How to Become a Certified Project Manager

Project management is vital for businesses of all types and across every sector. For professionals working in the field, gaining additional qualifications can offer various benefits, including increased employability and potentially higher earning power. 

You can choose from many project management certification options, depending on your career goals as a project manager, the industry in which you work, and your professional and educational qualifications. As you advance in your career, you might consider earning more than one certification from various certifying organisations. 

Read on to learn more about available certifications, their costs, career benefits, and the steps to becoming a certified project manager. 

What is a project manager certification? 

A project manager certification is a credential awarded to individuals who work in project management or want to work in project management who satisfy the requirements for a specific project management certification programme and pass the accompanying exam. 

You can choose from several options, including globally available credentials like the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Another worldwide option is Axelos Limited’s Projects in Controlled Environments version 2 (PRINCE2), which focuses on divvying a project into smaller chunks. 

These are just two of the organisations offering project management certification. Each certifying body has its own education and experience requirements depending on the certification type and may require membership. You may find several general and specialty project management certifications from various certifying organisations beyond the PMP and PRINCE2.  

Why become a certified project manager? 

Earning a PM certification can help advance your career as a project manager. Career advancement can mean better job opportunities, increased pay, greater job security, and enhanced job satisfaction. 

According to the Project Management Institute's 2023 salary survey, individuals with PMP certification earned 33 per cent more compared to project managers without a PMP certification across the 21 countries surveyed [1]. Similarly, the Global Association for Quality Management claims project management certification holders often benefit from a salary increase of 20 per cent or more [2]. 

Additionally, the Qualifications and Curriculum Academy (QCA) notes that getting certified helps solidify your skill set, correct any negative habits you have adopted, and ensure you can confidently run a successful project. It can also make you more employable and help advance your career [3]. 

With the demand for certified project managers rising across every industry in the UK, including software development, finance, construction management, and more, holding a project manager certification may lead to more job security and better opportunities.  As a certified project manager, you may have more leverage when negotiating job offers and promotions. 

Certification demonstrates proficiency in your field, which is what employers desire. Certification holders may realise they have more options and mobility in their careers, which can bring about more confidence and greater job satisfaction. Greater job satisfaction can also result in additional roles and responsibilities you may encounter as a certified professional. 

Is PM certification right for me? 

If you plan on working in project management long-term or would like more mobility and opportunity for growth in your current role, you would benefit from becoming a certified project manager. Project management certification can open doors and expand your options regarding where you work, the industry in which you work, and your roles and responsibilities. 

To determine whether certification is suitable for you, consider your long-term career plans and whether accreditation will help you achieve your career goals. Research your ideal career path and find out what requirements and qualifications you need. If the roles you choose are certified project manager jobs, you can start aligning your career goals with becoming a certified project manager. 

When weighing the pros and cons, it’s also important to consider the time and money it will take to gain certification. You may want to ask your employer about reimbursement options. Some employers help to pay for certification or offer resources to help you gain it. Certification brings value to your employer, not just you, so many companies are willing to support employees’ certification goals. 

Project manager certifications 

To become a certified project manager, you will need to meet all experience and education requirements to apply for certification and pass the certification exam for the certification in which you are applying. It’s helpful to review the criteria before applying. Some certifications require little to no professional experience, for example, whilst others require multiple years of experience. 

You can find project manager certifications through professional organisations, schools, and IT vendors. Some popular professional organisations offering general certifications worldwide include the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), and the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM). 

Read on to discover some certifications to explore for different stages of your career.

Entry to mid-level generalist certifications 

If you are just starting your career and want to learn more about project management or progress to the next stage, these certifications are an excellent starting point.

• Certified project manager (CPM-IAPM): Offered by IAPM, this certification requires no prior professional experience. Certification requires passing an online exam from home. Certification is internationally recognised and requires no recertification. 

• Associate in project management (APM): This internationally recognised certification, offered by GAQM, is a good fit for anyone new to project management. It has no prerequisites, but you are encouraged to complete an e-course to prepare for the exam.  

• Certified associate in project management (CAPM): This certification is one of PMI’s generalist certifications intended for entry and associate-level professionals. Prerequisites for this certification include a secondary degree (may include GCSEs) and 23 hours of project management education completed prior to the online exam. 

Senior/advanced level generalist certifications 

If you have been working in project management for some time and are looking to progress to a more senior level in your career, consider the following project manager certifications: 

• Programme manager professional (PgMB): This PMI certification is for senior-level professionals already working as programme managers. Experiential prerequisites for this certification include 48 months of project management experience or a PMP and 84 months of professional experience within the last 15 years. Educational requirements include either a secondary or four-year degree. 

• Professional in project management (PPM): GAQM offers this certification to working professionals with project management experience. You must take an e-course before taking the exam. It has no other prerequisites. 

• Master project manager (MPM): Offered by the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM), this globally recognised certification is ideal for experienced project managers looking to advance into senior-level positions. To apply for the certification, you need at least three years of project management experience and an AAPM-approved degree or training. 

• Certified project director (CPD): The CPD is an advanced certification offered by GAQM. It's a globally recognised certification designed for senior and experienced project management executives who want to learn new skills and more advanced management techniques. Requirements include a prerequisite e-course, a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree, and one of the following certifications: PPM, PMP, Prince2® Practitioner, or CPM.   

How much does certification cost? 

Certification costs vary depending on the certification type and certifying organisation. For some certifications, you can also enrol in a program to help you prepare for the exam. If you are a member of the certifying organisation, you may receive a discount on the exam fee. In many instances, you will pay an application fee and exam fee to gain certification. Check with the organisation offering the credentials you are considering to get the precise details. 

How to prepare for a project management certification exam?

To prepare for a project management certification exam, set a study schedule and try to stick to it. Research topics covered previously, post questions in online discussion groups, and make use of any free training aids.   

Some common topics and technical and personal skills you’ll likely see covered on certifications for project managers include: 

• Time management 

• Risk analysis 

• Scheduling 

• Communication skills 

• Crisis management 

• Budgeting and cost breakdown 

• Project scheduling 

• Phase model

• Project review 

• Determining project scope

• Planning, organising, and implementing projects 

• Controlling projects  

Become a certified project manager in 5 steps

1. Meet education and experience requirements. 

The education and experience requirements for certification vary by certification type and certifying organisation. Certifications designed for entry-level to mid-level professionals generally have minimal educational requirements and little or no experiential requirements, making them ideal for freshers and entry-level project management professionals. Conversely, those designed for professionals with project management experience typically require more education and professional experience.  

2. Enrol in a certification training programme or other test prep. 

Once you’ve checked that you meet both the experience and educational requirements for the certification, you may have the option to enrol in a certification training programme, depending on the certification. Some certifying organisations require that you also become a member in addition to enrolling in their programme. 

If you are working toward your PMP, for example, you have the option to enrol in a certification training programme. The programme you choose may vary in cost and include both self-guided and instructor-taught courses to prepare you for the PMP exam. Completing this certification training programme satisfies the required 35 hours of education. 

Other online courses like the Google Project Management Professional Certificate can be a great way to help build foundational skills and learn about project management ahead of a formal certification exam.

3. Apply or sign up for the exam. 

Depending on the certification you’re pursuing, you’ll likely need to register to take the test, which may include submitting an application. For example, to apply for PMI certification, you begin by submitting your PMP application online. Once approved, you can pay for and schedule a time to take your PMP exam. Sign up for an online exam or in-person at a testing site near you. The exam has 180 questions, and you have 230 minutes to complete. 

4. Take the exam. 

Now that you’ve decided which certification to pursue, completed your test prep, and registered for your test, it’s time to take your certification exam. Exam length, timing, and location (in person or remote, for instance) will vary depending on the certification you’re pursuing. With the PMP, for example, you have three chances to pass and one year to take the exam after receiving approval on your application. The 180 exam questions include questions covering three domains: business and environment, people, and process. The PMI does not disclose details about the PMP exam passing score or pass rate. 

5. Maintain certification. 

Once you’ve become certified, you’ll likely need to keep the certification current. Many certifications require some type of recertification or maintenance. For the PMP, for example, you can keep your certification active by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs can include learning opportunities in technology, business/strategic skills, or leadership. At least eight PDUs in each of these three categories are required. After completing a PDU, report PDUs online and pay a renewal fee. 

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Getting certified as a project manager in the United Kingdom can help open more doors and advance your career. From building a more robust skill set to potentially increasing your earning power, the reasons to consider gaining additional qualifications are many. 

Online courses can be a great way to build project management skills and knowledge and explore the areas where you might like to earn certification. The Google Project Management: Professional Certificate is an entry-level course with information on project management tools and software as well as skills like effective project documentation. 

If you're interested in IT project management, consider the IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate. This Professional Certificate is a nine-course series covering project management, project lifecycle, Scrum Master essentials, and more. Upon completing either programme, gain a shareable certificate to add to your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.