12 Professional Certifications Required by Industry

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

PMP is a widely used credential for project managers and is often required for senior or enterprise-level project roles. Eligibility typically requires a secondary degree with 7,500 hours leading projects, or a four-year degree with 4,500 hours, plus 35 hours of project management education. The exam assesses knowledge across domains like people, process, and business environment. Candidates often prepare for several months and use formal bootcamps or self-study materials to meet the 35-hour education requirement. Exam and application fees are charged by the Project Management Institute (PMI); membership discounts are available. PMPs must earn professional development units (PDUs) to maintain certification, which encourages ongoing learning and practical application. If you need project experience, seek PM tasks at work, volunteer roles, or formal training projects to qualify. Next steps: document your project hours, complete required education, and apply through PMI’s certification system. Source: Project Management Institute (https://www.pmi.org). Suggested image and alt text: Project manager leading team meeting; alt text: "Project management meeting with timeline on screen."