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Best Project Management Certifications For Entry, Mid-Level, & Professional-Level Employees

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Robert Johnson

While project management has been practiced informally throughout history, it did not evolve into a distinct profession until the mid-20th century when a group of forward-thinkers from various professions realized the need to standardize techniques and tools to manage resources and deliver projects seamlessly.

Project management involves initiating, planning, and controlling a range of tasks required to complete a project successfully. Businesses draw up a formal project management plan for projects - that are intended to create something new or involve drastically altering an existing mechanism (whether tangible or intangible), projects that have a definite start and end, those that are likely to be complex, and projects that involve managing and mitigating risks. 

A project management certification helps project managers master different hard and soft skills and introduces them to the tools, techniques, and methods fundamental to project management. It also elevates your resume, helping you stand out when reaching the next level in your career.

Here, we offer three different certifications that will help you when making your next career move.

Entry-Level Certification

Certified Associate In Project Management (CAPM):

The certificate is offered by Project Management Institute. It equips people with the most rudimentary concepts, processes, and terminologies in project management and is ideal for those with little or no practical experience. All you need is a high school diploma and 23 hours of project management education to be eligible.

CompTIA Project+ Certification:

The CompTIA Project+ certification is awarded by CompTIA and is as popular as the CAPM. CompTIA Project+ credentials are ideal for people who manage minor projects as a part of their job and need to develop project management skills, especially in the IT and telecom sectors. Unlike CAPM, you need at least one year of experience managing or participating in a small to medium-sized project.

Middle-Level Certification

Professional in Project Management (PPM)

This certification is best suited for professionals handling projects at the mid-tier level. The Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) offers it and introduces candidates to resource allocation, crisis and risk management, and effective communication. While you don’t need to be a graduate to take the PPM certification, employees prefer hiring candidates with experience in project management.

Master Project Manager (MPM)

The MPM certification is best for IT professionals looking for better roles within the project management domain in their respective companies. The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) offers it and involves the latest international project management standards. Candidates also get to learn about strategic management, financial management, and risk management. To be eligible to take the MPM certification, you must be a graduate with at least 3 years of experience as a project manager.

Leadership Level Project Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Institute offers the PMP certification and tests a candidate’s ability to manage people and processes in a complex project. It is one of the most recognized certifications, applicable in various sectors, including health, IT, and construction. PMP credentials are valuable for professionals who have several years of experience in project management.

Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)

The Project Management Institute offers this certification and is ideal for candidates at the executive or senior level. You’ll need at least 96 months of business experience and 84 months (45 months if you are a graduate) of portfolio management experience for those with a high school diploma.

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