Project Management certifications or certified professionals are not crucial to an organization’s core structure, but their involvement distinguishes them ten folds.
From the 1960s to the early 2000s, Agile Framework adoption was still in its infancy. Teams and organizations are looking to design unknowingly adapted to a specific set of daily rituals later termed Agile Project Management, PMP, and other such condiments.
Today, technology and businesses have gone through a change that has led to such organizations requiring certified project managers. These individuals are qualified to handle ongoing projects’ requirements, whether related to software development or physical boundaries.
The nature of the certification, in turn, defines how the skills of a certified IT Project Manager can be applied and benefited from.
Why Are Project Management Certifications Important?
The average certified project manager has undergone different vigorous project development units, each being a training module of its nature.
As a result of these certifications, the project manager is eventually capable of handling different challenges and presenting tasks to help increase the flow of the business industry. These project managers take Scrum Masters and Product Owners, who, in turn, are tasked to monitor sprint marathons within the organization.
However, in the control of each project, it comes down to getting the concerned Project Management Certifications. Otherwise, you would not be treated as an accredited/ recognized individual equipped to manage the complicated tasks within the life cycle of a project.
The Best Project Management Certifications
Many organizations, especially in the IT sector, bit the bullet after the second quarter of 2020, and most are now showing project management certifications online. These organizations were in the minority because most significant businesses had hired either a Certified Associate in Project Management or a highly skilled Project Management Professional.
Statistics showed a pronounced slump in budget overturn, project completion rates, and client satisfaction percentage. As a result of those findings, most of the leftover companies and institutes have shifted towards the current trend.
Some of the best Project Management Certifications and IT Project Managed Certifications are highlighted below. Remember that we encourage you to complete your research to weigh the pros and cons of these certifications.
1. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
- Expected Salary: $100,000-$110,000
- Course Duration: 3 Years
- Accreditation: Project Management Institute (PMI)
Project Management Professional Certification cycles around three constraints: Time, Cost, and Scope. It is a challenging path that constitutes different modules to assist academia in identifying the weak spots within a project.
As a result, the project manager can brief their team to create alternatives for completing the test sprint phase and eventually achieve all the milestones towards a deliverable product.
The Project Management Professional certification is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI). They constantly work to introduce new changes within the course contents to keep it up to date and aligned with the industry’s rapidly changing needs.
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification
- Expected Salary: $90,000-$101,000
- Accreditation & Significance: Project Management Institute
As mentioned earlier in this post, the CAPM is part of the basic level IT Project Management Certifications. The high-tier certifications not only carry prerequisites but are also demanding.
The PMI also administers the Certified Associate in Project Management. It is a basic-level certification lined up with many learning and growth opportunities for beginners.
3. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification
- Expected Salary: $110,000-$123,000
- Course Duration: 24-Hour Approval & Eligibility Period
- Accreditation: Project Management Institute (PMI)
The PMI administers the Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Project Management certification. This certification strictly follows Agile mindset businesses, most companies that believe in identifying core problems and doing more in less capacity. Agile is a vast description.
The PMI instructors give a brief walkthrough of the Agile philosophy through a ground-up process. The certification further delves into a practical hands-on strategy where different training modules are conducted to further equip the individuals with Agile frameworks.
Speaking of Agile frameworks, Scrum is part of the Agile mantra. Scrum is also a detailed systematic approach to getting things done, but it is related to Agile; you can also call it a subcategory of Agile.
A significant perk of seeking certification as a PMI-ACP is that this is a globally acknowledged achievement. Students are enrolled to explore different tools and then apply their skills to real-life issues concerned with Agile hurdles.
PMI administers Agile Project Management Certification. They are also heading various PMI certifications, degree programs, and methods to help aspiring individuals from all walks of life.
4. PRINCE2 – Projects in Controlled Environments Certification
- Expected Salary: $90,000
- Course Duration: 3-5 Yeas
- Accreditation: AXELOS
PRINCE2 is an advanced tier degree in the project management certifications chain. It would be best if you cleared a couple of prerequisites; otherwise, the governing administration will not allow you to sit the exam. However, that is not bad news; it just means that you can complete this certification after clearing a few essential milestones first.
PRINCE2 Certified Engineers are highly supposed in their concerned field. Organizations expect a lot from these individuals since they are well prepared with the knowledge of verifying employees, core project management skills, concepts about IT project management lifecycle, and business development tools.
5. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Certification
- Expected Salary: $97,200
- Course Duration: Several years or until you have demonstrated two projects at least.
- Accreditation: ASQ
The next on the list is CSSBB, also known as Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Yes, it does have a fancy name, and that name is accompanied by a nice fat paycheck and a whole lot of challenges.
Another exciting thing about CSSBB is that it is not the only certification in this tier. If you are not up to the challenge or do not meet the prerequisites, you can sign up for the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt certification. This one’s a lower-level certification and works as a stepping stone for those looking to get the Black Belt.
CSSBB is recognized globally, and the ASQ institute accredits it. Besides the CSSBB certification, the ASQ Body of Knowledge is embellished with 18 certificates. Three certifications make up for project managers, while others escalate the PM level expertise to a more professional level.
CSSBB certification is challenging, and the path is tricky because of demanding prerequisites and a diverse fee structure. The good news is that once you are done with it, you will enjoy the benefits of a decent pay scale and many other perks that big companies offer professionals.
6. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CCSGB) Certification
- Expected Salary: $77,000-$80,000
- Course Duration: 1 Year or until the prerequisite requirement has been met
- Accreditation: ASQ
This certification is part of the other certification in the Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certifications group. There are three certifications, and CSSGB is one of them. The three certificates are essential for anyone looking to hone their skills as a project manager.
As usual, the CSSGB certification is accredited by the ASQ. Before the exam, candidates must have at least three years of experience in the Six Sigma projects field. In addition, the work experience has to be full-time and paid for. Therefore, internees or part-time workers cannot take the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt exam.
Where to Begin with Project Management Certifications?
Consult with an expert from the industry to see which certification keeps the most value for you in years to come. According to some experts, they only took up Scrum Master, Agile or Lean Business certifications because of the sheer excitement. They were able to pioneer business and impact the means to an end philosophy in a positive manner.
Project managers are highly rewarded for their skills, and their pay scale quickly levels against CEOs and high-profile business designations. Depending on how prepared you are and your program’s prerequisites, getting a project management certification can take up to 8 to 12 weeks.
Conclusion
Project management is an essential skill that is currently in high demand worldwide. It helps streamline processes and reduces waste of time and resources, thereby improving profits. Getting a project management certification is highly advantageous for anyone working in this field and is guaranteed to boost your skills and employability.
Even if you reach these certifications with others, you will find several parallels in the learning material and the philosophies; however, the frameworks and processes might differ. Picking the most suitable project management certification is essential as it impacts how you market and handle projects at your workplace. Many factors should be considered when making your selection. There is no right or wrong choice, and you consistently have the option of getting a double certification.
