The Definitive List of 32 Project Management Certifications in 2024

20 min read

In project management, staying ahead is a must. Up to 2024, there are many certifications to choose from that give you the skills and recognition to excel in project management. 

Our new article, a comprehensive guide to the best project management certifications, includes 32 options to help you make informed decisions about your future career.

If you ever find yourself asking Google “project management certificate”, our article can help you discover the main ones.

So, let’s explore these certifications and their opportunities and start with the PMI Project Management Professional certification, which sets the standard for project managers worldwide.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most widely recognized certifications in project management. It focuses on applying project management principles, tools, and techniques to manage projects effectively. 

The curriculum of project management professional PMP certification covers initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing of your future projects and initiatives.

• Good for: Experienced project managers looking to validate their skills and advance their careers.
• Requirements: To be eligible for this PMI certification, you need a minimum of 35 hours of project management education and either a four-year degree and 4,500 hours of project management experience or a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) with 7,500 hours of project management experience. Additionally, you must gather 35 hours of project management training or a CAPM certification in both scenarios.
• Exam: The PMP exam is a 4-hour, 180-question multiple-choice exam covering a wide range of project management topics.
• Price: PMI members typically pay a lower fee for the exam when obtaining PMI certifications: around $405 for members and $555 for non-members.

Next is the Certified Associate in Project Management, an ideal starting point for those looking to kickstart their project management career.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Also offered by the PMI, the CAPM certification is designed for individuals who are relatively new to project management. 

This project management certification for beginners covers fundamental project management concepts and terminology, with additional information about Agile, business analysis, and predictive plan-based methodologies.

• Good for: Individuals who are just starting their careers in project management and want to gain foundational knowledge.
• Requirements: A secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) and 23 hours of project management education (the PMI’s online course on Project Management Basics can help you prepare for getting project management certification online).
• Exam: The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours.
• Price: The exam fee for CAPM is typically lower than the PMP certification: around $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.

Shifting gears, let’s dive into the world of Agile with the Certified ScrumMaster certification, which emphasizes collaboration and adaptability.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The Scrum Alliance offers the CSM certification and focuses on Scrum, an Agile project management framework. This Agile certification covers the roles, events, and artifacts of Scrum and teaches how to facilitate Scrum teams effectively.

• Good for: Individuals who want to work as Scrum Masters or be part of Scrum teams.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites to get this Agile certificate, but it’s mandatory to attend a two-day CSM course taught by a certified trainer.
• Exam: The CSM exam typically involves a two-day training course with an evaluation component, which may include answering questions and participating in discussions.
• Price: The cost of this Agile Scrum Master certification may vary depending on the training provider but is typically between $400 and $1,500, which includes the course fee and certification exam.

Now, let’s explore the PRINCE2 7th certifications, which are known for their structured approach to project management.

PRINCE2 7 Foundation & Practitioner

Certification by PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-driven project management framework widely used in Europe. The Foundation level covers the basics, while the Practitioner level goes into greater detail on applying PRINCE2 7 principles.

You can also obtain this project management certificate online if that’s important for you.

• Good for: Project managers and team members working in organizations that use the PRINCE2 methodology.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation level, but you must pass it to proceed to the Practitioner level.
• Exam: The PRINCE2 Foundation exam is a 60-minute, 60-question multiple-choice exam, while the Practitioner exam is a 150-minute, 70-question objective testing exam with a 40-question second part.
• Price: The exam fees for PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner exams may vary depending on the exam provider and location but typically range from $2,300 to $3,300 each.

Stepping into program management, we have the Program Management Professional certification, designed for seasoned professionals.

Program Management Professional (PgMP)

The PgMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute, is designed for experienced program managers. It focuses on the skills and knowledge required to oversee and manage multiple related projects within a program effectively.

Pro tip: Interested in becoming a program manager? We have a comprehensive article about the program manager’s career path.

The curriculum covers program strategy alignment, benefits realization, stakeholder management, and governance.

• Good for: Experienced program managers seeking to validate their expertise in program management.
• Requirements: To be eligible, you need a four-year degree, at least four years of project management (or PMP certification) and four years of program management experience, or a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) with at least four years of project management (or PMP certification) and seven years of program management experience.
• Exam: The first part is the panel review. After that, the PgMP exam is a 4-hour, 170-question multiple-choice exam assessing program management knowledge and skills.
• Price: The exam fee for PgMP is typically around $800 for PMI members and $1,000 for non-members.

For those interested in Scrum methodology, the Professional Scrum Master certification offers a deeper understanding of Agile practices.

Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

The PSM certification, offered by Scrum.org, focuses on the role of a Scrum Master in facilitating Scrum teams. This Agile Scrum certification covers the theory, practices, and responsibilities of a Scrum Master.

• Good for: Individuals looking to become effective Scrum Masters.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites, but having some prior knowledge of Scrum is recommended.
• Exam: The PSM exam has two levels: I, II, and III. PSM I consists of 80 questions to be answered in 60 minutes, while PSM II is a 90-minute assessment with 30 questions, and PSM III is 150 minutes and 24 essay questions around advanced Scrum knowledge.
• Price: The cost of the PSM certification varies depending on the level (PSM I, II, or III): $150 for PSM I, $250 for PSM II, and $500 for PSM III per attempt.

Diving further into Agile, we have the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner certification, showcasing expertise in Agile principles and practices.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The PMI-ACP certification, offered by PMI, is for project management professionals who are looking for the best Agile certification and already work in Agile environments. This PMI Agile certification covers various Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and others, and emphasizes Agile practices, tools, and techniques.

• Good for: Project managers and team members involved in Agile projects.
• Requirements: To be eligible, you need a high school diploma or Bachelor’s degree,  2,000 hours of general project management experience within the last five years, 1,500 hours of Agile project experience, and 21 hours of Agile training.
• Exam: The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 3 hours to get a PMI certificate.
• Price: The PMI certification cost for PMI-ACP is typically around $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members.

Pro tip: If you want to explore Agile further than this Agile project management certification provides, we have an article on the SAFe framework for you to dive into.

Elevating your Scrum expertise, the Certified Scrum Professional certification is the next level for Agile practitioners.

Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)

The CSP certification, offered by Scrum Alliance, is for experienced Scrum practitioners who want to take their skills to the next level. It focuses on advanced Scrum practices, coaching, and leadership in Agile organizations.

• Good for: Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Agile Coaches with significant experience in Scrum.
• Requirements: To be eligible, you need to hold an active Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) certification and have at least 24 months of Scrum Master or Scrum Product Owner experience in the last five years.
• Exam: The CSP certification typically requires a combination of experience, education, and references without a specific exam.
• Price: The cost of the CSP certification may vary depending on the Scrum Alliance’s pricing structure and location but ranges from $500 to $3,500 per course, including the training workshop and the certification fee.

Turning our attention to Agile Project Management, we explore a holistic approach to Agile project delivery.

Agile Project Management (AgilePM)

The AgilePM certification, offered by the Agile Business Consortium, is a framework and certification that combines Agile and project management principles. It offers guidance in how to manage projects in an Agile way, addressing the needs of both project managers and team members.

• Good for: Project managers and team members transitioning to or working in Agile project environments.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the AgilePM Foundation level, but you need to pass it to be eligible for the AgilePM Practitioner level.
• Exam: AgilePM certification involves a 40-question, multiple-choice exam to be completed within 50 minutes for Foundation level, while the Practitioner is 80 marks over 2.5 hours.
• Price: The exam fees for AgilePM Foundation and Practitioner exams may vary depending on the exam provider but typically range from $300 to $500 each.

Let’s move on to Managing Successful Programmes, a certification focusing on program management best practices.

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)

The MSP certification focuses on program management and is offered by AXELOS. It provides a framework and best practices for managing and delivering complex programs effectively. 

MSP emphasizes governance, leadership, and organizational alignment.

• Good for: Program managers and senior project managers responsible for managing multiple projects within a program.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the MSP Foundation level, but you need to pass it to be eligible for the MSP Practitioner level.
• Exam: MSP exams vary based on levels but generally consist of multiple-choice questions: For Foundation, 60 questions for 60 minutes, and for Practitioner, 70 questions for 2.5 hours.
• Price: The exam fees for MSP Foundation and Practitioner exams may vary depending on the exam provider but typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 each.

Moving from a structured program management approach like MSP, let’s explore the Agile framework of SAFe Agilist.

SAFe Agilist (SA)

The SAFe Agilist certification is designed for professionals who want to lead Agile transformation at the enterprise level using the Scaled Agile Framework. These SAFe certifications cover the principles, practices, and roles necessary to effectively implement Agile at scale.

• Good for: Executives, managers, and Agile change agents.
• Requirements: While there are no strict prerequisites, having a foundational understanding of Agile concepts and some experience in an Agile environment is beneficial.
• Exam: A 90-minute online exam with 45 multiple-choice questions.
• Price: This SAFe Agile certification typically costs around $500.

Continuing with PRINCE2 7 Agile certifications, let’s explore how PRINCE2 integrates with Agile methodologies.

PRINCE2 7 Agile Foundation/Agile Practitioner

The PRINCE2 Agile certifications combine PRINCE2 project management principles with Agile practices. They are offered by PRINCE2 and focus on how to adapt PRINCE2 to Agile environments.

• Good for: Project managers and team members working in organizations that use PRINCE2 and who want to integrate Agile methodologies.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation level, but you need to pass it to be eligible for the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner level.
• Exam: PRINCE2 Agile exams have different formats and durations depending on the level and module: The Foundation is about 50 questions during a 60-minute exam, and the Practitioner is 50 questions during a 2.5-hour exam.
• Price: The exam fees for PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Agile Practitioner exams may vary depending on the exam provider but typically range from $300 to $1,500 each.

Let’s now pivot to Project+ by CompTIA, a versatile certification covering project management essentials.

CompTIA Project+

The Project+ by CompTIA certification covers the fundamental skills and knowledge required to manage projects effectively. It provides a broad understanding of project management principles and practices.

• Good for: Entry-level project managers, coordinators, and team members.
• Requirements: There are no specific prerequisites for the CompTIA Project+ certification.
• Exam: The CompTIA Project+ exam comprises 95 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 90 minutes.
• Price: The cost of the CompTIA Project+ exam may vary depending on the testing center but is typically $300 to $400.

SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) 

The SAFe Scrum Master certification is designed for individuals who aspire to become Scrum Masters within the context of the Scaled Agile Framework. 

It provides a comprehensive understanding of the Scrum Master role in an enterprise Agile environment, emphasizing facilitation, coaching, and servant leadership to support Agile teams.

• Good for: This certification is valuable for Scrum Masters, Agile coaches, and anyone involved in Agile teams within a SAFe enterprise.
• Requirements: While there are no strict prerequisites, having a foundational understanding of Agile concepts and some experience in an Agile environment is beneficial.
• Exam: The SAFe certification exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions and lasts 90 minutes.
• Price: The SAFe Scrum Master certification exam typically costs from $600. 

Examining risk management, we have the PMI Risk Management Professional certification, which is crucial for mitigating project risks.

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

The PMI-RMP certification, offered by PMI, focuses on risk management within the context of project management. It covers risk identification, analysis, response planning, monitoring, and control.

• Good for: Risk managers, project managers, and professionals responsible for managing project risks.
• Requirements: To be eligible, you need a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), 40 hours of project risk management education, and at least 3,000 hours of project risk management experience within the last five years or a four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent), 24 months of project risk management experience within the previous five years, and 30 hours of project risk management education, along with 40 months of professional project management experience.
• Exam: The RMP by Project Management Institute certification exam is a 3.5-hour, 115-question multiple-choice exam focused on risk management.
• Price: The exam fee for PMI-RMP is typically around $364 for PMI members and $670 for non-members.

Switching gears to scheduling, the PMI Scheduling Professional certification emphasizes effective project timelines.

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

The PMI-SP certification, also offered by PMI, focuses on project scheduling and planning. It covers the creation, maintenance, and analysis of project schedules.

• Good for: Schedulers, project managers, and professionals responsible for project scheduling and planning.
• Requirements: To be eligible for this PMI certification, you need a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), 40 hours of project scheduling education, and at least 3,500 hours of project scheduling experience within the last five years or a four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or a global equivalent), 30 hours of project scheduling education, and at least 3,500 hours of project scheduling experience within the last five years to get PMI certificate.
• Exam: The PMI-SP exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 3.5 hours.
• Price: The exam fee for PMI-SP is typically around $520 for PMI members and $670 for non-members.

Pro tip: Check out our article on the best Gantt chart software for scheduling professionals.

Advancing Scrum mastery, the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster certification offers advanced Agile leadership skills.

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)

The A-CSM certification, offered by Scrum Alliance, is designed for experienced Scrum Masters who want to deepen their knowledge and skills in facilitating Scrum teams and fostering organizational agility. 

A-CSM focuses on advanced Scrum Master practices, team dynamics, coaching, and servant leadership.

• Good for: A-CSM is suitable for Scrum Masters with some experience who want to take their Scrum Master role to the next level and effectively guide multiple Scrum teams.
• Requirements: To be eligible for the A-CSM certification, candidates must have completed the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification, demonstrate at least 12 months of experience as a Scrum Master, and attend a recognized A-CSM educational offering to enhance their skills.
• Exam: The A-CSM certification typically requires completion of the Advanced ScrumMaster training and does not have a specific exam.
• Price: The cost of the A-CSM certification may vary depending on the training provider and location but it typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, including the training workshop and the certification fee.

Transitioning to risk management, we explore Management of Risk, a certification focusing on risk assessment and mitigation.

Management of Risk (M_o_R)

The M_o_R certification, offered by AXELOS, focuses on risk management at the organizational level. It provides a framework and best practices for identifying, assessing, and managing organizational risks.

• Good for: Risk managers, senior managers, and individuals responsible for organizational risk management.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites to get a certificate in project management for the M_o_R Foundation level, but you need to pass it to be eligible for the M_o_R Practitioner level.
• Exam: The M_o_R exams come in various formats, including 75 questions over 60 minutes for the Foundation exam and 16 essay-type questions over 3 hours for the Practitioner exam.
• Price: The exam fees for M_o_R Foundation and Practitioner exams may vary depending on the exam provider but typically range from $300 to $1,500 each.

Pro tip: If you want to dive deep into PMO risk management, we have an article on the topic.

Introducing the IPMA certifications, known for their comprehensive assessment of project management competence.

IPMA 4 Level Certification

The IPMA Certification for Project Professionals is a globally recognized certification by the International Project Management Association (IPMA). 

It is a comprehensive certification program that assesses project management competence at four distinct levels: Level A (Certified Projects Director), Level B (Certified Senior Project Manager), Level C (Certified Project Manager), and Level D (Certified Project Management Associate). 

Each level represents a different stage in a project professional’s career, from entry-level to executive leadership. The certification program covers various project management competencies, including leadership, strategic management, stakeholder engagement, and technical skills.

• Good for: It is designed for project professionals at all career stages, from newcomers to experienced project managers and directors. It provides a structured path for career advancement in project management.
• Requirements: The specific eligibility criteria for each IPMA 4 Level Certification level may vary by country and certification body. Generally, higher levels require more years of project management experience and successful completion of lower-level certifications. Level D, for example, may not have formal prerequisites, making it accessible to those new to project management.
• Exam: The IPMA 4 Level Certification involves a series of exams, each with its own format and duration, depending on the level.
• Price: The cost of the IPMA 4 Level Certification varies depending on the country, certification body, and the level of certification you are pursuing. Prices typically include examination fees and certification registration costs.

From the globally recognized IPMA 4 Level Certification, let’s shift our focus to the specialized role of a SAFe Practice Consultant.

SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC)

The SPC certification is ideal for Agile team members and professionals who want to understand the Agile development process within a SAFe enterprise. This SAFe certification provides insights into coaching a SAFe transformation, launching Agile Release Trains, team roles, responsibilities, and Agile principles.

• Good for: It is designed for Agile team members, Scrum Masters, and product owners.
• Requirements: While there are no strict prerequisites, having a foundational understanding of Agile concepts and some experience in an Agile environment is beneficial to obtaining a SAFe certificate.
• Exam: A 120-minute online exam with 60 multiple-choice questions.
• Price: This Agile SAFe certification costs approximately $3,000.

Shifting the focus to cost management, the Certified Cost Professional certification dives into project financials.

Certified Cost Professional (CCP)

The CCP certification, offered by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI), focuses on cost estimating, cost control, and project cost management. It is particularly relevant in industries where accurate cost estimation is crucial, such as construction and engineering.

• Good for: Cost estimators, project managers, and professionals involved in project cost management.
• Requirements: You can qualify with either eight years of industry experience, four years of industry experience, and a 4-year college degree, or a 2,500-word technical paper.
• Exam: The CCPM exam is 5 hours long and comprises 120 simple multiple-choice and compound, scenario questions.
• Price: The cost of the CCP certification varies depending on AACEI membership: it is $500 for members and $625 for non-members, plus a $250 resit fee (both members and non-members).

Pro tip: Properly estimating project costs is essential. Unsure how to do it? Explore our project budget management article to learn all the aspects of this process (with ready-to-use templates).

Let’s move on to the Certified Project Manager certification, which emphasizes a well-rounded approach to project leadership.

Certified Project Manager (IAPM)

The International Association of Project Managers (IAPM) offers the Certified Project Manager certification, which covers a wide range of project management topics. It aims to validate project management skills and knowledge.

• Good for: Project managers and professionals seeking a broad online project management certification.
• Requirements: The IAPM does not specify strict prerequisites, but it’s recommended for individuals with some project management experience.
• Exam: The IAPM Certified Project Manager certification consists of 120 questions during an 80-minute exam.
• Price: The IAPM CPM certification costs up to $550.

Next, let’s explore the APM Project Management Qualification, which offers a deep dive into project management principles.

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

The SCQF Level 7 qualification, offered by the Association for Project Management (APM), is a comprehensive certification that covers project management principles, tools, and techniques. It is widely recognized in the UK and Europe.

• Good for: Project managers and professionals looking to validate their project management knowledge and skills.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the APM PMQ, but candidates typically have some project management experience.
• Exam: The PMQ exam involves a combination of essay-style and multiple-choice questions to be completed in 3 hours.
• Price: The cost of the APM PMQ certification may vary depending on APM membership status and exam location.

Pro tip: In today’s project management world, it’s vital to incorporate AI into your technology stack. Check out our article on AI work management tools for more insights.

Navigating the digital landscape, the Certified Digital Project Manager certification focuses on digital project delivery.

Certified Digital Project Manager (CDPM)

The CDPM certification is designed for project managers who work on digital projects, such as web development, software development, or digital marketing campaigns. It covers project management best practices specific to digital projects.

• Good for: Project managers and professionals specializing in digital project management.
• Requirements: There are no strict prerequisites listed, but it’s recommended for individuals with digital project management experience.
• Exam: The CDPM certification consists of a 3-hour, multiple-choice exam.
• Price: The cost of the CDPM certification may vary depending on the certification level and starts from $385.

Pro tip: Whether you’re managing digital or non-digital projects, AI is crucial for project managers. Explore our ChatGPT prompts library for seasoned professionals.

For aspiring project managers, the Associate in Project Management certification offers a solid foundation.

Associate in Project Management (APM)

The APM certification, offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), is an entry-level certification that covers the fundamentals of project management. It provides a basic understanding of project management principles and practices.

• Good for: Individuals who are new to project management or want to demonstrate basic project management knowledge.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the APM to get a project manager certificate.
• Exam: The APM exam comprises 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in one hour.
• Price: The cost of the APM certification may vary depending on the certification format. It starts from $70 for the standard package.

Now we transition to Agile with BVOP Certified Project Manager, known for its holistic Agile approach.

BVOP Certified Project Manager (BVOP CPM)

The BVOP Certified Project Manager certification focuses on modern project management practices, including Agile and Lean methodologies. It emphasizes leadership, team collaboration, and product development.

• Good for: Project managers and professionals seeking expertise in Agile and lean project management.
• Requirements: The BVOP CPM certification does not have strict prerequisites but is designed for individuals with project management experience.
• Exam: The BVOP CPM certification involves an exam with a duration and format determined by the certification provider.
• Price: The cost of the BVOP CPM certification is $280. 

Pro tip: When it comes to product development, it’s essential to efficiently manage the product backlog. Want to learn how to make the most of it? Check out our article on streamlining product backlog management.

Stepping into earned value management, the Earned Value Professional Certification quantifies project performance.

Earned Value Professional (EVP) Certification

The EVP certification specializes in project management and focuses on earned value management (EVM) principles and practices. It is offered by the Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI). 

Earned value management is critical to project cost and schedule control, making the EVP certification valuable for project managers and cost engineers.

• Good for: project managers, cost engineers, and professionals involved in project planning and control who want to enhance their proficiency in EVM.
• Requirements: You can qualify with either eight years of industry experience or four years of industry experience plus a 4-year college degree.
• Exam:  The EVP exam is typically 5 hours, with 119 simple, multiple-choice, and compound, scenario questions during the exam.
• Price: The cost of the EVP certification varies depending on AACEI membership status: it is $500 for members and $625 for non-members with a $250 resit fee (both members and non-members).

Pro tip: To gauge the value your project can deliver to customers, continuous collection of customer feedback is vital. Learn more in our article on this topic.

Shifting focus to Disciplined Agile Scrum Master, we explore Agile practices within a disciplined framework.

Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM)

The DASM certification, offered by PMI, combines Agile and lean principles with the Scrum framework. This PMI certification focuses on helping teams apply Agile and lean practices effectively. 

The certification covers various aspects of Scrum, including roles, events, and artifacts.

• Good for: Scrum Masters, team leads, and Agile practitioners looking to enhance their Scrum skills within a disciplined Agile context.
• Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the DASM certification, but some basic Agile knowledge is recommended.
• Exam: The DASM online exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes 120 minutes, with 30 minutes for the introduction, tutorial, and survey, and up to 90 minutes for completing the exam.
• Price: PMI members typically pay a lower fee for the exam: it is around $280 for members and $350 for non-members.

For business analysts, the PMI Professional in Business Analysis certification is a valuable addition.

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

The PMI-PBA certification, offered by the Project Management Institute, is designed for business analysts. 

Pro tip: Don’t know the difference between a project manager and a business analyst? We’ve created a comparison article about it.

It covers the entire business analysis process, including needs assessment, requirements analysis, solution design, and validation.

• Good for: Business analysts and professionals involved in business analysis activities.
• Requirements: To be eligible for the PMI-PBA certification, you need a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), 35 hours of professional development in business analysis, and at least 4,500 hours of business analysis experience.
• Exam: The PMI-PBA exam is 4 hours with 200 multiple-choice questions.
• Price: The PMI certification cost for the PBA certification is typically around $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members.

Stepping into portfolio management, the Portfolio Management Professional certification focuses on strategic project alignment.

Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)

The PfMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute, focuses on portfolio management practices. This PMI certification is designed for professionals who manage and oversee a portfolio of projects and programs to ensure alignment with an organization’s strategic objectives.

• Good for: Senior project managers, portfolio managers, and executives responsible for strategic project selection and prioritization.
• Requirements: To be eligible for the PfMP certification, you need a four-year degree, at least eight years of professional business experience, including seven years in portfolio management, or a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) with eight years of professional business experience, including four years in portfolio management.
• Exam: The PfMP exam is 4- hours long with 170 multiple-choice questions.
• Price: The exam fee for PfMP is typically around $700 for PMI members and $560 for non-members.

Pro tip: In project portfolio management, having the right PPM tools is crucial. We recommend using PPM Express, a comprehensive platform that meets all your needs.

For those seeking mastery, the Master Project Manager certification offers advanced project leadership skills.

Master Project Manager (MPM)

The MPM certification, offered by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM), is a high-level project management certification that focuses on advanced project management concepts, leadership, and strategy. It covers a wide range of project management best practices.

• Good for: Experienced project managers and professionals looking to validate their advanced project management skills.
• Requirements: The AAPM has specific requirements that candidates must meet, including a combination of education, project management experience, and passing the MPM exam.
• Exam: The MPM certification may involve an exam with a format and duration determined by the certification provider.
• Price: The cost of the MPM certification may vary depending on AAPM membership status and exam level.

Finally, let’s explore the Professional in Project Management certification, which emphasizes a well-rounded project management approach.

Professional in Project Management (PPM)

The PPM certification is offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM). It focuses on project management principles and practices, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing.

• Good for: Project managers and professionals seeking a comprehensive project management certification.
• Requirements: No specific prerequisites are listed for the PPM certification, but some project management experience is recommended.
• Exam: The PPM exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions, which you may answer for 2 hours.
• Price: The cost of the PPM certification may vary depending on the certification level. It starts from $100.

Pro tip: For up-to-date project status monitoring with current technologies, look no further—PPM Express offers over 200 Power BI pre-built reports.

Now that you know the diverse landscape of the best project management certifications in 2024, let’s explore how to obtain project management certification.

How to get project management certification?

Obtaining project management certification is a significant step in advancing your career and validating your expertise in the field. Here’s a practical guide to getting started:

1. Choose the right certification: Research various project management certifications to align with your goals and experience.
2. Check eligibility: Review eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the requirements.
3. Enroll or self-study: Consider formal courses or self-study using resources like textbooks and online materials.
4. Practice exams: Use practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format and questions.
5. Create a study schedule: Develop a consistent study plan that fits your schedule.
6. Join study groups: Collaborate with fellow candidates for mutual support and understanding.
7. Register for the exam: Sign up for the certification exam when you’re confident in your knowledge.
8. Exam day prep: Prepare well, arrive early, and follow exam center instructions on test day.
9. Maintain certification: Stay updated on recertification requirements for ongoing professional development.

Now that you know how to get project management certification, let’s explore why it’s crucial to consider a project manager’s certification.

Why do you need to consider the project manager’s certification?

In today’s competitive job market and dynamic business environment, having project manager certifications can be a significant benefit. 

And whether it’s a paid or free project management certification, it’s a vital competitive advantage.

Here’s why you should seriously consider obtaining a project manager’s certification:

• Professional recognition: The project manager’s certifications are globally recognized and respected. They validate your expertise and commitment to project management, making you stand out among your peers and potential employers.
• Enhanced skills: Certification programs provide comprehensive project management methodologies, tools, and best practices training. They equip you with the skills to successfully plan, execute, and close projects while managing risks and resources effectively.
• Career advancement: Many organizations prefer or require project managers to hold a relevant project management certification (free to choose which one to pass). Certification can open up new job opportunities, promotions, and higher salaries.
• Improved project outcomes: Certified project managers are better equipped to deliver successful projects on time, within budget, and without scope creep. Their ability to apply industry-standard practices reduces the risk of project failure.
• Networking opportunities: Joining a community of certified project managers provides access to a vast network of professionals in the field. You can exchange ideas, seek advice, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
• Personal growth: Pursuing a project manager’s certification is a valuable learning experience. It challenges you to expand your knowledge and keeps you updated with the latest trends and developments in project management.

Ready to take the next step in your project management career?

Whether you’re a beginner looking to kickstart your project management journey or an experienced professional aiming to advance your skills, consider exploring the benefits of a project manager’s certification with the right project management tools. 

PPM Express is a comprehensive project portfolio management platform that empowers organizations to efficiently plan, execute, and track their projects and portfolios. With robust features and intuitive tools, it enables teams to optimize resource allocation, enhance collaboration, and achieve better project outcomes.

Start (or continue) your project management journey with PPM Express, a platform designed for beginners and experienced project managers.