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Best technical project manager certifications
The best certifications for a technical project manager are Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and Master Project Manager (MPM).
Technical project manager certifications demonstrate your competency as a technical project manager to employers. However, not all technical project manager certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best technical project manager certifications. Obtaining a technical project manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
18 best certifications for technical project managers
| Rank | Technical project manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
| 2 | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 3 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
| 4 | Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 5 | ITIL Foundation | HDI |
| 6 | Advanced Project Management Certified Professional | Learning Tree... |
| 7 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 8 | PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI) | PMI |
| 9 | Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) | PMI |
| 10 | Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013 | MS |
| 11 | Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 12 | Certified Service Manager | PSA |
| 13 | Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) | ETA |
| 14 | Certified Risk Manager (CRM) | TNA |
| 15 | Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ISACA |
| 16 | Certified Technical Professional (CTP) | ATMAE |
| 17 | CompTIA Project+ | CompTIA |
| 18 | Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) | (ISC)2 |
18 best technical 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.
- 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)
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.
- 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?
3. 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)
4. 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?
5. ITIL Foundation
This LCS-accredited course outlines the ITIL best-practices framework and prepares the participant for the ITIL Foundation certification exam, a prerequisite for all other ITIL certifications. This course provides an understanding of the service lifecycle and processes as well as the best and common practices for IT service 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? 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?
8. 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.
- 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)
9. 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.
- 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)
10. 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.
- 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?
11. Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)
Certified Scrum Professionals have demonstrated experience, documented training, and proven knowledge in the art of Scrum. CSPs challenge their Scrum teams to improve the way Scrum and other Agile methods are implemented for every project.
- 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?
12. Certified Service Manager
- 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 4 year(s)
13. Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification. The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics. In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category, in order to qualify.
- 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)
14. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
- 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 1 year(s)
15. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- 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)
16. Certified Technical Professional (CTP)
Certified Technical Professional (CTP) program is designed to serve graduates of both 2-Year and 4-Year Programs. The exam is broad-based, geared to technical programs without a management component that result in either an associate (AS, AAS) degree or a baccalaureate (BS, BA) degree.
- 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?
17. CompTIA Project+
CompTIA IT Project+ Certification The CompTIA IT Project+ certification validates your knowledge and abilities as an IT project manager.IT Project+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential recognized worldwide. Having an IT Project+ certification is proof that you have the critical knowledge of business practices, interpersonal skills and project management processes, in addition to the ability to effectively plan, implement and complete IT projects on time and within your budget.
- 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)
18. Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP)
CISSP-ISSAP requires a candidate to demonstrate 2 years of professional experience in the area of architecture and is an appropriate credential for Chief Security Architects and Analysts who may typically work as independent consultants or in similar capacities. The architect plays a key role within the information security department with responsibilities that functionally fit between the C-suite and upper managerial level and the implementation of the security program. The candidate would generally develop, design, or analyze the overall security plan. Although this role may typically be tied closely to technology, it may be fundamentally closer to the consultative and analytical process of information security.
- 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 technical project manager?
The best technical project manager certification is Project Management Professional (PMP). The Project Management Professional (PMP) is awarded by the Project Management Institute. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this technical project manager certification:
- To become a certified 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 technical project managers?
The most in-demand technical project manager certification is Project Management Professional based on all active job postings. Having this technical project manager certification will give you access to more technical project manager jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a technical project manager career and salary?
The Certified Scrum Master certification will help you to secure a senior project manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior project manager's average salary is $108,931 whereas technical project managers make an average salary of $108,205.
The most common combination of technical project manager certifications include: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and Master Project Manager (MPM).
Online courses for technical project managers to earn certifications
1. IBM IT Project Manager
Prepare for a career in the high-growth field of IT project management. In this program, you’ll develop the skills and tools to have a competitive edge in the job market as an entry-level IT project manager in less than 3 months. No prior knowledge or experience is required.\n\nIT project managers track projects, manage risks, and work cross-functionally to support an organization’s IT infrastructure and software development. IT project managers often act as a liaison between the business and...
2. Microsoft Project ADVANCED: Project Management Technics 3PDU
MS PROJECT 2016 ADVANCED Project Management Techniques -incl Enterprise level. HANDS-ON from #1 BESTSELLING INSTRUCTOR...
3. IT Business Analyst & Project Managers Technical awareness
A quick introduction to software development & IT for business analyst and non technical managers overseeing IT teams...
4. Project Management: Simple Software Project Management
Project Management for NEW Project Managers - knowledge, tools, techniques, skills, checklists, guidelines, pitfalls...
5. Master Course in Project Management 2.0
Project Management, PMP, Agile project management, Project manager, Prince2, Scrum, Project Planning, Project risk cost...
6. Agile Crash Course: Agile Project Management; Agile Delivery
Agile Project Management Basics (Scrum) & Agile Project Management Essentials (Scrum). Plus Agile Certification (Scrum)...
7. The Agile Methodology for Project Risk Managers
The Agile Project Management and Risk Management for Project Professionals Full Course...
8. Agile Project Management Bootcamp: Agile Project Management
This Agile Project Management Bootcamp course will allow you to learn the Agile Way! Agile Project Management (Scrum)...
9. Software Project Management - The complete course
Project management in software development in traditional and agile projects...
10. Project Management - Complete Guide For A+ Project Managers
Complete guide to project management - stakeholders, planning, cost, quality, risks, feasibility, methods & resourcing...
11. Mastering Agile Scrum Project Management
Review and master agile development & scrum methodologies for your career...
12. Project Management Essentials
A crash course in the essentials of project management for new project managers...
13. The Project Management Course: Beginner to PROject Manager
The Complete Course For Becoming A Successful Project Manager...
14. Beginning Project Management: Project Management Level One
Project Management: Growing a Successful Career as a Project Manager...
15. Project Management Office (PMO) Setup Guide
PMO Step-by-Step Implementation Plan...
16. Project Management: Becoming a Successful Project manager
Project Management...
17. Project Management Course: Master Project Scope Management
Practical guide to scope development and management - Project Management Certification (PMP, CAPM) Training [Earn 11PDU]...
18. Professional Diploma in Project Management
Introduction to main areas and tools of project management...
19. Manage Project Risks Impeccably (12 PDUs, RMP - PMP) PMBOK 7
PMI Project Risk Management RMP Certification Program Course. Practical & easy to follow Use Case Project. PMBOK 7...
20. Practical Project Management for Management Consultants
How to manage successfully a consulting project - a practical guide for Project Managers...