Best PMP Certification Programs of 2026

6.7% March 2026
0.2 (monthly change)

Whether you’re launching a campaign, building an app, rolling out a new HR initiative, or upgrading technical systems, your work has one thing in common: project management. After all, delivering those projects successfully—especially when they span teams, deadlines, and stakeholders—takes more than good intentions. It takes real leadership.

That’s why Project Management Professional® (PMP®) certifications stand out as an important signal. According to 2025 data from the Project Management Institute (PMI), PMP-certified project managers earn a median salary 17 percent higher than non-certified peers globally.

Beyond the pay bump, PMP represents a shift: from “task manager” to “project owner.” Employers increasingly expect project leaders who can define scope, align stakeholders, anticipate risks, lead teams, and steer complex delivery—not just track to-do lists and other basic tasks at high risk for automation. Across industries, certified PMs are known as the people who can take ownership, stay organized, and make confident calls when things get complex.

Earning your PMP certification puts you in the category of professionals that organizations rely on when stakes are high and outcomes matter. These are the best PMP certification programs of 2026.

CourseCompare’s annual school rankings are determined using a process that considers several core metrics and principles. Read more about our methodology here.

1.

Schulich ExecEd

5
Read more

2.

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

4.15
Read more

3.

Longo Faculty of Business, Humber Polytechnic

5
Read more

4.

UBC Sauder School of Business

5
Read more

5.

University of Calgary

4.9
Read more

6.

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

5
Read more

7.

University of Waterloo

5
Read more

8.

Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies

5
Read more

9.

George Brown Polytechnic

3.45
Read more

10.

Centennial College

4.55
Read more

11.

Smith School of Business at Queen's University

5
Read more

12.

Brain Sensei

4.6
Read more
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, with an continuing executive education branch called Schulich ExecEd that has delivered over 4,000 programs virtually and in-person, educating more than 80,000 professionals around the world to date.

Schulich ExecEd is an approved PMI® Authorized Training Partner and offers a Masters Certificate in Applied Project Management, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled project leaders. It equips learners with the theoretical foundations, practical tools, and digital capabilities needed to lead complex, transformational projects in today’s fast-paced environment, while also exploring how to embed AI tools to enhance planning, collaboration, and productivity.

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?

With five pathways based on level of experience and desired depth of study, this online program is suitable to aspiring and practicing project managers of all levels.

The Masters Certificate in Applied Project Management program involves seven days of study and a one-day capstone project, alongside self-paced modules. Participants gain hands-on experience through a combination of core courses like PM Essentials and PM Advanced, culminating in a capstone project that allows them to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. This program provides 42 hours, equally divided into 14 Professional Developmental Units (PDUs) each for Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Business Acumen.

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.

For those seeking specialized knowledge, the program also offers sector-specific tracks in areas like construction, energy, healthcare, and tech.

Locations

Online; 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 Project Management certificate 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 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)

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

Online; 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, 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 in its online Project Management certificate. The curriculum is 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

Online; Toronto, Ontario

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. In this six-month long online program, students 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.

Those specifically interested in learning about Agile delivery methods and management can pursue shorter, more tailored certificates such as Managing Agile Delivery or Agile Delivery Methods.

Why Study Project Management at UBC Sauder School Of Business?

The comprehensive five-course Project Management Certificate Program (including a capstone course involving a team project) is taught online over six months, delivering each course over 4-6 weeks guided by an online project management coach with several enrollment dates a year to enable completion.

Throughout the program, students learn 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; Vancouver, British Columbia

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; 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.

The Project Management certificate program is led by professionals who already work in the field. This online program 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.

The Chang School also offers Project Management for Technical Professionals certificate, designed to help individuals transition from technical roles into technical project management positions.

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; 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).

The certificate a live online instructor-led program developed in partnership with World Class Productivity (WCP) — Canada’s trusted source for project management training. Students will learn modern project management techniques and processes, and gain the confidence to apply them effectively to their workplace.

Why Study Project Management at University Of Waterloo?

Project management courses offered through WatSPEED can be completed individually or as part of the Project Management Certificate program, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Courses may be taken in any order, but it is highly recommend taking Project Management Applied Tools and Techniques first as this is the foundational course for this certificate.

To receive the certificate, students must complete the four compulsory courses (Project Management Applied Tools and Techniques; Change Enablement: Realization of Project Value; Managing Stakeholder Expectations; and People Skills: The Secret Behind Project Success), and one of the elective courses (Advanced Project Monitoring and Control; or Foundations of Adaptive Project Delivery: Agile Hands-On).

The program includes key information to help students prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exams.

Locations

Online; Waterloo, Ontario

8

Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies

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

SFU’s part-time Project Management certificate is taught online by industry leaders and experienced faculty. Covering the full project life cycle, the program is ideal for both emerging and experienced project managers, as well as business analysts looking to advance their careers.

Why Study Project Management at SFU?

What sets SFU’s Project Management certificate program apart is its balanced integration of technical tools and leadership development. Students learn not only how to manage timelines, resources, and budgets, but also how to build effective teams, establish project management offices, and navigate project close-outs.

The 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.

Taught by experienced industry professionals, the program fosters a collaborative learning environment where participants benefit from the diverse insights of their instructors and peers. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to lead successful projects and take the next step in their professional journey.

Locations

Online; Surrey, British Columbia

9

George Brown Polytechnic

best pmp certification programs - george brown
3.45/5
$ $ $ $

George Brown Polytechnic offers two project management programs: a part-time, online Project Management certificate, and a full-time, in-person Project Management Postgraduate Program that results in a graduate certificate.

The online certificate program equips students with a comprehensive foundation in both traditional project management principles and agile methodologies. The in-person graduate certificate program is for those who already hold a diploma or degree; graduates will be prepared to manage project scope and change, provide goal setting, project control, project staffing, risk management, utilize project management tools and perform other functions in careers that incorporate project management or in stand-alone project manager positions.

Why Study Project Management at George Brown?

As part of their coursework in the Project Management programs at George Brown, 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.

Locations

Online; Toronto, Ontario

10

Centennial College

4.55/5
$ $ $ $

Centennial College’s full-time Project Management Graduate Certificate can be completed online 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.

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 online 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.

Locations

Online; Toronto, Ontario

11

Smith School of Business at Queen's University

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

Smith School of Business at Queen’s University offers its Project Leadership program either online over four days or in-person for two days at their SmithToronto outpost.

This interactive program is designed for senior professionals such as vice presidents, directors, or managers of operations, engineering, IT/MIS, development, and research and development. Conducted by experts in the field of project leadership, the training imparts lessons on how to become a better executive, and to manage projects in order to meet (or ideally exceed) expectations.

Why Study Project Management at Smith School Of Business?

The Project Leadership program is designed for anyone charged with deploying change strategies, launching new products or services, or those responsible for high-impact projects across teams and 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; Toronto, Ontario

12

Brain Sensei

pmp-certification
$ $ $ $

Brain Sensei is a unique and innovative PMP and CAPM exam prep platform based on a simple principle: online learning shouldn’t be 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 CAPM Exam Prep 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. While it focuses primarily on exam preparation, the course structure allows the learner to gain practical knowledge on how to apply the terms and concepts in the real world. The course leverages a unique storytelling approach and a distinctive scientific method to impart knowledge in the shortest possible time while maximizing memory retention.

Live online, instructor-led PMP Exam Prep Complete 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.

CourseCompare Editorial Team

CourseCompare is Canada's marketplace for education. Its editorial staff consists of award-winning journalists, visual storytellers, data analysts and web developers working together to help prepare people for the future of work.

10 thoughts on “Best PMP Certification Programs of 2026”

  1. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to
    this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding
    your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.

  2. McGill Continuing Studies offers a great Professional Development Certificate in Project Management. It is a bit surprising that it is not mentioned.

  3. Admiring the time and energy you put into your website and the detailed educational information you offer. It’s awesome to come across a site every once in a while that you can trust. Thanks!

  4. Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with me so I came to give it a look. Not disappointed! I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Superb blog and wonderful design and style.

  5. I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work
    and reporting! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve added you guys to
    our blogroll.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *