As a project manager, it’s essential to have the skills and knowledge required to manage projects successfully.
One way to demonstrate this is by obtaining a project management certification. In this article, I will discuss the top 15 best project management certifications in 2023, the benefits of getting certified, how to choose the best certification for you, and how to prepare for and pass the certification exams.
Why do Project Management Certifications Matter?
Project management certifications are essential because they demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge required to manage projects successfully. These certifications are also a way to stay up-to-date with the latest project management techniques and methodologies. Project management is a constantly evolving field, and it’s important to stay current with the latest trends.
Certifications are also a way to enhance your credibility as a project manager. They demonstrate that you take your profession seriously and are committed to ongoing learning and development. Additionally, certifications can differentiate you from other project managers and make you more marketable to potential employers.
Benefits of Getting Certified
Obtaining a project management certification comes with several benefits. First and foremost, certifications enhance your knowledge and skills in project management. Certifications also demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the necessary expertise to manage projects successfully. This, in turn, can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Certifications can also help you stay current with the latest project management methodologies and techniques. As a certified project manager, you are likely to be more knowledgeable about the latest trends in the field, which can help you better manage projects and deliver better results.
How to Choose the Best Project Management Certification for You?
With so many project management certifications available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a certification:
Your career goals: What are your career goals, and how does a particular certification help you achieve them?
Your experience: What level of experience do you have in project management? Some certifications are designed for entry-level project managers, while others are more suitable for experienced professionals.
Industry requirements: What certifications are most valued in your industry? Research the certifications that are most in demand in your industry and consider obtaining those certifications.
Top 15 Best Project Management Certifications in 2023 Online
Here are the top 15 best project management certifications in 2023:
BVOP Certified Project Manager
BVOP (Business Value-Oriented Principles) Certified Project Manager is a professional certification program that focuses on project management skills, techniques, and methodologies based on the principles of business value. The certification is provided by BVOP, a professional organization that promotes the adoption of business value-oriented principles in project management.
The BVOP Certified Project Manager program covers various aspects of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing of projects. The program also emphasizes the use of agile methodologies and tools for effective project management.
To become a BVOP Certified Project Manager, one needs to complete the certification requirements, which include passing a certification exam and demonstrating practical experience in project management. The program also requires candidates to have a good understanding of business value-oriented principles and practices.
Overall, the BVOP Certified Project Manager program is designed to help project managers improve their skills and knowledge in project management and enable them to deliver business value-oriented projects.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit organization that focuses on advancing the practice of project management. The PMP certification is globally recognized and is considered one of the most prestigious certifications in the project management profession.
The PMP certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in project management. It covers various aspects of project management, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing of projects. The program also emphasizes the use of best practices and methodologies, such as the PMI’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
To become a PMP-certified professional, one needs to meet the eligibility requirements, which include a combination of education and experience in project management. Candidates also need to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of project management principles and practices.
Overall, the PMP certification is designed to help project managers improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in project management and is recognized by employers worldwide.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit organization that focuses on advancing the practice of project management. The CAPM certification is designed for individuals who are new to project management or have limited experience in the field.
The CAPM certification program covers various aspects of project management, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing of projects. The program also emphasizes the use of best practices and methodologies, such as the PMI’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
To become a CAPM-certified professional, one needs to meet the eligibility requirements, which include a high school diploma or equivalent and 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education. Candidates also need to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and understanding of project management principles and practices.
Overall, the CAPM certification is designed to help individuals build a foundation in project management and demonstrate their commitment to the profession. It is a valuable credential for those who are starting their careers in project management or want to pursue advanced certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Original reference: “18 Best Project Management Certifications and Courses of 2023“, https://pm.mba/posts/best-project-management/
PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) Foundation and Practitioner are professional certification programs in project management methodology. PRINCE2 is a widely used project management framework that originated in the United Kingdom and is now used globally.
The PRINCE2 Foundation certification program is designed to provide individuals with a basic understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. It covers various aspects of project management, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing of projects. The program also emphasizes the use of best practices and methodologies, such as the PRINCE2 manual.
To become a PRINCE2 Foundation certified professional, one needs to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and understanding of PRINCE2 methodology. There are no specific eligibility requirements for this certification.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification program is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their ability to apply PRINCE2 methodology to real-world projects. It covers advanced aspects of project management, including risk management, quality control, and project governance. The program also emphasizes the use of best practices and methodologies, such as the PRINCE2 manual.
To become a PRINCE2 Practitioner certified professional, one needs to pass a certification exam, which tests their ability to apply PRINCE2 methodology to real-world scenarios. Candidates must have a PRINCE2 Foundation certification or an equivalent certification, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, to be eligible for this certification.
Overall, the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification programs are designed to help project managers improve their skills and knowledge in project management and enable them to deliver successful projects using the PRINCE2 methodology. Reference: “The best project management certifications“, https://management.uxpd.net/the-best-project-management-certifications/
Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for individuals who have experience in Agile project management methodology. The ACP certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in Agile practices, principles, and tools.
The ACP certification program covers various Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP. It also emphasizes the use of Agile tools and techniques for effective project management, such as Agile planning, estimation, and delivery.
To become an ACP-certified professional, one needs to meet the eligibility requirements, which include a combination of education and experience in Agile project management. Candidates must also have completed 21 contact hours of Agile project management training and pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of Agile principles and practices.
Overall, the ACP certification is designed to help project managers and Agile practitioners improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in Agile project management. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in Agile practices and is recognized by employers worldwide. Reference: “Top 15 project management certifications”, https://www.cio.com/top-project-management-certifications.html
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance for individuals who have experience in Scrum project management methodology. The CSM certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in Scrum practices, principles, and tools.
The Scrum framework is a popular Agile methodology used for managing complex projects. It emphasizes iterative and incremental delivery, self-organizing teams, and continuous improvement.
To become a CSM-certified professional, one needs to attend a two-day CSM course offered by a Certified Scrum Trainer and pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of Scrum principles and practices. Candidates also need to agree to the Scrum Alliance’s Code of Ethics and complete a two-year Scrum Alliance membership.
Overall, the CSM certification is designed to help project managers, team members, and other stakeholders in Agile projects improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in Scrum project management. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in Scrum practices and is recognized by employers worldwide. Reference: “What is the best project management certification?“, https://www.powerhp.net/what-is-the-best-project-management-certification/
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a professional certification program offered by the Scrum Alliance for individuals who have experience in Scrum project management methodology. The CSPO certification is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in Scrum practices, principles, and tools related to product ownership.
The Scrum framework is a popular Agile methodology used for managing complex projects. It emphasizes iterative and incremental delivery, self-organizing teams, and continuous improvement.
The CSPO certification program covers various aspects of product ownership, including product visioning, user story mapping, backlog management, and stakeholder engagement. It also emphasizes the use of Agile tools and techniques for effective product ownership, such as Agile planning, estimation, and delivery.
To become a CSPO-certified professional, one needs to attend a two-day CSPO course offered by a Certified Scrum Trainer and pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of Scrum principles and practices related to product ownership. Candidates also need to agree to the Scrum Alliance’s Code of Ethics and complete a two-year Scrum Alliance membership.
Overall, the CSPO certification is designed to help product owners, project managers, team members, and other stakeholders in Agile projects improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in Scrum project management related to product ownership. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in Scrum practices and is recognized by employers worldwide.
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Project+ is a professional certification program offered by CompTIA that validates the skills and knowledge required to manage small to medium-sized projects. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers the entire project lifecycle from initiation to closure and emphasizes the use of best practices and standard project management methodologies.
The CompTIA Project+ certification program covers various aspects of project management, including project planning, scope management, time and cost management, risk management, communication management, and project closure. It also emphasizes the use of project management tools and techniques for effective project management. Reference: “Top 40 Project Management certifications for 2022 and 2023”, https://scrumtime.org/top-project-management-certifications/
To become a CompTIA Project+ certified professional, one needs to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of project management principles and practices. Candidates do not need to meet any prerequisite requirements to take the exam, although some experience in project management is recommended.
Overall, the CompTIA Project+ certification is designed to help project managers, team members, and other stakeholders in project management improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in project management. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in project management and is recognized by employers worldwide.
Six Sigma Green Belt
Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a professional certification program that validates an individual’s understanding and skills in the Six Sigma methodology. The Six Sigma methodology is a data-driven approach to process improvement that aims to reduce defects and variability in products or services.
The Six Sigma Green Belt certification program covers various aspects of Six Sigma, including process improvement tools and techniques, statistical analysis, project management, and team management. It emphasizes the use of data and metrics to identify process inefficiencies and to drive process improvements.
To become a Six Sigma Green Belt certified professional, one needs to meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include completion of a Green Belt training program and demonstration of practical experience in process improvement projects. Candidates also need to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of Six Sigma principles and practices.
Overall, the Six Sigma Green Belt certification is designed to help professionals improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in process improvement and quality management. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in Six Sigma practices and is recognized by employers worldwide.
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) is a professional certification program offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in IT governance. The CGEIT certification program covers various aspects of IT governance, including strategic alignment, value delivery, risk management, resource management, and performance measurement.
IT governance refers to the management and control of IT resources, processes, and investments to align IT strategies with business objectives, manage IT-related risks, and ensure the value of IT investments. The CGEIT certification program emphasizes the use of best practices, frameworks, and standards for effective IT governance, such as COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology) and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library).
To become a CGEIT-certified professional, one needs to meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include at least five years of experience in IT governance, risk management, or assurance, with a minimum of one year of experience in one of the five CGEIT domains. Candidates also need to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of IT governance principles and practices.
Overall, the CGEIT certification is designed to help IT professionals improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in IT governance, risk management, and assurance. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in IT governance practices and is recognized by employers worldwide.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized professional certification program offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². The CISSP certification validates an individual’s expertise in information security, including security policy development, security management practices, security architecture, and security operations.
The CISSP certification program covers various domains of information security, including security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security. The program emphasizes the use of best practices, frameworks, and standards for effective information security management, such as ISO 27001, NIST, and CIS.
To become a CISSP-certified professional, one needs to meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include a minimum of five years of professional experience in information security, with a minimum of three years of direct security experience in two or more domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Candidates also need to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of information security principles and practices.
Overall, the CISSP certification is designed to help IT professionals improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in information security. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in information security practices and is recognized by employers worldwide.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a professional certification program offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) that validates an individual’s expertise in information systems audit, control, and security. The CISA certification program covers various aspects of information systems audit, including auditing, control, and security of information systems.
The CISA certification program emphasizes the use of best practices, frameworks, and standards for effective information systems auditing, such as COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology) and ISO 27001. The program covers various domains of information systems audit, including auditing process, IT governance, systems and infrastructure lifecycle management, IT service delivery and support, protection of information assets, and business continuity and disaster recovery.
To become a CISA-certified professional, one needs to meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include a minimum of five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security, with a minimum of one year of experience in one of the five CISA domains. Candidates also need to pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and application of information systems audit principles and practices.
Overall, the CISA certification is designed to help IT professionals improve their skills, enhance their professional credibility, and increase their career opportunities in information systems audit, control, and security. It is a valuable credential for those who want to demonstrate their expertise in information systems audit practices and is recognized by employers worldwide.
How to Prepare and Pass the Certification Exams
Preparing for a project management certification exam requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for and pass the certification exam:
Study the exam materials thoroughly: Make sure you understand the concepts and processes covered in the exam materials.
Take practice exams: Practice exams can help you identify areas where you need to improve and can help you get comfortable with the exam format.
Join study groups: Joining study groups can help you learn from other project managers and get answers to any questions you may have.
Stay organized: Make a study plan and stick to it. Staying organized can help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the exam materials.
Benefits of Adding Project Management Certifications to Your Resume
Adding project management certifications to your resume can help you stand out from other project managers and make you more marketable to potential employers. Certifications show that you have the knowledge and skills required to manage projects successfully, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Certifications can also help you stay current with the latest project management methodologies and techniques, which can help you better manage projects and deliver better results.
Conclusion
Obtaining a project management certification is essential for project managers who want to demonstrate their expertise and enhance their credibility. With so many project management certifications available, it’s essential to choose the right one for you based on your career goals, experience, and industry requirements. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can prepare for and pass the certification exam and enhance your knowledge and skills in project management.
