The best certifications for project management professionals

Project management is a skill that is in high demand in today’s complex and dynamic world. Whether you are already a project manager or want to become one, you may have wondered which project management certification is best for you. Many project management certifications are available in the market, each with benefits and requirements. But how do you know which suits your needs, goals, and preferences?

This blog post will compare three popular project management certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2, and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). We will cover each certification, who it is for, how to get it, and what benefits you can expect. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of which certification is right for you.

By the way, if you are interested In certifications in other areas than this one, you might want to read this article.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

What is it?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority on project management. PMI created the PMP certification to recognize project managers who have proven they have the skills to successfully manage projects in any industry and in any way of working.

To obtain the PMP certification, you must meet specific education and experience requirements, then pass a 180-question exam covering topics such as people, processes, business environment, and project management knowledge areas. Project professionals design the exam for project professionals so that each question can be related to real-life project management scenarios.

The PMP certification is valid for three years, after which you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) to maintain it. PDUs are credits you can earn by completing activities such as taking courses, attending events, volunteering, or writing articles related to project management.

Who is it for?

The PMP certification is for anyone who wants to demonstrate competence and credibility as a project manager. It is especially suitable for those with several years of experience leading and directing projects and teams who want to advance their career or seek new opportunities.

According to PMI, the PMP certification is designed for all experience levels, from entry-level to senior-level project managers. However, there are some prerequisites that you need to meet before you can apply for the exam. These are:

• A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent), plus 60 months (five years) of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education training or CAPM Certification; or
• A bachelor’s degree (or global equivalent), plus 36 months (three years) of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education training or CAPM Certification.

As you can see, the PMP certification requires significant project management experience and education. Therefore, if you are new to project management or have less than three years of experience, you may want to consider other more suitable certifications for your level, such as the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) or the PMI-ACP (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner).

How to get it?

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the PMP certification, you can follow these steps to get it:

1. Create an account on PMI’s website and complete an online application form. You must provide details about your education, experience, contact information, and exam preferences.
2. Submit your application and wait for PMI’s review. This may take up to five business days. If your application is accepted, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the exam fee.
3. Pay the exam fee online using a credit card or other payment methods. The cost is $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members. You can also apply for membership on PMI’s website and enjoy benefits such as discounts on exams and courses, access to resources and publications, networking opportunities, and more.
4. Schedule your exam appointment online using PMI’s testing partner Pearson VUE. You can choose to take the exam at a test center or online from your home or office. You will need a computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection for the online option.
5. Prepare for the exam using various resources such as books, courses, guides, practice tests, etc. Many free and paid resources are on PMI’s website or other platforms. You should also familiarize yourself with the exam content outline and policies.
6. Take the exam on your scheduled date and time. The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions you must answer within 230 minutes (including two 10-minute breaks). You will receive your score report immediately after completing the exam.
7. Celebrate your achievement if you pass the exam! You will receive an email from PMI with instructions on downloading your certificate and digital badge. You can also update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your new credential.

What benefits can you expect from it?

The PMP certification can bring many benefits to your career and personal development. Some of them are:

• Higher salary potential: According to various surveys, PMP-certified project managers earn 16% more globally (and 32% more in the USA) than those without certification.
• Better job opportunities: PMP certification opens up more doors for you in the competitive job market, as many employers prefer or require PMP-certified candidates for project management roles.
• Professional achievement: PMP certification validates your project management experience and expertise in any way of working, whether predictive, agile, or hybrid. It also shows your dedication to excellence and your commitment to continuous learning.
• Gives credibility: PMP certification proves you can lead projects for any organization and industry. It also enhances your reputation and recognition among your peers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Provides networking opportunities: PMP certification connects you with a global community of over 1.2 million PMP certification holders who can share their insights, best practices, and career opportunities with you.

PRINCE2 Certification

What is it?

PRINCE2 stands for Projects IN Controlled Environments. It is a widely used project management method that provides a clear and structured framework for managing projects of any size or complexity.

The PRINCE2 certification is offered by Axelos, a joint venture between the UK government and Capita plc, a leading business services provider. Axelos owns and develops best practice methodologies and certifications in various domains, including project management, IT service management, cyber resilience, and agile.

The PRINCE2 certification is based on the PRINCE2 method, a process-based approach to project management that covers the whole project lifecycle from initiation to closure. The method consists of seven principles, seven themes, and seven processes that guide the project manager and team in delivering successful projects.

The PRINCE2 certification scheme consists of two levels: PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner.

• PRINCE2 Foundation: This level provides the theoretical knowledge of the PRINCE2 method, its principles, themes, and terminology. A pass at the Foundation level is a prerequisite for the Practitioner certification.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner: This level extends the knowledge acquired at the Foundation level to enable you to apply and tailor the method in a real project environment. It tests your ability to manage a project using PRINCE2 in different scenarios.

The PRINCE2 certification is valid for three years, after which you must either retake the Practitioner exam or maintain your certification through Axelos membership by earning 20 CPD points per year. CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It refers to activities such as taking courses, attending events, reading publications, or contributing to the community related to project management.

Who is it for?

The PRINCE2 certification is for anyone who wants to demonstrate competence and credibility as a project manager. It is especially suitable for those who work on projects aligned with the PRINCE2 method or who wish to adopt a common language and approach to project management within their organization or industry.

According to Axelos, the PRINCE2 certification is designed for all levels of project managers, from entry-level to senior-level. However, there are some prerequisites that you need to meet before you can apply for the exam. These are:

• For the Foundation level: There are no formal prerequisites for this level. However, some basic knowledge of project management concepts and terminology is recommended.
• For the Practitioner level: You need to have passed one of the following certifications: PRINCE2 Foundation (either 2009 or 2017 version), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), IPMA Level A (Certified Projects Director), IPMA Level B (Certified Senior Project Manager), IPMA Level C (Certified Project Manager), IPMA Level D (Certified Project Management Associate).

As you can see, the PRINCE2 certification requires some prior knowledge or experience in project management.

How to get it?

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the PRINCE2 certification, you can follow these steps to get it:

1. Choose an accredited training provider or exam institute that offers PRINCE2 courses and exams. You can find a list of approved providers on Axelos’ website. Please note that Axelos does not provide training or exams directly.
2. Register for a course or an exam with your chosen provider. You can choose between online or classroom options depending on your preference and availability. You must pay a fee for the course or exam, which may vary depending on the provider.
3. Prepare for the exam using various resources such as books, guides, practice tests, etc. You can find many free and paid resources on Axelos’ website or other platforms. You should also familiarize yourself with the exam format and policies.
4. Take the exam on your scheduled date and time. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions you must answer within a given time limit. For example, the Foundation exam has 60 questions and lasts 60 minutes. The Practitioner exam has 68 questions and lasts 150 minutes. You will receive your score report immediately after completing the exam.
5. Celebrate your achievement if you pass the exam! You will receive an email from Axelos with instructions on how to download your certificate and digital badge. You can also update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your new credential.

What benefits can you expect from it?

The PRINCE2 certification can bring many benefits to your career and personal development. Some of them are:

• Career boost: PRINCE2 certification can enhance your career prospects by making you stand out from other project management job candidates. It also demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning.
• Salary boost: According to various surveys, PRINCE2-certified project managers earn more than those without certification. For instance, in the UK, the average salary for PRINCE2 Practitioners is £50,000 annually.
• Better project outcomes: PRINCE2 certification helps you to apply a structured and logical approach to project management based on proven principles, themes, and processes. It also enables you to tailor the method to suit the specific needs and context of each project.
• Global recognition: PRINCE2 certification is accepted and valued in over 150 countries across various sectors and industries. It also aligns with other best practices and frameworks, such as Agile, DevOps, and Lean.
• Provides networking opportunities: PRINCE2 certification connects you with a global network of over 1 million PRINCE2 professionals who can share their knowledge, experience, and opportunities with you.

Certified Scrum Master Credentials

What is it?

A certified Scrum master credential is a credential that recognizes your competency in Scrum project management principles and qualifies you to become a Scrum Master. A Scrum Master is a project manager that uses Scrum to complete projects. Scrum is an agile framework enabling teams to deliver value to customers in short iterations called sprints.

There are different levels of certified scrum master credentials, such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM). CSM credential is conferred by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes the adoption of Scrum. PSM credential is granted by Scrum.org, a company that provides training and certification in Scrum.

CSM and PSM credentials require passing an exam covering topics such as Scrum values, roles, events, artifacts, and practices. The CSM exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions you must answer within 60 minutes. The PSM exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions you must answer within 60 minutes. Both exams are online and can be taken from anywhere.

The CSM credential also requires attending a two-day course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), who is an experienced Scrum practitioner and educator-approved by the Scrum Alliance. The PSM credential does not require attending any course. Still, optional courses are available to help you prepare for the exam.

The CSM credential is valid for two years, after which you need to renew it by earning 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and paying a renewal fee. The PSM credential does not expire and does not require any renewal.

Who is it for?

The certified scrum master credential is for anyone who wants to demonstrate competence and credibility as a Scrum Master. It is especially suitable for those who have experience working with Scrum teams or want to learn how to use Scrum effectively in their projects.

According to Coursera and Forbes, the certified scrum master credential is designed for all levels of project managers, from entry-level to senior-level. However, there are some prerequisites that you need to meet before you can apply for the exam. These are:

• For the CSM credential: You must have attended a two-day course taught by a CST and have a basic understanding of Scrum concepts and terminology.
• For the PSM credential: You need to have a good knowledge of the Scrum framework as described in the Scrum Guide and have some experience applying Scrum in your projects.

As you can see, the certified Scrum master credential requires some prior knowledge or experience in Scrum. Therefore, if you are new to Scrum or have less than one year of experience, you may want to consider other credentials that are more suitable for your level, such as Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM).

How to get it?

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the certified scrum master credential, you can follow these steps to get it:

1. Choose an accredited provider that offers CSM or PSM courses and exams. You can find a list of approved providers on the websites of the Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org. Please note that neither organization provides courses or exams directly.
2. Register for a course or an exam with your chosen provider. You can choose between online or classroom options depending on your preference and availability. You must pay a fee for the course or exam, which may vary depending on the provider.
3. Prepare for the exam using various resources such as books, guides, practice tests, etc. You can find many free and paid resources on the websites of the Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org, or other platforms. You should also familiarize yourself with the exam format and policies.
4. Take the exam on your scheduled date and time. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions you must answer within a given time limit. For example, the CSM exam has 50 questions and lasts 60 minutes. The PSM exam has 80 questions and lasts 60 minutes. You will receive your score report immediately after completing the exam.
5. Celebrate your achievement if you pass the exam! You will receive an email from the provider with instructions on how to download your certificate and digital badge. You can also update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your new credential.

What benefits can you expect from it?

The certified scrum master credential can bring many benefits to your career and personal development. Some of them are:

• Enhance your scrum knowledge and skills: CSM and PSM help you learn and apply the scrum framework, values, principles, and practices. They also enable you to tailor Scrum to suit the specific needs and context of each project.
• Boost your career prospects: CSM and PSM can enhance your career opportunities by making you stand out from other agile practitioners. They also demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning.
• Increase your salary potential: According to various surveys, CSM and PSM holders earn more than those without certification. For instance, in the USA, the average salary for CSM holders is $97,000 per year, while the average salary for PSM holders is $101,000 per year.
• Improve team performance: CSM and PSM help you improve team management and collaboration skills. As a result, you can guide your team and help them work smoothly, retaining the best product quality. You will also be able to create a work environment that fosters self-organization, motivation, and innovation.
• Gain global recognition: CSM and PSM are accepted and valued in over 150 countries across various sectors and industries. They also align with other best practices and frameworks, such as Agile, DevOps, and Lean. You will also be able to join a global network of over 1 million certified scrum professionals who can share their knowledge, experience, and opportunities with you.

Conclusion

As you can see, no one-size-fits-all answer to which project management certification is best for you. Each certification has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your experience level, goals, preferences, and industry. Therefore, before deciding which certification to pursue, you should consider factors such as:

• Your current situation: Do you have enough experience, education, time, money, etc.? Are you eligible, qualified, ready, etc.?
• Your future plans: What are your career aspirations, expectations, ambitions, etc.? How does getting certified align with them?
• Your alternatives: What are other options available, suitable, relevant, etc.? How do they compare with getting certified?

Ultimately, getting certified is a personal choice that depends on what matters most to you. If you think getting certified will help you achieve what you want, go ahead. If not, then don’t worry. There are many other ways to grow as a project manager. The most important thing is learning and improving your skills and knowledge. We hope that this blog post has helped you make an informed decision about which project management certification is best for you.