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Is a product management certification worth the time and effort? This article explores the potential benefits of earning your certification, even for those currently working in product manager roles.
Earning a product management certification is a strategic move for professionals immersed in product development, whether they’re officially holding the title or managing related tasks. It’s also a smart step if you’re aspiring to move into this dynamic field. Going far beyond simple accolades, pursuing this certification significantly deepens your expertise, enhances your effectiveness, and expands your skill set.
Having a product manager certification can also be a powerful catalyst for career progression and personal growth. Let’s explore a few reasons that make a product management certification valuable for product professionals as well as those looking to start a new career. We’ll also look at some of the product manager certificates available and the various ways you can earn them.
Top Reasons to Pursue a Product Management Certification
- You’ll enhance your skill set: The right product manager certification program will take you through an extensive array of topics fundamental to product management. The specific topics will vary depending on the program but may include everything from identifying market problems to strategic planning, product development processes, and product lifecycle oversight. This knowledge and targeted skills set you up for success as a product manager.
- You’ll have a structured learning path: A well-structured product manager certification program provides a deliberate and organized educational blueprint. This allows you to skip the hit-or-miss nature of on-the-job training or self-directed study that typically results in skill gaps. Going along the formal certification path ensures that you acquire fundamental skills along with the nuanced competencies required to be a well-rounded product manager. It should also cover critical skills and emerging trends so that you have no gaps in your professional toolkit.
- You’ll learn industry trends and best practices: For those who have been in the industry for some time, it’s easy to miss out on the latest trends and changes in best practices. A robust product manager certification program addresses this by offering up-to-date information and new ways of looking at industry practices. For those new to the industry, a comprehensive product manager certification program helps you establish a foundation of critical skills. This is key in building a successful and long-lived career.
- You’ll boost your product’s success: If you currently work as a product manager, the skills you learn will have a direct impact on the success of the products you oversee. You’ll dive deep into learning innovative skills and methodologies that enable you to enhance the value and appeal of your products. Those new to the industry will benefit from starting their careers equipped with a deep understanding of essential concepts and proven best practices right from day one.
- You’ll gain more credibility and recognition: For seasoned professionals, a product manager certification serves as a testament to your evolving expertise and commitment to the field. This can enhance your professional image among peers and potential employers. For newcomers, a certification in product management is a credential that underscores your foundational knowledge and readiness to start your career. Amy Graham, a Pragmatic Institute instructor with over 20 years of product development and product leadership experience, advises that “product professionals should never stop learning or growing. A certification is a fabulous way to grow your skills and gain important credibility in the product world.”
- You’ll be positioned for career advancement: Achieving a product manager certification distinguishes you in the job market, enhancing your credibility with potential employers. This credential can pave the way for improved job prospects, career progression, and the possibility of higher earnings. It acts as a marker of your expertise and dedication. It may also help position you for opportunities that require advanced knowledge and leadership in product management.
- You may increase your earning potential: There are many factors that influence your earning potential, but there are reasons to believe that pursuing education, including professional certifications, can boost your earning power. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “workers’ earnings increase as educational attainment rises.” This benefit isn’t reserved for only traditional degrees, those holding professional certifications and licenses also make more on average than those that do not.
- You’ll have access to networking opportunities: A truly holistic product management certification program will offer you access to a professional network, connecting you with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. The nature of the opportunities depends on the program. For example, it may provide immediate networking opportunities by connecting you with fellow participants during the course itself. Additionally, it may also offer an alumni network that offers you access to a community of professionals long after completion.
- You’ll gain confidence and personal fulfillment: There is something to be said about the confidence and pride that comes from professional growth. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures and demands of work and to feel like you’re in a professional rut. Pursuing additional training and becoming a certified product manager can reinvigorate your career. So, while you’re learning some new skills and sharpening the old ones, you’ll also feel a renewed sense of purpose and self-assurance in your capabilities.
A Product Leader’s Perspective
Pragmatic Institute Instructor Will Scott, a product leader with over 30 years of experience in product management and marketing, believes that product management certifications have three primary benefits. “First, they explain what product management is and isn’t so you can determine if it’s the right fit for you. Second, they provide a framework, examples, and insights into the world of product management to help you decide whether to be a generalist or a specialist—and, if a specialist, in which area. Finally, certifications help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your investment in your career.” These benefits hold true for new professionals entering the job market, experienced product professionals seeking to upskill, or career changers working to land their first product role.
Product Management Certification Options
Product management certificates generally fall into two categories: product manager certification and product marketer certification.
Product manager certifications typically focus on the internal components of bringing a product to market, such as product development, strategy, and team coordination.
Product marketer certifications emphasize the skills needed for effectively launching and marketing new products to target audiences.
The choice between the two depends largely on individual career goals and preferences. Those seeking a strategic role in product development tend to move into product management. This is also a common path for individuals transitioning from development or other technical backgrounds when shifting careers. Those interested in a strategic role in a product’s market success, communication, and messaging tend to move into product marketing. Professionals coming from marketing, communication, or sales often move into product marketing.
Learn more about choosing product management certifications.
Should You Pursue Product Management Certification?
Earning a product management certification may help you earn more money or gain access to new opportunities, but it’s not just about checking a box on a career to-do list. Becoming a certified product manager represents a strategic investment in one’s professional growth and adaptability. Through structured learning paths, expert guidance, industry insights, and networking opportunities, this certification offers more than just new skills — it provides a path for navigating the challenges on the road to a successful product management career.
Product Management Certification Resources
Earn your Product Management Certification.
Earn your Product Marketing Certification.
AI Training for Product Professionals Workshop
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