7 Great Product Management Certifications for Every Level
Last updated on Tue Nov 26 2024
Product management is a dynamic field that demands a unique blend of strategic thinking, technical know-how, and customer empathy.
For aspiring and seasoned product managers alike, certifications can be the key to unlocking new opportunities, sharpening skills, and standing out in a competitive job market.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of top product management certifications—ranging from university extension programs to SaaS training and globally recognized credentials. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level-up, there’s something here for you.
What is product management certification?
Product management certification is a formal credential that validates a professional's skills, knowledge, and expertise in managing the lifecycle of a product. From ideation and development to launch and beyond, product managers play a critical role in driving a product's success.
Certification programs provide structured learning, frameworks, and best practices to help individuals excel in this field and provide proof of their proficiency. They can range from comprehensive exams that allow seasoned professionals to upgrade their credentials, to comprehensive programs for newbies—be it fresh out of school or a career change.
1. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®
The Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification is designed for professionals who utilize agile practices in their projects or organizations. This certification validates your expertise in agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and others, demonstrating your ability to adapt and apply agile principles effectively.
This certification program is tailored to those already in the industry. If you are a new graduate or in the process of a career change this certification may not be the right fit.
Key details of this program:
There are several eligibility requirements including a secondary degree, 24 months of agile experience within the last five years, and 28 hours of training in agile practices (21 hours accepted until 31 March 2025).
Training hours can be obtained through PMI’s exam prep, exam practice, or instructor led courses. Another option is to obtain training from a PMI Authorized Training Partner like UC Berkeley Extension.
The exam itself is timed (three-hour limit), consists of 120 questions and is offered in six different languages.
This certification requires 30 professional development units (PDUs) in agile topics every three years to maintain.
How to apply:
To apply for the PMI-ACP certification, follow these steps:
Review Eligibility Requirements
Prepare Application
Submit Application
Payment
Schedule Exam
Visit the official PMI-ACP certification page to get started.
2. SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager Certification Course
Trusted by more than 20,000 companies globally, the SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification course equips professionals with the skills to effectively perform the roles of Product Owner and Product Manager within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This program emphasizes a customer-centric approach to product plan and development, enabling participants to deliver value through effective planning and execution.
Key details of this program:
Curriculum focus:
Performing the roles of Product Owner and Product Manager daily.
Placing the customer at the center of design, build, and test processes.
Preparing for and leading Program Increment (PI) Planning.
Decomposing Epics into Features and Features into Stories.
Collaborating with Agile teams to forecast work.
Course inclusions:
Course workbook and access to SAFe Studio for exam preparation and resources.
One-year access to SAFe Studio, including e-learning modules and curated content.
SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager certification exam.
Program is offered in 9 languages.
How to apply:
To enroll in the SAFe® POPM certification course, visit the SAFe Training Calendar to find upcoming classes. Classes are offered on a regular basis from different instructors and countries, so you can search for the right fit. Select a course that fits your schedule and register directly through the provided links. For detailed information on dates, deadlines, and application procedures, refer to the specific course listings.
3. Product Management Short Course & Certificate - General Assembly
The product management program offered by General Assembly is designed to equip professionals with the skills and confidence to lead cross-functional initiatives and bring both physical and digital products to life. The curriculum focuses on balancing business viability, technical feasibility, and customer desirability, preparing participants to guide products and features toward long-term success in various organizational settings.
Key details of this program:
Flexible Scheduling: Choose between a 10-week, part-time evening format or a one-week, full-time accelerated course to fit your schedule.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn to navigate the product life cycle, plan and prioritize effectively, validate assumptions, monitor metrics, and apply agile best practices.
Global Recognition: Join a network of over 97,000 graduates across 50 countries, benefiting from General Assembly's 12+ years of experience in transforming careers.
How to apply:
To apply for the Product Management Short Course, visit the General Assembly course page and select your preferred start date and schedule, or just select “Apply Now” and get started with the application. There are also informational sessions you can sign up for for more information.
4. Product Management Certification Course - BrainStation
BrainStation's Product Management Certification Course is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in product management roles. The program emphasizes real-world projects and live instruction, providing a comprehensive understanding of product strategy, Agile methodologies, and product development processes.
This course is considered to be beginner-friendly.
Key details of this program:
Duration and format: The course spans either 4 or 8 weeks, depending on the chosen delivery format—8 evening classes or 4 weekend day classes—totaling 24 hours of training.
Curriculum highlights: Participants will learn to: • Develop product vision and value propositions. • Conduct user research and synthesize findings. • Create product roadmaps and requirement documents. • Apply Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban. • Utilize industry tools like Figma and Jira.
Instructors: Learn from experienced industry leaders working at top tech companies such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.
How to apply:
BrainStation offers both online and in-person options for the Product Management Course. In-person locations include:
New York, New York, USA
Miami, Florida, USA
London, UK
Toronto, Canada
Vancouver, Canada
Each location—including online—has their own start dates and times so you’ll want to check out the Upcoming Start Dates on the BrainStation course page to find the right one for you. Typically the dates are set for approximately the next three months. So if you're thinking about next summer, you’ll need to wait a bit.
5. Certified Product Manager - Product HQ
Providing a more self-paced approach, Product HQ's Product Manager Certification Program is an online course designed to equip aspiring and current product managers with the essential skills, strategies, and frameworks needed to excel in product development and leadership roles. This program is not for experienced product managers, so if that is you you’ll want to consider another option.
Key details of this program:
Duration and Format: Self-paced learning allows participants to study approximately 3 hours per week, completing the course in about one month. The program includes lifetime access to all videos and updated course materials.
Curriculum Highlights: The course offers over 70 video lessons, assignments, and quizzes covering: • Fundamentals of product management. • Developing product strategies and roadmaps. • Conducting market research and user analysis. • Implementing Agile methodologies. • Preparing for product management interviews.
Capstone Project: Participants apply learned concepts to a real-world project, enhancing practical experience.
Community Access: Enrollment includes access to a global Slack community of over 9,000 product professionals, offering networking and learning opportunities.
How to apply:
To enroll in the Product Manager Certification Program, visit the Product HQ course page and click on "Enroll now." As the course is self-paced, there are no specific application deadlines.
6. Certificate in Software Product Management - UW Professional & Continuing Education
The University of Washington's Certificate in Software Product Management is an online program designed for tech industry professionals aiming to enter or advance in product management roles. This eight-month evening program provides comprehensive training in managing the full life cycle of digital product development, from concept to market launch.
This program does require you to have at least two years of college education and three years of work experience in the software industry or a related field.
Key details of this program:
Duration and Format: The program spans eight months, with classes held online in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.
Curriculum Highlights: The certificate comprises three courses: • Product Strategy • Product Validation: Design & Development • Going to Market
Hands-On Experience: Participants engage in a group project to conceive and plan a fictitious new product for an existing company, culminating in a presentation to industry managers for feedback.
Recognition: The program received the Outstanding Non-Credit Program Award at the University of Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) West Region Conference.
How to apply:
To apply for the Certificate in Software Product Management, visit the program's application page and complete the online application by January 2, 2025. The next cohort begins on January 16, 2025.
7. New Product Development Professional (NPDP) Certification - PDMA
The New Product Development Professional (NPDP) certification, offered by the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), is an internationally recognized credential that validates expertise in product development and management. Achieving NPDP certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a comprehensive understanding of best practices in new product development and stakeholder management.
Key details of this program:
Eligibility Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, at least two years of professional-level experience in new product development within the past four years, and passing the NPDP certification exam.
Exam Overview: The 3.5 hour exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering seven key areas: • NPD Strategy • Portfolio Management • New Products Process • Culture, Organization, and Teams • Tools and Metrics • Market Research • Life Cycle Management
Benefits of Certification: The NDPD certification provides recognition of mastery in new product development principles, enhances career and promotion opportunities, increases credibility, and provides access to a network of certified professionals and PDMA resources.
How to apply:
To begin the certification process, visit the PDMA Certification Portal and complete the online application.
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