PM² Career Path

Becoming a Complete Project Manager: Certification Journey

The image outlines a comprehensive career path for project managers, highlighting various certifications and their respective specializations that lead to becoming a “Complete Project Manager.” The roadmap is presented by Van Haren Group and emphasizes the importance of obtaining certifications in the field of project management. Certifications are crucial as they validate a professional’s knowledge, skills, and competencies, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle complex projects efficiently and effectively. They not only enhance a project manager’s credibility and career prospects but also contribute to the successful delivery of projects by adhering to established standards and methodologies.
The career path includes the following steps:

1. Initial Certifications:

PM² Foundation: This certification serves as a foundational step in project management knowledge.
PRINCE2 Foundation: Another foundational certification focusing on the PRINCE2 project management methodology.

2. Intermediate Certifications:

PM² Practitioner: Builds on the PM² Foundation knowledge, offering advanced project management skills.
PRINCE2 Practitioner: An advanced level of the PRINCE2 methodology, following the foundation level.

3. Specialization Certifications:

XLA Foundation: This certification focuses on customer-centric project management approaches.
Specialist: Customer Centric: Completing the XLA Foundation leads to this specialization.
IPMA D/C: These certifications pertain to the International Project Management Association’s competence levels.
Specialist: Competences: Attaining the IPMA D/C certifications results in this specialization.
Agile Foundation: This certification introduces Agile project management principles.
Specialist: Agile Project Manager: Following the Agile Foundation leads to this specialization.
LSS White Belt: Lean Six Sigma White Belt certification focuses on operational excellence and efficiency.
Specialist: Operational Excellence: Completing the LSS White Belt results in this specialization.
Contract Management Foundation: This certification focuses on the basics of managing contracts within projects.
Specialist: Contracts: Achieving this certification results in this specialization.

4. Complete Project Manager:

By acquiring all the specializations (Customer Centric, Competences, Agile Project Manager, Operational Excellence, and Contracts), a project manager attains the title of “Complete Project Manager.”

The roadmap visually depicts the integration of foundational and advanced certifications with specialized skills, ultimately guiding individuals to achieve comprehensive expertise in project management.