The demand for IT project managers keeps growing as digital transformation continues at breakneck speed. Whether you are stepping into a new role in IT project management or upskilling, learning from one of the best-rated online courses really does make the difference. With that in mind, here are the top 5 online courses for IT project management in 2024 that offers solid training, industry-recognized certification options and flexibility in learning modes.

1. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate

Platform: Coursera /stats

Duration: 6 months (self-paced) 

Cost: US$39/month. (subscription-based)

This is one of the most-taken programs that empower learners with foundational project management skills — ROM project planning and risk management to stakeholder communication and project scope, right through to its close. So also, you gain some experience using project management tools like Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Smartsheet.

Key Highlights:

• Great detailed overview on project management.

• Case study and examples in real-time.

• Direct access Google job board for certificate holder.

• Really good for absolute novices.

Ideal For: Beginners; those looking to change their career to IT project management.

2. PMP® Certification Training Course

Platform: Simplilearn 

Duration: 6 weeks (self-paced) 

Cost: US$699 one-time fee

Learn the key concepts and in-depth fluency of project management methodologies based on the PMI® through the PMP® Certification Training Course from Simplilearn. This course includes practices and principles in project management that have been compiled in the PMBOK® Guide. This will make you familiar with interactive learning modules, practice exams, and a community of experts in project management.

Key Highlights:

• Aligned with the latest PMP® exam content outline

• 35 Contact Hours/PDUs

• Simulation Exams and Real-Life Project Scenarios

• Learning Support Available 24/7

Ideal For: Professionals working in project management with some prior experience and willing to add PMP® as their skill.

3. IT Project Management for Beginners

Platform: Udemy

Duration: 4.5 hours

Prices: US$49.99 one-time.

This class will be best suited for a beginner in the IT profession. It provides a strong grounding in the core concepts of IT project management – the lifecycles of projects, planning, execution, and closure. The course also includes some hands-on exercises so you have the ability to practice what you have learned with interactive video content, quizzes, and hands-on exercises.

Key Highlights:

• Beginner-friendly content

• Practicalities and tools for implementation

• Certificate of completion

• Lifetime course access

Ideal For: This is the best place for absolute beginners or those who are looking to understand the basic concepts of IT project management.

4. Certified ScrumMaster® Course

Platform: Scrum Alliance

Duration: 2 days, live online training

Cost: Various instructors (cost usually in the region of US$1,000)

Scrum Alliance's Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) Course is one credential that you would want to acquire for an Agile project manager. The course is ripped in the bones of the Scrum framework. One will be able to arm themselves with the techniques of scrum team facilitation, Sprint planning, and enhancement of project efficiency. The course includes interactive workshops, real-life examples, and access to its global network of Scrum professionals.

Key Highlights:

• Hands-on Scrum training and simulations

• Includes Certified ScrumMaster® exam fee

• Membership to the Scrum Alliance for 2 years

• Ongoing professional development

Ideal For: Project managers and professionals wanting to adopt Agile methodologies.

5. Microsoft Project for the Absolute Beginner

Platform: LinkedIn Learning 

Duration: 3 hours (self-paced) 

Cost: US$29.99/month — Subscription-based

LinkedIn Learning's Microsoft Project for the Absolute Beginner is a quality foundational course for those who want to get up to speed on the highly popular project management tool, Microsoft Project. The learner's focus will be on project setup, task scheduling, resource management, and progress tracking. This is ideal for those who need to incorporate the use of Microsoft Project into their day-to-day work.

Key Highlights:

• Step-by-step tutorials

• Practical exercises and project templates

• Certificate of completion

• Access to LinkedIn Learning resources and community

Ideal For: Beginners and professionals who need to use Microsoft Project for managing IT projects.