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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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• 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 or

• A 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.

• 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 Administrator

• Project Coordinator

• Assistant Project Manager

CAPM 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.

• Platform: Alison (Free learning available).

• Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

• Cost: Free learning is available, but certification exam costs vary.

PRINCE2 is a structured project management method popular in the UK, Europe, and Africa. Governments, large NGOs, and public organisations widely use it.

You can learn the fundamentals for free on Alison, including how to:

• Plan and initiate a project.

• Define team roles and responsibilities.

• Monitor quality throughout the project.

• Close out projects effectively.

It has a flexible learning schedule, teaches a structured, repeatable project process, and is practical enough for people in regulated sectors like healthcare, education, or government.

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• Platform: ALX Training.

• Cost: €740. 

• Duration: 2-day live training + career support.

• Level: Beginner to Intermediate.

This course is for anyone looking for practical, real-world project management training. ALX is part of the African Leadership Group, and they provide training tailored to the African workplace.

Topics covered include:

• What are projects, and how are they managed?

• The lifecycle of a project.

• Tools and techniques used in planning and delivery.

• How to lead teams and communicate effectively.

If you’re a student, professional, or job seeker looking to pivot into a growing industry, this project management course is for you. 

Why it’s great:

• Certificate provided.

• Suitable for beginners and career switchers.

• Focuses on African contexts and opportunities.

You don’t have to wait for a promotion or a master’s degree to get started in project management. These courses are practical, career-boosting tools that will be useful in your project management career. If you’re a fresh graduate, a career switcher, or a working professional, the right certification can open doors at home and abroad. Pick a path, commit to the learning, and take the first step towards becoming a certified project manager.