Qualifications reflect the knowledge that you have.
With the need for project managers at record levels, there has never been a better time to get your project management certifications. Many businesses put down accredited project management qualifications as one of the most desirable elements a job applicant must have.
These globally recognized certifications show your ability to lead projects in any industry. They are sought after awards that are valued by prospective employers because they demonstrate your ability to perform at the highest levels.
This is a resource page that will give you basic information about the various project management courses and qualifications out there. It will give you an overview of what to expect from them and the career benefits of having relevant accreditations on a Project Manager CV.
By: Iejaz Uddin – 19 June 2024
Page overview:
- Advantages of project manager qualifications
- Project manager qualifications
- Project management accreditation bodies
Advantages of project manager qualifications
They are great for enhancing existing careers or launching a new one. This makes them perfect for both experienced managers who want to expand their existing skill sets, as well as people new to project management who wish to broaden their knowledge.
By gaining an accredited qualification that is recognised in the United States of America, the UK, Europe and beyond, you will vastly increase your employability.
Most courses are designed not only to help you understand the world of project management but also operate within it. They are not restricted to any particular group of students and are open to people at all stages of their careers.
Upon gaining any your career prospects are automatically elevated as your knowledge, skills and expertise will have been validated by a recognised governing body.
Reasons to get a qualification:
- In today’s increasingly competitive job market they can help a candidate to stay one step ahead of the competition.
- Can significantly increase your salary.
- Will help you to join the global professional project management community where you can network for new work opportunities.
- Through acquiring a recognised and accredited qualification you will show a prospective employer your commitment to the PM field.
- Will help you to deliver more projects successfully, on time and to budget.
- Student will get the confidence needed to plan complex projects, lead teams and get things one on time.
- To employers it is proof of your high standards of practice and ethical standards.
- Will show that a candidate has dedicated their time to enhancing their knowledge and skill sets.
- With the modern business world constantly changing its important that job seekers have the specialist knowledge and expertise needed to operate in it.
What does a project manager training course teach you?
A typical course will help you to gain an insight into the role of a project manager. This is done through a comprehensive and intellectually challenging curriculum that meets the expectations of national and global organisations.
Typical modules on a training course
On a course you will typically engage with the latest project management fundamental theories and best practices.
Business Administration
Business Planning
Business Strategy
Evolution of Project Management
Financial Decision Making
Human Resource Management
International business practices
Leadership and Management
Management principles
Operations Management
Project governance
Project Compliance
Project initiation
Project Management Principles
On a course you will learn about:
- How to cope with the most unpleasant or unexpected risks on a project.
- Evaluating business models and concepts and applying them to real-world situations.
- Writing up management information in a professional format.
Project manager qualifications and certifications
PRINCE2 certification
The acronym stands for Projects IN Controlled Environments and is a process-based methodology used in the world of project management. It is recognized and used across the globe and established as the world’s most practised method for project management.
Having over a million certified practitioners, PRINCE2 is must have to put on your CV.
There are 2 parts to the PRINCE2 certification, the Foundation and Practitioner levels. Both are focused on project organization and control by managing resources and risks by dividing projects into smaller stages.
The Foundation level is as the name suggests an introduction to the principles of PRINCE2. The Practitioner level builds on what has been learnt in the Foundation level.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
This is an internationally recognized certification that is offered and administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
A PMP Certification reassures potential employers that a candidate is able to manage a projects people, processes, and business priorities. It is recognized across the world, and can empower you to work with any project management methodology and in any industry.
Targeted at those already experienced in this field, its aim is to accurately analyse and determine a candidates’ ability to direct and control a project.
It takes real commitment to earn your PMP certification, which is why it’s so valuable.
Examination
To obtain this qualification candidates must successfully pass the PMP Certification exam by correctly answering questions which are related to real-life project management situations.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
An entry level project manager certification for junior project managers or those aspiring to get into the field of project management. Many job seekers see it as a first step on the career path to becoming a project manager.
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
This qualification confirms a person’s ability to understand and apply Agile principles and practices to projects. It covers various agile principles and tools such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP) and Test-Driven Development (TDD).
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
This is focused on project managers who work with stakeholders in defining project requirements and shaping project outputs.
PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
Shows you how to mitigate threats to a project’s success by spotting problems before they happen. Then putting together practical risk management strategies in place for them.
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Concentrates on developing a candidate’s ability to build and maintain project schedules. Participants will learn how to develop a schedule approach and establish project schedule configuration management policies.
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
This training course is about learning how to coordinate several portfolios to achieve strategic objectives. You’ll learn about managing portfolio performance and controlling communications between different teams.
Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Mostly for mid or senior-level project managers, it hones their skills in controlling multiple projects activities with business goals, without compromising on quality or efficiency.
Project management accreditation bodies
APM – Association for Project Management
The APM is a chartered membership organisation for the professionals that has over 40,000 members. Their aim is to raise the profile of the project profession. One of the ways they do this is by offering a range of project management training courses and qualifications. I passed these can be used to achieve the coveted Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status.
PMI – The Project Management Institute
This is a US based not-for-profit organization for the project profession. Although located in America, they have local chapters all over the world and an active online community your people can join. It is one of the largest project management membership groups in the world.
As a standards body, it’s aim is to help project managers reflect the knowledge they have, the skills they’ve developed and the work they do. Combined all of this can help a candidate to succeed in a project-driven industry.
Their qualifications are at the forefront of formalizing and validating the project profession.
Apart from holding regularly networking events for its members, the PMI also offers several certifications for project professionals.
Certifications the PMI offer:
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
Program Management Professional (PgMP)
PMP certification requirements
Before applying for PMI certification, you should ideally have;
- 36 months experience of leading projects
- 35 hours of project management training
- Bachelor’s degree or High school diploma or an associate degree
ChPP – Chartered Project Professional
This is an industry-recognised certification for project managers. You must obtain this to get inclusion on the Register of Chartered Project Professionals, which is a list of professionals who have met the defined level of technical knowledge, professional practice and ethical behaviour. Being on this list gives you authority and access to a community of professionals in this field.
It’s a globally recognised credential that shows hiring managers that you have the competency to successfully lead and direct projects. A Chartered status carries a considerable amount of weight in the world of work and is considered a recognition of professional competency.
To achieve ChPP status you must already be actively involved in the project management profession before you can apply for the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard.
After becoming a Chartered Project Professional, you will be able to add the post-nominals ‘CHPP’ to the end of your name.
How are project manager courses delivered
They can be delivered both online and in class. Virtual learning is convenient without compromising on the quality of interaction. They tend to be highly interactive and engaging, with animation and narration throughout. There are many flexible options to study for these, at a pace that suits you, whether that’s online or in a classroom setting.