So you’re from Toronto, Ontario. That, or maybe you moved here for work. I haven’t been, but I hear that it’s a bit expensive to live there. Having said that, I’ve also heard that that one disadvantage is offset by the opportunities to put some roots down, grow and really build a pretty fantastic lifestyle in the friendlier of the North American countries.

Maybe you’ve been eyeing off opportunities in the States, but you’re keen to stay in Toronto. Did you know the official motto of Ontario is

Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin), which translates to, “loyal she began, loyal she remains”? This beautiful state has given you so much and you want to give back some value in spades, don’t you? That’s why you’re looking for ways to become more recognized in your organization and get paid more.

Project Management Certification Online Ontario: Different Options For Different Stages

I’ve put together a top 3 list of options for you to consider as you try to level up your project management career. Maybe you’re new to the certifications out there and want a formal grounding. Maybe you’ve been around the block and want to keep sharpening your blade. I’ve covered most, if not all the bases. Let’s get into it.

1 – Project Management Certificate – University of Toronto

Life’s busy. You’re relatively new in your career, or in the organization you’re currently working for. You have time, but fairly spaced out. That’s where this certificate from the UoT might be a good fit.

You get three years to complete the three courses that comprise of the Project Management Certificate. You can complete it faster if you want, as well. The cost is $769 CAD and you can complete the units in person and online. Stroll the campus if you’d like to soak in the campus vibes, or lock yourself in a quiet room for focus time.

2 – PMI’s official Project Management Professional certificate

It goes without saying that this list would be incomplete without mentioning the official PMP certification online. This is what most, if not all large companies will scan and look for when trawling through resumes to pick out the creme de la creme of candidates to fill their most critical management roles.

There should be a myriad of professional bodies who offer the PMP certification and will allow you to complete the study online (most likely spurred on by COVID-19, which limited in-person study).

If it’s your first time doing the PMP certification, note that there are quite a few prequisites, which you can learn more about in the link above. The summary of them is below:

3 – Project Management Courses – University of Waterloo

Not quite out in the big smoke? You might be further in the south west, near Waterloo. It shouldn’t matter too much if you’re completing the study online, but the University of Waterloo is another very good, viable option if you want to dip your toes into the world project management education.

What’s great about this one is the lightweight nature of it. $190+tax for a professional certification, as well as the course being completed in a boot camp like speed of 6 weeks? Count me in! Maybe this is for you too. The three options that are available are as follows:

• High Speed Project Management,
• Project Management Applications,
• Project Management Fundamentals

They each have their own role to play in your career. You may do them all, or prioritize one or two. Within a year, you could have done them all and be that much more qualified in your career. Best thing is that with the price entry point, your organization might be more inclined to cover the cost, meaning you get tertiary level education essentially free of charge!

What do you think of these three options? Would they suit you at this point in your career? Remember that online should always be an option, while being on campus for the universities shouldn’t be mandatory. Balance in your career and lifestyle is paramount.