14 Best Online Project Management Certifications For 2024
Online project management certifications help aspiring project managers improve their skills and knowledge in managing projects across industries, and they also lend a sense of credibility to your resume and experience.
Here’s a summary of the top online certifications, with notes on who and what each is best for, to help you choose the right one for your career.
Best Online Project Management Certifications Shortlist
- Google Project Management: Professional Certificate — Best for beginners looking to start a career in project management
- Microsoft Project Management Professional Certificate — Best for mastering Microsoft tools and methodologies
- Project Management Graduate Certificate — Best for gaining a graduate-level understanding of project management
- Project Management Cornell Certificate Program — Best for leadership and systems design in project management
- Project Management Essentials — Best for essential project management skills
- Online Project Management Certificate — Best for an interactive learning approach
- Project Management Certificate — Best for technical project management skills
- Professional Certificate Program in Project Management — Best for comprehensive project management training
- The Project Management Skills Certified Professional (PMSCP®) — Best for learning soft project management skills
- UCI Project Management Professional Certificate — Best for practical applications of project management practices
- Project Management (Online) — Best for increasing your employability as a project manager
- Project Management Program — Best for business-focused project management
- Project Management Certificate Program — Best for specializing in specific project management domains
- Professional Certificate in Fundamentals of Project Management — Best for foundational project management knowledge
Below are my detailed summaries of the best online project management certifications that I shortlisted.
Overviews of the Best Online Project Management Certifications
1. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate - Best for beginners looking to start a career in project management
This certification provides practical training in project management activities like creating risk management plans, managing project budgets, and applying agile project strategies. It also features interactive content that will help you build skills in using project management tools, handling escalations, and managing team dynamics.
Issued by: Google (via Coursera)
Focus:
- Foundations of project management
- Project initiation & planning
- Project execution
- Agile project management
- Applying project management in the real world
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: Free
Who It’s For: Individuals who want to develop essential project management skills and business acumen.
2. Microsoft Project Management Professional Certificate - Best for mastering Microsoft tools and methodologies
This certification offers comprehensive training in project management, and focuses on teaching you project domains, process groups, and practical Excel skills for project scheduling and data visualization.
It includes a capstone project that will help you prepare for real scenarios, and a mock exam that is aligned with the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) exam standards.
Issued by: Microsoft (via Coursera)
Focus:
- Project management fundamentals and principles
- Team building and leadership
- Engaging with stakeholders
- Process groups and processes
- Project management performance domains
- Agile and hybrid approaches
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: Free
Who It’s For: Aspiring project managers that need to learn key skills and business acumen to succeed in the role.
3. Project Management Graduate Certificate - Best for gaining a graduate-level understanding of project management
This certification will train you to lead projects through their life cycle, and it will improve your competency in leadership, collaboration, and change management practices. It will also help you understand the strategic impact of project management on business success.
Issued by: Harvard Extension School
Focus:
- Technical project management
- Strategic business management
- Leadership and change management
- Measuring project success
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $13,360
Who It’s For: Individuals who want to develop the technical and business management skills necessary to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close projects effectively.
4. Project Management Cornell Certificate Program - Best for leadership and systems design in project management
This certification offers specialized training in timely and budget-conscious project delivery via project scoping, setting milestones, and resource management.
The program provides a comprehensive project management education and covers agile methodologies and earned value management. You'll also be able to access optional PMP exam preparation that includes guided practice exams.
Issued by: eCornell
Focus:
- Organizing the project and its components
- Planning and managing resources
- Assessing, managing, and mitigating project risk
- Using earned value management
- Agile project management approaches
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $3,900
Who It’s For: This option suits professionals with some project management experience but no formal training, as well as project management professionals preparing for the PMP exam.
5. Project Management Essentials — Best for essential project management skills
This certificate course covers project management concepts according to PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It also includes PMP exam prep and covers managing integrations, scope, timelines, costs, risks, stakeholders, and quality. You'll participate in practical assignments, discussions, and self-assessments that will help you apply your knowledge in workplace scenarios.
Issued by: Purdue University
Focus:
- Basic project management concepts and terms
- Project integration management
- Scope and procurement management
- Time management
- Project cost and risk management
- Stakeholder, communications, and resource management
- Quality management and change control
- Managing project performance
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $1,975
Who It’s For: This certification is best for early-career project managers and professionals seeking foundational project management skills, and for those planning to pursue a PMP certification.
6. Online Project Management Certificate — Best for an interactive learning approach
This certification delivers comprehensive training based on the PMBOK guide and focuses on the phases of the project life cycle, process groups, and essential knowledge areas. It will equip you with tools for managing project scope, risk, communications, and integration to achieve project success.
Issued by: Colorado State University
Focus:
- Project initiation and process groups
- Planning, scheduling, and cost management
- Quality, resources, and communications planning
- Risk and procurement management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Executing project work and knowledge management
- Monitoring and controlling projects
- Change management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: This certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $3,395
Who It’s For: This option is ideal for project managers, project coordinators, and business analysts of all experience levels.
7. Project Management Certificate — Best for technical project management skills
This certification covers essential project management skills, including understanding management vs leadership, navigating real-world constraints, and managing project processes. You'll also learn about using emotional intelligence (EQ), conflict resolution techniques, and effective cross-functional collaboration via managing team members and stakeholders.
Issued by: Georgia Institute of Technology
Focus:
- Strategic project management
- Technical project management
- Risk management
- Team communication
- PMP certification preparation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Who It’s For: This option is best for project managers, professionals transitioning into project management, business analysts collaborating with project teams, and technical team leaders.
8. Professional Certificate Program in Project Management — Best for comprehensive project management training
This certification offers comprehensive training in strategic project management, agile practices, and using Microsoft Project. You'll learn key skills in planning, scheduling, and reporting, as well as establishing a PMO, and aligning projects with strategic goals. It also culminates in a capstone project that you can use to showcase your practical project management expertise.
Issued by: UMass Amherst (via Simplilearn)
Focus:
- Implementing a PMO
- Risk management
- Program management
- Agile and Lean Six Sigma
- Customer-centric digital transformation
Prerequisites:
- Education: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $2,500
Who It’s For: This certificate is best for aspiring and current project managers, team leaders, business analysts, technical managers, and professionals preparing for the PMP certification.
9. The Project Management Skills Certified Professional (PMSCP®) — Best for learning soft project management skills
This certification includes 14 self-paced, online courses covering everything from interpersonal skills to planning and scheduling, risk management, quality management, and communication strategies. It also covers comprehensive project management practices and provides you with professional development units (PDUs), and it concludes with a certification exam to validate your skills and knowledge.
Issued by: Skye Learning
Focus:
- Critical thinking and decision-making
- Interpersonal skills
- Negotiation techniques
- Effective communication strategies
- Leadership development
- Conflict management
- Team development
- Change management and problem-solving
- Planning and project design
- Embracing risk and uncertainty
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Price: $699
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for individuals who want to enhance their project management skills.
10. UCI Project Management Professional Certificate — Best for practical applications of project management practices
This certification offers comprehensive training in project planning and execution, with a focus on justifying and selecting projects, defining project scope with a work breakdown structure, and developing effective communication plans.
You'll also learn about managing projects in traditional and agile environments, so you can remain adaptable to changes in resource availability and other challenges throughout project execution.
Issued by: University of California, Irvine (via Coursera)
Focus:
- Comprehensive project planning
- Effective project execution
- Fundamentals of launching a project
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: 3 to 5 years of professional experience working on projects is recommended
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: Free
Who It’s For: This certification is best for professionals who want to advance their careers in project management and those working on projects in a professional setting.
11. Project Management (Online) - Best for increasing your employability as a project manager
This certification follows the PMBOK guide and will teach you leadership, communication, and business fundamentals. It also covers aligning projects with organizational strategy, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and using project management software to manage the project life cycle whether you're using predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches.
Issued by: Centennial College
Focus:
- Fundamentals of project management
- Project leadership
- Agile project management
- Project communication
- Project planning and scheduling
- Procurement management
- Project risk management
- Project quality management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Post-secondary education
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price:
- Canadian students: $5,053.52
- International students: $17,740.20
Who It’s For: This option is meant for individuals with a post-secondary education in any discipline who want to become more employable. It is also suitable for experienced project managers looking to bring a new level of leadership to their roles.
12. Project Management Program — Best for business-focused project management
This program is designed to equip you with essential project management skills tailored for a business environment. It includes three comprehensive 10-week online courses that cover fundamental aspects of project management, leadership, and communication.
Issued by: McMaster University
Focus:
- Project management fundamentals
- Leadership
- Effective communication strategies
- Comprehensive project planning and implementation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $819 per course
Who It’s For: This option is best for project managers who want to improve their skills, individuals pursuing a PMP or other PMI credentials, and other managers, executives, and entrepreneurs who could benefit from project management skills.
13. Project Management Certificate Program — Best for specializing in specific project management domains
This certification covers essential project management methodologies, tools, and techniques for successful execution and delivery. You'll gain knowledge in critical areas such as managing scope, schedules, budget, quality, risk, and procurement, and develop leadership skills to manage teams effectively throughout the project life cycle.
Issued by: UCLA Extension
Focus:
- Fundamentals of project management
- Project schedule and cost management
- Project quality and leadership
- Project risk and procurement management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $6,300
Who It’s For: This option is best for aspiring project managers, individuals planning to earn the PMP certification, professionals looking to specialize in specific project management domains, and current project managers seeking formal training to enhance their skills and credentials.
14. Professional Certificate in Fundamentals of Project Management — Best for foundational project management knowledge
This certification covers core project management skills, effective communication strategies, and risk management and compliance. You'll learn design and integration techniques for reporting and communicating risks to stakeholders, as well as how to support project success for both small to large-scale initiatives across various industries.
Issued by: University of Adelaide (via edX)
Focus:
- Project management basics
- Risk management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: This certificate does not require renewal and does not expire.
Price: $448.20
Who It’s For: This option is best for individuals who want to develop essential project management skills, as well as those aiming to manage projects of different scales.
FAQs about Online Project Management Certifications
What are the benefits of obtaining an online project management certification?
An online project management certification can improve your skills, your career prospects, and your earning potential. It also demonstrates your commitment to professional development and provides you with a standardized understanding of project management principles.
How long does it typically take to complete an online project management certification?
The amount of time it takes to complete an online project management certification varies depending on the program. Some certifications can be completed in a few weeks, while others may take several months. Check the specific requirements and time commitments of your chosen certification program.
What is the cost range for online project management certifications?
The cost of online project management certifications can vary significantly. Basic certifications may cost a few hundred dollars, while more comprehensive programs can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Consider the value and recognition of the certification relative to its cost.
Can I pursue an online project management certification while working full-time?
Yes, online project management certifications are designed to be flexible and allow you to study at your own pace. This makes it possible for individuals to pursue certifications while maintaining full-time employment.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- A list of project management books for beginners
- Why project management is important
- Best project management training courses
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