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 contract project managers. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

10 Best Contract 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.

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. IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)

The ITIL Foundations Certification course is designed for all IT service and support staff members. Whether you are just adopting ITIL or are working on continuous service improvement, you will gain a fundamental understanding of how IT service and support can be best organized to align IT with business needs, improve service quality, and reduce long-term costs. Course Benefits: 1) Gain an understanding of the ITIL framework and its relationship with the 10 foundational processes and Service Desk function, 2) Learn how ITIL processes can be utilized in any size organization, 3) Promote a common vision and language within the IT infrastructure.

The ITIL Foundations Certification course is designed for all IT service and support staff members. Whether you are just adopting ITIL or are working on continuous service improvement, you will gain a fundamental understanding of how IT service and support can be best organized to align IT with business needs, improve service quality, and reduce long-term costs. Course Benefits: 1) Gain an understanding of the ITIL framework and its relationship with the 10 foundational processes and Service Desk function, 2) Learn how ITIL processes can be utilized in any size organization, 3) Promote a common vision and language within the IT infrastructure.

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? No

3. Master Project Manager (MPM)

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

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)

4. 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.

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)

5. Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)

A certified professional contracts manager (CPCM) shows that you are knowledgeable about all facets of contracts management, both within the government and the commercial arenas.

A certified professional contracts manager (CPCM) shows that you are knowledgeable about all facets of contracts management, both within the government and the commercial arenas.

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 5 year(s)

6. 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.

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)

7. 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.

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)

8. 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.

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? 

9. Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS)

The program candidate must have six months previous security supervisory/management experience or equivalent. Remit the certification fee to IFPO to receive the CSSM application. Candidates accepted into this portion of the program are required to address 10 simulated workplace scenarios demanding supervisory/management action.

The program candidate must have six months previous security supervisory/management experience or equivalent. Remit the certification fee to IFPO to receive the CSSM application. Candidates accepted into this portion of the program are required to address 10 simulated workplace scenarios demanding supervisory/management action.

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)

10. 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)

Contract Project Manager Jobs

What is the best certification for a Contract Project Manager?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is most common among contract 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 contract 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 Contract 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 Contract Project Manager Career and Salary?

Contract project managers are most often promoted to a contractor-senior project manager position. A contractor-senior project manager average salary is $112,487 whereas contract project managers make an average salary of $81,263. The IT Information Library Foundations Certification certification could help you to get a contractor-senior project manager position in your career path.

Best Certifications

Contract project managers are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL), and Master Project Manager (MPM).

Best Certifications

Check Jobs That Match To Your Education

Senior And Mid Level Jobs For Contract Project Manager

online courses for Contract 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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1. Construction Project Management

coursera

Construction Project Management introduces learners to Project Initiation and Planning. Columbia University professor, Ibrahim Odeh, along with industry experts join together to provide a comprehensive overview of the construction industry. There are 10 modules that allow learners to become knowledgeable of construction management within the dynamic construction industry. Professor Odeh teaches learners about the fundamentals of the Project Development Cycle while guest lecturers discuss Lean...

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2. Contracts Management in Construction Projects

udemy
4.2
(563)

Contracts Management, Contract Administration, FIDIC, Bank Guarantees, Contracts, Letter Drafting, Quantity Surveying...

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3. Introduction to Contract Management

udemy
4.4
(1,003)

Understand what is involved in the contract management process and put this knowledge to work with confidence...

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4. Construction Contracts and Law (CB 514)

udemy
4.3
(365)

This course provides; A detailed insight into the construction contracts management, as well as the essential characteristics of Biding and its different phases. Principles and basics of construction contracting - Types of construction contracts - contracts documents - project delivery systems - introduction to building and construction law - Legal aspects associated with construction projects - claims...

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5. Complete Contract Management Bootcamp: Zero to Hero

udemy
4.6
(711)

Learn about the key and most essential contract management concepts 30+ free useful tools in their native MS formats...

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6. Project Management Essentials

udemy
4.5
(10,687)

A crash course in the essentials of project management for new project managers...

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7. Mastering Construction/Project Management

udemy
4.3
(500)

Mastering Construction-Project Management in less than 10 Hours...

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8. Wholesale Real Estate Contracts: Flip Houses Risk Free

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4.8
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Download A Full Package Of Strategically Developed Real Estate Contracts And Learn How To Leverage Them In Your Business...

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9. Learning Business Contracts for Beginners

udemy
4.6
(2,015)

An Introductory Guide to Drafting Winning Contracts, Negotiating Well, and Getting What You Want...

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10. Beginning Project Management: Project Management Level One

udemy
4.5
(25,147)

Project Management: Growing a Successful Career as a Project Manager...

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11. Business Analyst: Project Management Techniques and Tools

udemy
4.5
(3,819)

Learn project management techniques to increase your project success rate as a Business Analyst!...

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12. Project Management Office (PMO) Setup Guide

udemy
4.3
(294)

PMO Step-by-Step Implementation Plan...

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13. Agile Project Management Bootcamp: Agile Project Management

udemy
4.5
(1,310)

This Agile Project Management Bootcamp course will allow you to learn the Agile Way! Agile Project Management (Scrum)...

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14. Project Management Office (PMO) for Management Consultants

udemy
4.4
(779)

A practical guide on how to build and run PMO on the level of top consulting firm McKinsey, BCG, Bain, PwC...

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15. Project Management: Simple Software Project Management

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4.3
(606)

Project Management for NEW Project Managers - knowledge, tools, techniques, skills, checklists, guidelines, pitfalls...

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16. Practical Project Management for Management Consultants

udemy
4.6
(651)

How to manage successfully a consulting project - a practical guide for Project Managers...

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17. Manage Project Risks Impeccably (12 PDUs, PMI PMP Renewal)

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4.5
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Strategic Project Risk Management, Mitigation & Control. Secure success from the very start. Fortune 100 best practice...

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18. Project Management Training

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Project Management Certification Training with 4 Full Practice Tests from...

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19. Project Management: Getting Started and Beyond

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Real World Project Management: Become a Better Project Manager...

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20. Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management

edX (Global)

In this course we will review the owner’s primary goal in choosing a project delivery method to ensure that the planned project will meet the project goals and objectives, fit within the culture of their organization, and at the same time allow the project to be delivered on time, within budget, and achieve good quality. We will review the primary project delivery method arrangements with their advantages and disadvantages, and cover the three major types of contracts. It is the owner’s...

See More on edX