Certificates can help you learn in a structured way and show commitment on your CV. They can also cost money and time you might spend better elsewhere. The project assistant adverts studied for this roadmap did not ask for a project management certificate; they asked for skills, experience and often a degree or diploma. So treat a certificate as a possible extra, not a requirement, and decide carefully.
The recognised entry options
These are named as examples, not recommendations. Rules, prices and formats change, so always check the official page before you decide.
- Project DPro. A guide to project management written for the development sector, published by the organisation PM4NGOs. The guide itself can be downloaded at no cost under a Creative Commons licence, and a certification exam based on the guide is available in several languages; see the PM4NGOs site for how it works. Because it is written for NGO and development work, its topics match much of this roadmap.
- CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management). An entry level certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), a large international professional body. It has eligibility rules, an exam and a fee. Check PMI's official website for the current requirements.
- Google Project Management Certificate. An online programme from Google offered on Coursera. Its page describes it as beginner level, needing no degree or experience, and says it counts as project management education that helps you prepare for PMI certifications such as CAPM. Check the Coursera page for current pricing and whether any financial aid is offered.