The CertNorth Team
The CertNorth editorial team researches project management certifications and careers so you don't have to wade through vendor marketing. We read the official exam handbooks before we write, pull salary figures from official labour-market data, and give honest verdicts — including who a certification is not for. Every fact on this site links back to its primary source so you can verify it yourself.
Articles
- Agile vs Waterfall: Which Method Should You Use (and When)?
Use Waterfall when requirements are fixed and well understood; use Agile when they'll evolve and you need to deliver and adjust in short cycles. Most real teams blend the two rather than picking a side.
- Best Project Management Certifications for Beginners (2026)
For most beginners the best first certification is the CAPM or the Google Project Management Certificate; the PMP is the gold standard but requires experience you probably don't have yet.
- CAPM vs Google Project Management Certificate: Which Should a Beginner Get?
For a complete beginner, start with the cheaper, gentler Google Certificate; add the CAPM for a recognized exam credential. And since the Google course counts toward CAPM's education requirement, many people do both.
- Is the Google Project Management Certificate Worth It? (2026 Review)
Yes, for a complete beginner who wants an affordable, structured way into project coordination roles. No, if you already have PM experience or expect the certificate alone to land you a manager job.
- How Long Does It Take to Get the PMP?
Once you're eligible, most people prepare for the PMP exam in 8 to 12 weeks of part-time study. The longer part is reaching eligibility — 36 to 60 months of project experience, depending on your education.
- How to Become a Project Manager in 2026 (Even With No Title Yet)
Most project managers grow into the role: you take on project responsibilities where you already work, learn a methodology, earn an entry-level certification, and move into a PM title within 1 to 2 years.
- How to Become a Scrum Master in 2026
You can become a Scrum Master in about 6 to 12 months: learn the Scrum framework, earn a certification like PSM I or CSM, practice the role on a real team, and target agile-focused employers.
- Is the CAPM Worth It in 2026? (Honest Verdict)
Yes, for beginners and career-changers who want a recognized PMI credential without needing work experience — it's an affordable stepping stone to the PMP. No, if you already qualify for the PMP or only need to learn the basics.
- Is the PMP Certification Worth It in 2026? (Honest Verdict)
For experienced project managers, yes — the PMP is the field's most recognized credential and is tied to higher pay. For beginners or people not doing project work, no: you can't qualify yet, and it won't help.
- Is the PSM Worth It in 2026? (Honest Verdict)
Yes, for almost anyone targeting agile or Scrum roles: the PSM I is affordable, respected, never expires, and you can self-study it. No, if your target jobs are traditional, plan-driven project management — a PMI credential fits better.
- PMP Certification Cost in 2026 (Every Fee, Honestly)
The PMP exam costs $425 for PMI members and $675 for non-members in 2026, but the realistic all-in cost — with training, materials, and membership — is usually $700 to $2,500.
- PMP Eligibility Requirements in 2026 (Do You Qualify?)
To sit the PMP you need 35 hours of project management education plus experience: 36 months with a four-year degree, or 60 months with a secondary diploma — counted from the last 10 years.
- PMP vs CAPM: Which Project Management Certification First?
Get the CAPM if you're new and lack the experience the PMP demands; get the PMP once you qualify, because it's the more respected credential — and holding a CAPM waives part of the PMP's requirements.
- Project Manager Salary in 2026 (US, UK, Canada & Australia)
In the US, the official BLS median for project management specialists is $100,750 (May 2024). Pay varies widely by country — roughly £57k in the UK, C$79k in Canada, and A$140k in Australia.
- PSM vs CSM: Which Scrum Certification Should You Get?
Choose PSM I if you want the cheaper, rigorous, no-expiry option you can self-study; choose CSM if you'd benefit from a mandatory two-day course and your employer is paying.