The Best PMP Certification Programs of 2025

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Last updated January 16, 2025

You could be a marketer launching a new campaign, a developer creating a mobile app, or an HR professional planning a training program for a team of employees.

No matter what area of the business, much of the work we do is project-based. Successfully running projects, however – especially when they span multiple departments or involve third parties – is often more complicated than it first appears. It’s why Project Management Professional® (PMP®) certifications have become sought-after in organizations across Canada and around the world.

According to Project Management Institute (PMI)’s Salary Survey, Canadian project managers earn about $105,000 a year; senior project managers with 20+ years of experience under the belt see an average salary of just over $135,000 annually. Critically, survey respondents with a PMP certification report higher salaries than those without PMP certification – 34 percent higher on average in Canada.

In its Talent Gap report, PMI estimates that the global economy will need 25 million new project professionals by 2030. That means, in order to close the skills gap, about 2.3 million people annually will need to take on a project management role over the next five years.

The increased demand for project managers is multi-fold: growing digital transformation in businesses across industries, higher demand for project professionals in emerging and developing countries experiencing economic growth, and an increasing rate of retirement in the workforce are all contributing.

Although the day-to-day activities will vary, project managers are relied upon to gather all available data, corral knowledge and people, and ensure all deliverables are ready on time, on budget, and at a high quality. They’re also the people who can effectively lead teams, manage external vendors, develop plans, minimize risk, implement strategy, and deliver value to stakeholders.

Explore the rankings to find out which Project Management Professional (PMP) designation – the gold standard certification for project management professionals internationally – is right for you, and what you can expect when you enroll.

1.

Schulich ExecEd 5/5

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2.

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies 4.15/5

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3.

Longo Faculty of Business, Humber Polytechnic 5/5

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4.

UBC Sauder School of Business 5/5

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5.

University of Calgary 5/5

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6.

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Toronto Metropolitan University 5/5

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7.

University of Waterloo 5/5

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8.

Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies 5/5

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9.

George Brown 3.6/5

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10.

Centennial College 4.3/5

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11.

Smith School of Business at Queen's University 5/5

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12.

Brain Sensei 4.6/5

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1

Schulich ExecEd

best pmp certification programs - schulich execed
$ $ $ $

The Schulich School of Business at York University is one of the largest business schools in Canada, and offers a Foundations of Project Management and Masters Certificate in Project Management through Schulich ExecEd. As of 2022, more than 13,000 people across North America have completed the masters certificate here. The program is led by 19 instructors with expertise in the field.

The goal of the course work is for the graduate to be proficient in leadership, building teams, identifying risks, communication, and stakeholder management skills. In fine detail, students will leave with the ability to navigate cost management to procurement, contracting management, to assessing and managing risk.

What Students Are Saying

This was a great overview of project management. I’m confident that with the skills I’ve learned in this course my next project will be a success.

C. Bartello, Foundations of Project Management

Why Study Project Management at Schulich?

The program aims to minimize time away from work and home by attending 12 days of study plus supplementary readings and coursework over three months. Sessions are delivered in either a hybrid or entirely online format on Fridays and Saturdays.

Students receive an extensive review of PMP exam requirements and enjoy exclusive access to online videos, interviews, and articles on the future of project management. Some of the topics include artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, blockchain, and data analytics. You’ll earn 126 Professional Development Units (PDUs) as part of the program. At the end of the program, you can also choose to participate in 25 hours of PMP Exam Prep modules with a deep deep-dive review of exam materials.

Locations

Toronto, Ontario

2

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
4.15/5
$ $ $ $

UofT’s Project Management Certificate is a three-year program that offers seven different courses for students to choose from. These include Foundations of Project Management, Leading Projects in Organizations, and Project Implementation and Control. Three courses must be completed to obtain the certificate. All courses are intended to align with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

For those working in fast-paced environments with projects that come up with urgent deadlines, UofT’s Agile Project Management Certificate is also an option. It will give you the practical skills needed to apply Agile project management on its own, or combined with traditional project management, to manage risk, increase quality, keep communication productive and enhance customer satisfaction to achieve project success.

What Students Are Saying

I took the foundations and accelerated courses over 1.5 years while working in an ad agency in downtown Toronto. The courses really helped me up my game as I managed work for a cross-functional team. The experience gave me the knowledge and tools to implement new practices and help everyone get on the same page. We are now more efficient and accountable to clients as a result. I didn't need the PDUs, so people preparing to write exams or maintain certification might want to look at more options than just UofTSCS, but for me it was exactly what I needed.

Natalie Blanchard, Foundations of Project Management

Why Study Project Management at U of T?

U of T’s program emphasizes the need to equip students with the “people skills” that often have a major influence on the success or failure of a given project. These are coupled with more foundational areas that include project scheduling, evaluating risk and developing a project charter.

The number of Professional Developmental Units (PDUs) vary by course in the Foundations program, but Leading Projects in Organizations, for example, qualifies for 20 Leadership PDUs and four Strategic PDUs. The courses in this certificate program are recognized by the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP), Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC – Canada), Canadian Construction Association (CCA), CIM Chartered Managers Canada and the Project Management Institute (PMI)

Overall, students complete the program with the potential for increased professional standing, and increased career prospects, according to the school.

The Agile PM program content is consistent with PMI’s PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition and the PMI Agile Practice Guide. Courses will have PMI professional development unit (PDU) hours.

Locations

Toronto, Ontario

3

Longo Faculty of Business, Humber Polytechnic

best-colleges-in-toronto - humber polytechnic
$ $ $ $

Humber Polytechnic, the largest college in Canada with more than 200 programs, and 33,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students, offers a comprehensive live online Project Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program through its Longo Faculty of Business. The program runs two semesters and is closely aligned to the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®).

Humber also offers a specialized project management program through Longo Faculty of Business for Disaster Recovery Managers, combining foundational learning with the certified training and real-world experience needed to manage a recovery project from start to finish in compliance with industry standards.

What Students Are Saying

The program is intensive, you learn a lot in a very short time. The professors were incredible, really know their stuff and cared about helping me and other students. The live online format was perfect for my busy schedule. The course fit my budget and delivered great value. Very happy I chose Humber College!

Jakub Nowak, Project Management

Why Study Project Management at Humber College? 

Humber Polytechnic has developed a rigorous learning experience for aspiring project management professionals. The curriculum is broad and will be relevant to learners across a range of industries, covering key stages of the project life cycle, including financial analysis, procurement, risk and stakeholder management, leadership skills, and the Agile approach to product development and its sub-specialties. The live online format offers maximum flexibility while maintaining the benefits of face-time with instructors and social learning opportunities in cohorts of diverse professionals.

The program culminates in a capstone project where students have the opportunity to examine a real-world project with an external industry sponsor and provide recommendations on how the project design, planning, implementation, and outcomes could be improved. This program has several employer and networking opportunities designed to increase learners’ opportunities for employment upon graduation.

Adding to the appeal of a well-designed program is a strategic partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), a leading U.S.-based certification body and membership association for the project management profession. Humber Polytechnic has a partnership with PMI’s Toronto chapter to support industry networking initiatives, mentorship, job fairs, experiential learning, and other student support opportunities.

Locations

Live Online

4

UBC Sauder School of Business

best pmp certification programs - ubc sauder school of business
$ $ $ $

From experienced leaders to those just starting out, the Project Management certificate program at UBC’s Sauder School of Business welcomes all levels of learners who seek to foster their skills. The comprehensive five-course program (including a capstone course involving a team project) is taught over six months, or in a 3.5-month online bootcamp format. The bootcamp is lauded by employers for its distinct focus on team-based learning and is held Saturdays from 9 a.m.  to 1 p.m. to reduce time to completion. For those needing a more flexible schedule, the online program delivers each course over 4-6 weeks guided by an online project management coach with several enrollment dates a year to enable completion within 6-7 months.

Students will gain an understanding of why various projects fail, and how to execute a plan that takes into account risk, time, budget, quality, and team players. They’ll also develop a project within the course work, plotting out the specifics for a successful outcome.

Why Study Project Management at UBC Sauder School Of Business?

Some of the skills students gain throughout the program include how to face project obstacles, contingencies to obviate risk, effective communication and documentation, and how to align project objectives to overall business goals and vision.

Ultimately, students will know exactly how to lead a diverse and cross-functional team, employing cooperation techniques to reach a project’s goals. You’ll also acquire PDUs or Continuing Development Units (CDUs), which can be used towards Project Management Institute or International Institute of Business Analysis certifications.

Locations

Online

5

University of Calgary

best pmp certification programs - university of calgary
$ $ $ $

The University of Calgary’s Continuing Education school offers a 200-hour Project Management Foundations certificate and prepares students to write the PMP exam. Students who complete the Foundations certificate can go on to complete the Advanced Project Management diploma. UCalgary also offers a Project Management Basics for the Non-Profit Sector digital badge, a short 28-hour program designed specifically for individuals in the non-profit sector.

The Project Management Foundations certificate is a wide-ranging course that imparts various knowledge sets of organizational project management. This includes (but is not limited to) learning how to plan and execute a project, quality management, procurement management, dynamic leadership, and the best practices used in different industry sectors.

Why Study Project Management at University Of Calgary?

UCalgary is a sponsor of the local chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI-Southern Alberta Chapter) with close ties to the PMP community.

After finishing their studies, students will know the processes and knowledge areas required to achieve a passing grade on the PMP exam. They will also know how to implement PMP exam question approach strategies. The course is delivered online and in-person in five courses over 120 hours.

Locations

Online, and Calgary, Alberta

6

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Toronto Metropolitan University

best pmp certification programs - the g raymond chang school of continuing education toronto metropolitan university tmu
$ $ $ $

The Chang School has been a Project Management Institute (PMI) Registered Education Provider (REP) since 2001. In 2007, they received the PMI Professional Development Provider of the Year Award – Academic Category. The Project Management certificate program is led by professionals who already work in the field.

This program – which can be taken online or in-class – allows the student to acquire an industry-specific certificate specialization, a broad overview of project management, as well as extra education above what is necessary to pass the exam.

Why Study Project Management at The Chang School?

In the Project Management certificate program at the Chang School, students earn Professional Development Units, and prepare for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and PMP certifications.

Students study areas such as cost, risk, procurement, human resources, and communication management. They’ll also learn how they integrate within a project management system, and the role of the project manager and project support staff, earning 39 hours of PDUs.

Most learners take two to three years to complete their project management training online. The Chang School requires that you finish the certificate within five years of your first registration in the certificate program. By following an intensive schedule, it’s possible to earn the certificate in two consecutive terms by taking three courses in the first term and five courses in the second term.

Locations

Online, and Toronto, Ontario

7

University of Waterloo

online-universities-canada
$ $ $ $

University of Waterloo’s Project Management Certificate is offered through WatSPEED, UWaterloo’s professional education arm focused on offering executive development and corporate training at the intersection of technology and business. WatSPEED is an authorized training partner with the Project Management Institute (PMI).

This certificate consists of five in-class courses, providing the student knowledge and skills to succeed as project manager. In completing the courses for the certificate, students will be prepared to deliver projects on-target, on time and on budget. They’ll leave with greater people skills and be prepared to manage stakeholder expectations.

Why Study Project Management At The University Of Waterloo?

The program includes key information to help students prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exams. Two days are spent on course work, and two days on exam preparedness, thus only half the program applies towards the certificate requirements.

Locations

Waterloo, Ontario

8

Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies

best pmp certification programs - simon fraser university
$ $ $ $

SFU’s part-time Project Management certificate is taught by industry leaders and experienced faculty who teach a variety of concepts and skills essential for any level of project manager.

Classes meet every few weeks on Friday and Saturday, for 13 courses overall, that could take as little as five months to complete. This includes a combination of lectures, discussions and practical examples brought into the classroom.

Why Study Project Management at SFU?

SFU’s program focuses on discussing real-life case studies and scenarios that project managers can expect on the job. Students will do group work that prepares them for contributing to a high-performance project team, give presentations and receive feedback.

SFU’s certificate covers a project’s entire life cycle, and will teach you a range of concepts and skills that are essential for new and experienced project managers and business analysts. Training goes above and beyond by integrating leadership skills with technical tools, while focusing on practical application of the skills you develop.

When you graduate, students are well positioned to move their career ahead, equipped with the skills necessary to create and lead teams through an entire project life cycle, as well as use collaborative techniques for problem solving.

Locations

Surrey, British Columbia

9

George Brown

best pmp certification programs - george brown
3.6/5
$ $ $ $

In George Brown’s Project Management graduate certificate program, the focus is on managing project scope and change, creating project plans, understanding staffing and risk management, as well as goal setting, among many other practical PM skills.

The eight-month post-graduate program is designed for project managers looking to use their detail-oriented mind to organize and meet challenges, while coming up with thoughtful solutions. It’s designed with the understanding every organization operates differently, making space for unique and nuanced approaches.

Why Study Project Management at George Brown?

As part of their coursework, students will participate in the coordination and execution of a real industry project. Some of the steps involved include learning to identify goals, challenges, deliverables, and performance criteria for project management expectations. The coursework also includes using technology tools for communication, data management and cooperation, as well as legal and ethical standards.

Students will come to understand how to adapt and adopt project management practices to an array of industries, such as manufacturing, tech, government, arts, media and charities.

George Brown also offers an online Project Management certificate program.

Locations

Online, and Toronto, Ontario

10

Centennial College

4.3/5
$ $ $ $

Centennial College’s Project Management Graduate Certificate can be completed in one year (three semesters), providing the student with the fundamentals to manage projects on time, and within budget.

The school touts this as an ideal learning supplement for experienced project managers, looking to increase their understanding of project leadership. Ideally, those enrolled possess upper tier communication skills, superb analytical skills, are organized and are excellent problem solvers, and can handle high pressure situations.

For those looking to up their project management skills with a more flexible learning option, Centennial also offers a weekend-only Project Management – Organizational Strategy course. It’s a graduate certificate program offered on Saturdays and Sundays over the course of a year, with time spent in-class on campus and self-directed learning during the week between classes.

What Students Are Saying

Good school that draws students from all around the world. I liked to focus on practical learning and helping graduates find job placements. Faculty and Administration staff were helpful and friendly. I studied here after getting my PR in Canada and my experience has been recognized by employers in the IT industry.

Abdulaziz A., Project Management Graduate Certificate

Why Study Project Management at Centennial College?

The Project Management Graduate Certificate program includes hands-on integration of technological tools such as Microsoft Project, as well as an exploration of leading-edge case studies with emphasis on organizational leadership.

In the third semester, if you are an eligible candidate, you will participate in a full-time 14-week placement (an additional experiential learning opportunity) with a participating organization that will allow you to gain valuable project management experience. You will then be able to use the experience toward work requirements for the PMP and CAPM designations.

The weekend-only Organizational Strategy program curriculum follows A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK Guide) and includes courses in organizational leadership, communications and employment preparedness, and understanding of the fundamentals of business.

Locations

Online, and Toronto, Ontario

11

Smith School of Business at Queen's University

best pmp certification programs - smith school of business queen's university
$ $ $ $

This interactive two-day Project Leadership program is designed for senior professionals such as vice presidents, directors, or managers of operations, engineering, IT/MIS, development, and research and development.

The program, conducted by two experts in the field of project leadership, will impart lessons on how to become a better executive, and to manage projects in order to meet (or ideally exceed) expectations. It is offered in-person in Toronto, or online.

Why Study Project Management at The Smith School Of Business?

This program is designed for anyone charged with deploying change strategies, and/or launching new products or services, as well as those responsible for high-impact projects across teams and/or the organization.

Participants will learn how to implement best practices to overcome project obstacles, and manage risk. They’ll also learn how to increase project visibility and effectively lead new plans from initiation to delivery. Other topics include delving into why projects can and do fail, how to be cognizant of early signs of missed deliverables, and how to properly react to prevent a crisis.

Differing from the other programs on this ranking, this course is not designed to prepare you for your PMP certification. Instead, it is for those actively practicing project (and people) management in the field at senior levels, many of whom might already hold their PMP certification. Those who are PMP certified earn 15 PDUs with this program.

Locations

Online, and Toronto, Ontario

12

Brain Sensei

pmp-certification
4.6/5
$ $ $ $

Brain Sensei is a unique and innovative PMP and CAPM exam prep platform based on a simple principle: online learning shouldn’t be so boring. Using that philosophy, the certified project managers at Brain Sensei designed an exam prep platform which teaches practical principles through an engaging, animated story scientifically designed to help retain what you’ve learned and have fun doing it.

What Students Are Saying

Engaging, self-pacing course that contains accurate content. Prepared me well for the PMP exam which I passed on my first attempt. This course is best for those who would like to learn at their own pace. For example, I completed it over the span of 2 and a half months.

Matthew, PMP Exam Prep Course (Self-Paced)

Why Study Project Management at Brain Sensei?

Brain Sensei delivers a variety of risk-free study options to suit all learners and lifestyles.

A self-paced online course employs e-learning modules, knowledge assessments, video walkthroughs and other engaging tools, as well as an exam simulator generating a unique exam every time from a dynamic bank of over 1,500 questions. Students can choose a monthly subscription model, meaning the faster you study, the more you can save.

Online, instructor-led courses are delivered on varying schedules, with five-day bootcamps, full-day weekends or weekday evening courses.

Both courses deliver the 35 hours of project management education required by the PMI, and combine both adaptive and predictive learning to best arm you for the exam ahead. Brain Sensei also boasts a 99.6 percent pass rate, with a 100 percent pass guarantee and 30-day 100 percent money-back guarantee for applicable programs.

 

Locations

Online

Interested in learning more? Compare project management courses, CAPM certification courses or PMP exam prep courses.

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