Best Certifications for Project Managers

If you are a project manager—or want to become one—you may be wondering which certification is actually worth getting.

Best Certifications for Project Managers

If you are a project manager—or want to become one—you may be wondering which certification is actually worth getting.

There are dozens of project management certifications available, but they are not interchangeable. Some are designed for experienced project managers, while others are better for people entering the field. Some focus on traditional project management, while others emphasize Agile, Scrum, or specific delivery methodologies.

The best certification for a project manager depends on your experience, industry, career goals, and the types of jobs you want.

For many experienced project managers, the Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the strongest general-purpose credentials. For someone starting out, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) may be more appropriate. Professionals working in Agile environments may benefit from PMI-ACP or Scrum credentials, while PRINCE2 can be particularly relevant in organizations and markets where that methodology is widely used.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Certifications for Project Managers?

Certification Best For Career Level
PMP Experienced project managers Mid to senior
CAPM People entering project management Entry level
PMI-ACP Agile project professionals Intermediate
PRINCE2 Professionals working in PRINCE2 environments Entry to advanced
Scrum certifications Scrum and Agile teams Entry to advanced

There is no universal “best” certification. The right credential depends on what you want to accomplish.

1. PMP — Project Management Professional

Best for: Experienced project managers who want a widely recognized general project management credential.

The PMP is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most widely recognized project management credentials.

It is designed for professionals who already have experience leading and managing projects rather than people who are completely new to the profession.

PMP covers project management across different approaches and environments, including predictive, Agile, and hybrid approaches.

That broad scope is one reason PMP can be useful for professionals who want to work across industries rather than specialize in one particular methodology.

Why consider PMP?

Who should consider PMP?

PMP may be a strong option if you already lead projects and want to move toward positions such as:

PMI's current eligibility requirements should be reviewed before applying because they depend on your education and project leadership experience.

2. CAPM — Certified Associate in Project Management

Best for: People who are beginning a project management career.

The CAPM is another PMI credential, but it serves a different audience from PMP.

CAPM is designed as a foundational project management certification and does not require the same level of project leadership experience as PMP.

This makes it a potentially useful option for:

If you are already an experienced project manager and meet the PMP requirements, CAPM may not provide the same career value as PMP.

3. PMI-ACP — Agile Certified Practitioner

Best for: Project professionals working in Agile environments.

Modern project teams do not always use traditional project management approaches. Software development, technology, product development, and other industries frequently use Agile practices.

PMI-ACP is designed to validate Agile knowledge across multiple Agile approaches rather than focusing exclusively on one framework.

This can make it useful for professionals working with:

If your target jobs repeatedly mention Agile experience or Agile certifications, PMI-ACP may be worth considering.

4. PRINCE2

Best for: Professionals working in organizations that use PRINCE2.

PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology and certification framework that is widely associated with certain organizations, industries, and international markets.

PRINCE2 certifications range from foundational knowledge to more advanced practitioner-level application.

One important consideration is employer demand.

If the organizations you want to work for specifically use PRINCE2, obtaining the certification can be highly relevant.

If your target employers overwhelmingly request PMP instead, PMP may provide greater value for your particular job search.

5. Scrum Certifications

Best for: Professionals working specifically with Scrum teams.

Scrum certifications can be useful for professionals who work in Agile product and software development environments.

Popular Scrum credentials include certifications for Scrum Masters and Product Owners.

These credentials can be particularly relevant for roles such as:

However, Scrum is a specific framework. If you want a broader project management credential that applies across industries and methodologies, PMP may be a better fit.

PMP vs. CAPM: Which Is Better?

The answer depends primarily on experience.

PMP CAPM
Experience level Experienced Entry/foundational
Project leadership experience Required Not required in the same way
Primary purpose Professional advancement Foundational knowledge
Best for Project professionals Career starters and career changers

If you already have substantial project leadership experience, PMP will generally be the more appropriate credential to investigate.

If you are new to project management and do not yet meet PMP's requirements, CAPM can be a logical starting point.

PMP vs. PRINCE2: Which Should You Get?

Neither certification is automatically better for everyone.

Consider the employers you want to work for.

If job postings consistently request PMP, that is a strong reason to prioritize PMP.

If your target employers specifically use PRINCE2 and request PRINCE2 certification, that may make PRINCE2 the more strategically useful credential.

Geography and industry can also influence which certification is more recognized.

Do not choose between PMP and PRINCE2 based solely on internet rankings. Choose based on employer demand for the jobs you want.

PMP vs. PMI-ACP

PMP and PMI-ACP serve different purposes.

PMP provides broader project management coverage and is generally aimed at experienced project professionals.

PMI-ACP focuses more specifically on Agile approaches.

If you want to manage projects across different methodologies and industries, PMP may provide broader positioning.

If your career is specifically focused on Agile delivery, PMI-ACP may add valuable specialization.

In some cases, experienced professionals may eventually hold both.

Which Certification Is Best for a New Project Manager?

If you are just starting your project management career, you may not want to begin with the most advanced certification.

Start by looking at the jobs you can realistically qualify for.

Entry-level positions may include:

For someone at this stage, CAPM or a recognized entry-level Agile/Scrum credential may be more appropriate than PMP if the PMP eligibility requirements have not yet been met.

Which Certification Is Best for an Experienced Project Manager?

For experienced project managers, PMP is often the first certification worth evaluating.

However, the best choice still depends on your specialization.

For example:

Which Certification Is Best for IT Project Managers?

IT project managers often benefit from combining project management expertise with technology knowledge.

Depending on the role, useful credentials may include:

The right combination depends on whether your role is primarily focused on project delivery, infrastructure, software development, cloud, cybersecurity, or another technology specialty.

An IT project manager does not necessarily need to become a software engineer, but understanding the technology environment can make you more effective and competitive.

Which Certification Is Best for Agile Project Managers?

If Agile is central to your career, look at credentials that validate Agile knowledge and practical application.

PMI-ACP and Scrum certifications are two options worth researching.

However, do not confuse an Agile certification with actual Agile experience.

Employers may still want evidence that you have worked with Agile teams, managed stakeholders, coordinated delivery, handled changing requirements, and contributed to successful outcomes.

Which Project Management Certification Pays the Most?

There is no certification that guarantees the highest salary.

Compensation is primarily determined by the role, experience, industry, location, employer, skills, and level of responsibility.

That said, PMI's salary research has found higher reported median salaries among PMP-certified respondents compared with non-certified respondents. The latest PMI salary research reported a 17% higher median salary for PMP-certified respondents across 21 surveyed countries. In the United States, the reported median was $135,000 for PMP-certified respondents versus $109,157 for respondents without PMP.

These figures should not be interpreted as proof that PMP alone causes higher salaries. More experienced professionals may also be more likely to hold PMP certification.

The practical takeaway is that certification can support career advancement, but your earning potential ultimately comes from the combination of your credential, experience, skills, and the roles you qualify for.

Do Employers Actually Care About Project Management Certifications?

Many do, but the importance varies.

Look closely at the wording in job descriptions.

“PMP required” is very different from “PMP preferred.”

Likewise, a certification that appears in one job posting is less meaningful than one that appears repeatedly across dozens of positions you are targeting.

Before spending money on a certification, review at least 20 relevant job postings.

Track:

This gives you evidence about what your target market actually wants.

Should You Get Multiple Project Management Certifications?

Not necessarily.

Having multiple certifications does not automatically make you a stronger candidate.

For many professionals, one respected credential combined with relevant experience is more valuable than several unrelated certifications.

Consider adding another credential when it fills a specific gap.

For example, an experienced project manager with PMP may pursue an Agile credential because their target employers increasingly use Agile delivery.

The goal should be strategic specialization, not collecting certificates.

How to Choose the Best Project Management Certification

Use this five-step process before enrolling in a certification program.

Step 1: Identify your target job

Do not start by choosing a certification.

Start by identifying the job you want.

Step 2: Analyze job postings

Review multiple current job postings for that position.

Look for recurring certifications and methodologies.

Step 3: Compare your experience

Determine whether you already meet the experience requirements for the certification.

Step 4: Evaluate the return on investment

Consider:

Step 5: Choose the credential that closes a real gap

If a certification does not improve your competitiveness for your target positions, you may be better off investing your time and money elsewhere.

What Matters More Than Certification?

A certification is only one part of a project manager's professional profile.

Employers also care about whether you can demonstrate:

When updating your resume, do not simply list your certification.

Show what you accomplished.

For example, instead of:

“Managed software projects.”

Consider demonstrating scope and results:

“Led a cross-functional software implementation involving multiple stakeholders and delivered the project within the approved timeline and budget.”

Your certification establishes credibility. Your accomplishments demonstrate capability.

Is a Project Management Certification Worth It?

For the right professional, yes.

A certification can help you stand out, qualify for certain positions, demonstrate specialized knowledge, and support career advancement.

But you should not pursue a certification simply because it is popular.

The best credential is the one that aligns with your career direction and is recognized by the employers you want to work for.

How LiaHia Can Help You Choose a Certification

Choosing a project management certification is ultimately a career decision.

LiaHia can help professionals evaluate their career goals, current qualifications, target positions, skill gaps, licensing and certification needs, resume positioning, and professional development strategy.

Instead of asking:

“What certification should I get?”

Start with:

“What job do I want, and what qualifications are employers asking for?”

Once you know the answer, the right certification becomes much easier to identify.

Final Takeaway

The best certification for project managers depends on your career stage and specialization.

For experienced project managers seeking a broad, recognized credential, PMP is often the first certification worth evaluating.

For professionals entering project management, CAPM may be a better starting point.

For Agile-focused professionals, PMI-ACP or an appropriate Scrum certification may provide more targeted value.

For organizations that specifically use PRINCE2, PRINCE2 certification can be highly relevant.

Do not choose a certification based solely on rankings or promises of higher salaries.

Choose the certification that employers in your target career actually value—and make sure it complements real project management experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best certification for project managers?

There is no single best certification for every project manager. PMP is a strong general-purpose option for experienced professionals, while CAPM is designed for people earlier in their project management careers. Agile professionals may consider PMI-ACP or Scrum credentials, while PRINCE2 may be valuable in organizations that use that methodology.

Is PMP the best project management certification?

PMP is one of the most widely recognized project management certifications and is often a strong choice for experienced project managers. Whether it is the best option for you depends on your experience, industry, target employers, and career goals.

What certification should a new project manager get?

If you are new to project management and do not yet meet PMP's experience requirements, CAPM or an appropriate entry-level Agile or Scrum credential may be worth considering.

Is CAPM worth it?

CAPM can be useful for people who are building foundational project management knowledge and do not yet qualify for PMP. Its value is strongest when it supports a broader plan to gain project experience and move into project management roles.

Should project managers get a Scrum certification?

If you work with Scrum teams or want Agile-focused positions, a Scrum certification can be useful. If your goal is broader project management across multiple methodologies, PMP may provide broader positioning.

Which project management certification is best for IT?

PMP can provide broad project management credentials for IT project managers, while PMI-ACP, Scrum, cloud, cybersecurity, or other technical certifications can provide additional specialization depending on the role.

Can certifications increase a project manager's salary?

They can contribute to higher earning potential, particularly when they help qualify you for more senior or specialized positions. PMI salary research reports higher median salaries among PMP-certified respondents, but certification alone does not guarantee a raise or higher salary.

How many certifications should a project manager have?

There is no ideal number. One respected certification combined with strong project experience is often more valuable than collecting multiple credentials without relevant experience.

Sources

Search Answer

The best certification for project managers depends on experience and career goals. PMP is a strong general-purpose certification for experienced project managers, while CAPM is designed for professionals entering the field. PMI-ACP and Scrum certifications can be useful for Agile-focused careers, and PRINCE2 may be valuable where that methodology is widely used. Before choosing a certification, review the requirements of the project management jobs you want and identify which credentials employers actually request or prefer.