15 Best Project Management Certifications for 2024

Are you looking to advance your career in project management? In today’s competitive job market, taking the right project management courses and earning the proper certifications can make all the difference.

According to a Project Management Institute (PMI) study, professionals with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification earn a median salary 23% higher than those without it.

Certifications are tangible proof of your competence, instilling confidence in employers that you possess the necessary skills to navigate complex projects and steer them toward success.

Taking one of the top project management courses not only helps you earn these valuable certifications but also equips you with the latest methods and tools you need to do well in your job.

Let’s take a look at some of the best project management courses and certifications you might want to consider.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Six Best Project Management Courses
3. 15 Best Project Management Certifications
4. Choosing the Right Certification for Your Career Path
5. Still Contemplating Your Future?
6. The Bottom Line
7. FAQs
8. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Six Best Project Management Courses
3. 15 Best Project Management Certifications
Show Full Guide
4. Choosing the Right Certification for Your Career Path
5. Still Contemplating Your Future?
6. The Bottom Line
7. FAQs
8. References

Six Best Project Management Courses

Taking one of the top project management courses not only helps you earn these valuable certifications but also equips you with the latest methods and tools you need to do well in your job.

So what are the best project management courses available today? Here are six of the top project management courses for beginners as well as more established PM professionals.

6. Project Management Basics

The Project Management Basics course by GoSkills is a great starting point if you’re new to project management or want to brush up on your skills. One of the best online project management courses, it will teach you how to set project goals, create plans, manage resources, and track the progress of your project effectively. By the end of the course, you’ll know the main steps in project management and the roles of a project manager, which will help you use these skills in real situations.

Based on the seventh edition of “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge” from the Project Management Institute (PMI), this course is a great first step if you plan to take additional PMI training and go after a more advanced PMI certification, such as the Project Management Professional.

5. Project Management: The Basics for Success

The Project Management: The Basics for Success course on Coursera is a great course if you’re new to project management. It teaches you the basic skills you’ll need to manage a project, such as how to plan it, create a schedule, and keep your team working together. The course covers the main stages of a project, from the beginning to the end, so you can understand how to keep everything on track.

This course is easy to follow, even if you have no experience. By the time you complete the course, you’ll know how to lead a project, organize tasks, and ensure your team meets its goals. It’s perfect if you want to learn about project management quickly or if you need to learn these skills for your current job. You’ll get a certificate of completion when you finish the course.

4. Certified ScrumMaster

The Certified ScrumMaster course from the Scrum Alliance is designed for people who want to learn about Scrum, a method for managing projects. In this course, you’ll learn about the different roles, events, and tools used in Scrum and how to use them in real-life situations. This course will teach you important Agile principles and how to work effectively on a Scrum team.

And you’ll also learn how to support your team, improve teamwork, and create a better work environment.

This course is offered online as well as in person, depending on the specific course you select.

ScrumMasters are leaders who create productive work environments using agile project management. CSM is an entry-level option that equips scrum professionals with the tools to assess team performance and responsibility.

3. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate

The Google Project Management: Professional Certificate on Coursera aims to help you develop the skills you’ll need for a successful career in project management. The program includes six courses that teach you how to plan projects, manage risks, and communicate well with your team. You’ll find out how to manage projects from beginning to end, ensuring that everything goes as planned. The course focuses on practical skills, so you can easily use what you learn in real jobs.

You’ll also get hands-on experience with popular project management methods, such as Agile and Scrum. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready for entry-level project management jobs.

You’ll also earn a certificate of completion from Google, which can help your resume stand out to employers.

2. PRINCE2 Practitioner (7th edition)

The seventh edition of the PRINCE2 Practitioner course teaches you how to manage projects using the PRINCE2 method.

PRINCE2 stands for Projects IN Controlled Environments, a well-known way to handle projects. This course covers such topics as project planning, risk management, and quality control. It also highlights the importance of tailoring the PRINCE2 approach to fit specific project needs, making it adaptable to different kinds of projects and industries.

You’ll also take part in hands-on exercises and real-life case studies so you can apply what you learn. By the end of the course, you’ll be prepared to take the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, which tests what you know and how well you can use the method in various projects.

You must have a valid PRINCE2 Foundation certification to enroll in the Practitioner course.

1. Project Management Professional

The Project Management Professional (PMP) course offered on Udemy is designed to help you prepare to take the PMP exam to earn a globally recognized certification for project managers.

The course teaches you the key steps of managing a project, such as planning, organizing, and finishing a project. You’ll also learn how to handle risks, work with people, and keep everything on track. After you finish this course, you’ll receive a certification of completion.

The course follows the rules set by the Project Management Institute, which gives the PMP certification. It’s ideal if you’re looking to advance your career in project management or if you’re aiming to take the PMP exam and earn the PMP certification.

15 Best Project Management Certifications

Next, we will explore the best project management certifications that employers value. From globally recognized certifications, such as the PMP certification, to specialized certifications, such as Agile and Scrum, you will likely find one that fits your circumstances, such as your business sector, job role, and aspirations.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification from the Project Management Institute is highly regarded. Project managers must meet certain criteria and complete a comprehensive exam to obtain this certification. This certification recognizes individuals who excel in managing the people, processes, and business priorities involved in professional projects.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The CAPM certification is an excellent way for project managers to kickstart their careers. Just like the PMP, it’s offered by the Project Management Institute. It’s an excellent way to work towards attaining a full PMP certification. The CAPM certification recognizes people who are great at managing the teams, tasks, and business goals involved in professional projects.

3. PRINCE2 Practitioner/Foundation

PRINCE2 is an internationally recognized certification. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and terminology behind the PRINCE2 project management methodology and the associated processes, themes, and techniques.

A prerequisite for the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is first passing the PRINCE2 Foundation exam.

4. PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner/Foundation

The PRINCE2 Agile certification blends the principles of PRINCE2 and agile project management, enhancing traditional frameworks by integrating agile practices and methods.

A prerequisite for the PRINCE2 agile Practitioner certification is first passing the foundation exam.

5. Associate in Project Management (APM)

The APM certification showcases project management expertise for new project managers. It is most suitable for individuals with a basic grasp of project management concepts.

6. Master Project Manager (MPM)

The MPM certification offered by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) is the most prestigious qualification for project managers. This certification focuses on practical knowledge in project management, leadership, and decision-making. It aims to help professionals advance their careers in various industries and demands in-depth expertise and practical experience in project management.

7. Professional in Project Management (PPM)

The PPM certification is a step up from the Associate in Project Management level. PPM candidates gain skills in planning, executing, and managing projects.

8. Certified Project Director (CPD)

The CPD certification is designed for experienced professionals who excel in managing complex projects. The CPD certification helps experienced managers and leaders learn new skills and advanced techniques for dealing with difficult project and management issues. It is perfect for those who want to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

9. CompTIA Project+

The globally recognized CompTIA Project+ certification validates project managers’ knowledge and skills and is perfect for those managing less complex projects, especially those in information technology. This certification teaches project managers the methods, frameworks, and agile skills they need to effectively manage and finish IT projects. It also includes new topics, such as change management and compliance.

10. Certified Project Manager (CPM-IAPM)

The CPM-IAPM certification, provided by the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM), acknowledges individuals who have mastered project management through exams and real-world experience. It is globally recognized and has lifelong validity. This certificate shows that professionals can not only handle the technical side of managing a project but that they also have strong people skills.

11. Program Management Professional (PgMP)

The Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification validates the expertise of senior-level professionals in managing and overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic organizational goals.

12. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

The PMI-RMP certification is designed for individuals who want to proactively identify and manage potential risks to ensure project or organizational success. It’s ideal for experienced project managers, risk managers, or high-level executives.

13. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)

The PfMP certification offered by PMI emphasizes formal portfolio management. PMs with this certification possess advanced skills in managing multiple portfolios. They are experienced executives or senior-level practitioners with at least eight years of professional experience.

14. PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

PMI-SP is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that validates an individual’s expertise in project scheduling and planning.

Choosing the Right Certification for Your Career Path

With many project management certifications available, it can be overwhelming to determine which one aligns with your career goals. By considering factors such as your current skill set, desired career trajectory, and industry demands, you can make an informed decision that sets you up for success.

Pricing Matters

When it comes to project management certifications, pricing is a crucial factor to consider. Recent research shows that certification costs can vary significantly.

For instance, the average price for a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is about $555, while a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification costs around $300.

To ensure you find a certification that suits your budget, it’s essential to shop around and compare different options. This way, you can make an informed decision and invest in a certification to boost your career prospects without straining your finances.

Still Contemplating Your Future?

Take stock of your current situation and imagine you’re a project manager working for a global technology company. You have successfully delivered several projects, but it’s time to take your career to the next level.

You aspire to lead large-scale projects and be recognized as a top-notch project management professional. However, you are unsure which project management courses and certifications are most relevant and valuable in today’s job market.

By understanding the best courses and certifications for project managers and their benefits, you can choose the ones that align with your career goals and provide the necessary skills and recognition to excel in your field.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking to enhance your skills, you should start by researching the best project management courses and the top project management certifications that are available today.

No matter your current job situation, whether you’re an experienced business analyst looking to become a certified project manager or a beginner, taking paid as well as free project management courses and earning the best project management certifications can boost your career significantly.

Taking project management classes is important because they help you build the skills you’ll need to manage projects effectively, making you more valuable to employers.

Picking the right project management certification for your needs will make you stand out, boost your job prospects, and improve your skills. These certifications show that you know what you’re doing in project management, proving your abilities and giving you the tools you need to succeed in today’s fast-changing business world. Investing in this kind of education is a smart move to help you grow your career and reach your professional goals.

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