Microsoft project management certification is beneficial to professional project managers who want to indicate their expertise and credibility. Prior to the exam, candidates need to have some background with the program and complete an exam given by Microsoft.
Essential Information
Professional project managers can earn Microsoft project management certification by passing an examination testing their proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Project. The exam is given by Microsoft, which also offers a 3-day class to increase project managers' knowledge of program features, project creation, task scheduling and other areas measured in the exam. Certification signifies in-depth knowledge of the software, which helps managers plan, execute and analyze company projects.
| Required Training | 3-day course or other tutorials* |
| Required Experience | Proficient with Microsoft Project* |
| Exam Requirements | $165, schedule with third-party exam provider* |
| Specialization Options | Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013; Managing Program and Projects with Microsoft Project Server 2013* |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | 10% for computer and information systems managers |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $151,150 for computer and information systems managers |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: *Microsoft.com
Microsoft Project Management Certification Overview
Microsoft Project 2013 is a business project management software program that assists project managers in various industries in the development and execution of professional projects. Microsoft offers designation as a Microsoft Specialist in Microsoft Project 2013. Project managers must pass a written examination issued by Microsoft in order to earn their certification in either Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013 or Managing Program and Projects with Microsoft Project Server 2013. The exam measures knowledge of all major controls and functions of Microsoft Project, including creating project templates, developing budgets and schedules, delegating tasks and resources and tracking and analyzing project success.
In order to prepare for and pass this exam, project managers must become proficient in Microsoft Office Project. This can be achieved by completing tutorials included in the program software or by attending one or several courses in Microsoft Project management. Microsoft itself provides such a course as part of its Microsoft Official Curriculum. The course, which is titled Mastering Microsoft Project 2013, takes three days to complete. It features 15 teaching and learning modules and 19 lab projects designed to familiarize users with the functions and components of the Microsoft Project. In order to enroll in the class, students must already possess a basic understanding of Microsoft Windows, Excel and Project. Topics covered in the various modules and labs include:
- User interface
- Creating and updating task lists
- Scheduling, deadlines and task estimates
- Budgeting and financial resource allocation
- Customized formatting
- Monitoring project progress
- Adjusting for variables
- Generating project analysis reports
- Project multitasking
Project managers can also pursue a few other educational avenues in order to become well-versed in Microsoft Project. For instance, Microsoft Office software offers access to a web portal containing information and instruction in the use of their programs. Courses that teach similar skills to the Microsoft-run class described above are also available through various career training institutes.
Project managers have many options when it comes to preparing for their certification exam. They can take a class through Microsoft, complete online tutorials or take a class through a third-party institution. In order to take the exam, candidates must schedule their exam time and pay a fee of $165.
