, and
Contents
- What is certification?
- Comparison: Certification, accreditation, licence, and credential
- Benefits of certification
Supports career progression and commitment to lifelong learning through
continuing education
- .Recognition:
- Recognised by employers, customers, and peers as evidence of capability.Types of certifications
- Professional certification: Awarded by professional bodies or organisations in fields such as
- project management, finance,
- IT, or healthcare. Examples include certifications from
- ANSI or
Professional organisations:
Award and manage industry-specific certifications (e.g. engineering, accountancy,
- IT
- ) and establish up-to-date requirements for practice via continuing education and assessment.
- Key facts about certification
- Definition:
Formal recognition of meeting specific standards through evaluation.
Examples:
Project management certificate, occupational Health & Safety certification, IT professional certificate.
Process: Eligibility -> Application -> Exam/Assessment -> Validation -> Renewal.
Waterfall methodDuration:
Validity typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, with renewal processes in place.
Knowledge TrainTop certifying organisations:
19 Feb 2026 ANSI, ISO, various state boards, and leading professional organisations.
FAQsLearn about the linear and sequential approach to software development and project management called the waterfall method. The article will detail the steps, pros, and cons of this method.What is a certification?
- A certification is formal recognition awarded by an independent certifying body, confirming that an individual has met specific knowledge and skill standards through assessment or an exam.
- How do you get certified?
- To get certified, you must meet eligibility requirements, apply to a certifying body, pass the designated exam or assessment, and complete any required training or continuing education. Renewal may also be required.
- How long does a certification last?
The validity of certification varies by profession and certifying body, but typically lasts between 1 and 5 years. Renewals may involve continuing education or re-examination.
Is certification the same as a license?
No, certification and licence are different. A licence is a legal authorisation from a governing body to practise an occupation. Certification recognises achievement of a standard but does not, by itself, grant legal authority to practise.
What is the best project management certification in 2026?Are certifications worth it?
Yes, certifications can enhance your career prospects, validate your skills, promote professional development, and increase your credibility in an industry. However, their value may depend on the field and employer requirements.
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- Confused about which project management certification to pursue? Compare the most recognized certifications and find the best fit for your career.
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WBS – Work Breakdown Structure
Knowledge Train
19 Feb 2026
If you want to ensure that your project is managed successfully, then you need to be sure to use the Work Breakdown Structure. Read this guide to learn more about this valuable tool and how you can use it.
An introduction to PRINCE2 Agile – webinar with Andrew Kell
Sevcan Yasa
- 19 Feb 2026
- Join Andrew Kell in a webinar exploring the integration of PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies. Ideal for professionals looking to adapt their project management approach.
p>How difficult Agile certification is depends on the specific qualification and whether it has prerequisites. Many entry-level Agile certifications—such as Scrum Master certification, Scrum Product Owner certification, or Scrum Essentials—have no prerequisites and are therefore accessible to beginners.
- >
- p>More advanced certifications, such as the PMI®-ACP certification, are more challenging because they require 21 hours of Agile-specific training and 2,000 hours of project experience. Despite this, such demanding certifications carry significant professional value once achieved.
- >"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does Agile certification last?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"
p>Agile certifications vary in validity depending on the issuing organisation. Some are valid for life, while others require renewal through continuing education or periodic re-examination. For instance, Scrum Alliance certifications typically require renewal every two years, while others like AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile do not expire.
strong>PRINCE2 Agile Foundation
>: 2 days or 12 hours online
>
li>
strong>PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner
>: 2 days or 21 hours online>
li>
strong>Agile BA Foundation
>: 3 days or 37 hours online
>
li>
strong>Agile BA Practitioner
>: 2 days or 31 hours online
>
li>
strong>Scrum Master
>: 2 days
>
li>
