Both professional project managers and those looking to hire them need to be aware of the top PM certifications in the industry. Becoming certified remains a great way to stay abreast of the latest management techniques while also improving your career prospects. An essential part of being any kind of technology professional involves always improving your skill set.
Let’s look more closely at some of the top project management certifications predicted for 2018. Leverage these programs to take your career to a higher level.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) Remains the Top PM Certification
Earning a PMP still provides the best chance to cement your status as a technology project manager. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), it remains the gold standard throughout the business world. The PMI regularly works with the business community to ensure its standards stay up to date in a constantly changing high-tech world.
Requirements for the PMI include a bachelor’s degree along with at least three years of project management experience. 4,500 hours of PM work and 35 hours of related education are also required. Professionals with only a high school diploma remain eligible for certification, provided they boast a significantly higher level of PM experience.
Emerging Project Managers Need to Earn the CAPM Certification
For professionals new to project management, the PMI offers the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. With less stringent requirements, the CAPM serves as a stepping stone to a full PMP. You need at least a high school diploma along with 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of PM education.
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) for the Agile Era
Agile remains one the biggest methodology innovations in the 21st Century software development world. The ScrumMaster serves a similar role as a project manager for initiatives following the principles of Agile. The Scrum Alliance, a leading Agile industry group, offers the Certified ScrumMaster certification for PM professionals focused on Agile.
Earning a CSM also makes sense to add some breadth to your resume, giving you the flexibility to manage IT projects whether they use Agile or more traditional methodologies. The requirements are familiarity with the concepts of Agile and/or Scrum as well as the completion of a two-day training course.
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