10 Project Manager Certifications That Employers Look For A CV

Project management roles involve planning, executing, and successfully completing projects to meet the organizational goals.

It is one of the few careers in which certifications can significantly improve your chances of landing a job. With the rise of certification programs, hiring managers are now looking for certifications along with the experience of a candidate as well.

Project manager certifications are an essential tool for enhancing the expertise and earning potential of a candidate.

But with a range of options preferred by employers, such as a project management professional and agile certified practitioner, which one should you choose? What are the requirements for each?

Keep reading to discover more.

Why Do Employers Look for Project Manager Certification on a Resume?

Project management is a vast field. There is always something more to learn in it. Employers value project management certifications because they validate skills, prove knowledge, and commitment to best practices.

This, in turns makes candidates more attractive for leadership roles in a competitive environment.

Here is why employers value these certifications:                  

Reduced risk	Understanding reduces the risk of costly project failures for a business.
Consistency	The common framework promotes consistency and efficiency in all teams.
Performance	Certified individuals tend to perform better in leadership positions.
Confidence	Certifications assure that the projects will deliver positive results.
Track	Keeps the project aligned with the budget and business objectives.

Most of the employers use these certifications as a screening criterion for mid-level and senior project management roles.

Moreover, a strong project manager’s CV makes it easier for recruiters to identify relevant certifications and achievements.

What Are The Top 10 Certifications For Project Managers?

Project manager certifications prove you know how to manage complex projects effectively. Moreover, they show your dedication to continuous learning and make you more attractive to employers.

But which one should you choose, depending on your career levels?

Let’s take a deeper look:

1- Project Management Professional

The project management professional (PMP) is a globally recognized and the most demanding certification.

Here is why it matters to employers:

• Show your leadership ability and practical project knowledge
• Covers predictive, agile, and hybrid methods
• Considered the gold standard for project management
• A requirement for senior and mid-level project roles

Prince 2 has certifications available for both foundation and practitioner levels.

It provides a clear framework for managing projects from start to finish. It is adaptable for any project across the public and private sectors.

Here is why employers prefer it:

• Divides projects into manageable and achievable steps
• Is easily scalable, can be tailored to any industry and culture
• Provides clear governance and control methods

3- Certified Associate In Project Management

Certified Associate in Project Management is an ideal choice for entry-level professionals or someone who is switching their career to project management.

This type validates your fundamental project management knowledge and understanding of core processes and terminologies.

Includes:

• Charter and plan creation
• Managing project timelines and budgets
• Acquiring people and identifying risks

4- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner

The PMI (Agile Certified Practitioner) certificate validates a professional’s expertise in applying agile principles. It proves that you can lead projects in flexible and fast-changing environments efficiently.

Here is why it matters to the employers:

• Shows deep understanding of multiple agile frameworks ( Scrum, Kanban, Lean)
• Shows your ability to apply agile tools and techniques to real projects
• Highlights competence in dynamic settings

5- Certified Scrum Master

The certified scrum master certification verifies your understanding of the scrum and agile principles.

 It is an internationally recognized course that shows your commitment to agile and is one of the most respected agile credentials.

After the completion of this course, you can choose to pursue the following Project manager certifications:

• Advanced scrum master
• Scrum professional

Pursuing any one of these can show your deeper expertise in the agile frameworks.

6- IAPM Certified Agile Project Manager

This certification is preferable for candidates working in environments with multiple agile methodologies.

It shows:

• Proficiency in various agile methods
• Skills for working with iterative and collaborative project structures

Pro tip: Some job seekers use professional CV makers to highlight their certifications more effectively.

7- International Association Of Projects Managers (IAPM) Certified Project Manager

This type of certification is valid for life, without any need for recertification. It is one of the globally recognized certifications that doesn’t require any prior experience.

This certification is valued by employers because:

• It shows your core project management knowledge
• Doesn’t require any renewal fee
• Demonstrates expertise in principles, techniques, and soft skills in project management

8- Computing Technology Industry Association

This certification is a great choice for someone working on IT projects. Computing Technology Industry Association doesn’t require lengthy project experience.

You can choose to go for it if you need to handle small projects in your IT career.

It is considered important as it covers:

• Project lifecycle fundamentals
• Resource communication
• Documentation and team coordination

9- PMI Risk Management Professional

Successful risk management is a core component of handling projects. This certification demonstrates your proficiency in risk management fundamentals and techniques.

It shows that beyond basic risk management, you can proactively handle threats and opportunities.

Here is why hiring managers prefer this certification:

• Shows that you can mitigate challenges and save costs
• Equipped with advanced risk identification and analysis skills
• Frameworks for proactive risk planning and response

10- Business Value-Oriented Project Management

Business value-oriented principles certified project management certificate, equips you with an holistic approach for projects.

 It integrates projects, products, and people to maximize business value by blending agile principles with organizational strategies.

FAQS

– Do employers prefer any specific project management certification over another?

No! Most of the employers do not prioritize any single certification. Instead, they search for the ones that align with their industry, project methodology, and team structure.

– What is the duration for project management certification completion?

The duration varies for each certification. Some beginner-level certifications require a few weeks only, whereas the advanced ones might take months of preparation and documented experience.

– Can certifications replace the need for experience in my profile?

Certifications are a great way to boost your credibility, but they cannot compensate for the project management experience. Experience hones real-world skills such as leadership and problem-solving, demonstrating a strong track record of successful project completion.

Wrapping Up

Project manager certifications are more than just credentials; they are a strong communicator of your competence and commitment to successfully lead projects in dynamic environments. Choosing the right certification will give you a competitive advantage while meeting the employer’s expectations.