15 Best Product Management Certification & Courses for 2020
A team of 30+ Product Management Experts has done extensive research and come up with the Best + Free Product Management Courses, Certifications, Training, Degree, and Classes available online for 2020. These courses are skill-based, focus on practical aspects and some of them are also affiliated with leading universities across the globe. So let’s get right to it and help you choose one or more programs that suit your purpose. Just in case you were looking for Project Management Courses, they are available here.
10 Best Product Management Certification for 2020
1. Product Strategy (Northwestern | Kellogg School of Management)
If you are interested in how new product ideas are conceived or how it goes through the numerous steps to become successful and want to build a career in this line of work then this program will help you with that. Using the examples of various famous and successful products you will explore the phases that a product goes through. The classes talk about strategies, analyzing opportunities, defining requirements, designing business models, managing growth and partner ecosystem to name a few.
Key USPs-
– Work on the hands-on exercises that give you an opportunity to put the theoretical concepts to practice.
– Learn from the real-life experience of the instructor and avoid the commonly made mistakes.
– Explore industry examples of different companies such as Apple, Uber, Microsoft and Cisco and more.
– Complete the program with over 80% marks to pass and earn the certification.
Duration: 2 months, 4 to 6 hours per week
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
2. Digital Product Management Certification by University of Virginia (Coursera)
Product Manager might be a new designation at the workplace, but its role is changing quite dynamically already. What used to just confined to assessing market data and creating requirements has today blown into a very comprehensive role involving troves of data, detailed analytics and a much important role within the organisation. This 4 week program created by the University of Virginia will teach you how to create actionable focus, use modern product management methods, explore new product ideas and amplify existing products. Highly rated by participants, we think this is an ideal choice if you are looking for the best course or certification in product management.
Key USPs-
– No prerequisite is required to enroll in this certification.
– Explore techniques to manage and amplify existing products as well as work on new ideas for better management.
– Identify vivid testable customer outcomes and create focus around them.
– Gain tips to succeed from some of the world’s best product managers and understand how to ‘sell’ our methods to stakeholders.
– Analyze growth, monetization, and engagement using qualitative and quantitative methods.
– Perform operations like customer discover, idea testing and validation, earl development and business model design.
Duration : 18 hours
Rating : 4.8 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
Review : Great information and refresher for the experienced product manager. I especially enjoyed the recommendations for more effective meetings as well as the perspectives on the different types of businesses and product managers. My role is extremely all over the place so the recommendations will help me put some organization to the chaos!
3. Digital Product Management Certification by Boston University (edX)
This extensive program is essentially an online master’s degree in Digital Product Management, where you will learn the techniques to manage the development, launch, and growth of digital products and advance your career as a product manager. The courses that comprise this program include Product Management with Lean, Agile and System Design Thinking; Strategic Social Media Marketing; Driving Digital Innovation; Business Analytics among other modules. Structured really well, this is ideal for all those looking for an immersive program in Product Management. A team of 9 trainers from Boston University will take these classes.
Key USPs-
– Explore the principles and processes for developing product roadmaps.
– Learn to handle tools, software and cover methods required for smooth development and management.
– Track and optimize social media metrics for overseeing the launch of products and software.
– Perform lifecycle management and services such as versioning, pricing and more.
– Communicate and pitch the benefits of the products to internal and external audiences.
– Devise methods to drive digital business innovation in the team or company you are working in.
Duration: 5 courses, 6–8 weeks per course, 4–8 hours per week
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
4. Software Product Management by University of Alberta (Coursera)
Software product management is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand skills. This specialization is designed with the aim to help you master Agile software management practices to lead a team of developers and interact with clients. The final project gives you an opportunity to practice and apply management techniques to real-life scenarios faced on a regular basis as a software product manager. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to share your experience and learn from the insights of others.
Key USPs-
– As this is a beginner level program, therefore, no programming skills are required.
– Practice and apply management techniques to industry-inspired scenarios.
– The real-world examples make the classes much more interesting and clear.
– Plenty of assignments to practice the concepts covered in the lectures.
– The flexible deadlines allow you to learn at your convenience.
Duration: 4 months, 7 hours per week
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
Review : I had read about the different agiles methodologies out there but It was until I took this course that I could “digest” them and internalize how to chose the right one for me and how to apply them. — KC
5. The Certified Product Manager Credentials (AIPMM)
If you are willing to become a professional product manager or continue your career in it, this certification program is best for you. This Certified Project Manager credentials program represents how you can adhere to the standards of excellence and stay committed to your career. Designed by AIPMM Certifying Board, this certification program stands out from the crowd because it provides a thorough understanding of the functions that are responsible for championing new products from their inception to their launch. Taking this certification credential program will help you learn all the necessary skills that an individual need to become an expert product manager.
Key USPs –
– A comprehensive credential program that focuses on go-to functions for orchestrating internal activities and provide the best possible outcome for the product
– Created by certified AIPMM product managers who have years of industry experience as well as teaching in this field
– Learn how to write business plans and strategies for each major function at various stages of product development
– Earn valuable skills during the program that are necessary for today’s market, such as competitive analysis, market planning, develop product launch plans, etc.
– Provide everything that you need to master the material and prepare for the AIPMM CPM Certification exam
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
6. Product Management Cornell Certification Program (eCornell)
This is another excellent certification program that can help you achieve your goals as a product manager in any industry. What’s unique about this program is that you will follow a product through its entire life cycle, i.e., from its designing to its launching during the course. You will start with learning the product manager role and the team that supports a product and then move on to learn how to scope and kick off a project successfully. Also, the experienced instructors will help you learn how to identify and target customer needs and create user stories while prioritizing those needs. At the end of the program, receive your certification that can be shared with employers.
Key USPs –
– Allow you to work with product design and development so that you can learn everything about launching a product in the market
– Learn how to create a product roadmap, prototypes, analyze feedback, and track the production process during its entire lifecycle
– Get guidance from one of the top instructors of eCornell who will assist you at every stage of the program
– Learn how to identify and select appropriate development methodologies like waterfall, agile, lean, etc.
– Be a Cornell University certified product manager after finishing this program
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
7. 280 Group In Person Product Management Certification
The 280 Group offers a wide range of in-person and online Product Management courses covering fundamentals, Agile, product manager certifications, people skills, leadership and more. Whether you are new to Product Management or have been doing it for years, they have a course that will increase your skillset and help you become more successful in the Product Management role.
Key USPs-
– The videos guide you through all the necessary topics beginning from the introductions to the advanced ones.
-Work through practical exercises and understand how situations are handled in real life.
– Prepare for the exams thoroughly with supplementary materials and recommended books.
– Continuous support and doubt clarification from the instructors.
Rating : 4.3 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
8. Product Management Certification (Product School)
Product School is amongst those platforms that only focus on providing product management program. It consists of three different certificates that can be taken consecutively. However, if you have some experience in product management, then you can begin with Full Stack Product Management Certificate, and then move to Product Leadership Certificate. Completing these certificates will help you learn all the essential skills that you need to be a successful product manager. The best part about taking these courses is that all of them are designed by experienced product managers who are working as industry professionals; they will even assist you and help you with any queries related to the program.
Key USPs –
– One of the best Product Management programs that entirely focus on improving an individual’s skills in product management
– Learn how to assess target opportunities, determine target customers, and how to build software products
– Learn about product strategy marketing, user research UI/UX design process, APIs, and deployment web development
– Know about product leadership fundamentals, the art of influence, and managing growth for your organization
– Prepare you to succeed as a product manager in any industry while following a product through its entire life cycle
– Receive a certificate of completion that can be shared with employers to showcase your skills
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
9. Product Management Program (Berkeley Executive Education)
Designed by Berkeley experts, this product management program will guide you to the fundamental as well as advanced concepts of product management while working with a product through its entire lifecycle. This program is combined with the latest in Design Thinking and Berkeley Haas MBA program to prepare you for your role. Enrolling in this program will help you understand the customer environment, designing customer experiences, boosting your team’s performance, and mobilizing your organization. The instructor, Dr. Sara Beckman, continuously updates the program with the latest advancement and strategies in the field. She will also help you during the course to resolve any queries related to the class.
Key USPs –
– A five-day program that will prepare you entirely for the role of product management in any industry
– Consists of customized video lectures and readings, colleague surveys, exercises, and a simulation game
– Get the opportunity to discuss your ideas, problems related to course with your classmates, as it provides an open environment
– Learn how to optimize product and product-line profitability by creating pricing tools and systems
– Learn how to manage your team and improve your management capabilities when you lack direct authority
– Gain knowledge of driving product decisions without succumbing with effective methods
Duration: 5 days
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
10. Brand and Product Manager Certification Course (Coursera)
Luis Rodriguez Baptista, professor at IE University and Marketing Consultant guides you through this Coursera product manager certifications course that helps you manage products through their ‘life-cycle’ and further helps you equip employees with on how to deliver your brand promise. This course will put you in a position to create an activity plan to bring your brand strategy to life. Not only that, you will also be able to define metrics for determining success. Great reviews all around, this is a sure winner and that’s why makes it to this list. You may also be interested in checking out Facebook Marketing Courses.
Key USPs-
– Demonstrate an understanding of the product strategy concepts and develop factual support to define your strategy.
– Define different elements of brand strategy.
– Develop a system to incorporate future product and brands.
– Map your portfolio to maximize its value to support growth.
– Complete the graded assessments to earn the completion certificate.
Duration : 13 hours
Rating : 4.7 out of 5
You can Sign up here
Review : This course helps me to understand better of marketing process. And real examples from the lectures was great help to apply to where I am working for (and made me understand why there are doing such programs such as brand ambassadors, dash boards, etc). I highly recommend this course to my friends who is interested in marketing and wish to listen lectures in off-line too!
11. Product Manager Certification with Lean, Agile and System Design Thinking (edX)
This course on product management introduces you to the frameworks of decision making based on both economic and organizational considerations. Through these classes, you will understand customer co-creation needs and become a leader for user-centric development in digital technologies. Additionally, you will also play a significant role in shaping the direction of the product based on experimentation and system design thinking by gaining insights from roadmaps, competitive considerations and more.
Key USPs –
– Learn how to launch a product and create a go-to-market strategy to make it successful.
– Explore alternative approaches for lean, agile and waterfall development along with tools for assessing task, project and business risks at scrums or at stage gates.
– Generate ideas, perform customer need assessments, co-create, define and validate the minimal viable product.
– Complete the graded assignments to earn the completion badge.
– The videos and study material is available for free and the certification can be added for an additional fee.
Duration: 6 weeks, 4 to 8 hours per week
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
6 Best Online Product Management Courses for 2020
1. Become a Product Manager Course | Learn the Skills & Get the Job (Udemy)
This truly is one best product management course. Having a strong alumnus of 22,000+ students for this course alone, it is without a doubt a highly rated program on udemy, enjoying a hearty rating of 4.5 out of 5 as rated by many students. Created by Cole Mercer, Sr Product Manager at SoundCloud and Evan Kimbrell, Founder of Sprintkick, this training helps you understand modern product development processes, product lifecycles, identify ideas worth pursuing, structuring a customer interview, understanding difference between Scrum and Kanban among a host of other key areas. Best part is that some familiarity of basic business concepts is all that is needed to make this course work for you. In case you are interested, do check out the list of design thinking courses available online.
Key USPs-
– Understand the product lifecycle and how it applies to every product.
– Explore the various roles of a product manager through different types and sizes of companies.
– Identify ideas worth pursuing and dedicating resources to as well as find and compare competitors and competing products.
– Differentiate between direct, indirect, substitute and potential competitors.
– Build user personas based on both qualitative and quantitative data.
– 144 Lectures + 25 Articles + 120 Downloadable Resources + Full lifetime access
Duration: 13 hours
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
You can Sign up here
Review : This course is very comprehensive and touches various important domains of PM. The lectures are easy to understand, have some demos and the video-audio quality is top-notch. The lecturers are very passionate about this course and you will notice that. I loved the resources section as they have some best links that complements the course. The end section about career advice is very helpful too. It’s an amazing course and has surpassed my expectations. — Harsheel Saraiya
2. Product Management Training 101 (Udemy)
With Todd Birzer’s years of experience in product management training, consulting and coaching, this course stands out and offers absolutely amazing value to students. Focused on beginners, it covers an excellent array of topics, right from approaches for the market, competitor analysis, strategy development, creating a product roadmap, product development and launch. Even though it’s a very quick course, it helps understand and implement key PLM concepts and having a close look will help you clear your mind.
Key USPs-
– Divided into appropriate sections the program covers each important concept one by one.
– Tons of exercises to solidify knowledge and clarify doubts.
-The rich content makes the class intriguing and enriching.
– Create greater impact for your company and its products.
– 62 Lectures + 20 Articles + 43 Downloadable resources + Full lifetime access
– Available at an affordable rate on Udemy.
Duration : 4 hours
Rating : 4.3 out of 5
You can Sign up here
Review : This was a great course highlighting the more strategic responsibilities of PM’s. I would rate this course 5/5 since it fulfilled its intended purpose. As a customer, I would like more details about daily activities (user stories, metric gathering, and responses, how to conduct cross-functional meetings, ect.) of PM’s so that I may balance the long term-strategic thinking of a PM with the daily necessities of PM’s and thus become a more balanced professional. — Guillermo Villegas
3. The Complete Product Management Course (Udemy)
In this class, you will learn the core skills of this field from an 8-year-old product management veteran. Commence from the fundamental concepts and build a strong foundation before learning to use popular tools such as Workflowy, Axure, Pivotal Tracker. You will also have the opportunity to bring one of your product ideas to life through 10 step by step exercises complete with working files and sample templates. By the end of the lectures, you will have a product spec with a feature backlog, wireframes, and an interactive prototype.
Key USPs-
– Analyze the market landscape, discover weaknesses in your competitors, spot trends that will help your products to grow.
– Understand the secret behind how Apple creates laser focused products.
– The quizzes, exercises and qualified assessments help you to track and measure your progress throughout your learning journey.
– Quickly test and validate your product idea over a weekend, hack the interview process and stand our from the competition.
– Effectively lead developers and designers and manage stakeholders.
– 87 Lectures + 1 Article + 16 Downloadable resources + Full lifetime access
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
Review : Taking this course has been one of this best steps I’ve taken in my transition into Product Management. The lectures were easy to follow and understand, and the real world examples and applications were very insightful. I recommend this to anyone looking to transition into Product Management. — Chris Akande
4. Free Product Management Training Courses (LinkedIn Learning — Lynda)
With over 30 different training and programs, this platform provides you an array of options that can help you to stay ahead in this fast-evolving field. The classes are divided into three levels of difficulty namely beginner, intermediate and advanced. Some of the top choices are building a product strategy, transitioning to product management, competitive and market analysis, and development functions. You can choose one or more available courses based on your experience level and requirements and get started.
Key USPs-
– Complete and thorough guidance is provided to understand how to make the most of the lectures and complete the exercises.
– The exercises can be downloaded and the videos can be viewed offline.
– Each section is followed by a quiz that helps you to understand your progress level.
-The complete course and study materials are available for free for the first thirty days after signing up.
Duration: Self-paced
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
5. Product Management Training Bootcamp : Career Preparation for Success
Are you wonder whether PM is the right career path for you? This training will not only solve that doubt but will also help you prepare for success on this path. An ideal guide for aspirants, we highly recommend this one if a Good Job is high on your priority list. Product managers can start earning about $69,000 and salaries can go as high as $140,000. An industry that’s growing at 12% year on year is quite a lucrative one if you ask us. This bootcamp will help prepare you to be a part of the Product Management profession and you can then take up one of the other courses mentioned on this list to further build your expertise. Sounds like a plan?
Duration : 4 hours
Rating : 4.2 out of 5
You can Sign up here
Review : I have not yet completed the course but till now whatever I have gone through is excellent. I could see the real experience from the instructor helped this course to take it to the next level and the concepts were explained in great manner. Still to complete, but till now its been a great course
6. Master the Product Manager Interview — The Complete Guide (Udemy)
With the evolution in the area of product management, the job of a product manager is quickly becoming one of the most sought after roles. This course is designed in such a way that it can be taken by anyone without any prior experience in this role. The lessons will prepare you for the challenging interviews at some of the most innovative companies in the world. Learn to answer behavioral, estimation and vision questions, upgrade your resume, optimize your online profile and more. Upon the completion of the lectures, you will be ready to ace your interviews and get your dream job.
Key USPs-
– Deliver perfect answers to common interview questions and create an online market for yourself.
– Learn to work with developers and stakeholders.
– Understand the steps to answer different crucial questions.
– Avoid the commonly made mistakes that most candidates make during the interviews.
– Use body language to make a positive impression.
– 77 Lectures + 12 Downloadable resources + Full lifetime access
Duration: 5 hours
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
You can Sign up Here
