Why your business might need a project manager

Project managers take over specialized tasks for each project, such as planning, managing expenses and meeting deadlines. They may support managers and supervisors by ensuring projects are completed.

When a client schedules an important project, employees often contribute in different ways. You might need workers to brainstorm ideas, create practical designs, test solutions and present the deliverables. A project manager oversees each employee and their tasks while monitoring progress to keep projects within their scope.

Project managers carefully plan projects from start to finish using techniques such as project milestones and the critical path method (CPM). Project milestones help employees identify critical dates that may delay progress, such as holidays or office closures.

The CPM technique helps project managers determine the length of each milestone. This helps companies schedule workers accordingly and set appropriate client expectations.

Related: The Basics of Project Management

What are some good certifications for project managers?

Every project management certification has its own rules, meaning there isn’t a standard evaluation framework. You may need to determine whether an applicant’s project management IT certification is relevant for your company.

When hiring a project manager, it’s important to understand what project management certifications entail. Let’s review four project management certification options.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP designation is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It requires 35 hours of training, and candidates typically need between two and five years of experience to apply for the program.

PMP-certified professionals must complete 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years to maintain their certifications.

2. Certified Project Director (CPD)

The CPD certification, run by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), is designed for executive-level project managers who want to enhance their skills and techniques. Individuals who pursue this certification may manage several projects simultaneously and oversee a team.

Before taking the exam, professionals must first complete the CPD E-course. It typically requires 20-25 hours of work. They must also have a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree and one of the following certifications:

• GAQM Professional in Project Management (PPM)
• PMI PMP
• GIAC Certified Project Manager (CPM)
• Axelos PRINCE2 practitioner

Professionals who pass the exam receive a certification that’s valid for five years. To renew the certification, project managers can retake the exam or the CPD E-course.

3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Workers new to project management can pursue the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification from the PMI. It requires a high school diploma or a GED and 23 hours of project management education. Candidates can meet this requirement with a CAPM course from PMI.

To maintain CAPM certifications, professionals must complete at least 15 PDUs every three years.

A CAPM certification typically indicates an applicant is interested in a project management career. The CAPM education requirements demonstrate they’re trained in common project management practices and techniques.

4. Certified Project Management Professional (CPMP)

The Certified Project Management Professional (CPMP) certification is administered by the American Industrial Certification Institute (AiCi). Although AiCi courses are typically designed for engineers and technical professionals, the CPMP program is open to any business professional.

This certification has no prerequisites. However, workers may find it helpful to attend a three-day training session before taking the exam.

Interview questions to ask about a candidate’s project management certifications

One of the best ways to learn about a candidate’s project management certifications is to ask specific questions, even if you’re familiar with the requirements.

Here are some questions you may find helpful during an interview:

• Do you have any project management certifications? If the answer is no, ask if they’re willing to become certified or if it’s something they’ve considered.
• Tell me three things you learned during your project management program certification. A certified project manager can likely answer this question easily. However, consider how long it’s been since their last training course, exam or PDU.
• How will you apply your knowledge from project management training at our office? Look for useful ideas and signs that the candidate understands how to apply theory and education in a practical setting.
• Do you plan to obtain additional project management certificates? Candidates with clear certification plans may stay in project management for the long term.

FAQs about top project management certification options

How long does it take to get certified in project management?

Some project management certification courses require between 20 and 35 hours of training plus a final exam. Others are self-directed, which means they may take longer. Participants must pass the exam to receive project management program certification. The entire process, including training and exam prep, can take several months.

Is a PMP better than an MBA?

Some companies prefer candidates with a project management degree vs. certification, while others are more interested in the specialized training and education that comes with a PMP certification.

What qualifications does a project manager need?

If you use a skills-based hiring process, consider looking for project managers with strong verbal and written communication skills. Effective project managers are typically organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented and productive.

Project management certifications can also help knowledgeable employees stand out. Whether you have a small tech company or a mid-sized sales agency, these certified leaders can help your company succeed.