Best project management certifications 2024

Keeping up with digital transformation, working at tech-producing companies, gaining experience with AI models, creating your own projects, or analyzing data to manage projects… Project management, one of the most trending professions of the new era, encompasses all these components and opens up a unique career path for you. By obtaining certifications in project management, you can increase your knowledge and technical experience, and seize job opportunities with high salaries at global firms.

Getting a project management certification is an excellent way to enhance your skills, open up to the world, and increase your chances of finding a job. In this content, you can review the best project management certifications to decide which one is right for you, and shape your career according to your experience, industry, and goals.

Here are the best internationally recognized certifications in project management where you can develop your skills:

Top Project Management Certifications

1. Associate in Project Management (CAPM®)

A suitable entry-level certification for those who are at the basic level in project management and want to develop in this field. CAPM® is an ideal certification program for the initial stage and serves as a stepping stone for less experienced project managers compared to PMP. The CAPM certification provides a foundation for those wanting to make a career in project management and is the first step towards the PMP certification.

• How to get it?: Successfully pass the 150-question CAPM® certification exam and complete the 35-hour project management education required for the PMP exam.
• Who is it suitable for?: Those just starting a career in project management, project coordinators, and project team members.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP®)

The most recognized and sought-after project management certification, PMP® is an internationally known accreditation. With PMP®, your expertise in project management is globally accepted. With PMP®, you can manage high-level projects in numerous sectors such as healthcare, technology, education, commerce, and achieve high salaries, advancing your career.

• How to get it?: Successfully pass the 180-question exam, have 36 months of project leadership experience, and 35 hours of project management education/training or hold the CAPM® certification.
• Who is it suitable for?: Experienced project leaders who have proven themselves and specialized in this field.

3. Prince2

One of the internationally recognized project management certification programs, Prince2 is based on the fundamentals of managing a project from A to Z. Prince2 offers a process-based approach to project management, integrating various disciplines such as strategy, leadership, risk management, and communication.

• How to get it?: Complete the Foundation level exam to obtain the certification, and pass the required exams for the Agile and Practitioner levels.
• Who is it suitable for?: Prince2 certification is designed according to two different qualification levels. The Prince2 Practitioner level is for those who will play a role in executing and managing the project, while the Prince2 Agile foundation level is for those who will learn the basics of project management.

4. ScrumMaster (CSM®)

An internationally recognized certification program that will help teams in project management, ScrumMaster (CSM®) focuses on methodologies applied in the real world. ScrumMaster (CSM®) helps you make a comprehensive entry into the world of Scrum. This program ensures you are competent in skills such as communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and coaching, which are in demand by employers. With this certification, you can manage teams, lead, and guide project managers to succeed in an agile environment.

• How to get it?: Successfully pass the CSM® test after completing the necessary training.
• Who is it suitable for?: Suitable for anyone looking to develop in-demand skills worldwide.

5. Program Management Professional (PgMP®)

With Program Management Professional (PgMP®), which certifies your level in advanced project management, you can manage complex projects, truly fulfill a leadership role, be responsible for projects happening worldwide, and earn higher salaries. With Program Management Professional (PgMP®), you can manage multiple and interrelated projects in a coordinated manner.

• How to get it?: Successfully complete the panel review assessment and pass the exam.
• Who is it suitable for?: Senior project managers with 48 months of project management experience or PMP/48 months of program management experience in the last 15 years, and those with 48 months of project management experience or PMP/84 months of program management experience in the last 15 years.

6. Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) Product Owner

With Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) Product Owner, which has methodologies to maximize skills in product management, customer experience, and brand value, you can specialize in the SAFe® Agile team, manage teams, and provide training to maintain alignment with customer and stakeholder needs. This program, which opens new doors in your career, allows you to advance in your current job, improve your skills, and take on critical roles in business balance.

• How to get it?: Successfully pass the exam after completing the training.
• Who is it suitable for?: Suitable for those serving as customer and business responsible in a SAFe® environment.

7. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP®)

With portfolio management, which certifies advanced skills for corporate strategy execution, you can manage one or more portfolios in a coordinated manner, act as a bridge between strategy and execution, and be one of the people setting company goals. This program aims to align projects, programs, and operations with strategic goals under the leadership of portfolio managers.

• How to get it?: Successfully complete the panel review assessment and pass the exam.
• Who is it suitable for?: Suitable for those with portfolio management experience.

8. ITIL® Expert

With the certification that is a professional step in becoming a project manager in the IT field, you can be the executor of complex projects in the information technology field. This certification guides businesses providing IT services in designing, planning, improving, and maintaining IT services.

• How to get it?: Successfully pass the exam that candidates with ITIL certifications and knowledge and skills in ITIL practices will take. Complete all required ITIL modules to qualify for the certification.
• Who is it suitable for?: Suitable for those who want to achieve competence in the entire ITIL scheme.

9. CompTIA Project+

The program developed by the globally recognized technology association CompTIA is designed to provide fundamental knowledge about project management in the IT field. It aims to equip you with skills to best manage processes such as project coordination, communication, and project documentation. CompTIA Project+ is a versatile program for IT professionals who need basic project management skills.

• How to get it?: Successfully pass the exam after completing the training.
• Who is it suitable for?: Suitable for entry-level project managers in the IT field and those managing non-complex projects.

10. Certified Project Manager (IAPM) Qualification

An internationally recognized certification program in traditional project management, Certified Project Manager (IAPM) Qualification is conducted online, has repeatable exams, and is valid for life. This certification aims to provide fundamental knowledge for all stages of a project, including initiation, execution, and planning.

• How to get it?: Successfully pass the Certified Project Manager (IAPM) exam.
• Who is it suitable for?: Suitable for those wanting to make a career as a project manager and those seeking official qualifications in traditional project management methods.

By choosing the right project management certification for you, you can make a great start to your career and take your skills to the next level. These certifications not only enhance your knowledge and technical experience but also equip you with crucial skills in lean project management, enabling you to efficiently handle project collaboration and product development. As you gain expertise, you’ll improve your team workload management, benefiting from collaborative tools that streamline processes and enhance team management skills.

In today’s competitive market, understanding the dynamics of B2C business and addressing issues of ineffective leadership are essential for maintaining an intelligent workplace. Effective team management becomes paramount in fostering work motivation and ensuring the success of your projects. Additionally, being aware of the cost of project management software helps you make informed decisions that balance budget constraints with the benefits provided.

With these certifications, you are not only investing in your professional growth but also contributing to the overall success of your team and organization. Whether you aim to specialize in a specific industry or develop a broad range of skills, the right project management certification can open doors to numerous opportunities, making you a valuable asset in the realm of project management.