For current and aspiring product managers, the question comes up time and again: Is product management certification worth the investment?
At Productside, we care deeply about helping product professionals grow in their careers. That’s why we conducted a survey of 200 product managers across industries like finance, healthcare, and tech to better understand the value of certification. The results were clear: certification can accelerate career growth in tangible ways.
Whether it’s earning a promotion, landing a new role, or building confidence on the job, certification helps product managers take their careers to the next level. Let’s break down the data and discover how certification impacts real product professionals.
Why Certification Matters in Product Management
Product management is a field where practical experience is crucial, but formal certification offers something unique: a structured path to mastering core skills. Certification ensures you’re building a comprehensive foundation in areas like strategy, communication, and user research- skills that are critical for the role and hard to obtain in other courses of study.
One common misconception is that certification is just about checking a box for hiring managers. However, our survey shows that it’s much more than that. Certification reflects dedication to growth, the ability to tackle complex challenges, and even readiness for leadership opportunities.
In fact, employers increasingly value certifications for career advancement. Many Human Resources professionals require certification for promotions or new roles. Our survey confirms that certified professionals are more likely to move up the career ladder. This data point is not unique- in our Benchmark Skills Report we also found that trained Directors of Product Management exceeded untrained Directors across every critical skill area.
Certification isn’t just about having a credential—it’s about gaining the confidence and skills to thrive as a leader.
Career Outcomes Backed by Data
The results of our recent survey were clear: certification significantly impacts career growth. Among the certified professionals surveyed, 31% reported receiving a promotion within the last year, compared to just 17% of non-certified professionals.
The benefits didn’t stop there. Certified professionals were:
- Twice as likely to have never missed a promotion opportunity.
- More likely to receive raises, with 30% of certified women specifically crediting certification for their salary increases.
- 13% of respondents also cited being hired into their first product management role, as seen in stories like McKenna Johnson, now a digital product manager at Aon.
Certification doesn’t guarantee career success, but it creates opportunities by building skills that employers value. From strategy to roadmapping and communication, these competencies were among the top outcomes for certified professionals.
These aren’t just theoretical concepts. They’re the practical tools that drive career growth and leadership success.
When you consider these outcomes, the value of certification becomes hard to ignore.
What Sets Productside Certification Apart
Not all certifications are created equal. At Productside, we’ve partnered with AIPMM, the only independent third-party certifying body in the industry, to ensure our certifications meet the highest standards. This partnership means we don’t just teach the material—we prepare product managers to prove their expertise through rigorous, proctored exams that go far beyond simple quizzes.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our results. Productside’s instructor-led training programs limit class size to a maximum of 20 learners and boast a completion rate of 100%, far surpassing the average 5% for online courses offered by Coursera or Udemy and the low engagement rate quoted by participants of large courses offered by Reforge. Even self-study courses with Productside see completion rates of 30–40%, well above the industry standard.
When you choose Productside, you’re not just getting a certification—you’re joining a program designed to deliver real-world results.
Instructor-Led Training vs. Self-Study
When it comes to learning, flexibility is key, but the method you choose can greatly impact your outcomes. At Productside, we offer both instructor-led training and self-study options to suit different needs. However, our survey revealed a significant advantage for those who chose instructor-led training: 65% more career progression.
Certified professionals who participated in instructor-led programs were:
- 43% more likely to get promoted within 18 months compared to self-study graduates (26%).
- More confident in applying their skills in real-world scenarios, thanks to hands-on guidance and collaboration.
Why does instructor-led training make such a difference? It’s about accountability and interaction. With a structured schedule, expert instructors, and opportunities to engage with peers, participants are far more likely to complete the program and retain what they’ve learned.
Self-study can still be effective, especially for those with strong self-motivation, but if you’re serious about accelerating your career, instructor-led training is the way to go.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The most compelling case for certification comes from those who’ve experienced its benefits firsthand. Stories from Productside graduates show how certification can transform careers, opening doors to new roles, promotions, and raises.
Take McKenna Johnson, for example. After earning her certification, she reported more callbacks while job hunting and landed a role as a digital product manager at Aon. For her, certification wasn’t just a credential—it was the key to moving forward in her career.
Cody Stokes, a product manager at Cirrus Insight, shared how certification boosted his confidence. He’s now seen as a go-to resource among his peers for creating high-quality artifacts and requirements.
A female learner shared a similar perspective:
“I think that simply having a baseline certification allows more open doors for those looking to grow their careers as product professionals, and I have recommended Productside’s courses to many individuals who have also become certified.”
The data also highlights the unique outcomes for women in the program. 30% of women surveyed received raises post-certification, a significant step forward in a traditionally male-dominated field.
These stories aren’t just outliers—they reflect the broader impact certification has on real people’s lives. Whether it’s breaking into a new field, earning a promotion, or simply feeling prepared for leadership discussions, certification equips professionals with the tools they need to succeed.
Take the Next Step in Your Product Management Career
Certification has the power to open doors, accelerate career progression, and boost confidence in executing on the job. Whether you’re just starting out in product management or aiming for a leadership role, Productside certification provides the structure and skills to help you succeed.
With our instructor-led programs, you’re not just completing a course—you’re gaining a deeper understanding of strategy, communication, and the market dynamics that drive successful products. And as our survey shows, the impact goes far beyond the classroom.
Now is the perfect time to invest in your career. During our Black Friday sale, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts on our certification programs. Don’t wait—this offer is only available for a limited time, and your future self will thank you for making the leap today.
