Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Why Are Certifications in Project Management Important?
3.
Best Project Management Certifications
3.1.
Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP)
3.1.1.
Requirements for Project Management Professionals (PMPs)
3.2.
Associate in Project Management Certified (CAPM)
3.2.1.
Requirements for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
3.3.
Certification in Agile Project Management: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
3.3.1.
Requirements for Certified ScrumMasters (CSM)
3.4.
Certification for Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
3.4.1.
Requirements for Agile Certified Practitioners (ACP)
3.5.
Projects in Controlled Environments, or PRINCE2
3.5.1.
Certification Requirements for PRINCE2
4.
Frequently Asked Questions
4.1.
What is superior to a PMP?
4.2.
Should I pursue a CAPM or PMP?
4.3.
Can you get a PMP without a CAPM?
4.4.
CAPM exam difficulty
4.5.
Is Agile or PMP superior?
5.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Best Project Management Certification

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Introduction

This article teaches you about the best project management certification. A project manager's knowledge and reliability can be examined using their certificates. But is it the only option? Is it the best option? These are only a few of the topics that this essay will clarify.

Why Are Certifications in Project Management Important?

The typically qualified project manager has undergone numerous challenging project development units, each of which is a distinct training module.

As a result of these certificates, the project manager will ultimately be able to handle several difficulties and predetermined responsibilities to boost the business sector's flow.

Similarly, a manager certified in IT project management, such as  Agile, Scrum, or PMP+ modules, can ignore a complete team in charge of reaching a goal.

These project managers oversee Scrum Masters and Product Owners, who in turn are responsible for keeping an eye on "sprint" marathons within the company.

We don't assume that you are familiar with the jargon above. The key to project leadership is earning the relevant Project Management Certifications.

If not, you won't be viewed as an "accredited/recognized" person qualified to manage the problematic responsibilities involved in a project's life cycle.

Best Project Management Certifications

Many companies, particularly in the IT industry, decided to take the plunge, and most of them now provide project management credentials online. Due to the majority of significant corporations hiring either a Certified Associate in Project Management or a highly qualified Project Management specialist, these enterprises were in the minority. Thus its important to know about the best project management certification.

Statistics, unsurprisingly, showed a noticeable decline in their budget overrun, project completion rates, and client satisfaction rate. Due to those discoveries, most of the remaining businesses and institutions have switched to the present trend.

The following list highlights some of the top IT project management courses and project management certifications. Remember that we advise you to conduct your research to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of these certificates.

Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP)

Time, cost, and scope are the three restrictions that drive project management professional certification. It's a challenging course that includes a variety of modules to help academics recognize project weaknesses.

As a result, the project manager can instruct their team on how to devise alternative methods of finishing the test sprint phase and eventually achieving all the milestones necessary to produce a deliverable product.

The Project Management Institute has granted the Project Management Professional designation (PMI) accreditation. To keep the course materials current and in line with the quickly shifting demands of the industry, they continuously seek to offer new changes. This is also one of the best project management certifications available.

Project Management Professional

Requirements for Project Management Professionals (PMPs)

  • Three years of minimum project management experience.
     
  • Five years, or an equal 7,500 hours of project management experience in fields relevant to PM.
     
  • Added education in project management for more than 35 hours and qualified person certification

Associate in Project Management Certified (CAPM)

The entry-level IT project management certifications include the CAPM. The prerequisites for the top-tier certificates are in additional to being challenging.

The PMI also oversees the Certified Associate in Project Management credential. It is a beginner-level certification with chances for learning and development.

Certified Associate in Project Management

Requirements for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

There aren't many requirements for this entry-level certification because of its level. Interested candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or 1,500 hours of project management experience (without prior certifications). The eligibility criteria here are low, and the course is considered as best project management certification available.

If you have finished at least 23 hours of cumulative project management education, you can still opt in even if you do not meet the two aforementioned "requirements" for eligibility.

The admission fee for the Certified Associate in Project Management Examination is $225 for members of the PMI website who have registered. If you are not a member, it will cost you $300 to take the test. The charge is non-refundable in both situations. This is one of the best project management certifications available.

Certification in Agile Project Management: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The "certified professional" with the CSM: Certified ScrumMaster certification can supervise a group of people who are in charge of carrying out the orders of the designated product owner.

The Scrum Alliance, a worldwide renowned organization that was first established to promote an Agile mentality in the software industry, is affiliated with most of the Scrum series certifications.

The CSM also serves as a launching pad or turning point for Scrum Practitioners at the entry-level who want to move on to the next level.

There are more than 450,000 Certified ScrumMasters worldwide as of recent figures. The majority of these people began pursuing Agile Project Management Certifications in 2000.

The Scrum Alliance has approved this certification. They are a nonprofit group that has been doing volunteer work, primarily in the IT sector, for a while.

Ironically, The Scrum Alliance charges a hefty $1,000 to $1,400 as an examination and training cost despite being a nonprofit organization. The two-day training session is followed by a test scheduled for the next immediate day or according to the candidate's schedule. This is also one of the best project management certifications available.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Requirements for Certified ScrumMasters (CSM)

Basic knowledge of Scrum and the Agile philosophy. Additionally, you must finish The Scrum Alliance's introduction module to understand better what the Certified ScrumMaster program requires of you. The eligibility criteria here are low, and the course is considered as best project management certification available.

Certification for Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

The PMI oversees the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Project Management certification. This accreditation strictly adheres to organizations with an Agile mindset; enterprises that think solving problems at their core requires doing more with fewer resources. Agile is a broad term in and of itself.

The PMI educators provide a quick ground-up overview of the Agile philosophy. The certification goes even deeper into a hands-on, practical approach, where several training sessions are held to acquaint the participants with Agile frameworks better.

Scrum is one of the Agile frameworks to continue the Agile theme. Scrum is another particular systematic approach to problem-solving, yet it is connected to Agile; you could even call it a subtype of Agile.

The fact that being an ACP is a globally acknowledged accomplishment is a huge benefit. Students are enrolled to investigate various technologies before applying their knowledge to actual problems with Agile challenges.

The PMI oversees the Agile Project Management - ACP Certification. They are also in charge of several different PM certifications, degree programs, and training courses to assist aspirants from diverse backgrounds. This is also one of the best project management certifications available.

Project Management - ACP Certification

Requirements for Agile Certified Practitioners (ACP)

Within the Agile Project Management Certifications, ACP is rated as an advanced tier certification. You must abide by the following conditions to be eligible to sit for the ACP exam:

  • Associate's Degree, High School Diploma, or Experience That Is Equivalent
  • More than 2,000 Work Hours or 2,000 Work Hours Cumulative Experience
  • Prior Work Experience with Agile Teams or Businesses

Projects in Controlled Environments, or PRINCE2

In the hierarchy of project management certifications, PRINCE2 is an advanced tier degree. You must fulfill a few requirements before taking the exam, or the regulatory body won't let you. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and it just means that you can only finish this certification after passing a few foundational tests.

PRINCE2 Engineers with certification have a high level of respect in their industry. Since these individuals are well-versed in project management fundamentals, principles of the IT project management lifecycle, and business development tools, organizations have high expectations for them. This is also one of the best project management certifications available.

Certification Requirements for PRINCE2

Since PRINCE 2 is one of the most prestigious projects management certifications, there are some prerequisites for taking the exam. Take them as a perk since if you don't have one of the following credentials in hand, you can't take the exam:

  • Any of the Certified Project Management Associate (CPMA) Level A through B Certifications
     
  • PMP Project Management Professional Certification PRINCE 2 Foundation Course
     

The eligibility criteria here are low, and the course is considered as best project management certification available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is superior to a PMP?

A CAPM certification requires the most hours, whereas a PMP certification requires the least. Obtain the CAPM certificate with only a few years of experience. if you're a professional looking to go the project management route.

Should I pursue a CAPM or PMP?

Since CAPM certification is more accessible, more accessible, and takes less time and expertise than PMP certification, project managers might wonder why they would pursue PMP certification. The solution is easy: The PMP is the most prominent and widely accepted credential for project managers.

Can you get a PMP without a CAPM?

Although this is a good question, the quick response is regrettably "no." Although you cannot upgrade from a CAPM to a PMP, pursuing a CAPM can help you seek a PMP. The prerequisite for the PMP test can also be satisfied with the project management education hours you received for your CAPM.

CAPM exam difficulty

The CAPM Exam: How Difficult is It? The PMI framework is the foundation for the CAPM exam, making preparation relatively straightforward. Passing the CAPM is possible if you use the correct study materials and retain enough knowledge.

Is Agile or PMP superior?

The "Agile PMP vs. traditional PMP" credential does not exist. The optimum strategy is where the project manager or other project professional works to build expertise in both traditional and Agile projects. Both have tremendous professional value.

Conclusion

This article has gone through the best project management certification. Let's all commit to furthering our education and acquiring the skills and reputation necessary to climb the tallest ladders. I recommend registering in one of these best project management certification programs immediately and advancing your career!

If you find any problems, please comment. We will love to answer your questions.

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