Project Management programs typically range from a few weeks to several months, with fees varying based on program and institution.
Cohort Starts: 5 Oct, 2023
In the field of project management, advancing in one's career often hinges on a crucial decision, which certification to pursue? It goes beyond being just a piece of paper; it becomes a strategic move capable of reshaping your professional path. This article serves as your guiding compass in the realm of project management courses , pointing you toward the most beneficial options available.
Whether you are an experienced professional seeking growth or a newbie taking your first steps, this guide opens doors to invaluable insights. Let’s explore various project management courses to make an informed decision and set your career on the path to success.
Here are several popular project management courses and certifications that can greatly contribute to advancing your career. By acquiring these qualifications, you can enhance your skills and open up new opportunities:
PRINCE2, also known as "Projects in Controlled Environments," is a widely recognized project management methodology. It has gained popularity primarily outside the United States, particularly in the UK and among government entities. Administered by Axelos, PRINCE2 certifications are focused on effectively directing, managing, and delivering projects across all phases. These phases encompass pre-project planning, initiation, execution, and final delivery.
The certification program consists of two main levels: PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. The Foundation level offers a solid understanding of project management terminology and the PRINCE2 methodology, making it ideal for individuals embarking on their project management journey. On the other hand, the Practitioner level targets experienced project managers who have already obtained the PRINCE2 Foundation certification. It evaluates their capability to effectively apply PRINCE2 principles, processes, and techniques in real-world project scenarios.
Certification name |
PRINCE2® Foundation |
Requirements |
Candidates can benefit from having a basic understanding of project management, but obtaining the Foundation qualification does not require any formal prerequisites. |
Number of exams |
Two (The examination lasts for 60 minutes and comprises 60 questions. It is a closed-book exam that requires obtaining at least 33 out of 60 correct answers to pass, which equates to a minimum passing score of 55%). |
Certification Cost |
Price may vary according to the country. |
Cost Per exam |
N/A |
The CAPM certification, administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), serves as a foundational step towards obtaining the more advanced PMP certification. It is particularly beneficial for professionals who may not possess a college degree, have limited project management experience, or prefer a gradual approach to achieving their PMP certification instead of pursuing it all at once. CAPM offers a progressive pathway to the more demanding PMP certification.
Certification name |
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) |
Requirements |
|
Number of exams |
One (It takes three hours to complete one 150-question examination (including 15 unscored questions). |
Cost Per exam |
For PMI Members:
For Non-PMI Members:
|
Certification Cost |
Can range between $225-$300, according to the membership |
The Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) certificate, offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), holds great prestige in the field. It is one of the intermediate levels within IIBA's professional certification hierarchy. This certification signifies a business analyst's ability to tackle more complex projects and take on higher responsibilities.
This certification showcases a strong level of business analysis proficiency, validating the analyst's expertise and potential in the field. The program places significant importance on personal growth, work experience, competence, and staying up to date with industry trends and business requirements.
The CCBA certification offered by IIBA is highly coveted among mid-level business analysts. It serves as an excellent choice for individuals who may not meet the strict prerequisites required for the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification. It's important to highlight that the CCBA certification remains valid for a duration of five years, during which time CCBA holders are encouraged to pursue CBAP certification.
Certification name |
Certification of Capability in Business Analysis |
Requirements |
|
Number of exams |
One, The CCBA exam consists of 130 scenario-based questions in a multiple-choice format. These questions are derived from the BABOK® Guide. Test-takers are given a maximum of 3 hours to complete the exam. |
Cost Per exam |
|
Certification Cost |
Can vary according to the membership |
The ACP certification, provided by PMI, verifies proficiency in agile techniques and understanding of principles. This certification exam covers topics like Scrum, Lean, Kanban, TDD, and XP. Professionals operating within agile teams or organizations are the intended audience of this framework. It emphasizes seven key knowledge domains, which include agile project management practices and mindset, stakeholder engagement, value-driven delivery, team performance, problem identification and resolution, adaptive planning, as well as continuous improvement.
Certification name |
Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification |
Requirements |
|
Number of exams |
One, The examination consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within a time frame of 3 hours. Out of these 120 questions, 20 are experimental and have no impact on your final score. The remaining 100 questions determine your official examination score. |
Cost Per exam |
|
Certification Cost |
Can vary according to the candidate membership |
The Associate in Project Management (APM) certification, offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), serves as an introductory project management credential. Its primary purpose is to validate individuals' foundational understanding of the project management framework. This certification specifically targets individuals with limited to no prior experience in project management. This certification targets a diverse audience, including managers and project team members, students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees, entry-level practitioners entering the field, and individuals interested in establishing a career in project management.
Certification name |
Associate in Project Management (APM) |
Requirements |
no formal educational prerequisites required |
Number of exams |
One, The examination comprises 50 Multiple Choice Questions. To pass, candidates must attain a minimum score of 70%, equating to at least 35 correct answers out of the total 50 questions. |
Cost Per exam |
$175 |
Certification Cost |
$175 |
The BVOP Certified Project Manager, based on the Business Value-Oriented Principles (BVOP) framework, has gained popularity in the UK. This framework, centered around agility, places a strong focus on prioritizing business value across all project management techniques.
BVOP certification sets itself apart from other project management course programs. It places a strong emphasis on fostering a people-oriented culture within organizations. This unique approach caters specifically to senior practitioners who have extensive experience in both project management and people management roles.
This certification goes beyond enhancing candidates' project and product management capabilities; it also nurtures their leadership skills by emphasizing collaboration and people-focused leadership. The certification exam covers material from various sections. These sections include project management, program management, and product management.
Certification name |
BVOP Project Manager Certification |
Requirements |
|
Number of exams |
One |
Cost Per exam |
$130 |
Certification Cost |
$130 |
GAQM offers the Certified Project Director (CPD), their highest-level project management certification. This prestigious credential is designed specifically for experienced project managers who actively oversee complex projects and extensive programs.
The CPD certification focuses on effectively managing projects. This includes tasks such as budgeting, determining the scope, and overseeing multiple project teams. Additionally, it highlights the crucial ability to assess and mitigate interdependent risks to ensure successful project delivery.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the CPD program caters exclusively to individuals possessing extensive project management experience.
Certification name |
Certified Project Director certification |
Requirements |
|
Number of exams |
One, The examination comprises of 100 Multiple Choice Questions. To obtain the CPD™ certification and pass the exam, candidates must achieve a high score of 80%. This requires answering at least 80 out of the 100 questions correctly. It is widely acknowledged as one of the most demanding exams for both mid-level and high-level Project managers to overcome. |
Cost Per exam |
$280 |
Certification Cost |
$280 |
The EC-Council provides a specialized Certified Project Management certification course designed for project managers who wish to benchmark their skills.
This comprehensive project management course provides project managers with practical experience and a wide range of management techniques and tools necessary for effectively overseeing complex projects.
Participants have the option to choose from three different course packages. The basic package includes a single video course, labs, e-courseware, and the certification exam. Building upon this, the midtier package offers the CodeRed continuing education video subscription and live instructor training. For those seeking an even more comprehensive experience, the top-tier package goes above and beyond by providing an additional certification course, exam insurance, and access to online exam preparation resources.
Certification name |
Certified Project Management |
Requirements |
No prerequisites |
Number of exams |
one |
Cost Per exam |
The pricing options are as follows: Single video course package: $999 Unlimited video courses: $2,999 Full live-course bundle: $3,499 |
Certification Cost |
Can vary according to the course subscription |
The Certified Project Manager course is offered by the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM). It serves as an entry-level credential designed for individuals who have a foundational understanding of project management. The program encompasses essential knowledge, enabling participants to theoretically plan, organize, and execute projects effectively according to the IAPM's guidelines.
The examination covers a broad range of topics, ensuring comprehensive knowledge across various areas such as project assessment, project environment, core team roles, development of the Phase Model, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) development, cost analysis, risk assessment, budgeting, project evaluation, and more.
Certification name |
Certified Project Manager course |
Requirements |
There are no specific formal requirements for this certification. However, IAPM offers the option of attending workshops led by global training partners or suggests literature for self-study. |
Number of exams |
One |
Cost Per exam |
N/A |
Certification Cost |
Cost can according to the test taker’s nationality. In the US, the cost is $514. |
The CSM certification is an exceptional choice for entry-level individuals, especially project managers who are embarking on their Scrum journey. It serves as a solid foundation by requiring candidates to demonstrate a strong understanding of Scrum principles, values, and the practical application of Scrum methodologies. Additionally, the Scrum Alliance provides valuable resources, checklists, and insights into the important role of a Scrum master as a servant-leader.
Certification name |
Certified ScrumMaster |
Requirements |
|
Number of exams |
The examination comprises a total of 50 questions, and candidates must accurately answer at least 37 to meet the passing requirement. The alotted time for completing the exam is limited to 60 minutes. |
Cost Per exam |
The cost may differ depending on the training provider. |
Certification Cost |
Typically ranges from approximately $995 to $1,395 |
The Master Project Manager (MPM) certification, offered by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM), follows a model similar to "professional licensure" found in various occupations such as pilots, engineers, doctors, and lawyers. The AAPM primarily focuses on certifying professional project managers but also extends recognition to individuals with managerial responsibilities encompassing both business and technical aspects. The MPM certification primarily targets senior project managers and project directors who hold either an undergraduate or master's degree.
Certification name |
Master Project Manager |
Requirements |
In order to obtain the MPM certification, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
|
Number of exams |
One |
Cost Per exam |
$300 |
Certification Cost |
$300 |
Axelos provides PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner certifications, designed specifically for professionals working in agile environments. These certifications confirm your knowledge of PRINCE2 governance requirements, as well as agile principles and methodologies.
The Foundation certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. It covers governance requirements and introduces agile concepts like Scrum, Lean Start-up, Kanban, and Cynefin. Upon successfully completing the Foundation certification, you become eligible to pursue the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner certification. This advanced certification builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the initial exam and evaluates your ability to apply it effectively in practical management scenarios.
Certification name |
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation/Practitioner |
Requirements |
The Foundation exam requires no prerequisites. However, in order to qualify for the Agile Practitioner exam, you must pass the Agile Foundation exam first. |
Number of exams |
Two (Agile foundation and Agile Pratitioner) |
Cost Per exam |
Price may vary based on location |
Certification Cost |
Price may vary based on location |
The GAQM's Professional in Project Management (PPM) certification is considered a mid-tier project management credential. These certifications offered by GAQM prioritize a broad knowledge base and place significant emphasis on essential aspects such as efficient resource allocation, clear direction, adaptability to change, effective communication, and delivering quality outcomes with minimal risk.
The PPM certification covers a wide range of topics. These include project planning, execution, control, and completion of project schedules. This certification caters to project managers with intermediate to experienced skills.
Certification name |
Professional in Project Management (PPM) certification |
Requirements |
Candidates are required to complete the GAQM Body of Knowledge study and e-course. While no formal educational prerequisites exist, candidates are expected to have a foundational level of project management methodologies knowledge to successfully pass the exam |
Number of exams |
One |
Cost Per exam |
$340 |
Certification Cost |
$340 |
The PMP certification, offered by PMI, is widely recognized as the ultimate achievement in project management credentials. It signifies a stringent evaluation that encompasses a vast range of knowledge and project management skills necessary for showcasing expertise in effectively managing the crucial aspects of time, cost, and scope within projects.
This certification demonstrates your expertise and experience in project leadership. It confirms your ability to improve organizational efficiency and performance. The examination covers essential topics such as conflict management, forming effective project teams, planning and managing resources and budgets, along with other important areas.
Certification name |
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification |
Requirements |
Option 1 Candidates to have a four-year secondary degree. In addition, they should accumulate a minimum of three years of project management experience, as well as lead and direct projects for a total of 4,500 hours. Moreover, completing 35 hours of project management education or holding a CAPM certification is required. Option 2 Candidates with a high-school diploma who must possess at least five years of project management experience and have led and directed projects for no less than 7,500 hours. They should also fulfill the requirement of completing 35 hours of project management education. These clearly defined prerequisites ensure that professionals certified by PMP are equipped with substantial knowledge and practical experience in managing projects. |
Number of exams |
One |
Cost Per exam |
Computer based exam: For PMI Members: $405 For non-PMI menbers: $555 Paper Based Exam For PMI members: $250 For non-PMI members: $400 |
Certification Cost |
Can vary based on PMI membership |
PMI offers the Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification, specifically designed for experienced program managers in senior-level positions. These individuals play a crucial role in driving an organization's strategic objectives forward. To qualify for this certification, candidates should have substantial experience overseeing multiple interconnected projects and possess the ability to navigate complex landscapes that span various departments, job functions, regions, or cultural contexts.
Certification name |
Program Manager Professional |
Requirements |
Option 1: Candidates who hold a secondary degree or its global equivalent must have accumulated 48 months of project management experience and 84 months of program management experience within the last 15 years. Option 2: Individuals with a four-year degree should possess either 48 months of project management experience or hold a PMP certification along with 48 months of program management experience within the past 15 years. |
Number of exams |
One |
Cost Per exam |
For PMI Members: $800 For non-PMI Members: $1000 |
Certification Cost |
Can vary based on PMI membership |
A project management course aims to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective planning, execution, and oversight of organizational projects. It helps students develop capabilities in meeting deadlines, managing budgets, and accomplishing company objectives. These project management courses cover various crucial areas like leadership, project management tools, risk management, and resource allocation. They are valuable for those aspiring to pursue careers as project coordinators, analysts, production managers, administrative managers, or quality experts.
In project management, individuals can pursue various job roles. These roles include Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Program Manager, Scrum Master, and more. Each of these positions involves the planning, execution, and oversight of projects or programs in different industries. The choice of job depends on the individual's interests, skills, and specialization within project management.
To become a project manager as a beginner, one should follow a systematic approach. First, it is important to consider obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field to enhance qualifications. Practical experience can be gained by starting in entry-level positions such as a project coordinator or assistant, which expose individuals to project environments. Additionally, pursuing certifications like CAPM or PRINCE2 Foundation can effectively demonstrate commitment to project management.
Networking and seeking mentorship from experienced project managers can provide valuable insights and connections in the field. It is important to focus on developing essential skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are crucial for success in project management roles.
When applying for jobs or attending interviews, it is crucial to have a portfolio that showcases your project work. As you gain experience, it's advisable to seek junior project manager positions or roles that align with your career goals. To stay ahead, continuous learning is key. Stay updated with industry trends and consider pursuing advanced certifications like PMP to further advance your career in project management.
The salary of a project manager can vary based on several factors including skills and years of experience. On average, the salary expectancy of project managers is around $96,525 per year in the United States, and on the other hand, the average salary package in India ranges between ranges between ₹ 4.2 Lakhs to ₹ 28.0 Lakhs . In the USA, senior project managers can expect an annual salary up tp $120,000 and in India, it is INR 28 lakhs. The industry chosen and location also influence salary variations for project managers. Sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance tend to offer higher compensation. Moreover, cities with a higher cost of living generally provide higher salaries for project managers.
The 7 steps of project management play a crucial role in establishing a well-structured project plan and ensuring the successful execution of the plan. These steps serve as a guide
Goals and Project Objectives: To effectively guide the project team, it is essential to define the project's overarching goals and specific objectives. These serve as a compass, providing both purpose and direction for the project.
Success Metrics: The project's objectives can be assessed and measured through well-defined success criteria. These measurable metrics play a crucial role in evaluating the performance of the project.
Stakeholders and Roles: The identification of all project stakeholders (both internal and external) and the clear definition of their roles and responsibilities are essential for effective stakeholder management.
Scope and Budget: It is important to clearly outline the project's scope by detailing what is included and excluded. Additionally, a budget should be developed that effectively allocates resources and tracks project expenses.
Milestones, Deliverables, and Project Dependencies: It is important to break down the project into manageable milestones and clearly identify key deliverables. Additionally, recognizing the dependencies between tasks ensures a logical flow of work.
Timeline and Schedule: A project timeline should be created to outline the completion dates for each task or milestone. Additionally, a schedule needs to consider resource availability and constraints.
Communication Plan: A communication plan must be established to outline how project information will be shared, identify key communicators, and specify the frequency of updates. This ensures that effective communication is maintained, keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged.
The project management triangle, often known as the golden triangle or iron triangle, comprises three essential interconnected variables: scope, cost, and time. These factors determine the quality and success of a project. Any modification to one variable necessitates adjustments in the other two to uphold project integrity. Failure to make corresponding adjustments when changes occur can compromise the project's quality.
A project manager's main duty involves effectively balancing and managing the three vital aspects of the triangle. This responsibility encompasses ensuring that the project's scope remains well-defined, maintaining the budget, adhering to timelines, and meeting project specifications. By navigating skillfully through this golden triangle, project managers strive to deliver high-quality outcomes within budgetary constraints, meet deadlines, and fulfill all project requirements.
Project management involves planning and organizing a project and its resources. The process involves identifying and managing the project lifecycle, incorporating it into the user-centered design process, organizing the project team, and ensuring that it is successful throughout all of the phases of the project.
The process of planning, managing, and organizing projects is a task full of responsibilities, and project management involves the execution of all these essential tasks of an organization. Project management involves team members and managers who set predefined goals and objectives and take the responsibility of managing these teams and delivering work on time.
Every project team works under a project manager who sets goals, communicates with team members and manages and plans project deliverables, making project management the process of planning tasks and turning them into successful projects.
As per the Project Management Institute (PMI), project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. The processes of project management are divided into five groups, namely:
Project management is essential for all organizations because it plays an integral role in an organization's day-to-day operations and overall growth. The project management process involves planning tasks, leading project teams, and delivering successful projects on time. Project managers study the project life cycle, assign tasks to team members, deal with project risks, support the ongoing process, and perform every other responsibility that results in a project’s success.
Project management is extremely important for every organization. From planning a project to executing and delivering it timely, project management helps organizations fulfill their goals and deliver high-quality work to their clients. Project management involves planning, decision-making, problem-solving, time management, risk management, and many more crucial actions that contribute toward the success of projects.
Project management ensures that there is better organization, planning, collaboration, coordination, and communication. It also involves strategies that help in achieving consistent results. Thus, an organization cannot meet its goals without proper project management methodologies and a skilled professional who has mastered project management skills and is well aware of the project management framework.
Scope Management: Helps in identifying the scope of the project and accelerates long-term management.
Schedule Management: This is where the tasks are organized, the deadlines or the duration of the projects are monitored. Schedule management ensures the timely delivery of projects.
Cost Management: This refers to the evaluation of budget, the estimation of the cost of the project, and implementation strategies to reduce expenses of the organization.
Quality Management: Ensuring the quality of projects delivered is up to the mark and meets the requirements of clients. Quality management is an essential part of project management and a project manager implements strategies to improve quality or maintain a consistent quality.
Resource Management: The practice of allocating people, scheduling and planning resources, and allocating resources for a project.
Communication Management: Communication is the key to organize, control, and deliver projects. Communication is also a powerful tool to interact with the teams working on projects and the clients.
Risk Management: Every project has some risk factors involved thus, risk management is the process of identifying these risk factors and managing or resolving them.
Procurement Management: This is the strategic approach for optimizing and managing the quality of goods, services, and products.
Stakeholder Management: This management method approach is implemented for monitoring and organizing relationships with stakeholders, identifying their needs, and implementing plans accordingly.
Integration Management: This approach concerns the coordination of all the elements involved in a project.
The best programs in project management for beginners include:
The best intermediate programs in project management include:
The best advanced-level programs in project management include:
PMI states that the demand for project managers is growing faster than the demand for workers in other occupations. By 2027, companies will need an estimated 22 million people in project management-focused roles.
Becoming a project management professional can significantly boost your career prospects and you can aim for ambitious job roles such as: