Project management is an exciting, fulfilling, and ever-changing field. For people looking to get into a role in this area, it can be tricky to know where to start. So, which project management certification is best?
With that in mind, we’ve put together an in-depth guide to some of the best project management certifications out there and will walk you through how to achieve each one, from entry-level certifications to high-level project management training.
Why is it important to pick the best project management certification?
When it comes to project management, the best certification can be tricky to find. However, if you want to know how to become a project manager and achieve a long-term goal of having a solid project management career, knowing what sort of training to get is vital.
There are lots of great reasons why you should study project management, and upskilling in this area can show you how to grow soft skills and abilities you might already have. Getting a clear idea of what the goals of a project are and how best to achieve them will help immensely when deciding which courses are best for you.
Picking the right course for you can allow you to hit the ground running and get the best out of your training. Learn the best ways to use risk management, assessments, and the fundamentals of project management in order to become a skilled and experienced project manager.
Which is the best project management certification?
Although each project management certification has its pros and cons, the one that’s best suited to you will be the one that reflects your needs and skills gaps the most. Some certifications require a different level of prior knowledge or technical skills, so this might affect your choice when deciding which is the best for you.
Within project management, it’s also good to consider how teams work in your company. Are flexibility and fluidity valued? Does your team follow a set way of doing things? Is efficiency the most important part of your team’s work ethic? These are all things you’ll need to think about before picking the right project management certification.
No matter which professional certification you pick, having solid management principles instilled within your team and your approach will help you achieve new levels of quality management by setting new goals, realise ambitious targets, and completing bigger and better projects down the line.
Agile Project Management Certification
Getting an Agile Project Management Certification is a great choice for anyone looking to advance their career. But what exactly does this certification entail, and how do you become Agile certified?
The Agile methodology is a style of project management that puts flexibility at the forefront. Learning how to implement the Agile framework within a work environment to deliver projects allows teams to deliver the best results in a way that has a huge amount of flex for unforeseen circumstances or changes.
Project managers who are qualified within Agile are reactive, able to take on any challenge, and can redeploy capacity at a moment’s notice.
If this sounds like the kind of project manager you want to be, a PMI Agile Project Management will give you the knowledge you need to implement this project management style within your team effectively. As an Agile certified practitioner, you’ll be able to spearhead projects backed up by a strong body of knowledge demonstrated by completion of your certification exam.
This certification is one of the best around for those who want to take on complex projects that are fast-moving, likely to change and evolve and have lots of moving parts that are subject to change quickly.
PRINCE2 Certification
PRINCE2 stands for Process in Controlled Environment and is an approach to project management that aims to organise projects in a holistic way that consistently creates a clear start, middle, and end every time.
This is an ideal option for businesses or organisations that wish to follow a straightforward approach to project management that can be replicated time and time again. The ideal application of PRINCE2 is made through having core principles and goals that are always seen as the main focus of any project.
The pros of this approach are smooth-running projects that don’t throw up surprises or are subject to constant changes. If you work in a predictable and steady area, such as the public sector, this can be a good certification to apply.
If this sounds like the ideal certification for you, taking an online course in PRINCE2® Full Career Starter Collection will give you the knowledge you need to become PRINCE2 certified.
Lean Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma is an approach to project management that aims to reduce the defects in a project or process by as much as possible. This can be used to improve current projects or as a guide for new ones.
This type of project management is ideal for a business or company that’s looking to reduce as much waste as possible and wants to run to maximum efficiency.
One of the best benefits of using Lean Six Sigma is that it can massively speed up processes or projects, so if you’re not happy with the speed at which things are moving, this could be an ideal project management system for you.
If you’d like to become Lean Six Sigma qualified, taking an online course in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is the best way to become certified in this area.
Other project management certifications
Other project management certifications offer unique and different approaches, such as CompTIA Project+ certification, and it’s always a good idea to shop around and see what works best for you.
Discovering which project management courses are out there and would suit your management style is the best way to get results. Getting certifications like these can improve your project management experience and can help you to train entry-level and beginner members of your team to learn outstanding project management skills when the time is right.
There are many project management approaches and certifications out there to choose from, and there’s no definitive answer on which one is better than the rest. Working out which is best for you will depend on your company, projects, and personal working style.
Are you interested in taking on a project management certification? Want to boost your credentials as a certified project manager? Have years of project management experience and want to take it to the next level? Explore training courses today and find out the different ways in which you can get started on your education journey and move your career forward.
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