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What to know about project management roles and certification

Next to top-level IT certifications, project management certifications are among the most sought-after tech credentials. Project management certifications enhance and expand other IT qualifications and add to a professional’s skill set.

Project management involves planning, scheduling, budgeting, executing and reporting on various projects. In the IT realm, events such as hardware and operating system upgrades, platform migrations, security patches, software updates and maintenance tasks are considered “projects,” so project management is incredibly important.

According to staffing firm Robert Half’s 2023 Salary Guide, project managers in the U.S. earn, on average, $119,000 annually; salaries reach almost $200,000 for top earners. Scrum masters earn around $112,000 nationally, and top earners can make over $180,000. Robert Half places Agile and Scrum in the top five in-demand technology methodologies, so earning a top-level certification is a surefire way to become a sought-after and well-paid project manager.

Best project management certifications

More IT professionals are seeking project management certifications these days. Various evergreen IT certifications cover different areas and skills, but all of them can help you navigate your career path and increase your earning potential. Here are several to consider.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Institute (PMI) stands firmly behind its PMP certification. The organization works with academia and training companies to ensure proper coverage and currency in the curricula supporting the PMP and other PMI credentials. With more than 1.2 million PMP-certified professionals globally, PMI’s PMP remains among the most prestigious project management credentials. 

You can obtain college- and university-based PMP training from many institutions. You may also find PMP coverage integrated into specific degree programs (often at the master’s level).

The PMP credential is coveted by employers seeking the most highly skilled project management professionals. It is designed to ensure credential holders possess the skills and qualifications to successfully manage all project phases, including initiating, planning, scheduling, controlling and monitoring, and closing projects.

PMP-certified project managers are well versed and skilled in managing all aspects of the triple constraints: time, cost and scope. Employers depend on PMP professionals to do the following: 

• Manage budgets
• Track costs
• Manage scope creep
• Identify how changes to the triple constraints may introduce risk to the project
• Minimize risks to protect the project investment

PMP certification standards are rigorous and include the following: 

• Skills and education: Credential holders must demonstrate and certify that they have the skills and education necessary to succeed in the project management field.
• Documentation: Credential seekers should be ready to provide documentation of their education, previous projects and training courses. 
• Eligibility ID: Candidates must obtain an eligibility ID from PMI before they can register for the exam. 
• Exam: Once eligible candidates receive their ID, they have one year and three attempts to pass a comprehensive 180-question exam. 

While the certification is difficult to achieve, PMP credential holders enjoy significant rewards. PMI’s salary survey revealed that PMPs in the U.S. earn an average of 32 percent more than their non-credentialed counterparts. In the U.S., PMPs earn a median annual salary of $123,000, compared with $93,000 for non-PMP-certified project managers. Additionally, PMP credential holders can earn significantly more depending on a project’s size and complexity, as well as their experience and expertise.

For those who are interested in program management or who wish to specialize in a project management area, PMI offers several interesting additional credentials:

• Program Management Professional (PgMP): The PgMP credential targets professionals who manage multiple projects on an organizational level.
• Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP): The PfMP credential targets professionals who manage organizational project portfolios.
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): The PMI-ACP credential targets project management professionals who work with the Agile project management methodology.
• PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA): The PMI-PBA credential focuses on business analysis and the ability to define stakeholder requirements, project scope and business solution outcomes.
• PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP): The PMI-RMP credential is a specialized credential that focuses on risk assessment, identification and mitigation.
• PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP): The PMI-SP credential is for project managers charged with developing and maintaining project schedules.

The PMP credential remains a nonpareil certification for IT and other professionals whose responsibilities encompass project management. It is the standard against which all other project management credentials are judged.

PMP facts and figures:

Certification name	Project Management Professional (PMP)
Prerequisites and required courses	Four-year degree 36 months of leading and directing projects within the past eight years 35 hours of project management education (does not apply to active CAPM certification holders) OR Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or equivalent) 60 months of leading and directing projects within the past eight years 35 hours of project management education (does not apply to active CAPM certification holders) Note: Credential holders must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) per three-year cycle to maintain their certification.
Number of exams	One (180 questions, five unscored; 230 minutes to complete)
Cost per exam	Online and in-person (administered by Pearson VUE) computer-based exams: PMI member: $405 (may retake two times within a year for a fee) Nonmember: $555 (may retake two times within a year for a fee) Exams are available in online proctored or center-based test (CBT) formats. Note: Eligibility ID from PMI is required to register.
URL	https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
Self-study materials	PMI maintains a list of training resources on the PMP exam guidance webpage, including these: Additional training materials (quizzes, publications, books, practice guides and more) are available from the PMI Store. Numerous books are available, including these:

PMP certification is also recommended for anyone who aspires to become an enterprise IT architect.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

PMI also backs the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential. In fact, the CAPM is considered a stepping stone for those who wish to attain PMP status. PMI describes the CAPM as an “essential first step in building a career as a project manager” but also a step that “opens the door to opportunities at every stage of your career.”

The CAPM requires the following:

• A high school diploma (or GED or global equivalent)
• 23 hours of project management classroom training 
• The CAPM exam 

No previous experience is required. The education prerequisite can be met by completing PMI’s Project Management Basics online course, which costs $350 for PMI members and $400 for nonmembers.

The CAPM is one of a small set of entry-level certifications for IT professionals who are interested in project management. However, it’s just a stepping stone to the PMP credential. Unless you work in a large organization with a project management team comprising junior and senior positions, the CAPM alone is unlikely to provide a ticket to a project management job. However, it’s ideal for IT professionals for whom project management is a part-time role or for those who want to grow into full-time project management.

PMI issued its latest CAPM exam in July 2023, so some older study materials might not be complete. For additional information about the latest exam format, visit PMI’s CAPM exam Update page.

CAPM facts and figures:

If you want to start building project management skills but aren’t ready to invest in an entry-level certification course, consider exploring free project management training materials.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Although different Scrum master certifications are available, our pick is the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance. This nonprofit encourages the adoption of Scrum and Agile practices, promotes user groups and learning events, and provides resources for professional development. The organization boasts more than 1.4 million certified practitioners worldwide.

The Scrum Alliance provides a support system for Scrum practitioners, including Scrum gatherings, professional development and retreats, user groups, virtual communications, coaching, online training and much more. 

In addition to community and advocacy activities, the Scrum Alliance offers numerous Scrum-related certifications. The certifications are designed for team members on the Scrum master, product owner and developer tracks. Each track offers credentials at the foundational, advanced and professional levels. Certification is also available for Agile leadership and guide levels.

• Scrum master track: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) and Certified Scrum Professional-Scrum Master (CSP-SM)
• Product owner track: Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO) and Certified Scrum Professional-Product Owner (CSP-PO)
• Developer track: Certified Scrum Developer (CSD), Advanced Certified Scrum Developer (A-CSD) and Certified Scrum Professional for Developers (CSP-D)
• Guide-level certifications: Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), Certified Team Coach (CTC) and Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC)
• Agile leadership: Certified Agile Leadership (CAL), a credential based on a combination of education and validated practice 
• Agile coaching: Agile Coaching Skills-Certified Facilitator (ACS-CF), which supports groups as they collaborate, create and make decisions.

The CSM is an excellent entry-level credential for project managers who are getting started as Scrum practitioners. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of Scrum principles and values and will learn how to implement and apply Scrum in practice. The Scrum Alliance provides CSMs with resources, checklists and information about the Scrum master’s servant-leader role.

Certified ScrumMaster facts and figures:

Certification name	Certified ScrumMaster
Prerequisites and required courses	General familiarity with Scrum Completion of a 14-hour (usually over two days) CSM training course (price varies by training provider; candidates can expect to pay around $920 to $1,500) Note: Certification must be renewed every two years by earning 20 Scrum education units (and paying $100 for foundational-level certifications).
Number of exams	One (37 correct answers out of 50 questions required to pass; 60-minute time limit)
Cost per exam	Fees for online tests paid by the training provider
URL	https://www.scrumalliance.org/certifications/practitioners/certified-scrummaster-csm
Self-study materials	Scrum Alliance offers blogs, articles, reports, online learning, suggested memorizing and presentations online, including these:  Note: Udemy offers practice tests designed to help test takers pass the CSM certification exam on their first attempt.

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) issues globally recognized certifications that attest to a candidate’s expertise, mastery of industry and regulation standards, and mastery of the ASQ Body of Knowledge. ASQ offers 18 credentials, three of which specifically target project management: 

• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) (expert level)
• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) (professional level) 
• Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) (entry-level)

The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is ASQ’s highest Six Sigma credential. The CSSBB is for experienced practitioners who understand Six Sigma methodologies (including the DMAIC model), tools, systems and philosophies. CSSBBs can lead teams or manage team dynamics, roles and responsibilities.

The path to CSSBB certification is rigorous. Candidates must do the following: 

• Pass a comprehensive exam
• Complete two projects employing Six Sigma tools and processes, resulting in project improvement and a positive financial impact
• Submit an affidavit to attest to the project’s veracity 

Alternatively, candidates with at least three years of experience in one or more of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge areas need to complete only one Black Belt project.

CSSBB candidates are expected to demonstrate mastery of these ASQ Black Belt Body of Knowledge, called standards:

• Organization-wide Planning and Deployment (organization-wide considerations, leadership)
• Organization Process Management and Measures (impact on stakeholders, benchmarking, business measures)
• Team Management (team formation, facilitation, dynamics, training)
• Define (voice of the customer, business case and project charter, project management tools, analytical tools)
• Measure (process characteristics, data collection, measurement systems, basic statistics, probability, process capability)
• Analyze (measuring and modeling relationships between variables, hypothesis testing, risk analysis and management, other analysis methods)
• Improve (design of experiments, Lean methods, implementation)
• Control (statistical process control and other controls, maintain controls, sustain improvements)
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Framework and Methodologies (common DFSS methodologies, design for DFX)

The CSSBB credential is valid for three years. To recertify, candidates must earn 18 recertification units (RUs) or retake the exam. Recertification by RUs costs $90 for ASQ members and $130 for nonmembers.

CSSBB facts and figures:

Certification name	Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
Prerequisites and required courses	Two completed projects with signed project affidavits or one completed project with a signed affidavit (depending on experience level) Three years of experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge
Number of exams	One computer-based or paper-based exam:  Computer-based (165 questions, 15 unscored; 4.5 hours)  Paper-based (150 questions, four hours)
Cost per exam	Members: $468  Nonmembers: $568  Retakes: $368 (Exams administered by Prometric)
URL	https://asq.org/cert/six-sigma-black-belt
Self-study materials	ASQ maintains a comprehensive list of exam prep materials, including the following: Training opportunities Question banks Interactive sample exams Books  Recommended references Note: Udemy offers a course called Six Sigma: Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Accredited.

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is ASQ’s professional-level credential targeting experienced Six Sigma practitioners. Often, a CSSGB works under the direction of the more senior CSSBB or as an assistant. CSSGBs identify issues and drive quality and process improvements in projects.

To earn the credential, candidates must meet the following requirements: 

• They must have at least three years of experience working with Six Sigma processes, systems and tools.
• The work experience must have been full-time and compensated. (An unpaid internship, for example, doesn’t count.)
• The work performed must have been in at least one of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge competency areas.
• Candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge. 

Currently, the Green Belt Body of Knowledge includes six competency areas:

• Overview: Six Sigma and the Organization (organizational goals, Lean principles, design for six sigma methodologies)
• Define Phase (project identification, voice of the customer, project management basics, management and planning tools, business results for projects, team dynamics and performance)
• Measure Phase (process analysis and documentation, probability and statistics, statistical distributions, collecting and summarizing data, measurement system analysis, process and performance capability)
• Analyze Phase (exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, additional analysis methods)
• Improve Phase (design of experiments, implementation planning, Lean tools)
• Control Phase (statistical process control, sustain improvements, Lean tools for process control)

Overall, this is an excellent credential for those who have some experience but who are not quite ready to take on the roles and responsibilities of a Black Belt.

CSSGB facts and figures:

Certification name	Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)
Prerequisites and required courses	Three years of experience in one or more of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge areas; must be a full-time paid position (not internships)
Number of exams	One computer-based or paper-based exam:  Computer-based (110 questions, 10 unscored; 4.5 hours) Paper-based (100 questions, four hours)
Cost per exam	Members: $369  Nonmembers $469 Retakes: $269 (Exams administered by Prometric)
URL	https://asq.org/cert/six-sigma-green-belt
Self-study materials	ASQ maintains a comprehensive list of exam prep materials, including the following: Training opportunities Question banks Interactive sample exams Books  Recommended references Note: Udemy offers a course called Six Sigma: Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Accredited.

Project resource management is an element of overall project management. It aims to maximize resources to avoid resource shortages and excess resources.

PMP^® Certification Holders Earn 33% Higher Median Salary Than Non-PMP Certified Professionals According to PMI Salary Survey, Further Raising the Appeal of Pursuing Professional Certifications

Project Management Institute (PMI) today released the 13th edition of its "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey," which reveals the global project management salary landscape and highlights the importance of continuous education and skill building to stay ahead in today's job market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231107680202/en/

According to the survey, respondents holding the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® certification reported higher median salaries than project management practitioners without a PMP certification – 33% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed. This report is a useful resource for professionals applying for project management roles and organizations seeking to fill them as it helps define the earning power of project professionals around the world.

About two-thirds (66%) of the survey participants reported that their total compensation (including salary, bonus, and other cash incentives) increased over the 12 months before completing the survey. The data also shows a broad consensus that the PMP certification is valuable not only for salary growth but also for career development. For example, in the United States, 55% of practitioners agreed that their PMP certification has been extremely valuable to their career development. To further demonstrate these points, in this video, PMP certification holders discuss the financial benefits they have realized through earning their certifications.

The survey data shows that the median salary of project professionals varies considerably from country to country and across variables. Salary information has been converted to U.S. dollars using normal exchange rates:

• The countries where project practitioners report the highest median salaries are the United States (US$120,000), Australia (US$103,789), Germany (US$99,512), United Kingdom (US$87,993), and Singapore (US$79,464).
• Salary increases with higher positions in virtually all countries, but the rate of increase varies significantly. The most dramatic increases are seen in Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and The United Arab Emirates, where respondents demonstrated increases of more than 60 percent in median salary from project manager I to project manager III.
• There appears to be a connection between salary and the size of projects managed, where most countries demonstrate higher median salaries among practitioners managing larger projects. For example, in Brazil, the median salary is reported to be US$26,507 when the project budget is less than US$100,000 and US$48,121 when the project budget is greater than US$10 million.

While there can be a monetary advantage to earning the PMP certification, there are other benefits, including the fact that certified project professionals are in significant demand across industries and geographies, and hiring managers are recognizing the value of industry certifications and skills-based hiring. Additionally, earning the PMP certification proves professionals have the skills needed for project success, which helps them break into an industry they are passionate about, empowering them to build a career around their passion. Maintaining the PMP certification proves professionals' commitment to continuous learning, which is especially important as emerging technologies are becoming part of everyday business.

"This reported increase in compensation is a true recognition of the impact PMP-certified project professionals deliver in their daily work. Organizations are relying on project teams to make strategic priorities happen, and project managers are being rewarded for the pivotal skills they offer," said Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President & Chief Executive Officer at PMI. "Earning potential is a major factor when making career choices, and organizations across the world acknowledge the depth of knowledge and expertise that PMP-certified project managers bring to the table. Becoming part of this globally recognized PMP-certified cohort sets you apart."

A global summary report and interactive salary tool are available here. PMI members can access a more comprehensive report featuring annualized salary information for the 21 countries surveyed.

About the Report

PMI's biennial report, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey," is an industry-leading source of data for both project practitioners and organizations who want to stay current with the salary landscape for today's project professionals. The report is based on self-reported salary information fielded between March and April 2023 from more than 20,000 project management practitioners, bringing accuracy to the salary figures. The stratified random sampling methodology used for this study results in the ability to report meaningful compensation data for 21 countries.

About Project Management Institute (PMI)

PMI is the leading authority in project management, committed to advancing the project management profession to positively impact project success. We empower professionals to excel in project management practices through our growing global community, knowledge sharing, and best-in-class certifications—driving positive change in organizations and communities. Since 1969, our unwavering mission has been to advocate for the profession by offering life-long learning and connections to sharpen high-demand skills. Today, PMI provides professionals at every stage of their career journey with the globally recognized standards, online courses, thought leadership, events, and tools they need to succeed. With more than 300 chapters around the world, PMI members can network, find mentors, access career opportunities, and learn from peers, working together to drive greater impact. Visit us at: www.PMI.org, linkedin.com/company/projectmanagementinstitute, facebook.com/PMInstitute, and on X @PMInstitute.

Project Management Institute, PMI, and BRIGHTLINE are registered trademarks of Project Management Institute, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231107680202/en/