Project management involves planning and managing a project to complete its listed goals and deliverables. It manages risks and utilizes careful resource management, smart budgeting, and clear communication across multiple teams and stakeholders. As a result, earning project management certifications is a great way to boost a business management career.
To be a professional in project management, you don’t need a four-year degree, although it’s never a waste. Essentially, certifications in project management enable you to land a better job quickly. Hence, this article discusses the highest-paying project management certifications capable of setting you on track with career aspirations in the field.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification serves as proof that a person has the required industry skills, knowledge, and qualifications to perform a particular task according to specific standards. In addition, professional organizations or institutions mostly award such certifications after a professional shows proficiency and technical expertise in a certain field.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certificate and a certification is that a certificate is proof of an educational process and could be a means to getting a higher degree. On the other hand, certification is proof of passing a certification exam and meeting industry standards.
Because national organizations often issue certifications, they are standardized. These certifications also give a chance for people to become members of such national organizations and even offer exam fee discounts to members.
Why Is Certification in Project Management Important?
A certification in project management is important because you get an impartial endorsement that affirms your ability to manage quality projects effectively. The certification also affords you specific career benefits, including higher pay and opportunities to handle complex projects.
Best Project Management Certifications by Salary
Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) | Project Management Institute (PMI) | $128,000 | $800 (member); $1,000 (non-member) |
Program Management Professional (PgMP) | Project Management Institute (PMI) | $122,000 | $800 (member); $1,000 (non-member) |
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner | Project Management Institute (PMI) | $115,000 | $435 (member); $495 (non-member) |
Professional in Project Management (PPM) | Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) | $111,000 | $340 (premium); $100 (standard) |
Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute (PMI) | $111,000 | $405 (member); $555 (non-member) |
Certified ScrumMaster | Scrum Alliance | $110,000 | $770 |
Master Project Manager (MPM) | American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) | $97,000 | $300 |
Certified Project Manager | International Association Of Project Managers (IAPM) | $83,000 | $499 |
CompTIA Project+ | CompTIA Project Co. | $72,000 | $348 |
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) | Project Management Institute (PMI) | $67,000 | $225 (member); $300 (non-member) |
Best Project Management Certifications to Further Your Career
This certification teaches you to manage projects, programs, and operations with strategic objectives. You also have to earn 60 professional development units in portfolio management topics to renew your certificate every three years. In addition, organizations with certified staff usually record many complete projects due to the project portfolio management practices.
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) Overview
- Average Salary: $128,000
- Cost: $800 (member); $1,000 (non-member)
- Requirements: 96 months of professional business experience, high school diploma or associate degree, or a four-year degree
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 170 multiple-choice questions in four hours
- Best Suited For: Senior-level project manager who wants to improve their skills.
Potential Careers With Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
- Project Management Director: $123,159
- Portfolio Manager: $90,693
- Continuous Improvement Manager: $88,285
This certification trains you to manage your organization's projects in a professional way, which will accrue benefits. Every three years, you have to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) to maintain your certification. It is recommended for senior practitioners of project management.
Program Management Provider (PgMP) Overview
- Average Salary: $122,000
- Cost: $800 (member); $1,000 (non-member)
- Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 48 months of project management experience, or a four-year degree
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 170 multiple-choice questions in four hours
- Best Suited For: A project manager who wants to develop the ability to manage multiple projects
Potential Careers With Program Management Provider (PgMP)
- Program Manager, Engineering: $115,805
- Program Manager, IT: $114,489
- Government Program Manager: $90,522
This certification helps you mature in Agile project experience and embrace complex tasks. In addition, organizations that are agile and quicker to market dynamics complete more of their projects successfully. Further, you must earn 30 professional development units (PDUs) in Agile topics every three years.
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner Overview
- Average Salary: $115,000
- Cost: $435 (member); $495 (non-member)
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, 21 hours of training in Agile practices, and 12 months of general project experience
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 120 multiple-choice questions in three hours
- Best Suited For: Those in organizations that adopt Agile practices
Potential Careers With PMI Agile Certified Practitioner
- Agile Coach: $124,634
- Senior Project Manager, IT: $116,755
- General Project Manager: $76,233
This certification contains project management modules and focuses on major trends in managing projects and demands on the project managers. It is beneficial to project and program managers who want to know more about project schedules and approaches to project control together with leading and motivating project teams.
Professional in Project Management (PPM) Overview
- Average Salary: $111,000
- Cost: $340 (premium); $100 (standard)
- Requirements: Mandatory ecourse completion, two years of project management experience.
- Valid For: Five years
- Exam Length: 150 multiple-choice questions in two hours
- Best Suited For: Project managers with some prior experience
Potential Careers With Professional in Project Management (PPM)
- Senior Project Manager, IT: $116,755
- Program Manager, IT: $114,489
- General Project Manager: $76,233
Project professionals designed this certification to teach the soft skills necessary to run a project team effectively, as well as the technical aspects of successfully managing projects. It is one of the world's leading project management certifications. To maintain it, you need to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Overview
- Average Salary: $111,000
- Cost: $405 (member); $555 (non-member)
- Requirements: Four-year degree, high school diploma, or an associate degree, 35 hours of project management education
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 180 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: Project professionals who want to improve their management skills
Potential Careers With Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Senior Project Manager, IT: $116,755
- Program Manager, IT: $114,489
- Director of Operations: $95,350
This certification qualifies you to lead teams as a ScrumMaster in any industry. You also learn to become a pro at Scrum, which makes you efficient at all levels. Furthermore, you will become people-oriented and maintain a high level of emotional intelligence while working with your team members. This certification is recommended for software and non-software professionals.
Certified ScrumMaster Overview
- Average Salary: $110,000
- Cost: $770
- Requirements: A bachelor’s degree, completion of a CSM training course
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: Software and non-software professionals
Potential Careers With Certified ScrumMaster
- Senior Project Manager, IT: $116,755
- ScrumMaster: $90,105
- General Project Manager: $76,233
This certification is earned by qualified applicants who have met the commission requirements of training, experience, industry knowledge, and ethics. It is recommended for professionals with over three years of project management experience. The American Academy of Project Management also provides in-house training for companies, institutions, or government agencies in the United States.
Master Project Manager (MPM) Overview
- Average Salary: $97,000
- Cost: $300
- Requirements: At least three years of professional experience
- Valid For: Two years
- Exam Length: 20 questions in 55 minutes
- Best Suited For: Professionals with at least three years of experience in project management
Potential Careers With Master Project Manager (MPM)
- Principal Scientist: $126,345
- Program Manager: $106,041
- Senior Program Officer: $84,410
This certification is for entry-level project managers or those with basic project management knowledge. It teaches candidates how to plan, organize and implement a project effectively. It is also a globally-recognized certificate with no recertification necessary.
Certified Project Manager Overview
- Average Salary: $83,000
- Cost: $499
- Requirements: High school diploma or four-year degree
- Valid For: For life
- Exam Length: 120 questions in 80 minutes
- Best Suited For: Aspiring project managers who want to get certified once and for all
Potential Careers With Certified Project Manager
- Senior Product Manager: $128,503
- Product Management Director: $123,159
- Senior Quality Engineer: $90,825
This certification provides information technology (IT) professionals with basic concepts of successfully managing small- to medium-sized projects. It covers specific areas like the project life cycle, effective communication with a team, managing resources, and maintaining project documentation. You also get to understand the importance of risk strategy.
CompTIA Project+ Overview
- Average Salary: $72,000
- Cost: $348
- Requirements: 12 months of experience in project management
- Valid For: For life
- Exam Length: 95 questions in 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: IT professionals who want project management in their job description
Potential Careers With CompTIA Project+
- Information Technology (IT) Manager: $89,288
- Systems Administrator: $63,899
- Network Administrator: $61,554
This certification is tailored to entry-level project managers who want to upskill their abilities. This asset distinguishes holders in the job market and enhances their credibility and effectiveness in working with project teams. Furthermore, its maintenance requires 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years.
Certified Associate in Project Management Overview
- Average Salary: $67,000
- Cost: $225 (member); $300 (non-member)
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, 23 hours of project management education
- Valid For: Three years
- Exam Length: 150 questions in three hours
- Best Suited For: Project managers who want to up their skills in project management
Potential Careers With Certified Associate in Project Management
- Project Manager: $88,899
- General Program Manager: $76,233
- Project Analyst: $61,419
How to Choose the Best Project Management Certification for Your Career
Before you choose a project management certification, there are certain things you should look out for. We will explain three things you should consider before you choose the best project management certification for you.
Identify the Cost
Your certification program can cost a lot of money depending on the provider. It is a safe option to get an estimate of the certification’s cost and the fees for induction and projects before enrolling so that you can decide whether it is within your budget.
Consider the Certification Provider and its Accreditation
Making sure the certification provider is accredited correctly is very important. Accreditation is evidence that the certification provides value to its holders. Thus, its absence should be a red flag for you. It could compromise the quality of your education, and you may be unable to get your dream job because you earned your credential from an unaccredited certification provider.
Check the Job Outlook
You should do proper research on the employment outcomes of your proposed certification program before applying. Generally, students who earn their project management certifications from well-known certification providers have better employment outcomes than others.
Which Project Management Certifications Pay the Most?
The project management certifications that pay the most include Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), PMI Agile Certified Practitioner, Professional in Project Management (PPM), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Highest-Paying Project Management Certifications
- Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP): $128,000
- Program Management Professional (PgMP): $122,000
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner: $115,000
- Professional in Project Management: $111,000
- Project Management Professional (PMP): $111,000
Which Project Management Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The project management certifications that are best for beginners include PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management, CompTIA Project+, and Google Project Management Certificate. They are best because they cover basic project management skills like project constraints, communication, team management, project tools, and documentation.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Project Management Certification Exam
To prepare for your project management certification exam, you need certain resources and study courses. The following section discusses the best courses and resources worth considering during your project management exam prep.

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Best Courses to Prepare for Project Management Certification Exams
There are various courses you can study to prepare for your project management certification exams. Some of these project management certification courses include IT Project Management for Beginners, Foundations of Product Management, Introduction to Product Management, and The Basics of Success in Project Management.
- Cost: $19.99
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Best Suited For: Project Management Certification
This course teaches you the basic project management skills and techniques to use while handling IT projects. It is a good course for newbies who want to carry out effective project management. You also learn risk and crisis management together with managing and controlling resources. In addition, it has a 4.4-star rating on Udemy.
- Cost: $39 per month
- Duration: 18 hours
- Best Suited For: Project Management Certification
This course is the first of a six-part series tailored to help you acquire the skills you need as an entry-level project manager. You will also gain a better understanding of the roles in the project management field. This course has a rating of 4.9 and is from Google Career Certificates.
- Cost: Free (audit track); $199 (verified track)
- Duration: 6 weeks, 2-3 hours per week
- Best Suited For: Project Management Certification
This course teaches practical ways to use project management skills, whether your project is large or small. You also learn step-by-step project management techniques. It is available in partnership with University of Adelaide and was the finalist of the edX prize of 2017.
- Cost: Free (audit track); $299 (verified track)
- Duration: 10 weeks, 8-12 hours per week
- Best Suited For: Project Management Certification
This course addresses the different facets of project management and the four phases of the project life cycle. In addition, it explains the responsibilities of a project manager and how to work on project initiation and planning. It is available in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology.
- Cost: $39 per month
- Duration: 8 hours
- Best Suited For: Project Management Certification
This course provides you with basic project management concepts and elements of team leadership as an entry-level project manager. Furthermore, you learn how to survey project activities and assess progress in those projects. It is available on Coursera and has a rating of 4.6.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Project Management Certification Exams
Apart from taking courses to prepare for your project management certification, you can use other resources. These resources include books, websites, project management blogs, and online communities. In the section below, we will explore some resources that would be helpful for your exam preparation.
Mind Map: PMP Certification
Simplilearn, an online certification training course provider, prepared this ebook on the PMP that summarizes the various topics and syllabus you need to prepare to make study sessions easier. The book includes PMP revision tips, key project management, and PMP modules.
Mind Map: PMP Certification Overview
- Type of Resource: Ebook
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to prepare for the PMP certificate exam
The Rebel’s Guide to Project Management
Operated by Elizabeth Harrin, this blog serves as a project management tool for providing valuable solutions to help you manage your projects. It also comes in handy if you’re juggling multiple projects and need time-saving productivity tips for developing an efficient project schedule.
The Rebel’s Guide to Project Management Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who would like to learn about productivity tips, leadership, and basics of project management
Project Management Methodologies & Frameworks for Remote Teams
This is an ebook for those who want entry-level project management certifications. Concepts such as methodology, framework, and identifications of project management are broken down into bite-sized explanations for ease of comprehension.
Project Management Methodologies & Frameworks for Remote Teams Overview
- Type of Resource: Ebook
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who would like to take a crash course in project management
Project Manager Community – LinkedIn
This online community is the largest project management group on LinkedIn. You’ll understand new approaches to project management, job opportunities, and project management certifications such as Agile, Scrum, PMP, and Prince2.
Project Manager Community – LinkedIn Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Platform
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to learn about getting a project management certification and job opportunities
Project-Management.com
This blog publishes articles, book reviews, and other things related to project management challenges, like email productivity and building trust in your team. It also publishes software reviews and training resources for gaining mastery in the field of project management.
Project-Management.com Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People interested in project management challenges, email productivity, and top industry trends
Best Online Courses
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Project Management Job Outlook and Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of someone with a certification in project management, such as a management analyst, is between $81,000 and $100,000. This range depends on the industry in which the management analyst works.
In addition, the job outlook for project managers has a 14 percent growth projection in the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Essentially, over 90,000 jobs will be available within that period.
Best Project Management Jobs After Certification
A certification in project management opens up several career paths and employment opportunities across multiple industries. In the sections below, we’ll look at some of the best project management jobs after certification.
An Agile coach is responsible for making enterprising improvements in workers' motivation, skills, or social fluency. The major skills they have include professional coaching, ScrumMaster, people management, and product management.
Best Certification for the Job Role
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner. This certification helps you develop good collaboration skills, embrace complexity, and succeed in rapid response times.
A project management director manages a project's scope, budget, and routine to ensure the project meets the company's goals. They are also responsible for implementing and performing the company's demands. These people typically work together with the head of development and systems analysis to ensure administrative cohesiveness.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP). This certification teaches you how to lead projects, programs, and operations with strategic objectives.
An IT program manager requires managerial and technical skills to carry out the duties required. Such a person must also know the fundamentals of product management alongside effective communication skills and leadership ability.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Program Management Professional (PgMP). This certification is for experienced project managers who are at the forefront of advancing their organization's strategic goals.
A director of operations is in charge of employee management, completing purchases related to production, and oversight of research and development. In most cases, a director works with the chief financial officer and board of directors of an organization.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Project Management Professional (PMP). Project professionals designed this certification to teach you the soft skills needed to run a project team and effectively manage projects.
A project manager takes on tasks such as planning and developing strategy, including illustrating the goals and timeline for the slated project. They also coordinate, record, and designate tasks for the project team and provide the team with direction and support.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Certified ScrumMaster. This certification teaches you how to foster an effective and productive work environment as a seasoned project manager.
Best Project Management Associations
There are various project management associations you can join after earning your certification in project management. These associations can take the form of conferences, social media communities, or traditional memberships. In the section below, we will look at three of these associations.
Program Management Institute (PMI)
The Project Management Institute (PMI) stands as one of the most popular projects management associations. It has over 700,000 members and over 300 local chapters worldwide. Its membership model is more traditional in that it offers resources and networking opportunities.
Association for Project Management (APM)
Association for Project Management (APM) is an association globally representing the project management profession. It has a community of over 35,000 individual members and over 500 corporate partnerships. Furthermore, its qualifications offer access to achieving the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status, recognizing the competence and success of project professionals.
Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM)
Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) is an organization made up of nearly 8,000 members with a goal to help you advance your career in project management. The institute provides you with certification and exclusive resources to improve your project management and leadership skills, which add to your program management experience.
Are Project Management Certifications Worth It?
Yes, project management certifications are worth it. As a certificate holder, you are highly valued and accepted globally, and you have an additional advantage over your formal education. In addition, certification providers guarantee that holders have enough hands-on experience and fundamental knowledge to earn the certification.
Additional Reading About Project Management
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Project Management Certifications FAQ
Yes, you can be a project manager without certification. To be able to achieve this, you must have accumulated years of experience in project management. As much as earning a certification or degree in project management is excellent, it doesn’t beat hands-on project management experience.
There are numerous certifications you can get in the field. As a beginner, you can take certifications such as Project Management Institute’s Certified Associate in Project Management and CompTIA Project+. For those who have project management experience, you can take the PMI’s Project Management Professional or the GAQM’s Certified Project Director program.
Like any other certification, earning a project management certification requires a lot of preparation and mock exam practice. It is a demanding certification to obtain, but it is not unattainable. Note that if you are unprepared and unfamiliar with the curriculum, there is a high chance of failing an exam.
There is no specific number of certifications a project manager needs. You can earn as many as you would like as long as they help you in project management practice. If you are enthusiastic about gaining qualifications in project management, you can enroll in an online project management bachelor’s degree program.
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