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Best software development manager certifications
The best certifications for a software development manager are Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).
Software development manager certifications demonstrate your competency as a software development manager to employers. However, not all software development manager certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best software development manager certifications. Obtaining a software development manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
7 best certifications for software development managers
| Rank | Software development manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 2 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
| 3 | Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 4 | Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC) | IEEE |
| 5 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
| 6 | Advanced Project Management Certified Professional | Learning Tree... |
| 7 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
7 best software development manager certifications
1. 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.
- 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?
2. 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.
- 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)
3. 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.
- 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?
4. 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.
- 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)
5. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- 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)
6. Advanced Project Management Certified Professional
- 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
7. 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.
- 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?
What is the best certification for a software development manager?
The best software development manager certification is Certified Scrum Master (CSM). The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is awarded by the Scrum Alliance. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this software development manager certification:
- To become a certified Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for software development managers?
The most in-demand software development manager certification is Certified Scrum Master based on all active job postings. Having this software development manager certification will give you access to more software development manager jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of software development manager certifications include: Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).
Online courses for software development managers to earn certifications
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Learn how to create a maintainable Web API using ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework and Enterprise Level Design Patterns...
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