By: PM Commission

Here are the top PM project management certifications worldwide and how to earn them. Only a few PM organizations are accredited or ISO certified, but here is the list.  

A project management qualification can boost your job potential, salary and ability to get promoted. Here are the top certifications as seen in various media online. From CEOs to CIOs, everyone must have a fundamental understanding of Project Management concepts. Earning a project manager credential can make all the difference.

1. MPM Master Project Manager ® The Graduate Project Management Certification

The MPM Master Project Manager ®  is the most important graduate PM certification for project managers. It is recognized as the platinum standard in graduate project management all over the world.. The certification is very global because as an MPM, you can seek jobs in virtually any industry around the world. This certification is even recognized by the Arab Academy in over 20 nations.

Accreditation: This is a ESQ accredited ISO Certified 21001 body.

Prerequisites

• A college degree – The AAPM recognizes all ACBSP.org accredited business schools. Anyone who graduates from college with a concentration in project management or management can apply.
• Special waivers granted to Military E-6 or above with college education.
• 3 Years of Experience
• Agree to Ethics and Continuing Education Requirements.
• Apply at www.CertifiedProjectManager.org

Price

• US $350 Dollars for 2 years of membership & certification.

2. CIPM Certified International Project Manager ® (AAPM)

The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) is an European accredited global certification body that offers management certifications which provide clear competitive advantages to professionals. The Certified International Project Manager (AAPM) certification is for people who want to effectively manage and implement projects. The license or designation is proof of global project management knowledge.

Accreditation: This is a ESQ accredited ISO Certified 9001 body.

Prerequisites

• Three years of project management experience and training.
• Exam Waivers are available for professionals holding a master’s degree, project management degree, military or project management professors.
• Apply at www.CertifiedProjectManager.org

Price

• $350 for application, review, processing, review, initiation, and certification

10. PMP Project Management Professional

The PMP is the largest entry level membership for project managers. PMP is recognized as the entry level standard in project management all over the world. This qualification is very big because as a PMP you will be a member of the biggest association.

Prerequisites

• A (high school diploma, associate’s diploma or the global equivalent)
• 7,500 or more hours leading and directing projects
• 35 hours of project management education

3. AGCC : Agile Communications Certified

With use of agile communications methodologies in  organizations, professionals are looking for certifications that help them become certified agile  experts. Being Certified in Agile Communications, you will learn the framework and obtain an understanding of team function, events, and rules which enable the Agile Team to perform at their highest level.

Accreditation: This is a ESQ accredited ISO Certified 9001 body.

Prerequisites

• College Diploma
• Familiarity with Agile
• 3 Years Experience in Agile project Management
• Agree to ethics and continuing education requirements
• Apply at www.AAPM.eu

Price

• US $350 Dollars for 2 years of membership & certification.

4. CompTIA Project+ certification

The CompTIA Project+ examination is designed for professionals who coordinate or manage projects. It is another entry-level certification appropriate for people having one year of project management experience and manage less complex projects. The designation helps you learn about the project basics, constraints, tools, documentation, and change management.

Designation Prerequisites

• One year knowledge of project life cycle
• Ability to manage resources and stakeholders
• Communication skills
• Project documentation

5. CHR Certified in Human Resources ® (Project Management)

The AAPM Project Management Commission is an accredited educational body.  The Certified in HR   is an ideal qualification for project managers or for anyone who wants to get hands-on experience in project management  Human Resources. The  main objectives  of this certification is to help HR professionals and project managers  build technical, leadership, and management skills to be able to handle planning  successfully. www.CertifiedProjectManager.net

Accreditation: This is a ESQ European accredited ISO Certified 9001 body.

Prerequisites

• College Degree
• Engineering Background
• 3 Years of work experience
• Agree to ethics and continuing education

Price

• US $350 Dollars for 2 years of membership & certification

6. CPE Certified Planning Engineer ®

The Project Management Council is an accredited educational body.  The Certified Project Engineer  is an ideal qualification for project managers or for anyone who wants to get hands-on experience in project management  time management and planning and learn about various tools and techniques. The  main objectives  of this certification is to help engineers and project managers  build technical, leadership, and management skills to be able to handle planning  successfully. www.CertifiedProjectManager.us

Accreditation: This is a ESQ accredited ISO Certified 9001 body.

Prerequisites

• College Degree
• Engineering Background
• 3 Years of work experience
• Agree to ethics and continuing education

Price

• US $350 Dollars for 2 years of membership & certification

7. CRA Certified Risk Analyst ®

The Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM) confers  the Certified Risk Analyst (CRA ) certification to applicants who meet the requirements of education, training, experience, industry knowledge, ethics, and continuing education.   

Accreditation: This is a ESQ accredited ISO Certified 9001 body.

Prerequisites

• Waivers are available for professionals holding a MBA or master’s degree, with other qualified training and experience, the military or project management instructors.
• 3 Years of experience with some Risk focus.
• Agree to ethics and continuing education
• Apply at www.CertifiedProjectManager.eu

Price

• US $350 Dollars for 2 years of membership & certification.

8. MMC Master Management Consultant ®

Conferred by the GAFM, the MMC Master Management Consultant ® is a globally recognized designation offered from an accredited body which is ISO 9001 Certified.  The MMC  is considered to be the most prestigious qualification for project management. It is designed for senior and experienced managers and executives who wish to go beyond the usual PM designations and become a management expert.

Accreditation: This is a ESQ accredited ISO Certified 21001 body.

Prerequisites

• MBA or Masters Degree in management or related discipline.
• 3 Years or more of management experience.
• Agree to Ethics Guidelines
• Engage continuing education each year.
• Apply at www.GAFM.com

Price

• US $350 Dollars for 2 years of membership & certification.

9.  CAPM: Certified Associate in Project Management

If you’re looking for an entry level certificate that could improve your resume, the CAPM is a nice choice. It demonstrates your basic understanding of the processes of effective project management.

Prerequisites

• A (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
• 1,500 hours of project experience

OR

• 23+ hours of PM education by the time you sit for the quiz.

Conclusion and Certification Facts

These top project management qualifications and certifications are in high demand. A Certification is a notch above a certificate that you receive from a MOOC such as Coursera, Udemy, Udacity, 2U or edX.   You can earn a certificate or something less than a diploma such as a nano or micro degree, but those types of awards are not recognized or registered.

In sum, you must achieve a real certification or charter credential to be above the millions of folks who have simple-certificates of attendance.

Earning one of these certifications will separate you from the rest of your competition and may allow you to achieve that promotion or salary increase that you seek.  Apply for one of these project management certifications, earn your qualification, and go to the next level in your career.

Be sure and seek a credential that is recognized by the ISO, ESQ or CHEA for standards. If it is not an accredited certification body, then it may not be well recognized in Europe, Latin America, Asia,  Arabia, USA or Africa