Want to Be a Certified Project Manager? Here’s Exactly How to Start

In today’s world, successfully planning, organising, and executing projects is a highly valuable skill. Whether you’re launching a new product, running a company campaign, or constructing a new office block, someone needs to oversee all the moving parts, and that person is often a project manager.Project management is becoming one of the most sought-after professions. Companies across industries actively seek people who can take control of complex tasks and deliver results on time and within budget. Also, you don’t necessarily need a university degree in project management to get started. With the right certification, you can position yourself as a qualified professional and gain access to exciting career opportunities, locally and internationally. What Exactly is Project Management and Why Is It Important? At its core, project management is about getting things done in a structured and efficient manner. A project manager leads the planning, coordinating, and executing of specific goals. From delivering a marketing campaign, building an app, or managing a construction project, a project manager ensures that tasks are completed within budget, on schedule, and up to standard. Where Do Project Managers Work? Project managers are needed in almost every industry:Technology and software development.Construction and engineering.Finance and banking.Healthcare.Non-profit organisations and NGOs.Marketing and event planning. Why Certifications Matter While some become project managers through years of experience, certifications give you a faster route, especially if you start or switch careers. They:Prove your knowledge and skills to employers.Help you stand out in job applications.Increase your chances of landing higher-paying roles.Prepare you for real-world challenges.Now let’s explore some of the top certifications you can pursue, including both free and paid options available to learners in Nigeria. 1. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate Platform: Coursera.Cost: Free trial available; monthly subscription (affordable for Nigerian learners).Duration: 100–140 hours (self-paced).Level: Beginner-friendly.This Google programme is a good starting point if you’re new to project management. Designed by Google experts, it gives you a deep understanding of project planning, risk management, budgeting, and team coordination.You’ll learn Agile project management, including how to use Scrum, a popular framework in tech. The course includes hands-on practice through realistic workplace scenarios. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of documents, templates, and strategies to use in real jobs.Perks:No experience or degree is required.Builds foundational and practical skills.Prepares you for CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) exams.This qualification qualifies you to apply for roles at top companies, including Google, Deloitte, and Verizon. READ ALSO: 5 Comfortable Hotels Near Eko Hotel Under ₦50K Per Night 2. PMP – Project Management Professional Provider: PMI (Project Management Institute).Cost: From $284 to $575, depending on membership (₦650k-₦900k).Level: Advanced.Exam: 180 questions in 230 minutes.Delivery: Online or at test centres.This is one of the most respected project management certifications globally. PMP is for professionals with project experience who want to solidify their status with a prestigious title.To qualify, you’ll need:A secondary school certificate with 5 years of experience in project roles orA bachelor’s degree with 3 years’ experience.35 hours of project management training.This certification proves that you can lead complex projects using different approaches, from Agile, traditional, or hybrid.Why it matters:It is respected worldwide.This can lead to six-figure salaries (especially internationally).Suitable for experienced professionals looking to level up. 3. CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management Provider: PMI.Cost: $158 (member) to $210 (full price).Level: Entry-level.Exam: 150 questions in 180 minutes.Eligibility: Secondary school certificate + 23 hours of project management training.Don’t have experience yet? The CAPM was designed just for you. This certification is recognised globally and is a perfect starting point for junior roles such as:Project AdministratorProject CoordinatorAssistant Project ManagerCAPM training covers Agile principles, risk management, stakeholder communication, and budgeting, all vital to managing real-world projects. Completing this course puts you on the path to pursuing PMP in the future. 4. PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments)