Home > Articles > Professional Certifications > PMP

Project Management Certification Roundup

Unlike most areas of the IT industry, becoming certified in project management (PM) requires more than purely technical knowledge or hands-on skills. A number of project management certifications are offered by leading organizations in the field, each with varied areas of focus and depth of knowledge tested. In this article, IT expert Emmett Dulaney walks us through today's industry standard PM titles.
Like this article? We recommend

Unlike most areas of the IT industry, becoming certified in project management requires more than purely technical knowledge or hands-on skills. Candidates must also be proficient in overseeing and coordinating the use of team members, finances, and other resources to efficiently and effectively implement and carry out company projects. A number of project management certifications are offered by leading organizations in the field, each with varied areas of focus and depth of knowledge tested.

CompTIA Project+

In the field of project management, CompTIA offers one of the most well recognized entry-level certifications with Project+ (formally named IT Project+). The certification assesses the candidate’s ability to see a project from initiation to completion while upholding time constraints and budget restrictions. The primary objectives covered in the exam’s 100 questions are project planning, execution and delivery, and control and communication. Pre-project setup and project closure are also covered, although less heavily. Along with technical know-how and expertise, the candidate’s knowledge must also extend into interpersonal skills such as conflict avoidance and time management.

While there are no prerequisites or experience requirements, the Project+ exam is recommended for individuals with at least one year of experience organizing and managing small and mid-sized projects. The current exam consists of 100 questions and lasts 90 minutes. This version of the exam tests familiarity with CompTIA’s 2009 objectives. For individuals studying the requirements of the Project+ exam covering 2003 objectives, the previous version (which consists of 80 questions and lasts 90 minutes) will be available to candidates until March 31, 2011. Both versions of the exam cost $239.

For more on CompTIA’s Project+ certification, check out http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/project.aspx.

Project Management Institute

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the leading non-profit association for project management professionals. In addition to providing research and professional development opportunities to its members, PMI also offers five levels of project management certification. The foremost certification in this catalog is Project Management Professional (PMP).

In order to qualify for the PMP exam, candidates must either possess a four-year degree with an additional 4,500 hours of hands-on project management experience or a high school diploma with an additional 7,500 hours of experience. All candidates must also have acquired 35 hours of project management education. The exam is made up of 200 multiple-choice questions and costs $555, with a $150 discount for PMI members.

For candidates unable to meet the experience requirements for PMP certification, PMI offers the entry-level Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. The CAPM tests candidates with 150 multiple-choice questions and is designed for professionals new to project management or looking to validate the foundational skills needed in the field. While prerequisites are less extensive, CAPM candidates are still required to possess a secondary education diploma and a minimum of 1,500 hours of work experience. Twenty-three hours of project management education may be substituted for these experience hours. The CAPM exam costs $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.

Beyond the CAPM and PMP, PMI’s Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification extends its subject matter to the management of multiple, simultaneous projects and the accomplishment of strategic initiatives related to the projects. A typical question on the PgMP exam might quiz a candidate on the best method of incorporating new projects into existing company programs. After passing the exam, PgMP candidates must also undergo a multi-rater assessment from a panel of 12 individuals they personally select. The panel of supervisors, peers, direct reports, and professional references assess the candidate’s project management abilities and performance. These assessments are reviewed by PMI before certification is awarded.

The last two certifications in PMI’s catalog are PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) and PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP). These specialty certifications are designed for professionals looking to fill scheduling or risk management roles within project management teams or to supplement existing project management credentials.

To see detailed information and requirements for all PMI certifications, go to http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Which-PMI-Certification-is-Right-for-You.aspx.

After receiving any PMI credentials, individuals must complete a set number of Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years to keep their certification in good standing. Attending seminars, volunteering services, and completing approved courses are all ways to obtain PDUs. For a full list of ways to complete PMI-approved Professional Development Units, visit http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Twelve-Ways-to-Earn-PDUs.aspx.

Stanford Advanced Project Management Certificate Program

Through Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development, the Stanford Certified Project Manager (SCPM) certification is offered to professionals wanting to acquire and confirm knowledge of advanced project management skills. In lieu of traditional certification exams, SCPM candidates must complete six courses offered through the program. Three courses—Converting Strategy Into Action, Leadership for Strategic Execution, and Mastering the Project Portfolio—are required, while the remaining three are selected by the candidate from a list of elective courses.

Classes may be taken online, on Stanford’s campus, or at other approved training centers. When taken on Stanford’s campus, fees total $2,600 per course. Online tuition is reduced to $950 per course. On top of being required for SCPM certification, every project management course offered by the Center for Professional Development is approved as Professional Development Units for PMI certifications. To see a list of elective courses and learn more about the requirements of becoming a SCPM, head over to http://apm.stanford.edu/certificateProgram.htm.

IAPPM Certified Project Manager

The International Association of Project and Program Management provides the Certified Project Manager (CPM) designation for solidifying foundational and practical skills for project management professionals. The CPM is designed to supplement existing project certifications or serve as a starting point of a professional’s certification path. To find out more about IAPPM’s certifications, head over to http://www.iappm.org/cpm.htm.

AAPM Master Project Manager

Master Project Manager (MPM) certification from the American Academy of Project Management can be achieved through a simple application process for individuals possessing an accredited project management degree, a Master’s degree with one year of project management experience, or an undergraduate degree with three years of experience. Resumes are reviewed and approved for certification by the AAPM Board. Candidates lacking these requirements are eligible to take AAPM’s free Project Management Exam online to supplement their resumes. Learn more about AAPM certifications at http://www.projectmanagementcertification.org/certification.html.

Preparation

As we’ve recommended earlier in this series for other certification paths, CompTIA certification is a smart starting place for project management professionals beginning their certification track. Project+ has no prerequisites, and the foundational material covered in its exam solidifies the knowledge base needed to move on to more extensive certifications. After becoming Project+ certified, moving through PMI’s certification program is a logical choice. Whether beginning with CAPM or heading straight for the PMP, acquiring PMI certification gives you the most recognized confirmation of project management knowledge and skills in the industry. As more hands-on experience is acquired in the workplace, PMI’s specialty certifications can be obtained to produce a well-rounded and extensive certification portfolio.

When maintaining PMI certification by acquiring PDUs, make sure to explore other certification paths (such as Stanford’s Certified Project Manager) that can both meet your PDU requirements and add new certifications to your repertoire.

Pearson IT Certification Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Pearson IT Certification and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Pearson IT Certification products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Adobe Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.pearsonitcertification.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020