Product School (PdC)
Premium$4,999
Cost
8 weeks
Duration
4.7/5
Rating
Pragmatic Institute
Enterprise$2,495
Cost
2 days
Duration
4.6/5
Rating
AIPMM (CPM)
Traditional$595
Cost
Self-paced
Duration
4.3/5
Rating
Coursera (Google PM)
Online$39/mo
Cost
6 months
Duration
4.8/5
Rating
Reforge
Advanced$1,995
Cost
6 weeks
Duration
4.9/5
Rating
LinkedIn Learning
Budget$30/mo
Cost
Flexible
Duration
4.2/5
Rating
Do Certifications Matter?
23%
Higher callback rate with cert
15%
Recruiters prioritize certs
Best
For career changers
Do You Need a PM Certification?
The honest answer: probably not, but it depends. Product Management certifications are neither required nor sufficient for landing PM roles. Most successful PMs at top tech companies have no formal PM certification. What matters more is demonstrated product thinking, relevant experience, and strong interview performance.
However, certifications can be valuable in specific situations. Career changers benefit from structured learning and the credential signal. Those at traditional companies may find certifications help with internal advancement. The networking and community aspects often provide more value than the credential itself.
Before investing thousands of dollars in a certification, consider whether that money would be better spent on direct experience (side projects, consulting, volunteering for product work) or targeted interview preparation. This guide will help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
When Certifications Make Sense
Good Investment If:
- ✓ You're changing careers from non-tech
- ✓ Your company values/requires credentials
- ✓ You have learning budget to use
- ✓ You thrive in structured learning
- ✓ You want the networking opportunity
Skip If:
- ✗ You already have PM experience
- ✗ Targeting FAANG (they don't care)
- ✗ Budget is a significant concern
- ✗ You can get PM experience directly
- ✗ You're a self-directed learner
Top PM Certifications Reviewed
Detailed reviews of the most recognized PM certification programs, including cost, curriculum, and who each is best suited for.
Product School - Product Manager Certificate (PMC)
Product School
Duration
8 weeks (part-time)
Format
Live online cohorts
Recognition
High
Curriculum Highlights
Pros
- +Strong brand recognition
- +Live instruction with industry PMs
- +Career support and job placement
- +Alumni network of 20,000+
- +Hands-on projects
Cons
- -Expensive
- -Time commitment required
- -Quality varies by instructor
- -May be too basic for experienced PMs
Best for: Career changers, aspiring PMs, those wanting structured cohort learning
Verdict: Best overall for career changers seeking structured learning and networking.
Pragmatic Institute - Pragmatic Certified Product Manager
Pragmatic Institute
Duration
2 days per course (multiple courses)
Format
In-person or virtual workshops
Recognition
Very High (especially B2B)
Curriculum Highlights
Pros
- +Highly respected in B2B/enterprise
- +Practical frameworks used industry-wide
- +Short, intensive format
- +Strong for experienced PMs
- +Corporate training partnerships
Cons
- -Multiple courses needed for full certification
- -Less relevant for consumer tech
- -In-person can be inconvenient
- -Total cost adds up
Best for: B2B PMs, enterprise companies, those seeking tactical frameworks
Verdict: Best for B2B product managers and those in enterprise software companies.
Reforge - Growth Series & Product Management Programs
Reforge
Duration
6 weeks per program
Format
Cohort-based online
Recognition
Very High (tech industry)
Curriculum Highlights
Pros
- +Highest quality content in the industry
- +Taught by practitioners from top companies
- +Senior-level, immediately applicable
- +Strong alumni network
- +Multiple programs included in membership
Cons
- -Requires 3+ years experience
- -Not a traditional "certification"
- -Competitive admission
- -Less structured than bootcamps
Best for: Experienced PMs (3+ years), growth-focused roles, senior advancement
Verdict: Best for experienced PMs seeking to level up. The gold standard for senior PM learning.
AIPMM - Certified Product Manager (CPM)
Association of International Product Marketing and Management
Duration
Self-paced (typically 2-4 months)
Format
Self-study + proctored exam
Recognition
Moderate (traditional industries)
Curriculum Highlights
Pros
- +Affordable compared to bootcamps
- +Self-paced flexibility
- +Recognized credential
- +Good foundational knowledge
- +No ongoing costs
Cons
- -Less recognized at tech companies
- -Exam-focused, less practical
- -No cohort or networking
- -Materials can feel dated
Best for: Those wanting formal credential, international recognition, self-paced learning
Verdict: Good budget option for foundational PM knowledge with formal certification.
Google Project Management Certificate (Coursera)
Google via Coursera
Duration
6 months part-time
Format
Self-paced online
Recognition
High (Google brand)
Curriculum Highlights
Pros
- +Very affordable
- +Google brand recognition
- +High-quality content
- +Flexible self-paced format
- +Good foundation for PM transition
Cons
- -More project management than product management
- -No live instruction or networking
- -Entry-level content
- -Certificate, not "certification"
Best for: Career changers, beginners, those on a budget
Verdict: Best budget-friendly option, especially for those exploring PM or building foundations.
Best Online PM Courses
These platforms offer more affordable, flexible options for PM learning. While they may not carry the same weight as formal certifications, they provide excellent value for skill building.
| Platform | Price | Format | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LinkedIn Learning PM Courses 100+ PM courses, certificates for completion, career insights | $29.99/month | On-demand video | Supplemental learning, specific skill gaps | 4.2/5 |
Udemy PM Courses Frequent sales, variety of instructors, lifetime access | $15-$100 per course | On-demand video | Budget learners, specific topics | 4/5 |
Coursera Product Management Specialization University partnerships, peer-graded projects, verified certificates | $49/month | Self-paced with deadlines | Structured online learning | 4.4/5 |
Maven PM Courses Taught by industry experts, small cohorts, networking | $500-$2,000 | Cohort-based | Learning from practitioners | 4.6/5 |
Mind the Product Learning Connected to largest PM community, practical workshops | Varies by course | Workshops and courses | Community-based learning | 4.3/5 |
Free PM Learning Resources
You do not need to spend money to learn product management. These free resources provide high-quality content that rivals paid options.
Lenny's Newsletter
FreeThe most popular PM newsletter with tactical advice from top PMs
Newsletter + Podcast • lennysnewsletter.com
Product School YouTube
FreeFree talks and webinars from product leaders at top companies
Video content • youtube.com/productschool
GoPractice Simulator
FreeFree product analytics simulator for hands-on learning
Interactive course • gopractice.io
SVPG Articles
FreeMarty Cagan and SVPG team insights on product management
Blog • svpg.com/articles
The PM Interview
FreeFree practice questions and frameworks for PM interviews
Interview prep • thepminterview.com
Strategyzer Resources
FreeFree templates for Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition, etc.
Frameworks • strategyzer.com/resources
How to Choose the Right Certification
Decision Framework
What is your current experience level?
beginner
Product School, Google Certificate
intermediate
Pragmatic Institute, Maven courses
advanced
Reforge
What is your budget?
low
Google Certificate ($234), Free resources
medium
Pragmatic Institute ($2,500), AIPMM ($595)
high
Product School ($5,000), Reforge ($2,000/yr)
What is your industry focus?
consumer
Product School, Reforge Growth
b2b
Pragmatic Institute, Reforge Product Strategy
general
AIPMM, Coursera specializations
What is your learning style?
structured
Product School cohorts, Pragmatic workshops
self Paced
AIPMM, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning
community
Reforge, Maven cohorts
ROI Analysis: Are PM Certifications Worth It?
Potential Benefits
- +Career changers: 23% higher callback rate with certification
- +Networking: Access to alumni network and job opportunities
- +Structured learning: Faster skill acquisition than self-study
- +Signal: Shows commitment to PM profession
- +Salary: Some studies show 5-10% salary premium
Cost Considerations
- -Direct cost: $500-$8,000 depending on program
- -Time investment: 50-200 hours over weeks/months
- -Opportunity cost: Could be building actual products
- -Diminishing returns: Less value if you already have PM experience
- -Not universally valued: FAANG cares about interviews, not certs
Bottom Line
For career changers spending $3,000-$5,000 on a reputable certification, the ROI is often positive through faster job placement and potentially higher starting salary. For experienced PMs, the ROI is harder to justify unless pursuing specific skill gaps or senior-level content like Reforge. Always explore free resources and employer learning budgets before paying out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PM certifications worth it?
It depends on your situation. PM certifications are most valuable for: 1) Career changers who need to demonstrate PM knowledge, 2) International professionals seeking recognized credentials, 3) Those at companies that value formal training. For experienced PMs at top tech companies, certifications matter less than track record. The networking and structured learning can be valuable regardless of the credential itself.
What is the most respected PM certification?
Among hiring managers at tech companies, Reforge programs have the highest reputation due to their practical, senior-level content. Product School certifications are well-recognized for career changers. Pragmatic Institute is highly respected in enterprise/B2B contexts. No single certification is universally "best" - it depends on your target companies and career stage.
Can I become a PM without certification?
Absolutely. Most successful PMs have no formal PM certification. What matters more: relevant experience (even if adjacent), demonstrated product thinking through projects or portfolio, strong interview performance, and referrals. Certifications can help but are neither necessary nor sufficient for landing PM roles.
How much do PM certifications cost?
PM certifications range from $30/month (LinkedIn Learning) to $8,000+ (premium bootcamps). Product School certificates cost $4,000-$5,000. Pragmatic Institute courses are $2,000-$3,000. Reforge membership is around $2,000/year. Free options include Google PM Certificate on Coursera ($39/month for the platform). Many employers offer learning stipends that can cover these costs.
How long does it take to get PM certified?
Timeline varies significantly: Online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn) take 3-6 months part-time. Intensive bootcamps (Product School) take 8 weeks. Pragmatic Institute courses are 2-3 days but require preparation. Self-paced certifications (AIPMM) can be completed in weeks to months depending on your schedule.
Do FAANG companies care about PM certifications?
FAANG companies generally do not require or prioritize PM certifications. They assess candidates through rigorous interviews testing product sense, analytical skills, and leadership. However, certifications can help you prepare for these interviews and may strengthen applications at the resume screen stage, especially for career changers.
What is the difference between PM certificates and degrees?
Certificates are short-term programs (weeks to months) focused on practical PM skills. MBA or MS in Product Management are 1-2 year degree programs with broader business education. Certificates are better for career changers or skill building. Graduate degrees provide deeper education and stronger networking but require more time and money investment.
Should I get certified before or after becoming a PM?
For career changers, getting certified before can help demonstrate commitment and build foundational knowledge. For existing PMs, certifications mid-career (like Reforge) are often more valuable as you can apply concepts immediately. The best timing depends on your specific situation and learning goals.
Watch: PM Career Insights
About the Author
Aditi Chaturvedi
·Founder, Best PM JobsAditi is the founder of Best PM Jobs, helping product managers find their dream roles at top tech companies. With experience in product management and recruiting, she creates resources to help PMs level up their careers.