A recent Forbes article highlighted the growing importance of online certifications for professionals seeking to advance their careers.
For project professionals this has become particularly important as those within the field battle to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices essential to thrive in the fast paced environment of delivery.
By earning relevant certifications, professionals can not only demonstrate their expertise and increase their earning potential, but also open doors to new opportunities.
Among the most sought-after online certifications for project practitioners in 2024, the Project Management Professional (PMP) continues to hold a prominent position. Identified at number three on the Forbes list, behind the BLS certification (basic life support), offered by the American Red Cross and CPR (which means cardiopulmonary resuscitation). The popularity of the PMP recognises the growing demand and significance of project professional qualifications.
The article continues by saying that ‘leading industry players, such as Coursera, PMI and Amazon’s AWS, have revamped their online educational offerings to meet the evolving needs of workers seeking to upskill in tandem with recent industry changes, such as AI (artificial intelligence) and the pressing demand for high-income technical and soft skills.’
Focusing specifically at project management development, the following list provides a summary of the most coveted qualifications for those competing for the top positions in the marketplace.
- Project Management Professional (PMP): The gold standard of project management certifications, the PMP continues to be highly sought after. It validates a project manager’s ability to lead and execute complex projects effectively.
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): For those entering the project management field or seeking a foundational certification, the CAPM is a valuable stepping stone. It provides a strong understanding of project management principles and practices.
- Agile Certifications (Agile Certified Practitioner, Certified Scrum Master): With the increasing popularity of agile methodologies, certifications like ACP and CSM are becoming essential for project managers working in dynamic and iterative environments.
- Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Certifications: For organizations adopting SAFe, certifications such as SAFe Agilist and SAFe Practitioner are in high demand, validating professionals’ knowledge of large-scale agile transformations.
- Data Science and Analytics Certifications: As data-driven decision-making becomes more prevalent, project managers with data science and analytics skills are in high demand. Certifications like Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) and Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) can provide a competitive edge.
Importance of Research
The Forbes article highlights the significance of these certifications by analyzing search volume and industry trends. Providing valuable insights for project practitioners, employers, and training providers.
- Career Advancement: For project practitioners, understanding the most in-demand certifications can help them identify the skills needed to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.
- Employer Attraction: Employers can use this information to attract and retain top talent by offering training and development opportunities aligned with industry trends.
- Training Program Development: Training providers can leverage these insights to develop relevant and effective online courses that meet the needs of project practitioners.
In an era of rapid technical evolution and change, investing in online certifications is a savvy and strategic decision for project practitioners. The modern course collectives are easily accommodated into busy work schedules and quickly assimilated in daily routines. Efficiently positioning the learner for career success and ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.
You can read the full article in the Forbes publication here. And for more information on the courses available through the PMG Platform follow the link to our training center.
