Standardization

• The biggest value of certification is that it is based on recognized standards. PMI researched project management and decided on the best subjects for project managers to learn. This means that if an employer is interested in someone with a certification, he can look up exactly what the applicant learned according to the level of certification. Some of the covered subjects include hiring team members and quality management.
  
  

CAPM

• The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) is valuable because those without a college education qualify for it. It covers basic topics and is recommended for those whose project management experience is less than half of all work experience.
  
  

PMP

• The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is popular because it covers the field of project management extensively. PMPs learn details of scheduling, budgeting, team communication, and risk management among many other subjects. It is the most well-known certification and therefore, extremely beneficial to those competing against other project managers for work.
  
  

PgMP

• PgMP stands for Program Management Professional certification. This is a valuable asset for anyone who routinely manages multiple projects in different departments that lead to a common objective. Those with advanced experience as managers of specific divisions like finance and communications should pursue this.
  
  

PMI-RMP

• People with experience and interest in risk management on project tend to get The PMI-RMP certification. The RMP credential stands for Risk Management Professional; the training involves techniques for managing risk at every level of the project. Some of the subjects covered include identifying risks and creating contingency plans. It is one of the newest certifications for the growing risk management industry.