Project management certificates
Project management is not just one skill but a set of complementary skills that include communication, leadership, and management. Explore the best project management certificates that can prepare you for the PMP certification exam.
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Why earn a project management certificate online?
Skill validation
Adding project management certificates to your résumé shows potential employers that you have in-demand skills. Earning a certificate may also help you qualify for project management roles with your current employer or increase your salary potential.
PMP certification eligibility
Learning project management skills can help you qualify for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. Other requirements include a high school or undergraduate diploma and relevant professional experience.
Professional networking
Online project management certificate programs are a great opportunity to network with like-minded professionals. These contacts may lead to new career opportunities.
Browse project management certificates
How project management certificates can prepare you for certification
The Project Management Institute (PMI), which grants PMP certification, requires prospective test-takers to complete 35 hours of project management education or training from approved providers. Holding a certification in a related area may also count toward this requirement.
Project management certificate programs do not just qualify you to take the PMP exam; they can also prepare you to answer questions on exam topics:
- Team member training
- Negotiation
- Stakeholder collaboration
Visit the PMI website if you have questions or need help finding approved courses. Keep records of the project manager courses for beginners that you take, as you will need them when registering for the PMP exam.
PMP certification requirements
In addition to the exam and the 35 hours of project management education, you must meet one of the following requirements to earn the PMP certification:
- A high school diploma and five years of project management experience
- A bachelor's degree in any subject and three years of project management experience
- A bachelor's degree in a subject with PMI accreditation and two years of project management experience
You cannot count project management experience more than eight years old toward certification. If you do not qualify to sit for the PMP certification exam, you can still explore other PMI certifications, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
What can you do with a certificate in project management?
As you work toward PMP certification, and . Potential benefits include qualifying for new roles with higher salaries and more responsibility, and expanding your professional network.
Certification may also help you qualify for jobs like those below, including salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Project management specialist
Project management specialists help their employers plan projects, coordinate resources, and lead teams. Project management certificate programs emphasize the analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills these professionals need for success.
- Median annual salary (2024): $100,750
- Projected job growth (2024-34): +6%
Project management specialist
Project management specialists help their employers plan projects, coordinate resources, and lead teams. Project management certificate programs emphasize the analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills these professionals need for success.
- Median annual salary (2024): $100,750
- Projected job growth (2024-34): +6%
Which project management certificate is best?
Which project management certificate is best for you depends on your short- and long-term goals. If you have little to no experience in project management, consider a short course to introduce you to the concepts and skills you'll need for project management.
Intermediate or advanced project management certificates may appeal to professionals working toward professional advancement, PMP certification, or another defined goal. These programs charge fees, use synchronous learning, and require more time each week than introductory courses and certificates.
To find the certificate that best fits your needs, schedule, and financial constraints, compare programs' tuition and learning outcomes before enrolling.
If you need help choosing a certificate, consult experienced project management specialists at your company or organization. Ask about their career journey to learn which academic path they chose to gain in-demand skills. You may discover other options that better fit your unique needs and goals.