The Benefits of a Project Management Certificate

A project management certificate can be helpful to those pursuing a career in the business and management field. This certificate is a way for employees or potential job candidates to show their competency in handling major projects and managing teams of people.

Project Management Jobs

Project managers are always needed in a variety of industries, including:
  • aerospace
  • construction
  • engineering
  • financial services
  • information technology (IT)
  • manufacturing
  • nonprofit.
For example, construction project management and project operations management are two specific areas in which project management certificates are essential.
 
Project management programs give students the education and skills needed to be a project manager for both small and large projects with ease. Organization, management and scheduling are just a few of the issues students learn about in-depth when earning their project management certificates.

Project Management Software
If you are running a business, or if you are a project manager, project manager software that can help you organize and better manage your work. You can install project manager software on your computer or download it from an online source.

Project manager software, such as MSProject, allows you to do tasks such as:

  • assign people to various tasks/projects
  • create to-do lists
  • communicate with team members
  • define projects and tasks
  • make charts
  • track progress.

A variety of free project manager software products can be found on the Internet. Often times, the free applications are just as good as the types you can buy in-store, as they have all the same basic functions.

Coursework

Most online or university project management programs teach students the fundamental concepts and skills for managing projects. These programs also typically offer students the opportunity to get hands-on experience through internships and externships. Depending on the program you choose, you may also be able to participate in an in-class or online project management simulation.
 
Some examples of the types of courses you may take are:
  • Building and Managing the Project Team
  • Fundamentals of Project Management
  • Project Planning
  • Project Initiation.

Other skills taught in project management courses include:

  • group management
  • risk management assessment
  • the use of project management software.

Overall, a project management course should teach students how to plan, organize, control and lead a project.

Getting a Project Management Education
For those who aren't already entrenched in the business world and are looking to break into a lucrative field, an online degree is a good way to get started.

If you choose to work in project management, you can prepare by earning an online project management degree. Many online schools offer education and training specifically for project management and having a college degree will give you more opportunities for project management or project management-related jobs.

Cost of Project Management Certification

A certificate can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000, depending on the institution chosen by the student. Many project management certificates can be obtained through self-paced online programs that generally take a few weeks to complete. For those who to continue their education even further, an online project management degree can also be obtained.

Project Management Certification within a Company

Employees who are interested in being promoted to a project manager position can sometimes receive training that is paid for by their company. Many businesses have a standard project management course that they offer their employees. While the company will pay for the course, the employee must use his or her own free time to complete the requirements for the certification.

Resources

Expert Rating Certified Professionals (n.d.). Why Choose the Expert Rating Project Management Certification. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from the ExpertRating.com Web site: http://www.expertrating.com/project-management-certification.asp.

University of Delaware (n.d.). Project Management Certificate. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from the UDel.edu Web site: http://www.pcs.udel.edu/project/.