Managers play a vital role in the success of large projects. Besides managing skills, they must possess deep strategic knowledge. So, what types of degrees do you need to become a professional manager?
Suppose you want to develop a career in this role but don’t know where to start. Then, consider these project management certifications.
I have selected the finest options with a high reputation. They will cover all skills and knowledge you need for project management.
These certificates are provided by reputable organizations in the field. They also offer training courses and exams to help you acquire the certification. Consider each option carefully to make a suitable decision.
1. Google Project Management Certificate
This exam offers a simple approach for beginners. You can quickly seek a position within six months of obtaining this degree.
Who is it for?
This option is suitable for beginners who want to develop a career in project management. You don’t need any technical skills or previous experience to join this exam.
How much does it cost?
This course costs $196. Suppose you can finish the course in only four months (10 hours of weekly training).
2. Certified ScrumMaster
How about an entry-level option for all scrum experts? This certificate brings you the tools to enhance team performance and responsibility.
Who is it for?
Suppose you have a particular interest in scrum project management. Then, this option can help increase your expertise. It also proves your knowledge to future recruiters in this field.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies significantly depending on the type of courses and exam you select. In general, the total price can range from $435 to a maximum of $1150.
3. Certified Associate In Project Management
This certificate allows project managers to start their careers with confidence. It helps you show your knowledge and skills in managing a large project.
Who is it for?
Pursue this option if you want to prove your expertise in managing projects of all scales. It is also an opportunity to improve your knowledge in managing agile projects.
How much does it cost?
It only costs $225 if you are a PMI member. Meanwhile, the total fee for non-members is $300. This exam also requires a high school diploma or degrees of the same level to enroll.
4. AIGA Project Management Certificate
This course offers much more than just project managing skills. You will learn to increase emotional intelligence and develop better working relationships. It also provides valuable tips for handling real-world projects.
Who is it for?
Choose this option if you want to join an online training course. It’s also suitable for beginners with lessons related to teamwork ethics and foundational project managing skills.
How much does it cost?
AIGA members will get a discounted price of $919. The cost for non-members is slightly higher, standing at $1069.
5. PRINCE2 Practitioner
This international certificate covers extensive knowledge of project management. By pursuing this certificate, you will gain access to the themes, processes, and techniques of the PRINCE2 methodology.
Who is it for?
You will need to complete the PRINCE2 Foundation exam or PMP to acquire the certificate. Therefore, it’s still an ideal choice for learners with entry to mid-term experience.
How much does it cost?
The exam fee typically ranges from $400 to $700, depending on the type of credential you sign up for. Meanwhile, the training courses offered by PRINCE2 can exceed $2000.
6. Business Value-Oriented Principles (BVOP)
This certification helps you approach the world of project management in a unique way. It focuses on the waterfall methods and principles of an excellent project manager.
Who is it for?
This course gears more toward experts in the field who want to increase their collaboration capacity. You will approach agile projects in a more transparent and effective way.
How much does it cost?
This cost is very affordable with a price of $280. You can also join the free trial to experience the training course.
7. Project Management Professional
This top certificate features higher flexibility and uses than the other options. It also gives you valuable insights into how businesses work. Thus, you can find solutions to improve your projects’ impacts.
Who is it for?
This exam is designed for project professionals. Suppose you are a project leader who wants to advance your career faster. Then, this option is an excellent choice to consider.
How much does it cost?
The course features a price of $555 if you are not a member of the PMI community. Meanwhile, PMI members can get a discount and only pay $284.
8. CompTIA Project+
This option is particularly for IT professionals. If you are managing a large IT project and team, CompTIA Project+ will offer excellent values.
Who is it for?
This option is designed for beginners who take charge of small projects. It covers all the essential skills for managing an IT project. You also learn valuable topics like communication and handling documents.
How much does it cost?
The exam will cost $358. You can invest a little more to earn an exam retake chance and more effective practice tools. There are also eBooks to provide you with extra knowledge for the final exam.
9. Associate in Project Management (APM)
I would recommend this option to college students. APM will help you approach the common tools and strategies of a project manager. It’s also an excellent addition to your portfolio.
Who is it for?
The course requires little to no experience and knowledge in managing projects. Thus, it’s an ideal option for beginners. The team members can also join it to accumulate more teamwork experience.
How much does it cost?
It costs $158 for members or $210 for non-member. The certificate will last forever once you obtain it. Yet, regularly updating your skill is advisable.
10. Master Project Manager (MPM)
This is the highest qualification a beginner can achieve. It’s offered by AAPM and requires very deep knowledge of project management.
Who is it for?
This option is not suitable if you don’t possess any previous experience. It revolves around the core aspects like leading teams and controlling resources.
You should be good at measuring performance and planning to pursue MPM.
How much does it cost?
You need to pay a total of $300 as it’s geared towards professionals in the field. You also must submit your resumes first before signing up for the exam.
Final Thoughts
I hope these top certifications can give your career a promising start. You can consider the values they can offer carefully to make a decision.
Then, you can commit all your time to acquiring the target. Besides technical knowledge, spend time improving your communication capacity and confidence.
Thank you for reading!