Continuing education is critical for long-term professional success in almost every field. Indeed, product management is not an exception. Product managers and leaders must develop strategies for continuing education and growth in an ever-changing product environment. The good news is that excellent learning opportunities are many. Many books, podcasts, and events are available to address product management aspects. Learning on the job or via professional mentoring provides an opportunity for growth and experience. Conferences, podcasts, books, and in-house mentorships are all excellent sources of information and expertise for product management. More recently, 45% of product managers reported having a Master’s or Doctorate. However, one kind of education demonstrates mastery of a subject (and bolsters your LinkedIn profile) – product management credentials.

Additionally, there are many product management certifications and courses accessible today. However, how can you choose which worthwhile ones for your time and money?

A thorough examination of the certification landscape assessed the top choices based on course content, evaluations, communities/groups associated with the certifications, and industry recognition. The following are the four programs that Product Managers appreciate the most.

1. Product Management Certification Programs at Product School

Product School provides three different product management certifications that can be taken in any order. The Product Manager Certificate, which is a critical building step for individuals pursuing a career in product management, is best suited for students with no previous experience. The course covers identifying target prospects, developing software applications, and launching a successful product. 

The Product Leader Certificate needs additional project management experience and proficiency in DevOps, data analytics, and complex technical abilities. In addition, the UX/UI design process, user research, and product strategy are all critical lessons. Finally, the Product Executive Certificate is designed for senior-level professionals who have experience leading products. It delves into the foundations of product leadership and growth management, among other topics.

Why should you consider it?

• Product School’s events, blogs, books, podcasts, and related online communities provide a wealth of industry information and expertise. As a consequence, the organization functions as a unified ecosystem for product management;
• The teachers at Product School work for well-known product-led businesses such as Google, Spotify, and Netflix, and so have up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience in product management;
• Its student advisers are available to assist you with any concerns about certification criteria, course content, or the enrolling process;
• There are three certificates, so regardless of where you are in your career—whether you are just starting or have years of experience—there is a certification that will suit your requirements irrespective of your PM career placement; and
• The certification curriculum is offered on-campus in various places globally, or you may earn the certification entirely online.

2. Product Management Certification at Pragmatic Institute

The Pragmatic Institute takes pride in the decades of expertise that its teachers bring to the creation and teaching of its Product Management Course Track. The certification covers establishing roles and duties, obtaining the appropriate input from the relevant sources, and developing goods for customers. Additionally, it claims that PMs will acquire “practical skills, tools, and templates that they can use when they return to the workplace.”

Why should you consider it?

• Pragmatic Institute is well-known and recognized in the professional community. Certifications are often included in job advertisements as well. 
• PayScale reports that senior and mid-career product professionals mainly complete their product management certification.
• Pragmatic Institute also offers a variety of additional tools for marketers, product marketers, and product managers/professionals, including a blog, instructional articles, a magazine, ebooks, a podcast, and webinars. 
• Pragmatic Institute clearly defines the processes involved in its certification process and the skills that registrants should expect to acquire.

 The certification process is as follows:

• Foundation: Examines the scope of product management activities and aids in the definition of different product management roles (e.g., product manager, product owner, product marketing, and so on) throughout the product process.
• Focus: Teaches utilizing market data to develop and deliver compelling product strategies and effectively sell these ideas internally.
• Build: Examines prioritizing needs using market data, scheduling releases using user stories, and coordinating product and development activities to build exceptional products that delight consumers.
• Launch: Demonstrates how to create the optimal launch plan and achieve alignment across marketing, sales, and the whole company.
• Price: Examines how to price goods effectively throughout their lives and in each market.
• Data Science: Covers data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence fundamentals.
• As with ProductSchool, Pragmatic Institute provides its certification courses both in-person and online.

3. 280 Group AIPMM Certified Product Manager Credential

With the Organization of International Product Marketing and Management (AIPMM), the world’s most significant product management association, this accreditation is demanding. Therefore, 280 Group also has special permission to provide live online, in-person, and on-demand certification courses.

The AIPMM’s Certified Product Manager course emphasizes “core product management skills.” It contains 18 learning modules, quizzes, interactive exercises, study resources, and a thorough practice test to help you grasp the subject. In addition, this course provides a “thorough knowledge of fundamental and advanced strategic and tactical principles in agile product management/product ownership.”

Why should you consider it?

• AIPMM is the most prominent international product management association, comprising over 65 nations. Aside from product management, there are certifications in product marketing, innovation, and agile.
• 280 Group is an excellent AIPMM completion option. It offers more training choices and is more convenient.
• 280 Group also discloses complete course and exam costs for various training choices.
• Before registering for the Certified Product Manager course, prospective registrants should study the 18 lesson modules and watch a few course videos.
• An active LinkedIn community and toolkits are available at 280 Group.
• Here you’ll find information about funding, course content, and other valuable topics.

4. New Product Development Certification from the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA)

The Product Development and Management Association’s (PDMA) New Product Development (NPD) Professional Certification is an internationally recognized body of knowledge developed and provided by the PDMA. Additionally, NPDP Certification is unique in that it is a not-for-profit organization that is globally recognized as an academic and professional expert group.

Why should you consider it?

• PDMA is a well-established not-for-profit organization with a sizable membership base, international conferences, a webcast, a research forum, and innovation and product development “camps.”
• Because understanding successful product development is a crucial talent for PMs in today’s product environment, this certification may serve as a significant differentiator during the recruiting process or seeking promotion.
• The PDMA requires users to renew and refresh their knowledge every three years to retain certification, ensuring they remain current on industry developments and trends.
• First Data Corporation, Kalypso, FedEx, and AT&T are the top employers of individuals with this qualification.
• You may get this certification by completing training online, in workshops, conferences, or via other education partners, allowing for a range of personal choices.

Of course, it’s critical to maintain your skills by using other resources such as books and communities. Conferences are excellent venues for PMs to learn from their colleagues, network, and acquire a new perspective. Whatever style your education takes, whether a product management certification or anything else, continue to expand your knowledge.