In the dynamic world of program management, certifications can set you apart by validating your expertise, boosting your career prospects, and opening doors to exciting leadership opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced program manager or looking to transition into this role, there’s a certification tailored to your career stage and goals.
This article will cover the top program management certifications, who they’re best for, what they involve, and how to maintain them.
Why program management certifications matter
Program management is more than managing multiple projects — it’s about delivering strategic value, aligning initiatives with business goals, and driving organizational transformation. Certifications provide:
- Credibility: Industry-recognized credentials that solidify your knowledge.
- Career growth: Better opportunities for leadership roles and higher earning potential.
- Up-to-date skills: Training in best practices and frameworks for managing complexity.
Managing Successful Programs (MSP®)
The Managing Successful Programs (MSP®) certification is a globally recognized credential for managing and leading complex transformational programs. Developed by Axelos, it equips you with the tools and best practices to ensure strategic alignment, manage risks, and realize organizational benefits.
The qualification is offered at two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation certification introduces the MSP® framework and is designed for individuals looking to understand the methodology. The Practitioner level focuses on applying MSP® principles and processes in real-world scenarios, enhancing the ability to lead and manage programs successfully.
Best for: Change leaders, senior executives, and program managers
Prerequisites:
- Foundation: None
- Practitioner: Foundation certification
Exam duration:
- Foundation: 1h
- Practitioner: 2.5h
Exam format:
- Foundation: 60 multiple-choice questions, closed book (pass mark: 60%)
- Practitioner: 70 questions, open book (pass mark: 60%)
Exam fee:
- Varies depending on training provider
Maintenance: 60 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points every 3 years for both Foundation and Practitioner
Program Management Professional (PgMP®)
The Program Management Professional (PgMP®) is a prestigious certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Ideal for program managers, portfolio managers, and executives involved in enterprise-level project oversight, it validates skills in managing complex, interrelated projects, focusing on strategic alignment, governance, and benefits realization.
Best for: Experienced program managers with a proven track record
Prerequisites:
- High school diploma or associate’s degree
- 4 years of project management experience or the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification
- 7 years of program management experience within the last 15 years
or
- 4-year college or university degree
- 4 years of project management experience or the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification
- 4 years of program management experience within the last 15 years
Exam duration: 4h
Exam format: 170 questions
Exam fee:
- $800 for PMI members
- $1,000 for non-PMI members
Maintenance: 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP®)
The Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP®) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is a premier credential for senior professionals managing a portfolio of programs and projects.
Emphasizing a holistic approach to resource allocation, risk management, and benefits realization, it demonstrates advanced expertise in portfolio management, including the selection, prioritisation, and alignment of projects and programs to achieve strategic business objectives.
Best for: Portfolio managers optimising resources and driving ROI
Prerequisites:
- Minimum 8 years of professional business experience within the last 15 years
- Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent)
- 7 years of portfolio management experience
or
- Minimum 8 years of professional business experience within the last 15 years
- 4-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent)
- 4 years of portfolio management experience
Exam duration: 4h
Exam format: 170 questions
Exam fee:
- $800 for PMI members
- $1,000 for non-PMI members
Maintenance: 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years
Agile Program Management (AgilePgM®)
Offered by APMG International, the Agile Program Management (AgilePgM®) certification applies Agile principles to program management, emphasizing iterative delivery and stakeholder engagement.
AgilePgM equips program managers with a framework to support Agile teams while ensuring alignment with organizational goals. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability, managing interdependencies, and driving benefits realization in fast-changing scenarios.
Best for: Program managers working in Agile environments
Prerequisites: None, but Agile experience is recommended
Exam duration: 40m
Exam format: 4 sections, 50 multiple-choice questions, closed book (pass mark: 50%)
Exam fee: £288
Maintenance: No expiry, but ongoing learning is encouraged
Program management qualifications are more than just credentials — they’re a way to demonstrate your ability to lead complex initiatives, deliver strategic outcomes, and make a tangible impact.
Choosing the right certification depends on your career stage, preferred methodologies, and industry requirements. Certifications like PgMP® and PfMP® are suited for experienced managers, while MSP® or AgilePgM® can benefit those transitioning into program roles.
Where will you start your certification journey?
This post was previously published on Medium.com.