What is the average salary of a certified project manager?
The salary of certified project managers varies widely depending on the industry in which you choose to work. The overall national median salary of a CAPM® certified project manager is between $53,000 and $79,000. Many of the highest paying project management jobs can be found in information technology.
What is a project manager? What does a project manager do?
A project manager is someone who is in charge of the overall success or failure of a project. As a project manager, you must start by fleshing out an idea and selling it through the organization. You will then pull together your team, organize and clearly lay out the steps involved, lead the team throughout the project lifecycle, manage the budget, make important decisions that could impact the outcome of the project, engage and update stakeholders, deliver a complete project that meets objectives, ensure that there a smooth transition as the project is handed over and rolled out, and finally share the knowledge you gained along the way from successes as well as mistakes. You will have ultimate control over all parts of a project, including initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, control, and closing.
Will this course prepare you for a project management certification?
Yes. This course will prepare you to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification exam and help you prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification exam. You will need to set up your tests and pay any fees required separately.
What education do I need to become a project manager?
It is possible to become a successful project manager without an advanced degree. You will need to obtain your high school diploma or equivalent at minimum, as well as experience managing projects. You will also need to complete an online training course that will help you understand national and global standards of project management in order to achieve success in every phase of your projects. The training course you choose should prepare you to sit for respected certifications such as CAPM® or PMP® like one of these courses. You may find it beneficial to earn your bachelor's or master's degree in business management, engineering, computer science or a field related to your chosen industry in order to continue to climb the corporate ladder and open up more opportunities.
Are project managers in demand?
Yes, demand for project managers is high and continuing to rise due to an increasing number of jobs that require project-oriented skills. The Project Management Institute (PMI®) conducted a Talent Gap report in which it was estimated that an additional 700,000 jobs for trained project managers would be needed in the United States by the year 2020.
Where do project managers work?
Project managers can work in almost any industry. Some of the more common industries for project management jobs include information technology, engineering, construction, healthcare, finance, and law. Your work environment will depend largely on the industry in which you work, but you will work closely with other people and technology regardless of the industry you choose.
What qualities should a good project manager have?
In order to be a good project manager, you will first and foremost have to be a great communicator. It is your job to sell an idea to stakeholders, team members, and those financing any project you manage. You must communicate with everyone affected throughout the project and ensure that you keep the momentum moving in your favor. You must have integrity and enthusiasm. You must also understand how to effectively delegate responsibilities to the right team members. It's also important to have a high level of empathy in order to understand how the project will affect others, and you must always remain calm under pressure.
What is the CAPM certification?
CAPM® stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. The CAPM® credential is awarded by the Project Management Institute, and it is viewed as the first step in project management certification. Earning your CAPM® will show employers that you're a serious candidate who adheres to national standards of project management excellence. The CAPM® exam is a multiple-choice test composed of 150 questions, which you will be given three hours to complete. It is a proctored exam, but the PMI® now lets you participate in online proctoring sessions, meaning that you can take the exam from the comfort of your own home. In order to sit for the CAPM® exam, you must have earned a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and have at least 23 hours of project management education completed before the exam (This course meets the education requirement). Once you pass, you will be awarded the CAPM® designation.
Can I work as a project manager without certification?
Yes. You can become a project manager without obtaining certification as long as you possess the proper knowledge, training, and experience to get the job done. However, we encourage all students to sit for CAPM® and/or PMP® certification. Certification will open up more opportunities for you. These certifications are highly respected worldwide; they prove your commitment to the industry and your understanding of global standards, they place you ahead of your competition for jobs, and they show that you are continuously learning through professional development. Certifications also make a big difference in the amount of money you can earn as a project manager.
Why is project management so important?
Project management is important because it ensures that stakeholders, financers, and team members all have the same expectations set when it comes to what will be delivered, when it will be delivered, and how much it will cost to deliver a completed project. The most effective project managers will negotiate milestones and deadlines that are reasonable and achievable and are communicated with all parties affected by a project plan.
I'm new to project management. Is this course right for me?
Yes. You will find that this course starts from the ground up — laying a solid foundation of project management terminology and concepts. Then after you gain a great foundation in project management, you will move on to mastering more complex concepts that will provide a level of expertise you can bring into any industry. You can even qualify to take national certifying exams such as CAPM® when you complete the course and gain the necessary experience.
What type of career path can I pursue after completing this course?
A few of the careers you could choose to pursue after you've successfully completed the CAPM® Prep Course include:
- Project Coordinator
- Project Manager (junior through senior level)
- Learning Management System Specialist
- Computing and Analytic Administrator
- Project Coordinator
- Agile Coach & Scrum Master
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive (12) months to complete the course.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.