Project management is currently hot in demand, with plenty of high-paying opportunities for those with the right skills and experience. Whether you’re just getting started in this growing field, or are looking to further advance the industry ladder – the right certifications and training can help you stay competitive, sharp, and relevant amidst evolving sector demands.
Below, we explore the most in-demand project management certifications in Australia, and how training with Upskilled can help progress your career.
What are the top 5 project manager certifications in Australia?
PMP certification
The
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a globally-recognised credential provided by the world-leading Project Management Institute (PMI). Designed for both current and aspiring project managers, the qualification explores the modern frameworks (i.e. predictive, hybrid, and agile), upcoming trends, emerging practices, and fundamental processes of today’s project management field.
This includes the necessary skills to build effective teams; oversee and execute projects from start to finish; and ensure their procedures are compliant with business practices.
Those who wish to further their skills can also pursue the more specialised
PMI-RMP certification, in which professionals are able to hone (and verify) their abilities in project management risk and analysis. This allows them to effectively identify, plan for, and mitigate common project risks, approaching uncertainties in a well-structured and methodical manner.
According to Payscale, those certified under a PMP qualification earn an average of
$128K AUD per year, while those with a PMI-RMP certification earn an average of
$115K AUD per year.
PRINCE2 Foundations certifications
Adopted by countries worldwide, the PRINCE2 (
PRojects
IN Controlled
Environments) framework is a process-based approach to project management, helping provide you with greater control and organisation.
The
PRINCE2 Foundation certification will introduce you to the core principles and methodologies that make up this structured approach, including effective planning, the concept of project “themes”; and controlling the critical processes of a project throughout its execution.
Typically, these processes are made up of eight stages:
startup, direction, initiation, stage boundary management, planning, product delivery management, and
closing.
Similarly, the
PRINCE2 Foundations and Practitioner certification will delve into these critical areas, while additionally exploring the effective ways of adopting these practices in your specific organisation.
According to Payscale, the average salary for PRINCE2-certified project management professionals is
$123K AUD per year.
TOGAF certification
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The
Open Group Architecture Framework, also known as “TOGAF”, is a widely used methodology for enterprise software development – aimed to align an organisation’s IT goals with its overall business goals. Its approaches ensure greater efficiency, reliability, and ROI when planning for and executing projects; and offers a holistic view of one’s organisational processes and how their software development plays an effective, integrated role within them.
A
TOGAF certification will explore critical areas of IT architecture principles, development, and governance, helping individuals design their organisation’s enterprise infrastructure to better meet their business needs. Approaches under this framework can help simplify the often complex processes of IT projects, and allows one to implement business change in a more controlled, efficient, and low-risk manner.
According to Payscale, those certified under TOGAF earn an average of
$155K AUD per year.
CAPM certification
The CAPM (
Certified Associate in Project Management) certification is another entry-level designation provided by PMI. It delves into the fundamental principles and processes of the project life cycle, arming you with the necessary tools, methodologies, and management techniques to guide teams to success.
While highly beneficial for those directing project teams, this qualification is also well-suited to sponsors, stakeholders, committee members, and other roles involved. It offers the opportunity of verifying your skills at an international standard, helping you stand out among peers in the growing project management job market.
According to Payscale, those who hold a
CAPM certification earn an average of
$90K AUD per year.
Lean Six Sigma Certification
Finally, those wishing to reduce risk, errors, and waste within the project life cycle may want to consider a
Lean Six Sigma certification. This framework comprises quality management tools and techniques that make use of
Lean and
Six Sigma principles; the former focusing on removing elements that add little to no value to the project management process, while the latter focuses on data-driven and problem-solving methodologies that lead to greater customer satisfaction.
Six sigma certifications are made up of various levels, including white belt, yellow belt, green belt, black belt, and master black belt – each catering to different skill and experience levels. Training under this qualification will also introduce you to the DMAIC model (
Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control, helping you further maximise business output and value.
According to Payscale, those certified under a Lean Six Sigma qualification typically earn an average of
$110K AUD per year.
Is the PMP exam difficult?
The PMP exam is designed to rigorously test your knowledge and proficiency in the critical areas of project management. It can be a highly difficult challenge for those who lack proper preparation and training, but through courses aligned to the examination (such as
Upskilled’s PMP certification program), you can arm yourself with the mandatory skills, concepts, and practical techniques it covers.
Bear in mind that while such courses can help guide you through the necessary knowledge areas, such training is only as effective as the level of practice you put into it. The PMP exam is known for being highly in-depth and comprehensive, aimed to test your understanding and analysis of real-world applications – so taking the time to independently study, absorb, and practically apply the information provided can better equip you for your examination.
How do I find accredited project management courses online?
There are now plenty of online education providers catering to in-demand and emerging industries – including the many opportunities surrounding project management.
Upskilled is one such training provider that offers a wide variety of online business and project management courses, including training programs for all the certifications mentioned above. Each of these bootcamps are aligned to their qualification’s mandatory knowledge requirements, helping prepare you for their appropriate examinations (i.e. our PRINCE2 Foundation Certification Training course helps equip you for the PRINCE2 Foundation exam, our TOGAF® 9 Combined Level 1 and Level 2 Training can prepare you for the TOGAF 9 certification exam, and so forth).
Each of these courses are focused on helping you build job-ready, practical skills at a globally-recognised standard, helping you stand out among potential employers. These programs are also designed with content provided by their associated institutions (i.e. PMI, The Open Group, Axelos, etc.)
Additionally, our PRINCE2, TOGAF, and Lean Six Sigma certification courses come with free exam vouchers.
Looking to build a fulfilling career in the project management field?
Through the varying online bootcamps and short courses provided by Upskilled, you can arm yourself with the competitive skillsets to set foot and stand out in the industry. Best of all, each of these programs are delivered online – helping you study at a time, place, and pace that suits you best. Launch an exciting career in project management today, and enquire with us on a course.