Can You Get Project Management Certification Training for Free?

The landscape of business is changing rapidly. Amid all that change, the demand for trained project managers has skyrocketed. That's because project managers keep situations under control when technology landscapes, marketplaces, and opportunities evolve.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just tipping your toes into the world of project management, the right training can make all the difference. However, all the project management training in the world is only helpful if employers know how much time and effort you've put in.

That's why project management certifications are so valuable: they validate the skills and knowledge employers want in a new hire.

However, project management certifications can be expensive. And since project management training has to cover a lot of information, it can be pricey, too. All over the internet, you'll find offers of free online project management training, but be careful; you'll want to make sure you know exactly what training you're getting and whether or not it'll be worth your time. Believe it or not, free can be bad!

Below, we'll explain some major names in project management certifications. We'll explore what makes them different and what sort of project management training exists for each. 

Then, we'll explore where to find free online project management classes to help your career flourish. 

What is Project Management?

Project management is a systematic approach to planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve specific objectives within a defined scope, time, and budget. It's a way of thinking and planning strategically so that complex tasks can be successfully completed. 

As the name suggests, project management is about projects. A project is usually a temporary endeavor to create a unique product, service, or result. This definition emphasizes the finite nature of projects, which typically have specific goals, timelines, and available resources.

From building a bridge to implementing a software system, a project requires careful planning, execution, and monitoring to succeed.

Different organizations maintain many different project management systems (called "methodologies"). Those organizations also publish official project management certifications. 

The core principles of those different methodologies generally apply to projects of any scale and industry. However, some methodologies are better suited to different projects and industries. If you find free project management training, make sure you know what methodology it's tied to, if it's tied to any.

A project manager (PM) is the central figure in a project, responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project from initiation to closure. PM duties include defining project goals, creating detailed project plans, allocating resources, managing timelines, mitigating risks, and ensuring quality control.

They also act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, communicating progress, addressing concerns, and fostering collaboration among team members.

What is Project Management Training?

Successful project managers have a combination of technical skills and soft skills. The technical skills of project management are usually related to PM tools and data analysis, while the soft skills are communication and leadership-related. 

Project management training teaches those skills, allows students to practice them, and shares what makes a certain PM methodology unique. Be careful of free online project manager training that isn't clear on how they deliver that information. 

Imagine you're explaining a car to an alien. You'd probably define a car as a four-wheeled vehicle for transporting people and cargo. "So a Ford Focus is a car," the alien says, "and so is an 18-wheeler semi. Aren't they the same thing?" This is what can happen when you look at project management methodologies.

They've got a lot in common, but there are small things that set them apart. Project management training is usually tied to all the subtle ways one project management methodology differs from the next.

That means that project management training that prepares you for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification from Project Management International (PMI) will have some similarities to training that prepares you for the Project+ certification from CompTIA. It's the terminology, concepts, and specific skills that differ. Free online project management training sometimes mixes these up, and that's the training to avoid.

All this means you could be a fantastic project manager with decades of experience, who never runs over budget, and you could still fail to pass a project management certification exam. Project management training doesn't just explain the skills and processes of getting projects completed; it also prepares you for the unique ways methodologies differ. 

Popular Project Management Methodologies and Approaches

Three of the most popular project management approaches are Scrum, PMI, and Project+. Each offers its own set of principles, practices, and frameworks for managing projects effectively. 

While each approach has distinct characteristics, they all aim to streamline project workflows, enhance team productivity, and ultimately drive successful project outcomes. These organizations make money from their certifications and training, so you're unlikely to find free online project manager training.

Scrum

Scrum originated from the Agile project management method and is most commonly found in technology-focused (i.e., software development) companies and environments.

Agile and Scrum emphasize iterative development and collaboration, focusing on delivering value to customers in short cycles. 

PMI

PMI provides a comprehensive framework outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). PMI certifications like CAPM and the world-famous PMP are much more common in conventional, traditional corporate environments.

PMI is a structured approach to project management with a strong emphasis on processes, knowledge areas, and best practices. 

Project+

Project+ from CompTIA covers fundamental project management concepts and techniques, providing a practical foundation for individuals starting their project management journey. CompTIA is best known for its vendor-neutral IT certifications, and its PM certification is similar. 

Rather than focus on one style of project management or set of terms, the Project+ emphasizes broad skills and knowledge that would work in most settings but is less specific and detailed than other certifications.

Benefits of Project Management Training Classes 

Project management training typically prepares you for certification from one of these organizations. Earning a PM certification is an obvious benefit to project management training, but there are other benefits as well:

• Efficiency: PM training emphasizes streamlining processes, optimizing resource use, and minimizing delays – resulting in greater efficiency.

• Communication: Online project management classes emphasize skills related to understanding competing goals, articulating expectations, and communicating about potentially stressful requirements.

• Risk mitigation: Project management training teaches how to minimize disruptions by anticipating and addressing potential challenges before they interrupt production.

• Strategic planning: Training in project management develops skills in aligning project objectives with organizational goals. Knowing how to anticipate future needs and making informed decisions is one of the long-term benefits of PM training.

• Career advancement: Career prospects are significantly enhanced with project management training. Employers value professionals who can effectively lead projects, carefully manage resources, and reliably deliver results.

These are broad skills that even free online project management classes can help you achieve. The important aspect is whether or not they prepare you for the right certification.

Where to Find Free Project Management Training

Project management skills are extremely valuable, and it should be obvious why it's easy to find offers for project management training online for free. But it should also be obvious why finding reliable, thorough, and reputable free project management is extremely difficult.

This YouTube video playlist is a free introduction to the concepts, terminology, and skills of project management. Before you look for any project management training, watch the videos in that playlist; they'll provide a good foundation for you to make more informed choices about the project management courses you find.

Once you're ready to move on to formal training, the best way to get free project management training is to take advantage of a CBT Nuggets membership. Get access to our project management courses, including those dedicated to general project management skills and detailed courses that prepare you for the CAPM, Project+, and Scrum certifications.

Do some research before putting your plan into motion. First, choose which project management certification you plan on earning. Then, look for introductory tutorials on YouTube. These will rarely be very good at delivering in-depth coverage of the exam materials, but they'll give you an overview of what the certifications are good for and what industries and jobs prefer which methodology.

Once you've settled on either PMI, Project+, or a Scrum certification, learn what exams you'll need to take to earn the certification. Then, find the matching course from CBT Nuggets. Finally, set aside as much time as possible to fully take advantage of the week of our online project manager training.

Final Thoughts 

You can get access to free online PM training in many places. A good place to start is YouTube, where you can get a basic understanding of the methodology you want a certification in. Then, sign up for a CBT Nuggets membership and dedicate as much time as possible to studying the right 'flavor' of project management. 

Be sure to spend enough time fully preparing for the certification exam.

Want to learn more about becoming a Project Manager? Consider our Project+ Training!