T.M. Kayode

Hey there!

So, let’s talk project management certifications. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard a lot about them, especially if you’re working in tech, construction, finance, or pretty much any industry where getting things done efficiently is a big deal. But with so many options out there, how do you figure out which certification is the best fit for you?

I did some digging (okay, a lot of digging) and wanted to share what I found. Think of this as a little guide to help you navigate the world of project management certifications. And hey, I’m not an expert, but here’s what I’ve learned so far!

1. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Who’s it for? If you’re in software development, IT, or product management, this one’s probably for you.

Why: The CSM is your go-to if you’re diving into the world of agile, especially if you’re working with Scrum, which is one of the agile frameworks. If your company is all about agile practices, getting this certification is a pretty smart move.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Who’s it for? If you’re in construction, engineering, finance, or government, this might be your jam.

Why: PMP is one of the oldest project management certifications. It’s globally recognized and gives you a solid foundation in traditional project management. If you’re handling big, structured projects that need lots of planning, this is the one to consider.

3. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Who’s it for? Those of you who like to mix things up with both traditional and agile project management.

Why: The PMI-ACP is perfect if your role is going to mix old-school project management and new-school agile practices. It covers a bunch of agile methodologies, so you’re not just stuck with one way of doing things. Flexibility is key, right? Having a PMP certification would help in the requirements but it is not mandatory.

4. SAFe® Agilist Certification

Who’s it for? Big organizations with lots of teams that need to work together (without chaos).

Why: If your company is all about scaling agile practices across multiple teams, the SAFe® Agilist certification is for you. It’s like the glue that holds everything together when you’re dealing with complex projects.

5. Disciplined Agile (DA) Certifications

Who’s it for? Those looking for a more flexible, customizable approach to agile.

Why: Disciplined Agile gives you a toolkit to mix and match agile, lean, and traditional practices. If you want something that’s not one-size-fits-all, DA could be a perfect match.

6. Lean Six Sigma Certifications

Who’s it for? If you’re all about process improvement, especially in manufacturing or healthcare.

Why: Lean Six Sigma is the way to go if you’re obsessed with making things better, faster, and more efficient. It’s all about reducing waste and improving quality, so if this matches with your industry, it may be the way to go.

7. PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments)

Who’s it for? If you’re in Europe, especially the UK, or working on government projects.

Why: PRINCE2 is super popular in Europe, particularly in government sectors. It’s all about a process-based approach, which is perfect if you like things neat, tidy, and under control.

What’s Trending?

• Agile Everywhere: Agile certifications like CSM, PMI-ACP, and SAFe® are hot right now, especially as more companies jump on the agile bandwagon.
• Hybrid Approaches: There’s a growing love for hybrid project management that blends traditional and agile methods, which means certifications covering both are getting a lot of attention.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Honestly, it all comes down to what industry you’re in and what kind of projects you’re managing. If you’re in tech or a super agile environment, something like CSM or SAFe® might be your best bet. But if you’re dealing with more traditional, large-scale projects, PMP or PRINCE2 could be the way to go.

I am personally leaning towards the PMP route. Some of the project I am handling require traditional PM methodologies but I see the sense of going the agile route. Imay do that afterwards if necessary. 

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you on your own project management journey.

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!