The Power of Project Management Certification: Why It Matters in Hiring

Posted on: 22nd June 2023
by Tanisha Barkakaty
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights

I’ve been recruiting for Project Managers for a good while  now and I have seen the importance of having a project management certification. Not only does it demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise, but it also provides a competitive edge in the job market. In this article, I will explain why project management certification matters in hiring, the benefits of certification, the various types of certifications available, and how to obtain them.

Today I’m going to share all the knowledge I’ve collected on Project Management while working with multiple clients across Ireland, which will hopefully help you in mapping out your career.

Introduction to Project Management Certification

Project management certification is a credential that demonstrates a project manager's knowledge and expertise in the field of project management. The certification is typically awarded by a professional organisation or certification body after the completion of a rigorous training program and a standardised exam.

Why Project Management Certification Matters in Hiring

Employers are increasingly looking for project managers with certification as it provides a level of assurance that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively. In addition, certification demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to invest in one's career.

Certification can also provide a competitive edge in the job market. With so many individuals vying for project management positions, certifications can set you apart from other candidates and increase the chances of being selected for an interview.

Benefits of Project Management Certification

There are numerous benefits to obtaining project management certification. Firstly, certification can lead to higher earning potential. According to a survey conducted by PMI, project managers with a PMP certification earn on average 22% more than those without certification.

Certification can also provide greater job security. With certification, an individual is better equipped to manage projects effectively, which can lead to successful project outcomes and greater job stability.

In addition, certifications can provide opportunities for career advancement. With these credentials , you’re better positioned to take on more complex projects and move into higher-level management positions.

Project Management Certification Statistics

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), there are over one million certified project management professionals (PMP) worldwide. A quick bit of research on LinkedIn, led me to identify around 14,000 Project Managers currently working across various sectors in Ireland and 3500 of them i.e, 25% are certified project management professionals (PMP). Furthermore, there is a projected global increase in demand for certified project managers by 33% by the year 2027.

The Different Project Management Certifications

There exists a variety of project management certifications, each having its specific focus and prerequisites. Among the most well-known certifications are:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

• PRINCE2

• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

• Scrum Master

The Best Project Management Certifications - PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum

The best certifications for an individual will depend on their specific career goals and interests. However, some of the most widely recognised and respected certifications include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): This certification is widely acknowledged as the gold standard in project management certification. It is designed for experienced project managers and requires a minimum of three years of project management experience.

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): This certification is designed for individuals who are new to project management or have limited experience. It is an entry-level certification that provides a foundation in project management knowledge.

• PRINCE2: This certification is well recognised in Europe and is particularly popular in the UK. It focuses on project management methodology and requires the completion of a rigorous training program and exam.

• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP): This is designed for project managers who work in an agile environment. It focuses on agile methodologies and requires a certain level of experience working in an agile environment.

• Scrum Master: This certification is specifically focused on the Scrum methodology and is designed for individuals who work in a Scrum environment.

Project Management Certification Online - Finding the Best Courses

There are numerous online courses available that can help individuals prepare for project management certification exams. When selecting a course, it is important to choose a reputable provider that offers comprehensive training and exam preparation materials.

Some of the most popular online project management certification providers include:

• Project Management Academy

• PMTraining

• Simplilearn

• Udemy

• Coursera

When selecting a course, it is important to consider factors such as cost, course content, and instructor expertise.

Project Management Certification for Beginners - Things to Know

For individuals who are new to project management, obtaining certification can be a valuable way to gain knowledge and expertise in the field. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is an excellent option for beginners as it provides a foundation in project management knowledge and requires no prior experience.

Project Management Certificate - What It Entails

Obtaining this certificate involves completing a training program and passing a standardised exam. The training program typically covers topics such as project planning, risk management, communication, and stakeholder management.

Project Management Certification for Experienced Professionals

Experienced project managers may opt for more advanced certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certifications. These certifications require a certain level of experience and demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and expertise in the field of project management.

Top Project Management Certification Providers

• Project Management Institute (PMI)

• International Project Management Association (IPMA)

• Association for Project Management (APM)

• Axelos

• Scrum Alliance

Therefore, we can see that these certifications are valuable credentials that can provide numerous benefits to individuals in the field of project management. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, obtaining certifications can help you stand out in the job market and advance your career. Just remember that to find the best project management certification for yourself, consider your career goals and interests and select a reputable provider that offers comprehensive training and exam preparation materials.

If you are interested in exploring project management roles, check out the open roles on our IT career pages.