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10 Best Project Management Certifications for 2023

Seoffix

February 13, 2024

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A project management certification demonstrates your ability to navigate, optimize, and guide various projects in a business environment from start to finish.

As a project management professional, you’ll need to demonstrate exceptional agility, creativity, and adaptability in a range of environments, and the right certification can help you build the necessary skills.

To help you choose the most appropriate certification for your needs, we’ve reviewed the best project management certification courses available online to bring you this list of excellent options.

10 Top Project Management Certifications

1. Google Project Management Certificate
2. PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
4. Associate in Project Management (APM)
5. PRINCE2 Practitioner
6. AIGA Project Management Certificate
7. CompTIA Project+
8. Certified Project Manager (IAPM)
9. PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
10. Business Value-Oriented Principles (BVOP)

1. Google Project Management Certificate

For a beginner-friendly approach to your project management certification, Google offers an excellent way to start learning.

You can use the Google Project Management Certificate to get job-ready in less than 6 months, and you don’t need any prior experience or degree.

You’ll even learn about some of the most important project management concepts, like Agile planning.

Who is this for?

Google’s Project Management training course is intended for beginners looking for a career shift into the high-growth world of project management. You don’t need any prior knowledge in the area, but you should have a passion for problem-solving.

The course lays the foundations for a career not just as a project manager but coordinator, operations manager, operations associate, Scrum master, or project analyst role too. It’s considered one of the most valuable Google certifications you can get online.

You’ll learn about estimating time and budgets, identifying and managing risks, and applying both Scrum and Agile frameworks to courses.

How to Get Certified

You won’t need any prior certifications or knowledge to get started with the Google Project Management course. Once you enroll, you’ll have access to 6 courses, covering everything from the foundations of project management to tips for starting a successful project and how to map your project’s development.

The courses also cover steps for executing effective agile project management methodologies. At the end of the course, you’ll complete a capstone project where you demonstrate the skills you’ve developed via the various videos, assessments and hands-on activities provided by Google.

Cost

It costs around $39 per month to enroll with Coursera for your Project Management Course, adding up to around $156 if you complete the course in the 4-month schedule of 10 hours of training per week.

Certificate Review

You can read our Google Project Management Certificate Review for a detailed analysis of this certification.

Certificate Validity

There’s no time limit on the validity of this course. However, the rapidly changing world of Project Management may mean you must consider updating your education after a few years.

2. PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)

A world-leading PM certification, the Project management Professional (PMP) explores a range of predictive, hybrid, and agile approaches to project management.

Offering exceptional guidance for budding leaders in the project management space, the PMI certification is ranked one of the top project management certifications.

Who is this for?

Designed for project professionals, by project professionals, the PMI certification is designed to supercharge the career of project leaders across a range of industries. This management certification specifically focuses on the following:

• Business environment: The connection between organizational strategy and projects
• Process: Technical aspects to consider when managing projects
• People: Soft skills are required when leading project teams

The PMP certification also certifies you have the project leadership skills required by employers, looking at agile, hybrid, and predictive (Waterfall) techniques in particular.

How to Get Certified

To access the PMI project management certification online, you’ll need either a four-year degree, 35 hours of project management education training, a CAPM certification, or 36 months of leading projects.

Alternatively, you can also apply with a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent, as well as 60 months of experience leading projects, 35 hours of project management training, or a CAPM certification.

Once qualified, you can apply to take your exam and prepare with a host of resources provided by the PMI team.

Cost

The course costs $555 for a non-member of the PMI community. If you’re already a member, you can access your education for a discounted price of $405.

Certificate Validity

PMI certificates require learners to earn a certain number of “PDUs” over a three-year cycle. To maintain your PMP certification, you’ll need to earn 60 PDUs to stay current.

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Another highly respected option if you’re looking for the best project management certification, the PMI “Certified Associate in Project Management” (CAPM) is ideal for showcasing your skills.

Designed more for beginners in the project management space, the CAPM certification helps to highlight your knowledge of essential project management concepts.

Who is this for?

Created for project managers looking to prove their expertise in managing agile and complex projects, the Certified Associate in Project Management will help to separate you from competing candidates in your field.

The course recognizes your knowledge of the preeminent global standard for project management performance.

If you’re looking for opportunities to manage larger projects, gain more responsibility, or simply list project management skills on your resume, the CAPM could be ideal for you.

How to Get Certified

To start this project management certification for beginners, you’ll need at least a secondary degree, such as an associate’s degree or high school diploma.

You’ll also need at least 23 hours of project management education before taking the exam. There’s a Project Management Basics online course from PMI which can fulfill this prerequisite for you.

Once you have the right pre-existing education, you’ll use the PMBOK Guide (sixth edition) to learn all about the basics of project management. The guidelines will prepare you for the CAPM exam, which you can take online from your home or office.

The exam has 150 questions in total, and you’ll have 3 hours to complete it.

Cost

PMI members can access this course for a discounted rate of $225. Alternatively, the total price will be $300.

Certificate Validity

CAPM certification holders with the PMI must earn 15 PDUs every three years to maintain their certification.

4. Associate in Project Management (APM)

The Associate in Project Management (APM) course familiarizes students with the more common terms, frameworks, and strategies of a project manager.

This course provides students with a globally recognized credential in the Project Management field, demonstrating your commitment to project management excellence for future roles.

Who is this for?

An entry-level learning opportunity for beginners in the project management field, the APM certificate will highlight your knowledge of Project Management concepts on an introductory level. You can start with little to no knowledge of project management.

This course was designed for project team members and managers, as well as students at the graduate and undergraduate levels with interest in project management as a career.

How to Get Certified

While you don’t need an existing degree or certification to take this course, you’ll need at least a basic understanding of project management. It helps to be working in a project environment and have an existing interest in the field.

The APM course will take you through a series of three modules, where you can define project management fundamentals, set project goals, explore project planning opportunities, and examine potential risks.

Once you’ve finished the three modules, you’ll take an exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions and will need at least a 70% score to pass.

Cost

While there is a package for accessing the course, which costs $70, this does not include an e-voucher for the certification exam. To access both the course and the exam, you’ll need to pay $175.

Certificate Validity

There’s no expiration date on this course, as it only introduces the basics of Project Management. However, you may need to consider updating your knowledge from time to time.

5. PRINCE2 Practitioner

The PRINCE2 Practitioner course is the second of two examinations required for anyone interested in becoming a “PRINCE2 Practitioner”.

PRINCE2 is a process-based method of project management. This course will walk you through the basics of applying PRINCE2 principles in context, as well as tailoring and using PRINCE2 themes and processes.

Who is this for?

If you’ve already taken the PRINCE2 Foundation course, the PRINCE2 Practitioner will complete your education in this specific area of project management.

The examination measures whether candidates can successfully demonstrate an ability to tailor and apply PRINCE2 concepts to the running and management of projects.

The course should be ideal for aspiring project managers and existing project managers, as well as those involved in the design, development, and delivery of projects. Everyone from operational line management to project support staff could potentially benefit from this course.

How to Get Certified

To sit the PRINCE2 practitioner exam, you’ll need to provide proof of passing the PRINCE2 Foundation exam (5^th or 6^th edition). Alternatively, you can also enroll with one of the following:

• Project Management Professional
• Certified Associate in Project Management
• IPMA Level A, B, C, or D.

Once you’ve proved your existing knowledge, you’ll be able to begin the full course, where you’ll walk through PRINCE2 themes, processes, and common concepts.

The PRINCE2 exam is offered via remote proctor, wherein you’ll receive an email invitation to register on a specific portal. Once registered, you can book your online exam at the right time for you.

The exam is 150 minutes long and contains 68 questions. You’ll need at least a 55% score to pass and can use the PRINCE2 manual.

Cost

The course and exam will cost $935, but you will also need a copy of the official PRINCE2 6^th Edition manual for both learning and examination, which is not included in the package.

Certificate Validity

While there’s no specific expiration date on this course, you may be required to update your knowledge when new PRINCE2 manuals are introduced.

6. AIGA Project Management Certificate

If you’re looking for a comprehensive project management certification online, the AIGA learning experience could be ideal for you.

Designed to teach the best practices of running a project, this course covers everything from ethics for project management to emotional intelligence, and tips for handling real-world projects.

Who is this for?

Designed for beginners in the project management world, this online course will introduce you to the basics of project management over seven segments.

The lessons cover all the foundational skills of project management, including the ethics involved in leading a team, as well as how to manage project stakeholders and conflict resolution effectively.

The course carries PDUs across the PMI talent triangle, spanning both introductory and intermediate topics which you can cover at your own pace.

How to Get Certified

No prior knowledge or education is required to earn your AIGA project management certificate, though a general knowledge of project management may be useful.

To complete the course, you’ll need to finish 7 modules of project management lessons, ranging from team leadership basics to tools for managing real-world projects. You’ll earn a certificate of completion at the end of the course, with 51 PMI PDUs, and 18.75 leadership PDUs.

Cost

If you’re an AIGA member already, you can take this course for only $919. Alternatively, non-members will need to pay the full price of $1,069.

Certificate Validity

There’s no expiration date on this course, however, you may find it helpful to update your knowledge from time to time as the course content evolves.

7. CompTIA Project+

If you’re looking for a project management certification focused exclusively on IT professionals, the CompTIA Project+ course could be ideal for you. Intended for beginners with a need to effectively manage smaller projects, the CompTIA Project+ will help IT professionals accelerate through a range of projects with ease.

Who is this for?

CompTIA Project+ is specially designed for IT professionals responsible for managing smaller projects as part of their everyday duties. Covering various project management concepts beyond a single framework, the course will help you understand all the essential parts of managing the project life cycle.

The lessons cover topics like ensuring strong communication, managing resources and stakeholders, and handling project documentation.

This course is ideally suited to IT Project coordinators or managers, IT project team members, Business analysts, managers, and team leaders.

How to Get Certified

No prior certifications or examinations are needed to take this course, but you should have some basic project management knowledge.

At least 12 months of cumulative project management experience is best. Once you enroll, you’ll receive access to the CertMaster Practice environment with study guides and instructor-led training.

The available resources will guide you through project basics, like assigning roles and responsibilities. You’ll also learn about risk management, the Agile methodology, communication methods, and change control processes.

Once you’re done prepping, you can take the multiple-choice question exam, which lasts around 90 minutes, and requires a passing score of 710 on a scale of 100-900.

Cost

The total price for this course is $348. You can also access an exam prep bundle with an exam retake, practice tools, and eBook guide for $559.

Certificate Validity

There’s no need to renew the CompTIA Project+ certification. However, you can access other continuing education credits with CompTIA which will need renewal.

8. Certified Project Manager (IAPM)

One of the most respected certifications in project management for beginners, the IAPM certification provides a basic overview of project management strategies and processes.

Ideal if you’re aspiring to a career in project management, the Certified Project Manager certificate will introduce what a PM role is all about.

Who is this for?

This IAPM certification looks at the hard and soft project management skills for beginners without prior knowledge of the space. You can use your IAPM certificate as a basis for the certification of a Cert International Project Manager course too.

If you want to learn about concepts like how to develop project plans, manage cost breakdowns and budgets, and explore risk analysis, then the IAPM certification is a good choice.

How to Get Certified

No prior knowledge or certificates are required to take the Certified Project Manager course, though a basic understanding of project management will be helpful.

When you enroll in the course, you’ll have access to a host of recommended literature and the “Project Manager’s Guide” from IAMP, which provides a complete guide to all of the examination content.

You can prepare for your exam using the “self-test” miniature test, which asks you to answer 25 questions within 20 minutes and provides feedback on your knowledge.

When you’re ready, you can register for the full certification examination, which requires a pass rate of 65%.

Cost

The exact price of this certification can depend on your nationality, ensuring project managers from all nations can access the PM skills they need. For people in the US, you can expect to pay $479.

Certificate Validity

The IAPM certification is considered a lifetime certificate with no need for renewal.

9. PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

Delivered by the leaders at the Project Management Institute, the PMI Professional in Business Analysis course is intended for people with a fundamental knowledge of project management who are keen to take their skills to the next level.

This course will ensure you’re ready to handle all the challenges involved in working with stakeholders and planning projects.

Who is this for?

Ideal for experts hoping to enhance their skills in project management, the PMI-PBA course will enhance and improve your existing skills in Business Analysis and project management.

This course is likely to be ideal for you if you already work with project teams and manage requirements for your business.

You could also benefit from this course if you are a program or project manager who is regularly responsible for performing business analysis in your role.

How to Get Certified

You will need at least a secondary degree, such as an associate’s degree or high school diploma, to apply for this course, as well as 60 months of business analysis experience and 35 hours of education in business analysis.

Alternatively, you can also apply if you have a bachelor’s degree and 36 hours of business analysis experience or 35 hours of education in business analytics.

The certification process will require you to complete an application, schedule your exam, and review the certification handbook before taking your final test. The certification includes 200 multiple-choice questions, and you will have four hours to finish it.

Cost

Existing PMI members can take the course for a discounted rate of $405, while non-members must pay the full price of $555.

Certificate Validity

To maintain your PMI-PBA, you’ll need to earn at least 60 professional development units (PDUs) in business analytics topics every 3 years.

10. BVOP Project Management Certification

The Business Value-Oriented Project Management certification takes a unique approach to explore the PM world. Looking not just at agile and waterfall methodologies but people and business-oriented principles in project management, this course will prepare you for a range of roles.

The solution is perfectly suited for anyone hoping to develop modern leadership skills.

Who is this for?

With the BVOP course, you’ll develop the skills you need to become a more modern business management expert, looking at everything from technology to development processes and people guidance in how you get things done.

This is a course intended for project managers who want to focus on agile, transparent, and efficient processes, where teamwork and collaboration are prioritized.

According to BVOP, the certification is specifically aimed at senior project managers, Scrum masters, agile professionals, product managers, business analysts, and budding professionals.

How to Get Certified

While an existing degree or certification isn’t required for the BVOP course, you will need a deep understanding of the topics from the BVOP Ultimate Guide. It’s also helpful to have some previous experience working with projects at a professional level.

To start your certification, you’ll need to create your PVOP account and develop your knowledge about Business Value-Oriented Principles and methodologies through the BVOP ultimate guide. Once you feel confident to take your exam, you can start your assessment test.

Students must achieve a score of at least 75% to pass the exam.

Cost

Currently, the BVOP Project Manager Certification is available at an introductory price of $130, while it would usually cost $280. There’s also a free trial available.

Certificate Validity

This project management certification has no expiration date or demand for renewal.

Is a Project Management Certification Worth it?

Research indicates employers will need to fill around 2.2 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2027, demonstrating a rapidly increasing demand for project management skills.

A project management certification highlights your knowledge of critical abilities in any business environment. You’ll be able to demonstrate your understanding of various agile and efficient processes used to make projects successful and cost-effective.

Your Project Management certification will:

• Teach you transferrable skills: Project management skills can be useful not just in PM roles, but in a range of leadership and management positions too.
• Improve your professional brand: Knowledge of project management strategies demonstrates a high focus on results-driven work to future employers.
• Give you a competitive advantage: According to statistics, around 7 in the 10 most in-demand skills from now to the next five years are soft skills associated with roles like project management.
• Boost the quality of your work: Learning project management techniques will make you more effective in your role while helping you to guide others.
• Open the door for new job opportunities: The transferrable skills taught in project management certifications will help you explore a range of job opportunities.

Methodology

To help you find the best project management certificate, we’ve looked at the top institutions offering online certifications. Our list includes the most recognized programs in the industry suitable for experienced PMs and those who want to start a career in project management.

Our recommendations are:

The best project management certification for beginners –  is the Google Project Management Certificate. It requires no prior knowledge, it can be completed in four months, and the certificate is awarded from Google. As part of the Google careers program, Google offers assistance in finding an entry-level job.

The most recognized certification – is the Project Management Professional from PMI (Project Management Institute). PMP-certified professionals can easily get a job, and usually, they get paid more (according to statistics from PMI) than other certified professionals.

Related Certifications

If a career in project management is not the best option for you, you can consider alternative options. Some of the best choices are:

• Google Career Certificates – a review of all the certificates offered by Google for getting an entry-level job in IT, UX design, or marketing.
• Online Business Classes -a detailed review of the best online classes to build your business management skills.
• Best Entrepreneurship Courses -the top courses to follow to become an entrepreneur.
• Digital Marketing Certificates – the most valuable certifications for pursuing a successful career in the digital marketing industry.
• Best Professional Certifications – a list of the top certifications for getting an entry-level online job.