Are you a working professional who is planning to venture into project management? Or are you a team leader who wants to climb the ladder? If yes, then there are numerous certifications in project management to go for. Because these certifications are the quickest way to earn a project management profile. And project management certifications are in high demand owing to the fact that opportunities for project management professionals are growing at a very fast rate with every passing year. In this article, we are going to talk about the top 5 project management certification online available in the industry with details such as prerequisites, benefits, exam patterns, steps for becoming certified, etc.
Hint: Do not skip the post. You will see several free online course links throughout the post.
In today’s market, the demand for project management certified professionals is an all-time high. It is due to the fact that all types of domains such as construction, manufacturing, sales, healthcare, information technology require professionals who are project management experts. They need employees who have sound project management knowledge.
The role of project management in any industry is to focus on initiating, planning, executing, and controlling the project. Also, the project could be constructing a building, developing a new mobile phone, or even launching a campaign for a beauty product.
Project Management Certification Online Options
In order to prepare for project management certification, there are project management certification training or courses which are conducted in online mode and classroom mode. These project management certification online courses are useful to help aspirants to understand the application of skills, tools, knowledge, and techniques for different types of projects to make them successful. Besides, they cover various processes required to execute the project such as Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. Furthermore, they also cover processes of knowledge areas such as Integration, Schedule, Cost, Risk, Communication, Quality, Procurement, and Stakeholder Management.
In general, people are used to attending classroom courses throughout their life. Because they prefer face to face interaction in resolving queries, getting attention, and personal touch, etc. As a matter of fact, professionals are a little apprehensive about learning in online mode.
Project Management Certification online courses can be categorized into online learning and instructor-led virtual learning mode. As compared to classroom courses, project management certification online learning option has more benefits such as flexibility, career advancement, low cost, self-discipline, self-paced, accessibility to the material.
Comparison of Project Management Certification Online vs Classroom Training
1. Flexibility
In Project Management Certification Online Training, you get an option to choose your own learning environment that suits your needs. Because here you just need an internet connection and comfortable place such as a study table, bedroom, gym, café. Even you can listen to the instructor’s lectures on the podcast while you are walking or running on a treadmill. Another benefit of project management certification online training is that it saves your commuting time as you don’t have to spend your time in a train or car. Furthermore, it saves you from traffic hassles. The best aspect of project management certification online classes is that they give you the flexibility to access and study the material at your own pace, as per your schedule while meeting commitments for personal life and work.
On the other hand, in Traditional Classroom Training, you need to sit in a classroom with a group of people or in a lecture hall with a large audience at the fixed schedule set by the training provider.
2. Low Cost
Project management certification online courses can save a lot of money because you do not have to spend money and time traveling to the classroom physically. Generally, instructors make use of different materials on the internet while least referring the textbooks thus saving money to buy textbooks for studying.
In general, project management certification online training is less costly as compared to a traditional classroom course. For instance, the cost of project management certification online training can be 67 USD a month if you choose a cost-effective and reliable training provider.
3. Career Advancement
Project management certification online courses help you manage your work along with other activities with ease. So you can interact with other participants and gain valuable knowledge. Moreover, you can learn other skills to advance your career.
4. Self Discipline
Undoubtedly, project management certification online courses need self-motivation and time management. On the other hand, you will also become self-motivated as no one will keep you focused on deadlines. Hence it will help you to achieve self-discipline.
5. Self Paced
Each person has a different learning pace. Traditional classroom courses follow a set path of learning. If you are a slow learner then you might lag behind some topics and face difficulty in gaining a complete understanding of course material in the stipulated timeline of classroom courses
On the other hand, in project management certification online courses, you can learn at your own pace. So it means that you can attend classes online from virtually anywhere and anytime. Besides, you can refer other reference material to supplement the learning
6. Accessibility to material
In traditional classroom training courses, you get the opportunity to attend training face to face once. And you need to be attentive to the instructor to understand in detail. Then you also need to make sure that you raise your doubts to the instructor in class and get your queries resolved there itself.
On the other hand, in project management certification online courses give you the benefit of revisiting the lectures as many times as you want. Moreover, you can access supplementary resources like audios, videos, online books, websites, and mock exams. All these resources are made available at a central location. You can access at own ease and convenience.
Project Management Certification Online – Includes FREE Course Links
There are several project management certification online options such as PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, and Agile Certifications like CSM, CSPO, and SAFe, etc. Here we will talk about each certification option one by one.
Project Management Certification Online Option #1 – PMP Certification
One of the PM certification online options is PMP Certification. Here, PMP stands for Project Management Professional certification.
Currently, there are 850,000 active PMI members and more than 750,000 active PMP credential holders globally.
PMP certification is one of the most demanded, accredited, and popular certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Currently, many employers prefer project management professionals.
This certification attests knowledge of an individual in project management. Additionally, it ensures that project management professional has the ability to manage all phases of a project such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling the project.
PMP certification is truly global i.e. after you have earned PMP certification, you can work virtually in any industry, any location, using any methodology irrespective of any geography or domain.
PMP Certification benefits employees as well as employers. Regarding the employee salary, PMP certified individuals garner a higher salary (25% higher on average) than non-certified individuals
If you satisfy the below PMP certification requirements, then it is definitely a big asset to have to apply for PM Positions.
PMP Certification Requirements
An applicant should either have a four-year degree course with 3 years leading projects and 35 hours of project management education or training
Or
An applicant should either have a high school diploma or an associate degree or global equivalent with 5 years leading projects and 35 hours of project management education or training
| Requirements | Education | Experience | Project Management Education or Training |
| 1 | Four Year Degree course | 3 years of leading projects | 35 Hrs |
| Or | |||
| 2 | High School Diploma or Associate Degree or Global Equivalent | 5 years of leading projects | 35 Hrs |
Here 35 hours of Project Management Education refers that the applicant should attend a project management course from a training institute recognized by PMI.
So the duration of PMP training is 35 hours or approximately 4 days. Once you complete the training, the training institute provides 35 PDUs (Contact Hours). As mentioned above, 35 PDUS is one of the mandatory requirements to apply for the PMP exam.
What is the PMP Certification Exam Structure?
PMP Certification exam has 200 multiple-choice questions.
Out of these 200 questions, 25 are pretest questions. So this means that they will place these questions randomly in the exam but they won’t score them.
But the challenge is that you need to attend all 200 questions with the same sincerity. Because you might not get to know which these questions are and where they are placed in the exam. The purpose of these pretest questions is to test the validity of future examinations. The duration of the exam is 4 Hours.
The score is calculated for correct answers and the passing score is determined by sound psychometric analysis. But, PMI doesn’t identify a precise score needed to pass the exam.
Benefits of PMP Certification
1. Growth in Career
Passing the PMP Certification exam will offer better career prospects. Furthermore, becoming PMP certified improves your professional network. Hence, the more extensive your network in the PM field, the better for your career growth.
2. Boost your salary
PMP certification gives you an immediate edge over your counterparts when it comes to salary levels.
3. Industry Independent
PMP certified managers are not limited to one industry or domain or sector.
4. Greater Responsibilities
As certified PMPs get more chance to manage large projects and satisfy multiple stakeholders hence, handling such responsibilities will benefit you vastly.
5. Improved Career Opportunities
When you are PMP certified, this credential will pave the way for better career opportunities because, in the job market, certified PMPs get preference over non-certified project managers.
6. Upgrades your leadership skills
It is the project manager’s responsibility to bring all members of a team together as a single entity. Moreover, you get the opportunity to acquire various leadership skills that vary based on project requirements.
7. Enhances Risk Management Skills
PMP Certification gives you knowledge of advanced risk management skills to identify and assess the probable risks and ways to mitigate the same.
8. Enhances Problem-solving skills
Attaining PMP certification will help the team with your problem-solving skills, imaginative solutions, and innovative approaches that ensure project success.
9. Challenging projects
PMP Certified professionals get not only more responsibilities but also challenges too. Hence, a certified PMP will be given projects with greater effort and commitment to achieve business goals.
10. Common Language
PMP certified individuals speak a common language within the project management field which makes communication more effective among peers.
Attend our 100% Online & Self-Paced One-Hour Free PMP Training.
Project Management Certification Online Option #2 – CAPM Certification
One of the other Project Management certification online options is CAPM Certification.
CAPM Certification stands for Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). If you do not have experience and if you are willing to enter into the PM area, CAPM is the right choice for you.
Project Management Institute (PMI) offers this certification. It is an entry-level certification. And this is generally used as the first step for project management professionals who wish to earn a PMP credential.
Prerequisites
- You should have a secondary degree (Either high school diploma, associate degree or global equivalent)
- You must have attended 23 hours of project management education
Who should apply for CAPM Certification?
If you would like to manage larger projects, gain more responsibility, or want to add project management skills into your current role, then you should go for CAPM certification.
CAPM Certification Exam
- The exam has 150 questions
- Duration is 3 hours
- If you are a PMI member then cost of CAPM certification exam is USD 225
- If you are a non-member then cost of CAPM certification exam is USD 300
CAPM Benefits
1. Global Recognition
CAPM is an entry-level project management certification widely accepted across the globe.
2. Enhance your knowledge
You will learn about various project management tools and techniques, proven project management practices to improve the success rate of the projects.
3. Professional Achievement
CAPM credential gives you instant recognition and respect among peers
4. Increased Self-confidence
Clearing a global certification exam level is itself a challenge that will give an immense boost to your self-confidence.
5. Better Career Opportunities
CAPM is a well-recognized certification that enhances your knowledge and it will open doors to entry-level project management jobs. Even if you have less experience, companies may give you preference over more qualified candidates
6. Greater responsibilities
Once you are CAPM certified, organizations recognize you as more skillful and knowledgeable than your peers and will assign greater responsibilities like more complex and difficult projects.
7. Improve Project success
CAPM Certification gives you the wisdom to apply project management tools and techniques to project activities resulting in more successful projects.
8. Enhanced Customer satisfaction
CAPM certified professional’s knowledge builds confidence in the customer.
Attend our 100% Online & Self-Paced One-Hour Free CAPM Training.
How to renew CAPM Certification?
In order to maintain your CAPM certification, you must appear for the exam every 5 years
Project Management Certification Online Option #3 – Agile Certifications
One of the PM Certification online options are Agile Certifications.
Agile certifications are trending since the 2000s. Harsh competition in the market, shorter product lifecycle, and evolution of the technology pushed organizations to adapt the projects to changing requirements rapidly. Agile project management techniques help organizations to reduce waste of effort and produce in shorter project durations.
There are several Agile Certifications provided by several reputable authorities. We will be covering the most popular three certifying authorities in this post.
#1 Agile Certification Online – PMI-ACP
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification recognizes your knowledge of Agile Principles and your skill with agile techniques.
This is the fastest-growing PM certification online. As per the survey, organizations that are highly agile and responsive to market dynamics complete most of their projects successfully.
PMI-ACP certification covers many approaches to Agile such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP), and Test-Driven Development (TDD).
Who is eligible to apply for PMI-ACP Certification?
Those who are working on Agile Teams or if your organization is adopting agile practices then this is the right choice for you.
PMI-ACP Prerequisites
- You should have a secondary degree and attended 21 contact hours of training in agile practices
- Make a note that you need to have 12 months (1 year) of general project experience within the last 5 years and you must have 8 months of agile project experience within the last 3 years.
PMI-ACP Exam Pattern
- The exam has 120 multiple choice questions and the duration is 3 hours.
How to Maintain your PMI-ACP Certification?
- You must earn 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in agile topics every 3 years.
Attend our 100% Online & Self-Paced 30-min Free PMI-ACP Training.
#2 Agile Certification Online – Scrum Alliance Certifications (CSM and CSPO)
Scrum Alliance is the world-renowned, largest, and most influential certification organization in the Agile community. It is the most established non-profit organization in the industry. This was founded in the year 2001. It has certified more than 750,000 practitioners across the globe. This Scrum Alliance organization provides education, support, and resources to practitioners of Scrum and Agile.
The vision of the Scrum Alliance is to “Transform the World of Work”. The mission of the Scrum Alliance is to guide and inspire leaders, individuals, and organizations with practices, principles, and values creating a joyful, prosperous, and sustainable workplace.
They offer a range of certifications categorized by Scrum and Agile Practitioner:
1. The first category is the Scrum team role and it offers the following certifications:
Scrum Master Track: CSM (Certified Scrum Master), Advanced Certified Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Professional- Scrum Master
Product Owner Track: CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner), Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner, Certified Scrum Professional- Product Owner
Developer Track: CSD (Certified Scrum Developer), Certified Scrum Professional
2. The second category is Guide level certifications: Certified Team Coach, Certified Enterprise Coach, and Certified Scrum Trainer
3. Then the last category is Agile Leadership: Certified Agile Leadership I and Certified Agile Leadership II
Here, we will provide insight into a few of the most popular Scrum certifications. This will help you to understand which certification is suitable for the respective profile:
CSM (Certified Scrum Master) and CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner) are the most popular agile project management certification online offered by Scrum Alliance.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
This Agile Project Management certification online is designed for project managers who are hired to lead the team that works with Scrum. Scrum is an agile framework to carry out a complex project. It is offered by Scrum Alliance.
This CSM certification falls under the Scrum Team Role and Category Scrum Master Track.
This Agile PM certification online is a good option for those wishing to fulfill the role of Scrum Master or Scrum team member. Once you are a certified Scrum Master, you will gain knowledge of the Scrum framework and understanding of team roles, events, and artifacts.
Prerequisites to become a Certified Scrum Master are:
- There are no eligibility criteria for CSM certification. It is recommended that you need to be familiar with the Scrum Framework. However, you must attend in a two-day CSM training
Benefits of Certified Scrum Master are:
- CSM certification will help the Scrum team to perform at their highest level
- Besides, you will learn the foundation of Scrum and scope of the role
- Further, you can demonstrate the core Scrum knowledge
- Moreover, you can expand your career opportunities across all industry sectors adopting Agile practices
- Also, you can engage with Agile practitioners committed to continuous improvement
Steps to become a CSM
1. Attend a 2 days Scrum Master Course from a Registered Education Provider (REP) conducted by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) authorized by the Scrum Alliance.
Attend our CSM training and get ready for the CSM exam.
2. Once you complete the course, you will receive an email with a unique username from Scrum Alliance to register online. You can appear for the test within 3 months i.e. 90 days after completion of the Scrum Master course.
3. Click the activation link and login with the given username and create a password.
4. On the settings page, click on the ‘Take CSM Test’ from the certification dashboard.
5. Appear for the test
6. Once the test is passed then you can download your Certified Scrum Master Certificate under the ‘Print Certificate’ option from the certification dashboard. Scrum Alliance has partnered with BadgeCert Inc to display a secure and verifiable digital certification badge on social networks, resumes, websites, and email signatures.
Certified Scrum Master Exam
- The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions
- Duration is 60 mins (1 hour)
- You can appear for the test from anywhere, anytime
- You need to score at least 37 questions correctly out of 50 questions i.e. passing score is 74%
Re-Examination
- If you do not pass your exam in the first attempt, then you can take up another attempt of exam without any extra charge
- If you fail the exam second time then you can again attempt by paying a fee of 25 USD to Scrum Alliance
How to renew your Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification?
- Scrum Master Certification is valid for 2 years. Once 2 years are completed then you need to pay a fee of USD 100 to get the CSM certification renewed. Besides, you can earn 20 Scrum Education Units (SEU)
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
This Agile PM certification online is a good option for individuals who are closest to the “business side” of the project. Once you are a Certified Scrum Product Owner, you will learn to create the product vision, order the product backlog, and make sure the best possible job is done to make the customer happy.
Prerequisites to become a Certified Scrum Product Owner are:
There are no specific prerequisites to attend a course.
You just need to attend a live online or classroom CSPO Training program instructed by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) or you can attend private coaching from a certified Agile Coach (CAC).
Once you complete the course successfully, then you need to accept the CSPO License Agreement and complete your Scrum Alliance membership profile.
Benefits of Certified Scrum Product Owner are:
- You will learn the foundation of the Scrum and the scope of the Product Owner role
- Further, you can demonstrate the knowledge of core Scrum
- Also, you can expand your career opportunities across all industry sectors adopting Agile practices
- Moreover, you can engage with Agile practitioners committed to continuous improvement
Steps to become a CSPO
- First and foremost, attend 2 days CSPO training facilitated by Certified Scrum Trainer
- Then read the Scrum Guide and review the CSPO participant workbook provided
- Thirdly, Certified Scrum Trainer recommends your name to the Scrum Alliance
- Then, Scrum Alliance emails you the link to download the CSPO certificate. No test is required.
- Finally, you download your CSPO certificate from Scrum Alliance member account dashboard
Certification Validity
- This Agile PM Certification online i.e. CSPO certification is valid for 2 years
- You get access to a renewable 2-year membership with Scrum Alliance
#3 Agile Certification Online – Scrum.org Certifications (PSM and PSPO)
Professional Scrum Master (PSM) and Professional Scrum Master Product Owner (PSPO) are offered by Scrum.org. There are no education or experience requirements. Thus, anyone who can sit and pass the exam will earn the certification.
Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
This certification endorses the knowledge and understanding of Scrum and the ability to apply it in real-world situations. Among all the scrum certifications, PSM assessments are considered to be more valuable.
Make a note it is recommended to attend the training of Professional Scrum from www.scrum.org but it is not mandatory. The advantage of attending the training is to have an attempt at assessment free of cost.
If you pass any of the below 3 levels of PSM assessments, you will get the corresponding industry-recognized certification.
3 levels of assessment in Professional Scrum Master (PSM):
1. PSM I Assessment:
This certification demonstrates a fundamental level of Scrum Mastery. It attests the knowledge of certification holders that they have an understanding of Scrum as defined in Scrum Guide and how to apply Scrum in Scrum teams. Besides, certification holders understand consistent terminology and approach to Scrum.
This is the first level of the exam. It basically tests the knowledge of what is on the scrum guide.
Preparation required is good reading and understanding of concepts in the scrum guide. Then you need to practice Open assessments offered by Scrum.org.
You can attend our PSM online course to get ready for the PSM certification.
Professional Scrum Master Level II (PSM II)
2. PSM II Assessment:
This certification demonstrates an advanced level of Scrum Mastery. It attests the knowledge of certification holders that they have an understanding of the underlying principles of Scrum and can apply Scrum effectively in real-world situations
Furthermore, it tests the experience of a Scrum Master in scaled projects. It asks more of practical aspect than theory
3. PSM III Assessment
This certification demonstrates a unique level of Scrum Mastery. So it attests the knowledge of deep understanding of the application, practices of Scrum, and Scrum values in a variety of situations in an organization.
Thus this is the hardest and most challenging exam of Scrum.org. It is also the last assessment because it has a huge set of content and demands a great deal of experience to attain it. Finally, the duration is 2 hours.
Professional Scrum Product Owner Certification (PSPO)
Professional Scrum Product Owner Certification shows the knowledge and understanding of Scrum, the Product Owner role, and skills to apply the knowledge in real-world situations.
To maintain the credibility of PSPO certification, they do frequent inspection and adaptation of assessment content.
It is recommended to attend the training of Professional Scrum from www.scrum.org but it is not mandatory. Nevertheless, the advantage of attending the training is to have an attempt at assessment free of cost. These assessments are done to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the role of the product owner in detail.
3 Options Available for PSPO: PSPO I, PSPO II, PSPO III
If you pass any of the below 3 levels of PSPO assessments, then you will get the corresponding industry-recognized certification.
1. Professional Scrum Product Owner I
This certification demonstrates a fundamental understanding of the Scrum framework and how to apply it to maximize the value delivered with a product. This level is the minimum demonstration of knowledge by any Professional Scrum Product Owner. Certified holders show dedication to continued professional development and a high level of commitment to the field of practice.
This is generally taken by aspirants after PSM-I because it asks for basics and few additional concepts.
Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) assessment is 60 minutes time-boxed assessment. It has 80 multiple-choice questions. You need to have a passing score of 85%. There is no expiry date.
The only benefit of attending the Professional Scrum Product Owner from scrum.org is that if you fail the PSPO I assessment within 14 days of completing the course. Then you get the 2nd attempt free of cost.
2.Professional Scrum Product Owner II
This certification demonstrates an advanced level of professional scrum product ownership knowledge and understanding of how the Scrum framework can support the creation of value. Certification holders show the understanding of Scrum content such as Product Vision, Product backlog management, Release and portfolio planning, Business Strategy, and working with stakeholders.
This is the first assessment of Mastery Tier. It emphasizes on the practical tools and practices a Product Owner needs to work in a product backlog often in scaled scrum projects. The duration is 2 hours.
3. Professional Scrum Product Owner III
This certification represents a unique level of understanding of how to own a vision, manage a Product Backlog, engage with stakeholders and customers to deliver valuable products using Scrum.
We would suggest below order to take the above assessments:
PSM-I > PSPO-I > PSM-II > PSPO-II > PSM-III
Each of this certification is part of 3 possible tiers on the basis of difficulty level:
Beginning tier: PSM-I and PSPO-I
Intermediate tier: PSM-II
Advanced Tier: PSPO-II and PSM-III
#4 Agile Certification Online – Scaled Agile (SAFe) Certifications
Scaled Agile is more popular with organizational agile transformation and enterprise agile frameworks. The certifying body of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is Scaled Agile, Inc.
SAFe stands for Scaled Agile Framework. This framework is a set of organization and workflow patterns to guide enterprises in scaling lean and agile practices. It also promotes collaboration, alignment, and delivery across large numbers of agile teams.
SAFe is a way to scale Agile structures such as Scrum and Kanban. It can be defined as a set of supporting structures that make agile methods work in the larger context of the enterprise
It is recommended to incorporate SAFe in any organization that is planning to utilize Agile and its employees SAFe Certified.
This professional certification program offers a valid, reliable, and consistent method of assessing SAFe skills, knowledge, and mindset. Certified SAFe professionals are recognized globally. These professionals have the ability to support the successful transformation of organizations into Lean-Agile Enterprise
They offer several certification tracks:
- Certified SAFe Agile Product Manager, Certified SAFe Lean Portfolio Manager, Certified SAFe Architect, Certified SAFe Agile Software Engineer, Certified SAFe Government Practitioner, Certified SAFe DevOps Practitioner, Certified SAFe Program Consultant, Certified SAFe Release Train Engineer, Certified SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, Certified SAFe Advanced Scrum Master, Certified SAFe Scrum Master, Certified SAFe Practitioner and Certified SAFe Agilist.
Leading SAFe training is the most popular project management certification online option from Scaled Agile. Once you attend Leading SAFe training, and sit for the exam, if you pass, you will earn the Certified SAFe Agilist designation.
Attend our Leading SAFe – Certified Agilist Training.
The Benefit of Leading SAFe Certification
Leading SAFe Agilist Certification allows you to execute and deliver value through agile release trains and to lead a Lean-Agile transformation. Besides, this helps you to be a major stakeholder in the success of the organization.
Who should take the SAFe Certification training course?
This training program is suitable for executives, directors, VPs, senior managers, Product managers, Enterprise architects, portfolio managers, and quality analysts.
It is useful for professionals who wish to help their organization in adopting the Lean-Agile framework.
SAFe Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites as such for taking the SAFe Agile certification training program.
But it is recommended that any individual who is interested in taking SAFe 5 Agilist (SA) certification exam need to fulfill the below requirement:
- You need to have at least 5+ years of experience in software development, testing, business analysis, product or project management
- Besides, you need to have working experience in Scrum
SAFe 5 Agilist Exam
- The exam consists of 45 Multiple choice questions
- Duration is 1.5 hours
- Finally, you need to score at least 35 out of 45 i.e 77% to pass the SAFe Agilist test
Steps to become a Certified SAFE 5 Agilist
- First and foremost, enroll for leading SAFe Course
- Secondly, attend 2-day leading SAFe course conducted by SAFe Program consultants
- Thirdly, once you complete the course, Scaled Agile will send you the link for exam and all exam information directly
- Click the link and appear for the exam of SAFe Agilist
- Once you pass the exam, Scaled Agile Inc will update the profile to represent your certification
- Further, you will receive 1-year membership with Scaled Agile along with the certified status
Which SAFe Certification to choose?
Scaled Agile has described different classifications of SAFe Certifications but here we will define a simpler way to decide which SAFe Certification to go for:
If you are a Scrum Master then you have 2 options:
- Suppose you are new in Scrum Master role then you should go for Certified SAFe Scrum Master or
- If you have at least 1 year of experience as a Scrum Master, then you should go for Certified SAFe Advanced Scrum Master
If you are a Product Owner then Certified SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager is the right choice for you. Because this makes you learn what is needed to benefit the organization as a Product Owner.
Suppose that you are a member of a development team then you should go for Certified SAFe Practitioner (SAFe SP) for team Scaled Practitioner Certification. It makes you learn the responsibilities of the development team member in a large scale agile environment. Besides, it also describes XP/DevOps practices that are required to ensure high levels of quality assurance along with practices that improve the delivery flow for faster results.
If you are a Manager, Director, or Executive then you should go for Certified SAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe SA) Certification. It is designed in such a way that it gets you the right mindset and learns the whole framework from the perspective of management.
PM Certification Online Option #4 – Prince2 Certification
PRINCE2 certification is another project management online certification option offered by AXELOS. Moreover, PRINCE2 is more popular in the UK, Australia, and in some particular EU countries.
PRINCE2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments. It is a de facto process-based method for effective project management. This is widely recognized used in the private and public sectors.
Benefits of PRINCE2
- Firstly, it can be applied to any type of project in any industry or sector.
- Secondly, the PRINCE2 method provides a common vocabulary for all those involved in a project resulting in effective communication
- It also provides recognition of project responsibilities which makes team understand each other roles and needs
- There is a defined structure for accountability, delegation, authority and communication
- It is a generic best practice method flexible enough to be tailored to the specific needs of different organizations for all the projects
- PRINCE2 provides the technical structure of the framework of the project
- AXELOS recognizes certifications from PMI and IPMA and allows them to directly appear for PRINCE2 Practitioner level without the need to appear for PRINCE2 Foundation level
- Finally, PRINCE2 can be easily implemented alongside specialist, industry-specific models such as engineering models or development lifecycles.
Two levels of PRINCE2: Foundation and Practitioner.
For the Practitioner, you must have foundation level or PMP, CAPM certification as a prerequisite.
Prerequisites
There are no eligibility criteria for PRINCE2 Foundation Certification Exam. And for PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification Exam, you must at least hold one of the following credentials:
PRINCE2 Foundation certification or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
Learn more in our Free Prince2 Training.
PRINCE2 Foundation Examination
This Foundation level is a prerequisite for the Practitioner certification. It validates that you know and you understand the PRINCE2 method well to be able to work effectively. Besides, it validates your working knowledge of the principles, best practices, and processes involved in effective project management.
Who should go for PRINCE2 Foundation?
PRINCE2 Foundation certification is ideal for aspiring project managers, assistant project managers, team leads, project executive, and software developers.
PRINCE2 Foundation Exam Pattern
- It is a closed book exam
- This exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. Here 5 are considered as pretest questions. These questions are introduced to validate the questions in the future database.
- The duration is 60 minutes
- You need to score 33 answers or more correctly out of 60 questions.
- Finally, the passing percentage in the exam is approx 55%.
The validity of the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam
There is no expiry date for the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam. Once you are PRINCE2 Foundation Certified then you are certified for a lifetime.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Examination
This Practitioner level is suitable for any professional who is managing the projects. It validates that you have sufficient knowledge and understanding to apply and tailor the method in a range of varying project environments and scenarios.
Classroom training for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is delivered by AXELOS Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs).
Training duration of Foundation and Practitioner exam is 4 or 5 days. Once you complete the training, the examination takes place on the last day of training.
Who should go for PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification?
PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification is ideal for project managers who manage projects, staff members involved in the design, development, and delivery of projects which also includes Product Delivery Managers, Business Change Analysts, Project office personnel, Programme Office personnel and operational line managers.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
- Firstly, it is an open book exam. You can refer PRINCE2 Manual (Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition) only during the exam.
- This exam consists of objective scenario-based questions.
- Duration is 2.5 hours (150 mins)
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam consists of 68 questions per exam.
- You need to score 38 answers or more correctly out of 68 available.
- Finally, the passing percentage in the exam is approx 55%
The validity of the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam is valid for 3 years. In order to maintain your certification, you need to either retake the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam before the expiry date or through CPD points and a digital badge.
Summary – PM Certification Online Options
In today’s market, the demand for project management certified professionals is an all-time high.
Besides, the most popular Project Management certification online options are CAPM, PMP, and PRINCE2 in the field of project management. But even though PMP and CAPM are more popular in the United States, India, and Asia, PRINCE2 is more popular in India, Europe, and the U.K.
Additionally, there are 2 modes of Project management certification online available: Classroom and Online. Moreover, online mode of learning has more benefits of flexibility, low cost, self-paced, self-disciplined and easy accessibility
Project management Institute (PMI) offers PMP and CAPM certification and AXELOS offers PRINCE2 Certification.
These days agile certifications have also gained popularity tremendously. Popular certifications in the industry are PMI-ACP, CSM, CSPO, PSM, PSPO, and SAFe Certifications.
PMI offers PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner). Whereas Scrum Alliance offers the most popular agile project management online certification like CSM (Certified Scrum Master) and CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner).
Scrum.org also offers competing certifications like PSM (Professional Scrum Master) and PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner)
Last but not the least, Scale Agile offers Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) for organizational agile transformation and enterprise agile frameworks.