 top-five list) are also excellent credentials and worth honorable mention.

The CompTIA Project+ credential (featured in the 2017 top-five list and honorable mention in 2018) remains a well-known entry-level project management certification for those starting their project management careers. ASQ’s Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) is another entry-level credential worth exploring, particularly if you’re interested in eventually moving up to the more senior Green and Black Belt credentials.

Most graduate business, management and management information systems (MIS) programs offer project management training to students, and some offer certificate programs outside the project management organizations as well.

You’ll also find training and occasional certification around various project management tool sets. For example, some Microsoft Learning Partners offer courses on Microsoft Project, and you can find a dizzying array of project management packages on Wikipedia’s comparison of project management software page.

The CAPM and Project+ remain the best-known entry-level project management certifications, with the PMP as the primary professional target and capstone for would-be professional IT project managers. Don’t forget to consider PMI’s related certifications as well. For project managers seeking entry into the realm of Scrum, the CSM is the best entry-level cert for Scrum practitioners.

CAPM vs PMP Certification: Which is Right for You?

Project management is one of the fastest-growing professions, with an estimated 25 million jobs expected to be created around the world by 2030. To fill these roles, businesses across industries are seeking new project managers with the qualifications and expertise necessary to make a positive impact in their organizations.The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are both specialized credentials offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI)® that improve credibility and offer professionals opportunities to increase their skills, lead larger projects and advance their careers.

In order to choose the certification that best aligns with your intended career goals, it is critical to understand the differences between CAPM and PMP certification. These differences include prerequisites, cost, level of difficulty and industry-wide perception of the credentials.

Because those planning to earn CAPM certification are not required to have project management experience or a four-year degree, the CAPM is ideal for recent community college graduates or current undergraduates who want to bolster their resume with a credential that demonstrates a commitment to a career in project management.

While the CAPM is ideal for people beginning their careers, there are some additional prerequisites, including that candidates must complete 23 contact hours before taking the exam. Contact hours are hours spent in project management education or training. These hours can be completed on site or online, enabling candidates to fulfill this requirement without putting their professional, educational or personal obligations on hold. Some universities may also offer project management education at this level as a part of a degree program.

OR

Professionals who pursue project management certification are making a valuable, long-term investment in their careers. Part of that investment does include exam fees.

The PMI requires a fee for both exams, with the cost of the CAPM exam at $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of the PMP exam is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. See the table below for a quick comparison.

A one-year membership to the PMI is $139 and comes with many tools and templates for your professional use, including a downloadable copy of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

Many companies offer professional development benefits that may cover employee education and professional credentialing costs. According to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resources, 78% of employers cover opportunities for professional skill development.

Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM exam is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam.

The CAPM exam questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide, PMI’s global standards for project management, as well as other sources, which are listed (with the relevant chapters) in the CAPM exam reference list.

The PMP certification exam, on the other hand, is appropriate for individuals of varying experience levels — from those early in their career to established professionals with more significant project management experience — and is therefore more challenging to achieve.

Like the CAPM, the PMP exam also covers the PMBOK® Guide, but it also includes questions designed to test whether the candidate knows how to handle real-world project management scenarios.

To pass the PMP Exam, PMI not only recommends studying the PMBOK® Guide, the PMP Exam Content Outline and the PMP handbook, but also enrolling in a formal course of study offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), such as Purdue University.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 questions that call for multiple-choice, hot spot and drag-and-drop responses, in addition to animations and comic strips. The exam questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.

Candidates have three hours to complete the test, with a 10-minute break in the middle.

The PMP exam consists of 180 questions that fall under three domains in predetermined proportions. About half of the questions represent predictive project management approaches, while the other half represent agile or hybrid approaches. Questions regarding these different approaches are spread throughout the domains.

Candidates have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.

Considering that the CAPM certification is more affordable and requires less experience than PMP certification, project managers may ask themselves, “Why would I pursue PMP certification?” The answer is simple: The PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers worldwide.

PMPs work in a wide range of industries in almost every country. Many employers require PMP certification when hiring project managers because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead complex projects and direct project teams.

PMPs bring value to their organizations while advancing their own careers. Project managers with a PMP certification earn a 22% higher median salary than those without a PMP certification, according to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey.

While CAPM certification isn’t as widely recognized as PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which can certainly benefit candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide, which can serve as an excellent first step to eventually pursue PMP certification.

Is it possible to convert a CAPM to a PMP?Converting to PMP certification is not an option. However, CAPM certification meets the PMP exam requirement for 35 hours of project management education/training, so you can achieve PMP certification faster.

How much experience do you need for CAPM certification?CAPM certification does not require any professional experience, making it an attractive credential for recent graduates as well as anyone seeking to begin a career in project management. However, it does require a minimum of 23 contact hours of project management education.

How much experience do you need for PMP certification?The experience needed to qualify for the PMP exam and go on to earn PMP certification is based on previous education:

The experience requirements must have been accumulated within the past eight years.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?PMI membership is not required to take the CAPM exam or earn certification, but members do receive a discount on the exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members), as well as other benefits.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn PMP certification?No, it is not necessary to become a PMI member to earn PMP certification, though members do have a reduced exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members) among other benefits.

How long does it take to process the CAPM application? How long does it take to process the PMP application?According to the PMI, applications take about five to ten days to process.

Do I need to renew my CAPM certification or my PMP certification?Yes, both the CAPM certification and the PMP certification require a renewal every three years.

Professionals who participate in Purdue University’s online project management courses can gain a wealth of field knowledge, solid foundational skills, and exceedingly effective preparation for the PMP exam in order to obtain a project management certificate. Course materials and activities align closely with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to help learners retain project management knowledge and apply it to their current projects.

Project Management EssentialsThis 100% online, instructor-led course runs for eight weeks and allows working professionals to gain familiarity with basic project management concepts and terms.

Participants are empowered to begin effectively applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to current projects and earn project management hours that can help qualify them to take the PMP exam.

Experienced PME instructors engage participants in a range of learning activities, including directed study of the PMBOK® Guide; online discussions; recorded lectures; quizzes and self-tests; and written assignments. The instructors also welcome the opportunity to coach interested learners on an individual basis via email or scheduled phone appointment.

PMP Exam PreparationPMP Exam Preparation is a live, virtual course based on the PMBOK® Guide. Enrollment includes 90-day access to all course material, which is 100% aligned to the Project Management Institute’s PMP® Exam Prep content.

Participants get an in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material on the exam and learn how to build a personal study plan.

This course is for project managers who have a minimum of three years’ experience and prior knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide.

Project Management Professional, PMP, CAPM, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

To learn more about Purdue University’s online Project Management courses and download a free brochure, fill out this form. You can also email us at PMonline@purdue.edu or call us at (888) 390-0499 to speak to one of their program advisors.

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SourcesProject Management Institute. 2020. “PMI® Certifications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook-sixteen-translations.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2023. “PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Exam Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm20ecofinal.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf

Society for Human Resources. 2022. “Employee Benefits Survey: Executive Summary.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://shrm-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1654193525/Membership%202022/Employee_Benefits_Survey_-_Executive_Summary_-_FINAL.pdf

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