Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.

We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for consultant/project managers. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

20 Best Consultant/Project Manager Certifications

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Project Management Certification Training + 2 Practice Exams
udemy
3.9
(134)

2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Certified Scrum Master
Certifying Organization
Scrum Alliance
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Certified Scrum Master Exam Prep: Scrum Practice Tests
udemy
4.3
(73)

3. Six Sigma Green Belt

The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology who both leads or supports improvement projects, typically as a part-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Six Sigma Green Belt
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Exam Practice Test
udemy
4.2
(238)

4. Master Project Manager (MPM)

If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Master Project Manager
Certifying Organization
American Academy of Project...
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Project Management Certification Training + 2 Practice Exams
udemy
3.9
(134)

5. Certified Manager Certification (CM)

The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 

6. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is someone who has voluntarily met the prescribed criteria of the CCM program with regard to formal education, field experience and demonstrated capability and understanding of the CM body of knowledge.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)

7. Six Sigma Yellow Belt

The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (ICYB) is a professional who is versed in the basics of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology who supports improvement projects as a part of a team or conducts small projects on a part time basis. A Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt possesses an understanding of the aspects within the phases of D-M-C.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Six Sigma: Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (Accredited)
udemy
4.6
(7,515)

8. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Certified Scrum Product Owner professionals have been taught the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that enable them to fulfill the role of Product Owner on a Scrum team. CSPOs are typically the individuals who are closest to the "business side" of the project. They are charged by the organization to "get the product out" and are expected to do the best possible job of satisfying all the stakeholders. CSPOs maintain the product backlog and ensure that everyone knows the priorities.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
Scrum Alliance
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Scrum Product Owner & Scrum Product Owner Certification
udemy
4
(1,940)

9. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)

10. Professional Business Analyst Certificate

Solidify, verify, and claim your business analysis expertise with our Professional Business Analyst Certificate. Through our four-course business analysis training curriculum, you can propel your skills as a business analyst.In this business analysis training program, you will examine the role and responsibilities of the business analyst. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, you will learn techniques for ensuring project success every step of the way - from identifying and analyzing potential projects to making sure that the final project product meets the requirements you identified.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Organization
Global Knowledge

11. Program Management Professional (PgMP)

Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)

12. Agile Project And Delivery Management (ICP-APM)

The ICP-APM is one of two knowledge-based certifications on the Delivery Management track. This certification focuses on core components of agile project management as distinct from traditional project management, and on equipping course participants with strategies and techniques for successful Lean and Agile project implementation. A servant leadership mindset and approach is critical to empowering agile teams to produce great results. Students will practice the role of agile project manager as a facilitator of agile practices towards achieving desired outcomes. This certification also takes a much more in-depth look at the fundamental agile concepts of adaptive planning, customer collaboration, and value-driven delivery in dynamic and sometimes highly constrained environments. In addition, the learning outcomes address agile approaches to standard project management processes such as metrics, reporting, and contract management..

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No

13. Six Sigma Black Belt

The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology, who leads improvement projects, typically in a full-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Six Sigma Black Belt
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Six Sigma: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (Part 2) (Accredited)
udemy
4.7
(702)

14. Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013

This exam is designed for people who are engaged in managing projects, programs, or portfolios in the Microsoft Project Portfolio Management (PPM) environment and have a solid understanding of key project management concepts and terminology. Candidates should also have extensive hands-on experience using Microsoft Project Professional 2013 and Project Web App 2013, including managing enterprise custom fields, views, and portfolio objects.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
Microsoft Corporation
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Project Management Certification Training + 2 Practice Exams
udemy
3.9
(134)

15. Advanced Project Management Certified Professional

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Project Management Certification Training + 2 Practice Exams
udemy
3.9
(134)

16. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

As project management grows in scope, importance and recognition, so do the related career and credential options available to you. The CAPM is designed for project team members and entry-level project managers, as well as qualified undergraduate and graduate students who want a credential to recognize their value to project team performance. A CAPM Credential can benefit professionals from all disciplines by demonstrating clear direction to their work and by gaining knowledge of project management processes and terminology.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
udemy
4.4
(293)

17. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Thousands of employers worldwide look for the CPIM designation when making critical hiring decisions. These companies know that CPIM designees have the proven knowledge and skills to strategically streamline operations.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)

18. Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)

This professional competency certification requires successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management, Software Engineering Project Management, Software Engineering Economics and the successful completion of two advanced applied modules.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)

19. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI)

PMI's Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® credential is a response to project management's increasing growth, complexity and diversity. Globally recognized and demanded, the PMI-RMP® fills the need for a specialist role in project risk management. It recognizes your unique expertise and competency in assessing and identifying project risks, mitigating threats and capitalizing on opportunities, while still possessing a baseline knowledge and practical application in all areas of project management.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Risk Management for PMI Certification
udemy
4.9
(616)

20. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

The Certified Business Analysis ProfessionalTM (CBAP) designation is a professional certification for individuals with extensive business analysis experience. With at least 7500 hours of hands-on BA experience, CBAP® recipients are the elite, senior members of the BA community.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)

What is the best certification for a Consultant/Project Manager?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is most common among consultant/project managers. This certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire. To become a certified consultant/project manager with Project Management Professional (PMP), you need to pass the exam. This certificate requires more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 3 year.

What are Some of the Most In-Demand Certifications For Consultant/Project Managers?

We analyzed online job postings to determine the most commonly asked-for certifications. The most popular certification requirement is Project Management Professional. By holding this certification, you will gain a more-competitive resume that will look impressive to potential employers.

What Certifications Can Impact a Consultant/Project Manager Career and Salary?

Consultant/project managers are most often promoted to a project manager position. A project manager average salary is $85,365 whereas consultant/project managers make an average salary of $100,754. The Certified Scrum Master certification could help you to get a project manager position in your career path.

Best Certifications

Consultant/project managers are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and Six Sigma Green Belt.

online courses for Consultant/Project Managers that you may like

If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.

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