Understanding the relevance and difference between certificates and certifications is essential for project managers. This article explores key certifications for project managers, the difference between certifications and certificates, how to get certified as a project manager and the role that Noble Desktop plays in project management education.

Key Insights

  • Certifications are not mandatory but important for project managers as they help to demonstrate skills, especially for those without a degree or seeking to start a new career in project management.
  • Professional certifications like CAPM and PMP are earned by passing an exam administered by a third party, and they have prerequisites that include hours of education in project management.
  • The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers two of the most prestigious certifications: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP).
  • The International Project Management Association (IPMA) offers four levels of certification in Project Management, with Level D being equivalent to CAPM certification.
  • Noble Desktop offers a Project Management Certificate Program and training for the CAPM and PMP certification exams.
  • Noble Desktop's project management courses are taught by PMP-certified instructors and include a "free retake" option for up to one year.

Do Certifications Matter for Project Managers?

Certifications are crucial for Project Managers. While they are not required for all Project Manager jobs, they are an excellent way to demonstrate your skills: particularly if you don’t have a degree or are looking to launch a new career in Project Management. 

Project Managers who are CAPM or PMP Certified are not only more likely to get hired, but they’re also more likely to earn higher salaries. PMI reports that PMP Certified Project Managers earn 25% more than their uncertified counterparts. 

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

In addition to the professional certifications available in project management, you can earn a Certificate in Project Management through the completion of the courses in education. For example, Noble Desktop’s Project Management courses offer a Certificate of Completion. 

Professional certifications, such as PMI’s CAPM and PMP certifications, are typically earned by passing an exam administered by a third party. Both exams have prerequisites that include hours of education in project management. 

How to Get Certified as a Project Manager

There are several options for becoming certified as a Project Manager. Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the two most prestigious certifications: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP). CAPM is for entry-level or aspiring Project Managers, while the PMP is for more seasoned and experienced Project Managers. 

The prerequisites for taking the Certified Associate in Project Management Exam are a high school diploma and 23 hours of project management education. 

To sit for the PMP exam, you will need either a 4-year degree, 36 months of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education or a high school diploma, 60 months of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education. 

The International Project Management Association (IPMA) offers four levels of certification in Project Management. Level D is for entry-level Project Managers and is equivalent to CAPM certification. Level A is intended for very senior Project Managers. 

Top Certifications & Certificates for Project Manager

PMI’s certifications are considered the gold standard in project management. Both certifications are based on PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). PMBOK outlines the best practices and methodologies for successful, professional Project Managers. Mastery of PMBOK is necessary for receiving a CAPM or a PMP certification from PMI. 

Noble Desktop is a coding, design, and business school that offers a Project Management Certificate Program and training for the CAPM and PMP certification exams. Their Project Management courses are taught live online and at their state-of-the-art campus in Midtown Manhattan. 

All of Noble Desktop’s project management courses are taught by PMP-certified instructors who will also serve as mentors. Their courses also come with a “free retake” option, allowing you to retake the course for up to one year to refresh your knowledge.

Project Management Level I is an introductory course in project management skills and PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge. This course covers the five stages of the Project Life Cycle and project management theories, concepts, and practices. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion, which is shareable on Linkedin. 

Project Management Level II teaches the advanced skills of a professional Project Manager. Students learn 

Both courses can be taken together as Noble Desktop’s Project Management Bootcamp for a 15% discount. Both Levels help acquire education hours toward professional certification. Noble Desktop also offers bootcamps for preparing for the CAPM and the PMP Certification.

The CAPM Certification Bootcamp prepares students to pass the Certified Associate in Project Management Exam. A PMP-certified instructor guides students through the CAPM Exam process and provides hands-on instruction on the topics covered on the exam. This bootcamp also includes a detailed exam preparation guide and video curriculum. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and a CAPM Certification to start an entry-level Project Manager career. 

Noble Desktop’s PMP Certification Bootcamp prepares students to pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. This course is taught by a PMP Certified Project Manager who will guide students through the certification process. This bootcamp also includes a comprehensive exam preparation guide and video curriculum.