Benefits of PMP Certification vs Alternate Certifications

In CompTIA’s own words, the Project+ certification “is ideal for professionals who need to manage smaller, less complex projects as part of their other job duties but still have foundational project management skills.” While it’s primarily targeted at IT-based projects, it’s best suited for entry-level project managers (those with one year of experience or less) who are looking for a certificate or credential to add to their project management experience. The exam covers essential project management concepts, including the basics of schedules, costs, roles and responsibilities, change management, communication, collecting and maintaining project documentation, and project management methodologies.

Project+ may be valuable for project coordinators, project managers, project team members, and business analysts, as well as managers, directors, and team leaders. Additionally, it’s good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The Google Project Management Professional Certificate is designed to prepare individuals for a new career in the high-growth field of project management. This professional certificate includes 6 courses: Foundations of Project Management, Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project, Project Planning: Putting It All Together, Project Execution: Running the Project, Agile Project Management, and Capstone: Applying Project Management in the Real World.

Throughout these six courses, individuals will gain an immersive understanding of the practices and skills needed to succeed in an entry-level project management role, including how to create effective project documentation, practice strategic communication, and master the foundations of agile project management. It’s not all classroom learning, though, because the Capstone course is designed to give participants real-world, hands-on experience in the field of project management. For individuals who aren’t quite sure where to get started or those with limited-to-no experience, this training backed by Google presents a great option.

The Associate in Project Management is an entry-level certification with a focus on project management framework. The exam will test your knowledge on project management life cycles, project planning, budgeting, work breakdown structures, managing risks effectively, and handling change control.

If you have a basic or limited understanding of project management, are working in a project environment, and are seeking a well-established and well-known credential, APM may be a great option. The certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The Professional in Program Management is a level above the APM and focuses on the framework, measure, methods, and tools of the project management profession. This includes managing project schedules, developing project measures and approaches to change control, and developing, leading, and motivating project teams.

The PPM is an intermediate-level certification, requiring at least two years of project management experience. You do not need to earn the APM certification prior to attempting the PPM. However, you will need to sit for a 45 to 50-hour e-course prior to taking the exam. Additionally, the PPM must be renewed every five years by earning 50 continuing education units (CEUs).

The Certified Project Director is the most prestigious level of project management certification offered by GAQM, and it is designed for senior and experienced project management executives. This certification is targeted at senior PMs who manage either a group of project managers, multiple projects, or a project management office (PMO), or those who are looking for a career as a Project Director. Individuals will take a mandatory e-course that includes advanced project management techniques for managing risks and controlling quality, as well as maintaining scope, schedule, and budgets.

In addition to the mandatory 20 to 25-hour e-course, those interested in earning a CPD must hold a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) from an accredited institution and either a Professional in Project Management (PPM) from Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), a Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI), a PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate from APMG, or a Certified Project Manager (CPM) from Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). Like the PPM, the CPD must be renewed every five years by earning 25 continuing education units (CEUs).

The GIAC Certified Project Manager certification is ideal for technology professionals who are interested in understanding the concepts and framework for successful IT project management. The certification focuses on project management structure and framework, time and cost management, communications, human resources, quality and risk management, procurement, stakeholder management, and project integration.

The GCPM is an intermediate-level certification requiring some experience but also providing structured training. It is helpful for managers who want to understand the critical areas of making projects successful. It’s also a great option for those in the IT field who eventually plan to earn their PMP. The GCPM must be renewed every four years by earning CMUs.

The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification is an entry-level certification for those wishing to gain a broad understanding of the principles of the project management profession. It offers a fundamental awareness of project management terminology, allowing those with little-to-no project management experience to make a positive contribution to any project.

The certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The APM Project Management Qualification is a knowledge-based qualification where individuals will be required to demonstrate an understanding of how elements interact throughout a project life cycle, as well as how the project fits into the strategic and commercial environment of the organization that sponsored it. It is an intermediate-level certification that requires at least two years of experience and working knowledge of the intricacies of the project environment.

The exam for the PMQ is unique. Candidates will take either a three-hour paper exam where they will answer between 10 and 16 questions or, for those who have earned their PRINCE2 Practitioner, a two-hour paper where they will answer between six and 10 questions that test prior learning. Once earned, the PMQ certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The APM Project Professional Qualification is an advanced certification that assesses a candidate’s ability to deliver professional projects. It is the most comprehensive assessment offered by APM and covers the core and specific competencies required across all areas of project management.

Similar to the PMQ, the PPQ exam is also unique. Individuals will take an exam divided into three parts: a scenario assessment, an oral exam assessment, and a written report. Once earned, the PPQ certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The Chartered Project Professional is a standard professional benchmark that demonstrates attainment of a defined level of technical knowledge, professional practice, and ethical behavior. In order to earn this benchmark, project management professionals must have and be able to provide proof of a track record delivering projects, programs, portfolios, or a key control or enabling function. They must also maintain up-to-date knowledge of current practices and methods and be actively involved in the project profession.

For those interested in achieving this standard, there are three routes: Route 1 is for project professionals who have a recognized assessment for technical knowledge. Route 2 is for project professionals who have a recognized assessment for technical knowledge and professional practice. Route 3 is an experiential route for project professionals who do not have a recognized assessment but do meet the eligibility criteria.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is an entry-level certification aimed at aspiring or current project managers, though it may also be useful for other members of the project team (designers, quality analysts, support staff, etc.). It is designed to test a person’s knowledge of the PRINCE2 methodology and ensure that they can work effectively with, or as a member of, a project team environment using PRINCE2.

Before individuals can sit for the exam, they must take a foundation course of study. This course can be taken in a classroom, virtual, or self-study format. The Foundation certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

Similar to the PRINCE2 Foundation, the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification is an entry-level certification aimed at aspiring or current project managers. It has been designed to help professionals deliver agile projects by enhancing PRINCE2 management controls with a broad toolset of agile delivery techniques and frameworks.

There are no prerequisites for this certification. Those interested in learning agile techniques may take a foundation course of study in a classroom, virtual, or self-study format. Once earned, this certification does not need to be renewed.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is aimed at individuals currently and actively managing projects. While the Foundation certification is focused on ensuring sufficient knowledge of concepts, the Practitioner certification is focused on the application of those concepts. It is best suited for project managers with at least three years of experience.

Those interested in earning a PRINCE2 Practitioner certification must complete a course of study either in a classroom, virtual, or self-study format. Additionally, they must hold either a PRINCE2 Foundation certification, a Project Management Qualification (PMQ) or Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) from the Association for Project Management, a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from the Project Management Institute, or an IPMA Level A, B, C, or D from the International Project Management Association. Once earned, the certification will need to be renewed every three years by earning 20 CPDs a year (total of 60 CPDs over the three years).

The PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner combines agile concepts with the PRINCE2 approach to project management. This certification teaches you to blend structure, governance, and control with agile methods, techniques, and approaches. A solid understanding of agile concepts, as well as the PRINCE2 approach, is necessary for this certification, making this credential ideal for project managers with some level of experience.

Those interested in earning a PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner must hold either a PRINCE2 Foundation certification, a PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification, a Project Management Qualification (PMQ) from the Association for Project Management, a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from the Project Management Institute, or an IPMA Level A, B, C, or D from the International Project Management Association. Once you earn this certification, it will need to be renewed every three years by earning 20 CPDs a year (total of 60 CPDs over the three years).

A Certified Project Management Associate (Level D) certification is an entry-level certification that has no previous experience requirements. It requires an individual to have knowledge of the competence elements related to project management.

Candidates will take a knowledge self-assessment that will help determine eligibility. If eligible, they will sit for a two-part exam. The first part is a 60-question, multiple-choice exam lasting 50 minutes, and the second part is 10 short-essay questions that candidates have 120 minutes to answer. Once it is earned, the IPMA Level D certification is renewed every five years and requires 35 continuing professional development (CPD) credits per year.

A Certified Project Manager (Level C) certification is an intermediate certification that requires a minimum of three years’ experience on moderately complex projects. Those interested must have served in a project management role in a moderately complex project environment within an organization.

Candidates will submit an application, a resume/CV, an executive summary report, a full self-assessment, and references, which will be used to determine eligibility. Once approved, they will take a two-part exam that consists of seven short-essay questions in 100 minutes and then another five short-essay questions that must be completed in 70 minutes. Those who successfully pass the exam will be subjected to either an extended interview or a regular interview with a simulation/role-based scenario. A final evaluation will then be made, at which point a certification may be awarded. Once earned, the IPMA Level C certification is renewed every five years and requires 35 continuing professional development (CPD) credits per year.

A Certified Senior Project Manager (Level B) certification is an advanced certification for project managers who have led projects in a complex environment within an organization. It requires a minimum of five years of recent experience where the candidate held a responsible leadership function managing projects.

Candidates interested in earning a Level B certification from IPMA will need to submit an application, a resume/CV, an executive summary report, a full self-assessment, and references, which will be used to determine eligibility. Once approved, candidates will take an oral exam that consists of eight situational questions answered over an hour and a half. Those who successfully pass the exam will submit a written report for review. After this, they will be subjected to either an extended interview or a regular interview with a simulation/role-based scenario. A final evaluation will then be made, at which point a certification may be awarded. Once earned, the IPMA Level C certification is renewed every five years and requires 35 continuing professional development (CPD) credits per year.

A Certified Projects Director (Level A) certification is the highest certification offered by IPMA, and it demonstrates competence taking full responsibility in a leading role in a highly complex project environment. It requires a minimum of five years’ experience as a project manager in a responsible leadership function in a very complex project of which at least three years were at a strategic level.

This certification does not have an exam. However, there is an exhaustive (and expensive) review and interview process. Candidates must submit an application, a resume/CV, an executive summary report, a full self-assessment, and references, which will be used to determine eligibility. Once determined eligible, candidates will write a report that will be reviewed. On approval, the next step includes either an extended interview or a regular interview with a simulation/role-based scenario. A final evaluation will then be made, at which point a certification may be awarded. Once earned, the IPMA Level A certification is renewed every five years and requires 35 continuing professional development (CPD) credits per year.

Both the Certified Junior Project Manager and the Certified Junior Agile Project Manager are designed for project management novices, students, or individuals interested in a future career in project management. No experience is necessary because each certification exam covers basic project management subjects, with the agile version specifically focused on agile concepts.

Both exams consist of 40 questions that must be answered within 35 minutes. Once earned, each certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

Both the Certified Project Manager and the Certified Agile Project Manager are designed for project managers with a solid understanding of project management concepts. This includes the ability to plan, organize, and implement a project effectively. While no experience is necessary for this level of certification, a year or more experience is an advantage. Again, the agile version of this certification focuses on agile concepts of project management.

Both exams consist of 120 questions that must be answered within 80 minutes. Each certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

Both the Certified Senior Project Manager and the Certified Senior Agile Project Manager are designed for senior project managers with both substantial knowledge and extensive practical experience in project management. Candidates for these certifications require at least five years of project management experience, three of which in a management position or responsible leadership function. The agile version of this certification focuses on agile concepts of project management.

Both exams consist of 120 questions that must be answered within 80 minutes. Once earned, each certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The Certified International Project Manager is intended for project managers who want to obtain confirmation of their knowledge of international project management. This examination is geared specifically towards international elements of project management, such as communication culture, cultural dimensions, international management, projects in a globalized world, and phases in an international project. A few years of project management is recommended, but most of the vocabulary comes from the International PM Guide.

Candidates wishing to earn this credential must have earned a Certified Project Manager, Certified Agile Project Manager, Certified Senior Project Manager or Certified Senior Agile Project Manager from IAPM previously. The exam consists of 80 questions that must be answered within an hour. Like all IAPM credentials, the Certified International Project Manager is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The Certified Associate in Project Management is the Project Management Institute’s entry-level certification for project practitioners. It is designed for those with less experience, requiring a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree, or the global equivalent) and 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam.

Questions for the CAPM exam are derived from the PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), PMI’s global standards for project management, which is the same guide used to generate questions for the PMP exam. Many aspiring project managers use the CAPM certification as a bridge to eventually attain the PMP. However, those wishing to renew their CAPM will need to earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

The Project Management Professional is the world’s leading project management certification. It certifies project leadership experience and expertise across the key domains of people, process, and business environment, ensuring candidates have the soft skills needed to effectively lead a project team in today’s changing environment. It also reinforces the technical aspects of successfully managing projects and highlights the connection between projects and organizational strategy. Finally, it ensures individuals have fundamental knowledge of the different approaches to project management in predictive, agile, and hybrid, including a solid understanding of when each approach is most appropriate.

Those interested in earning their PMP certification must have 35 hours of project management education/training or a CAPM certification and either a four-year degree with three years of project management experience or a high school diploma or an associate degree (or global equivalent) and five years of project management experience. Once achieved, the PMP must be renewed every three years by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs).

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner is designed for agile project practitioners to formally recognize knowledge of agile principles and skill with agile techniques. In order to offer flexibility and versatility, the PMI-ACP spans many agile approaches, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, extreme programming (XP), and test-driven development (TDD).

Candidates will need one year of recent project management experience, eight months of recent agile project experience, a secondary degree, and 21 contact hours of training in agile practices. As with all PMI certifications, renewal is required every three years. For the PMI-ACP, 30 professional development units (PDUs) will need to be earned over the time period.

The Certified ScrumMaster qualification is an entry-level certification aimed at providing aspiring agile project managers who are ready to adopt agile and implement Scrum the tools and knowledge they need to be successful.

Candidates interested in pursuing a CSM certification will complete a live online or in-person course offering at least 14 hours of interactive instruction from a verified trainer. At the end of the course, they will need to pass a 50-question exam. Once achieved, the CSM must be renewed every two years by earning 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs).

The Advanced Certified ScrumMaster qualification helps practitioners take Scrum to the next level. The A-CSM is designed to help Scrum Masters facilitate better dialogue between the stakeholders and team members, respond confidently when encountering resistance to change; increase engagement to encourage greater accountability, commitment, and buy-in; and scale Scrum and agile beyond a single team.

Candidates interested in pursuing an A-CSM certification must have one year of recent Scrum Master experience and hold a valid CSM. Additionally, they will need to complete all educator-designed components of an approved educational offering, which may include pre- or post-course work as deemed necessary by an approved educator to complete the learning objectives. Once achieved, the CSM must be renewed every two years by earning 30 Scrum Education Units (SEUs).

The Certified Scrum Professional® - ScrumMaster is for individuals who have demonstrated experience, documented training, and proven knowledge in Scrum. Certified Scrum Professionals challenge their teams to improve the way Scrum and Agile principles are applied.

Candidates interested in pursuing a CSP-SM certification must have two years of recent Scrum Master experience and hold a valid A-CSM. They will attend an education offering in order to gain advanced Agile facilitation and coaching skills and learn progressive techniques in service to the Product Owner and the Development Team. Additionally, they will need to complete all educator-designed components of an approved educational offering, which may include pre- or post-course work, as deemed necessary by an approved educator, to complete the learning objectives. Once achieved, the CSP-SM must be renewed every two years by earning 40 Scrum Education Units (SEUs).

The Professional Scrum Master I is available to those who wish to validate their depth of knowledge of the Scrum framework and its application. This certification allows individuals to demonstrate a fundamental level of Scrum mastery.

There are no experience or course-of-study requirements to take the assessment. However, reading the Scrum Guide and taking the Open Assessments alone isn't typically enough preparation, and a study course may help greatly. The exam is 80 questions and must be completed in an hour. Certificates are good for life and do not need to be renewed.

The Professional Scrum Master II is available to those who wish to demonstrate their ability to apply the Scrum framework to solve advanced, complex problems in the real world. This certification is intended for practitioners with both a deep understanding of Scrum and in-depth Scrum experience.

Candidates are not required to hold a PSM I. However, the PSM II assessment is exhaustive and rigorous and will require significant practical experience to attain. Likewise, there are no course-of-study requirements, but attending the two-day Professional Scrum Master II is recommended. The exam is 30 questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. Once earned, the certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

The Professional Scrum Master III is available to anyone who has passed the PSM I and PSM II assessments and wishes to demonstrate a distinguished level of Scrum mastery. This certification requires both a very high level of Scrum knowledge and significant and in-depth Scrum experience.

The PSM III assessment is very difficult, consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions, case study questions, and essays that must be answered within two and a half hours. While it is not required, a course of study is recommended. The PSM III is the highest level of Scrum mastery offered by Scrum.org. The certification is good for life and does not need to be renewed.

If you’re just getting started in the field of project management and have zero experience, an option such as the Google Project Management Professional Certificate may be a great low-cost way to start. The six courses that are included in that certificate are a solid way to gain the foundational knowledge needed to be successful.

While you may not know exactly where you want to go, you should begin to think about a long-term plan. Where you start can also determine where you end up, unless you want to backtrack. For example, if you want to focus on the Scrum project management methodology, the Certified ScrumMaster or Professional Scrum Master are excellent options. If you work for an organization that embraces the PRINCE2 approach, the PRINCE2 Foundation is a good place to start. If you think you may eventually want to earn the PMP, there’s no better place to start than the CAPM. You can take a virtual or in-person training course for any of those options, or, in some cases, you may be able to pick a self-study option.

There are a handful of certification options for those with at least a couple years of project management experience. Many of these serve as a middle stepping-stone for those hoping to earn more advanced qualifications.

Advanced certifications require more than just experience. They also require considerably more study time, and, in most cases, they’re more expensive. The IPMA certifications have an extensive application and interview process that can take months. However, for those who want project management to be a career, advanced certifications give individuals credentials that stand out.