Project Managers are required in every field because there is a need to keep the progress of the project on track. While the job experience in project management gives you exposure, only a proper project management certification would provide validation. Suppose there is no prior experience, the certification is sufficient to acquire a job.

Project Management is growing faster than ever, according to Mordor Intelligence, project management software is growing by 10.67%.

Like any other job, even a project manager requires skills to be successful. If you have just started as a beginner, this certification is going to increase your salary. So, let us learn about which project management certification is best for beginners.

Which project management certification is best for beginners?

PMI offers several certifications that are widely recognized globally. So, if you are an entry-level project manager and planning for a long-term career in project management, these are the list of certifications that could help you boost your career. PMP certification would require at least 3-5 years of prior experience, so for those wanting to start a career in project management, here is the list of project management certifications that would help you grow professionally.

1.  CAPM Certification

• CAPM Certification is offered by PMI (Project Management Institute)
• It is for the entry-level project managers
• If you are looking to pursue advanced-level certification like PMP, clearing CAPM Certification is a good start.

Key feature:

• Eligibility: Secondary degree/High School Diploma, Completion of 23 hours of project management education.
• Average Salary for Entry level: $50,000 - $ 80,000 per annum
• Suitable job roles: Junior Technical Project Manager, Business Analyst. Member Relations Administrator, etc.

CAPM Certification Cost

For a non-PMI member, it would cost about $300, and for a PMI member, it costs about $225. If the applicants don't pass on the first attempt, exams can be retaken which costs about $150 for PMI members and $200 for non-PMI members.

2. Project Management Fundamentals

• Project Management Fundamentals is offered by Gold Standard Certification.
• Learn the fundamentals of Project Management, from beginning to end involving planning, executing, and monitoring.
• Make use of project management tools and enhance your managing abilities.

Key features:

• Eligibility: Secondary degree/High School Diploma, Completion of 23 hours of project management education.
• Average Salary for Entry level: $40,000 - $50,000 per annum
• Suitable job roles: Project Coordinator, Assistant Project Manager, Associate Project Manager, Junior Project Manager.

3. PMI Project Management Ready

• PMI Project Management Ready, this is designed for students, it is a certification provided by PMI.
• Project Management Ready, introduces the learners to the basic concepts of project management.
• Learn about fundamentals as well as core concepts.

Key features:

• Eligibility: Seventh-grade level, basic computer skills, anyone capable of taking up the training and qualifying
• Average Salary for Entry level: $30,000 - $50,000 per annum
• Suitable job roles: Business Analytics, any entry-level project management roles.

4. CSM (Certified Scrum Master)

• The Certified Scrum Master is another certification for project managers, for those ready to learn scrum and steer the team through the frameworks of scrum.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is accredited by Scrum Alliance and the training course is offered by Gold Standard Certification.
• Through CSM, one will be able to handle complex projects, improving on cost and increasing team accountability.
• Being a scrum master, the journey is filled with exploration and creativity.

Key features:

• Eligibility: Secondary degree/High School Diploma, anyone familiar with scrum, Must attend a two-day online training program( 14 - 16 hour) CSM course.
• Average Salary for Entry level: $50,000 - $65,000 per annum
• Suitable job roles: IT Project Management, IT Consultant, Junior Project Management, Associate Project Management, IT Product Management

What can be done with project management certification?

A project management certification gives you the ability to enhance your skill, become knowledgeable, and boosts your resume. So, what can be done with a project management certification?

Here is the list of skills, validated by project management certification:

• Planning
• Coordinating with the team
• Execution
• Budgeting
• Time Management
• Organization
• Documentation

One can apply for various industries, different positions, and different job roles, and help you move from one industry to another. Along with the above-mentioned skills, one will develop an individual contribution to the team, with the below-mentioned qualities:

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to see hurdles
• Being resourceful
• Experience in managing risk situations
• Critical thinking
• To remain motivated

Tips for Beginners

Every project management role has its own set of requirements, i.e. beginning, mid-level, and experienced professionals. An employer looking to hire shall look for the level of experience based on entry-level skills, intermediate skills, and advanced skills. Now quickly learn about the tips to bag the project management certification.

• Take a suitable project management course
• Complete the training period
• A lot time for exam preparation
• Take a mock test to test your preparation
• Ensure to join a study group for more discussion
• Take up the exam with confidence

Conclusion

Project Management Certification is just a stepping stone for your success because not everyone with certification would land in a high paid job role, it is all about individual skills. Project Management Certifications would provide you with knowledge for applying skills in real-life projects, but their application plays an important role in your success. Project Management Certification works as a gate pass among those peers who are not holding a certification, and for those holding the project management certification, will help you grab the job role.