Project management certifications have become more valuable – especially if you want to keep your career moving along. Certifications have a way of validating your expertise, and they also show that you’re committed to being the best at project management. The national security world runs on projects. Whether you work directly for the federal government or support the mission as a contractor, the need for project managers is everywhere.
Every year, ClearanceJobs surveys cleared professionals, and we ask them if they have at least one certification. In the 2023 Security Clearance Compensation Report, respondents who work in management, leading projects, teams, and programs, report one of the highest average annual salaries, at $130,932. However, those who have at least one certification in this field earn about $9,000 more annually. But on the flip side, those in management who don’t have at least one certification, earn about $11,000 less than the average for managers. And that’s a $20,000 difference between respondents who have a certification, compared to those who don’t. You can get a management job without a certification; however, you can take career and compensation farther with one under your belt.
Top Five Project Management Certifications
It might be hard to know where to start. You don’t always have to go back to school. Sometimes, it’s best to just go for a certification. Here are five project management certifications that can give you a competitive edge.
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is the project management certification that is most well-known. Cleared professionals report a six-figure salary just under $150,000.
- Requirements: Candidates must have a secondary degree, 7,500 hours of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education, or a four-year degree, 4,500 hours of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education.
- Exam Format: The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering various project management domains.
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The CAPM is also offered by PMI, but it’s designed for the project manager who has less experience. If you want to get a strong foundation built and you’re early in your career or switching from another career, this certification can increase your marketability.
- Requirements: Candidates must have a secondary degree or global equivalent and 23 hours of project management education.
- Exam Format: The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering project management knowledge areas.
3. CompTIA Project +
For those who work in IT but want to move into a managerial role, the CompTIA Project+ is a great option in making that cross. The good things is that Project+ is good for life, and it approaches project management from an IT perspective. It’s better suited for those looking to manage less complex projects.
- Requirements: There are no specific prerequisites for the CompTIA Project+ certification.
- Exam Format: The CompTIA Project+ exam assesses knowledge and skills in areas such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure.
4. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Getting a CSM certification highlights to current and future employers your ability to lead a team using Agile project management. Cleared professionals who are ScrumMasters report an average annual compensation of $144, 236.
- Requirements: There are no specific prerequisites for the CSM certification. However, attending a two-day Certified ScrumMaster training course is mandatory.
- Exam Format: The CSM certification does not require a formal exam. Instead, participants must demonstrate their understanding of Scrum principles and practices during the training.
5. Six Sigma
While Six Sigma is not necessarily a project management certification, it’s a valuable methodology to improve processes and enhance efficiency. A Six Sigma certification can make a project manager stand out. And cleared professionals report average annual compensation just under $120,000 with a Six Sigma certification.
- Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for obtaining a Six Sigma certification. However, candidates typically progress through different levels of certification, including Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt, each requiring varying levels of experience and training.
- Exam Format: The exam format for Six Sigma certifications varies depending on the level. Generally, it includes multiple-choice questions, theoretical assessments, and practical exercises related to process improvement and statistical analysis.
Project management certifications hold a lot of power to equip you to advance your career. Adding one to your resume can help you get promoted or land a new job. And it can certainly increase your earning potential.
