As the demand for skilled product managers continues to grow, obtaining certifications from top tech companies is becoming a crucial step for aspiring professionals. By the year 2024, these five highly regarded certifications can help product managers stand out in a crowded employment landscape.
Here’s a look at some of the best certifications offered by major companies like Google, Microsoft, and others that are shaping the future of product management.
The Project Management Professional Certification through Google in partnership with Coursera is one of the most recognized for beginners in the sector. This certification aims at availing details training on the basic elements of project management, and benefits to product management. The topics of discussion in the course base itself include team coordination, project implementation and stakeholder management, along with case studies and practical experience. It is perfect for beginners who want to establish initial careers in product management.
Offered by Microsoft through Coursera, this certificate dives deep into the strategic aspects of program management, a skill highly relevant to product managers overseeing large-scale projects. Over the implementation period, the course teaches Agile methodologies, cross-functional team management, and understanding how to meet product strategy while working on the plan. Microsoft’s Program Management Certificate is good for anyone who wants to work in the technical field and seeks to have a certification that is affiliated with the standards the Microsoft Company uses.
Product School also provides a certification program for those, who want to get deeper knowledge in the product management field. This certification encompasses product strategy, market research, and lifecycle management. It also offers a solid foundation in how to approach and implement product concepts through delivery. The program is famous for the best level of knowledge, offered by highly professional teachers, and is suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
The CSPO which stands for Certified Scrum Product Owner by Scrum Alliance is one of the most recognized certifications for managers operating within an Agile environment. This certification focuses on the Agile methodology, teaching product owners how to manage backlogs, prioritize tasks and work effectively with development teams. More and more organizations are adopting Agile frameworks, making it significant for product managers operating in regularly released, iterative environments.
LinkedIn Learning has a simple and brief tutorial on product management, which would be best for beginners to learn about this profession. This course includes major concepts like user analysis, strategy development, and product evolution. Although not as in-depth as other certifications, it provides foundational knowledge that can be immediately applied in real-world situations.
It is important to understand that the role of a product manager is fast growing into a specialized profession. Google and Microsoft certifications provide outstanding values for anyone who wants to build the skill, advance their career, and take an important position in the technology industry. These certificates can be valuable for those who are just exploring the industry and for those who want to build on their existing knowledge, these certifications can help position you for success in 2024 and beyond.