7 Best Program Management Certifications For Upskilling In 2025
Thinking about how you can take that next step in your career? Getting a program management certification can be a powerful way to show you’ve got what it takes to handle complex projects, keep everything aligned with your company’s goals, and lead with confidence.
But what certification is right for you? To make it easier for you to choose, I’ve pulled together a list of the best program management certifications. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, there’s something here to help you move forward.
Best Program Management Certifications Shortlist
- Program Management Professional (PgMP®) — Best for experienced program managers seeking global recognition
- IBM Program Manager Professional Certificate — Best for aspiring program managers looking for a comprehensive online course
- Program Management Certificate Program — Best for professionals seeking skills in program governance and control
- Program Management Certificate — Best for public service professionals aiming to enhance program management skills
- Project and Program Management Certificate Program — Best for those wanting an introduction to both project and program management
- Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) — Best for practitioners needing a structured framework for program management
- Certificate in Program Management — Best for building foundational program management skills for career advancement
Overview of the Best Program Management Certifications
1. Program Management Professional (PgMP®) - Best for experienced program managers seeking global recognition
The Program Management Professional (PgMP)® certification recognizes professionals with advanced expertise in managing multiple related projects, including project risk and exam prep, in a coordinated way to achieve business benefits and strategic objectives.
Issued by: Project Management Institute (PMI)
Focus:
- Program management frameworks
- Strategic alignment of projects
- Governance and stakeholder engagement
- Benefits realization
- Agile project management
- Risk management in programs
- Integration and coordination of multiple projects
Prerequisites:
- Education: Four-year college degree or high school diploma/Associate’s degree
- Work Experience: 48 months with a degree, 84 months without
- Exam: Written panel review and multiple-choice exam
- Other Certifications Required: PMP certification is recommended, but not required
Renewability: The PgMP certification does not expire, but to maintain it, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
Price:
- Member: $800
- Non-Member: $1,000
Who It’s For: Experienced program managers who wish to demonstrate their ability to lead complex programs, manage multiple projects, and achieve organizational goals across functions and regions.
2. IBM Program Manager Professional Certificate - Best for aspiring program managers looking for a comprehensive online course
This certificate helps learners develop the fundamentals and leadership skills essential for success as a program manager, preparing them for the PMI-PgMP certification exam while gaining practical experience.
Issued by: IBM
Focus:
- Program management frameworks
- Strategic planning and execution
- Agile methodologies and Scrum
- Stakeholder engagement and governance
- Risk management in program management
- Benefits management and program roadmaps
- Preparing for PMI-PgMP certification exam
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required, but basic understanding of business and management principles is beneficial
- Work Experience: Not required, though familiarity with project management concepts can be helpful
- Exam: Completion of all courses in the certificate program
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: The certification does not expire, but it is a one-time credential awarded upon completion of the course series
Price: $59 per month
Who It’s For: The certification is ideal for those aspiring to become program managers or those seeking to formalize and enhance their program management skills, positioning themselves for advanced roles in strategic management.
For more online training options, check out this list of online certifications in project management.
3. Program Management Certificate Program - Best for professionals seeking skills in program governance and control
The Program Management Certificate Program from Management Concepts provides comprehensive training to build competency in overseeing complex projects, including project scheduling, and aligning them with organizational strategies.
Issued by: Management Concepts
Focus:
- Program management principles and strategies
- Project alignment with organizational goals
- Agile and hybrid project management approaches
- Business analysis and analytics integration
- Leadership and team management
- Financial and acquisition management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of the Program Management course
- Work Experience: Recommended for professionals involved in project or program management
- Exam: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Pass any applicable final exams
Renewability: No
Price: $2,139
Who It’s For: This certification is for professionals looking to enhance their skills in managing multiple, complex projects and aligning them with strategic organizational missions, helping them advance their careers in program management roles.
4. Program Management Certificate - Best for public service professionals aiming to enhance program management skills
Enroll in the Program Management Certificate at Harvard's Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship to build a robust skillset for effectively leading service programs, managing resources, and fostering community partnerships.
Issued by: Harvard University
Focus:
- Visioning and leadership
- Goal setting and program management
- Volunteer management and facilitation
- Community partnerships and engagement
- Financial management and fundraising
- Program assessment and evaluation
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Recommended for current or prospective program directors
- Exam: Completion of the program sessions
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Who It’s For: This certification is aimed at rising leaders in service programs who wish to develop their skills in program management, build networks, and enhance the impact of their initiatives.
5. Project and Program Management Certificate Program - Best for those wanting an introduction to both project and program management
The Project and Program Management Certificate from UCSC Silicon Valley Extension equips participants with the practical skills needed to manage complex projects and programs effectively, using both traditional and agile methodologies.
Issued by: UCSC Extension
Focus:
- Project planning and execution
- Risk management
- Stakeholder analysis
- Leadership and team management
- Agile, lean project management (Scrum, Kanban)
- Business analysis and decision-making tools
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of the following courses:
- Role of the Project Manager
- Project Integration and Risk Management or Project Leadership and Communication
- Applied Project Management
- Electives may be taken as well in any order provided the prerequisites are met
- Work Experience: Recommended for individuals with some project management background
- Exam: None
- Other Certifications Required: None
Renewability: No
Price: $5,130–$6,250 plus $500 for course materials
Who It’s For: This certification is designed for project and program managers looking to enhance their project management skills, apply practical tools in real-world scenarios, and qualify for recognized project management credentials.
6. Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) - Best for practitioners needing a structured framework for program management
The MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) certification is a structured framework that helps program managers align multiple projects with an organization’s strategic goals to achieve business benefits and manage complexity effectively.
Issued by: AXELOS
Focus:
- Program management principles and processes
- Strategic alignment of projects and programs
- Risk management and mitigation
- Stakeholder engagement and governance structures
- Lifecycle management of programs
- Outcome and benefit realization
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Recommended for professionals with experience in project or program management
- Exam: Foundation exam is a prerequisite for the Practitioner exam
- Other Certifications Required: MSP Foundation required for MSP Practitioner
Renewability: The certification does not expire, but maintaining relevance through continuous professional development is recommended.
Price: Prices for training courses and exams vary and are set by accredited training organizations.
Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for program managers, business change managers, and senior project managers aiming to validate their expertise and align programs strategically within their organizations.
7. Certificate in Program Management - Best for building foundational program management skills for career advancement
The Program Management Certificate from the University of Washington equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage programs, guiding them from development and launch through to support and closure.
Issued by: University of Washington
Focus:
- Program development and lifecycle management
- Strategic alignment and governance
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Benefit realization and program sustainability
- Risk management and program assessment
Prerequisites:
- Education:
- High school diploma, associate degree, or equivalent with 4 years of project management or 2 years of program management experience
- Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of project management or 1 year of program management experience
- Work Experience: Recommended for professionals with a background in program or project management
- Exam: Completion of course assessments
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: $4,990
Who It’s For: This certification is suited for professionals seeking to advance their skills in program management, enhance their strategic leadership abilities, and prepare for higher-level roles in complex program oversight.
FAQs about program management certifications
What is the PgMP certification?
The PgMP certification, or Program Management Professional, is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is designed for experienced program managers who are responsible for overseeing multiple, related projects and aligning them with organizational goals.
How does the PgMP certification benefit professionals?
The PgMP certification demonstrates a professional's ability to manage complex programs, improve project success rates, and enhance strategic alignment with organizational objectives. It can lead to career advancement, increased salary potential, and recognition in the field of program management.
What are the common prerequisites for obtaining the PgMP certification?
Candidates for the PgMP certification typically need a secondary degree and at least 48 months of project management experience.
How does the PgMP certification exam process work?
The certification process involves a panel review and an exam. The panel review assesses the candidate's professional experience and qualifications, while the exam tests their knowledge and skills in managing and leading programs effectively.
Is there a difference between the PgMP and PMP certifications?
Yes, the PgMP is focused on program management, which involves managing multiple, related projects to achieve strategic business objectives, whereas the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is more focused on individual project management skills and practices.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Best program management books
- Best resource management courses for upskilling
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