Project Manager experience requirements

A successful Project Manager will be knowledgeable on every aspect of the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will be experienced in initiating projects, planning, delegating, managing and risk mitigating. To gain experience, they can work in related roles such as project scheduling, administration and management. Candidates who want to manage projects in technical fields such as engineering and IT must have relevant industry experience, especially a foundational degree in that particular discipline. Because Project Managers need to work with clients, the role often involves customer service experience.

Project Manager education and training requirements

Depending on the project requirements and the clients, Project Managers need at least a bachelor’s degree or relevant equivalent. Some roles require postgraduate or industry-specific project management certifications. Candidates can earn a degree in project or business management accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM).

If you are hiring for a role in engineering, IT or other specialised fields, the most qualified candidates will likely have a background in that specific industry rather than a project management degree. These candidates often have advanced Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications in addition to their educational qualifications.