Types of Project Management Certification

As a project management professional, earning certification for your experience is one way to boost your marketability and prove your capability. There are various ways to earn recognition and certification in project management. One way is to earn a degree such as the online Master in Management and Leadership from Campbellsville University. Another is to earn a certification. Professionals may be interested in the certification programs below, which differ in cost, skill level and requirements.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

This is considered the “gold standard” in project management certifications. The certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is constantly communicating with businesses and academia to ensure it is staying updated with this certification. The certification covers time, cost and scope of project management. Earning the certification proves a professional’s knowledge in these three key areas. In order to take the certification, PMI requires the following: A four-year degree, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education OR a high school diploma, 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education. The cost for the exam is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management certification is also administered by PMI and is usually taken before professionals attempt to pass the PMP exam. CAPM certification is for those with less project management experience. This certification requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 1,500 hours of project management experience OR 23 hours of project management education. The cost is $255 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.

CompTIA Project+

This certification is comparable to the CAPM certification, though its requirements are less strict. The CompTIA Project+ certification was developed through the culmination of feedback from research institutions, government representatives, the computing industry, academia and independent experts. This certification requires one year of experience managing, directing or participating in small- to medium-sized projects. Professionals need to pay $285 to take this certification exam.

Master Project Manager (MPM)

This certification, while intended for professional project managers, is also designed for professionals who have responsibilities with business and technical management. The certification is offered through the American Academy of Project Management and costs $300. Professionals must have at least three years of project management experience.

Associate in Project Management

The Associate in Project Management offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) is designed for students who are interested in entering the project management field or those who are already entry-level project managers. No formal education or experience is required, and the cost is $300.

Professional in Project Management (PPM)

The PPM is offered by GAQM and is aimed toward those who are intermediate to experienced project managers and are involved in risk management, crisis management and day-to-day project management. While no formal education or experience is required, candidates should have some experience in project management. The exam costs $300.

Certified Project Director

This is GAQM’s highest-level project management certification. Those who take this exam should have experience in directing multiple complex projects and programs, as well as be familiar with principles and methodologies of project management. Candidates should also have passed the PPM or equivalent exam and need to pay $300 to take the Certified Project Director exam.