9 No-Nonsense Project Management Courses in Singapore

"Picture this: every endeavor, from the simplest task at home to complex global initiatives, is essentially a project. It has a defined start and finish, a team, stakeholders, a budget, a schedule, and a set of expectations.”

These are the words of Ben Breen, the global head of construction and managing director, Asia-Pacific, at the Project Management Institute (PMI), in a 2021 article by the Straits Times.

After COVID-19, the world is poised for an unprecedented era of reconstruction and growth. Studies reveal that governments worldwide are set to invest over $10 trillion in reconstruction projects over the next decade.

But how can we start a career in project management?

Fortunately, there is a wealth of project management courses available in Singapore to help you stay on track. To simplify your quest, we've compiled a comprehensive list of the most valuable courses in project management for you.

Is a project manager a good job?

The short answer? Yes.

Project managers are needed in virtually every industry – from IT and construction to healthcare and marketing – and is s generally considered a stable career choice.

A project manager plays a central role in overseeing a couple of important things in a company – they serve as the driving force behind a project's success, overseeing its entire lifecycle and are responsible for planning, executing, and supporting company-wide initiatives, stepping in as problem solvers during challenges or handling communication breakdowns.

A project manager’s salary in Singapore ranges around $5-8k, which also puts it above the starting salary for a lot of other technical positions.

What qualifications do you need for project management?

Frankly, you don’t need any if you’re just starting out. After all, managing day-to-day work is also part of project management.

However, if you’re going to move up the corporate ladder, there are a couple of things you’d want to take note of apart from the soft skills.

Education

Many high-level project managers have at least a bachelor's degree, often in a related field such as business, management, engineering, or IT. Some may also pursue master's degrees (e.g., MBA) to enhance their knowledge and credentials.

It’ll be best to have at least a bachelor's degree in the field you intend to work in, or extensive work experience prior to switching to project management.

Certification

This is where things get important, as earning recognised project management certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) and PRINCE2 are among the most respected certifications in the field. Other specialized certifications like Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM) can also be valuable, depending on the industry and methodologies you work with.

Each of these certifications have different applications depending on the industry, so when deciding on a certification, consider your career goals, the methodologies you'll be working with (traditional, agile, or a hybrid), and the specific requirements of the industries and organisations you're interested in.

How to Find a Good Project Management Course in Singapore

The most important factor when finding any professional development course is its accreditation status. For project management, courses aligned with PMI (Project Management Institute), PRINCE2, or other reputable certifications is beneficial as these accreditations will be what makes you desirable for project management roles in larger organisations.

Other considerations are the curriculum's relevance to your career objectives, course duration, and schedule flexibility.

Now that you roughly know what to look for, let’s jump into the list of the top project management courses in Singapore. Starting off with …

NTUC LearningHub – Project Management Essentials

NTUC LearningHub should be no stranger to us – especially since you see a lot of their roadshows appear everywhere in malls.

Since its corporatisation in 2004, NTUC LearningHub has supported over 29,000 organisations and facilitated more than 2.6 million training places as a total learning solutions provider, offering extensive end-to-end training through partnerships and upskilling courses.

Course Content

The course is divided into online learning (5 hours) and instructor-led virtual training (16 hours). Students must complete the online learning segment first before proceeding to the virtual training over zoom.

Designed for individuals who require a fundamental understanding of project management regardless of their experience level in the field​, the course integrates best practices from industry leaders like PMI, AXELOS, and the Agile Manifesto​, along with methodologies such as Scrum and eXtreme Programming models.

Throughout the program, participants will gain a hands-on understanding of project fundamentals and practical management techniques, covering areas like initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closure.

Additionally, participants will explore various methodologies like Waterfall, Agile, and Scrum, and learn to apply them appropriately, as well as utilize project management tools such as Gantt charts, PERT diagrams, and critical path analysis.

Accreditation and Certification

Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion from NTUC LearningHub and a Statement of Attainment from SkillsFuture Singapore.

However, it’s worth noting that this does not certify you for any recognised project management certification.

Cost

The costs associated with this programme are outlined by NTUC as below. Note that there are separate criteria for SkillsFuture Credit usage, UTAP and PSEA usage.

General Comments

This course is designed for the absolute beginner in the formal world of project management. As such, the things it touches on can be very basic, and every part of the course seems to be a ‘touch and go’ for the different concepts.

For business owners and employees not formally managing projects at a higher level (such as those in SMEs), this course is well-suited to help you find out what you’ve been missing and improve your processes.

However, if you want to make a career out of project management, we’d recommend the other courses on this list instead. Or you can look at the next entry in our list.

NTUC Learning Hub – Project Management Professional (PMP) (SF)

NTUC LearningHub doesn’t only offer introductory courses – they also offer professional preparatory courses, and the PMP certification is one of them.

This PMP course is specifically designed for individuals with on-the-job project management experience, including those not formally in project manager roles, to enhance their skills and prepare for the PMP certification​.

Course Content

The course spans 40 hours over 5 full-time days, and is designed to align with PMI standards, preparing participants for the PMP certification exam.

It covers comprehensive topics like creating high-performing teams, managing project scope, budget, schedule, and quality, assessing, and managing risks, stakeholder engagement, and maintaining compliance.

Each day will have a different focus, and the syllabus is distributed according to the outline below:

Day 1: Creating a High-Performing Team

• Build a Team
• Define Team Ground Rules
• Negotiate Project Agreements
• Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
• Train Team Members and Stakeholders
• Engage and Support Virtual Teams
• Build Shared Understanding about a Project

Day 2: Planning and Managing the Project

• Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/Methods and Practices
• Plan and Manage Scope
• Plan and Manage Budget and Resources
• Plan and Manage Schedule
• Plan and Manage Quality of Products and Deliverables
• Integrate Project Planning Activities
• Plan and Manage Procurement
• Establish Project Governance Structure
• Plan and Manage Project/Phase Closure

Day 3: Executing and Assessing the Project Work

• Assess and Manage Risks
• Execute Project to Deliver Business Value
• Manage Communications
• Engage Stakeholders
• Create Project Artifacts
• Manage Project Changes
• Manage Project Issues
• Ensure Knowledge Transfer by Project Continuity

Day 4: Keeping the Team on Track

• Lead a Team
• Support Team Performance
• Address and Remove Impediments, Obstacles, and Blockers
• Manage Conflict
• Collaborate with Stakeholders
• Mentor Relevant Stakeholders
• Apply Emotional Intelligence to Promote Team Performance

Day 5: Keeping the Business in Mind

• Manage Compliance Requirements
• Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
• Evaluate and Address Internal and External Business Environment Changes
• Support Organizational Change
• Employ Continuous Process Improvement

Accreditation and Certification

Successful participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from NTUC LearningHub and a Statement of Attainment from SkillsFuture Singapore​.

In addition, because this course also prepares candidates for the PMP certification, candidates can immediately apply for formal PMP certification with NTUC as the course fulfils the study requirements.

Cost

The costs associated with this programme are outlined by NTUC as below. Note that there are separate criteria for SkillsFuture Credit usage, UTAP and PSEA usage.

There are also separate charges for the external PMP certification.

General Comments

This course appears to provide a thorough grounding in PMI's project management standards and practices and given that it’s aligned with the PMP certification exam syllabus, the value this course brings is quite immense.

This course is therefore ideal for professionals who aim to formalise their project management skills and seek career advancement in this field with a reputable provider.

SIM x SIM ACAD – Project Management Professional (PMP)

SIM might be no stranger to us as a reputable private education provider, but they also provide professional development training for working professionals and mid-career individuals.

SIM Academy for Professionals, part of the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), is dedicated to assisting working professionals and executives in enhancing their capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the modern workplace. With over 100 executive and business programs, SIM Academy addresses the need for upskilling and reskilling in response to rapid changes in the workforce.

Course Content

Over 5 working days, the course provides fundamental concepts of project management, balancing project objectives with budget and schedule while also preparing students for the PMP certification exam.

It includes modules on creating high-performing teams, starting the project, doing the work, keeping the team on track, and keeping business in mind.

Topics range from building and managing teams, project methodologies, risk management, stakeholder engagement, to compliance and process improvement​.

Similar to other courses, there are 5 modules, 1 for each day. The course structure is exactly the same as the previous entry on our list:

Module 1: Creating a High-Performing Team

• Build a Team
• Define Team Ground Rules
• Negotiate Project Agreements
• Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
• Train Team Members and Stakeholders
• Engage and Support Virtual Teams
• Build a Shared Understanding about a Project

Module 2: Starting the Project

• Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/ Methods and Practices
• Plan and Manage Scope
• Plan and Manage Schedule
• Plan and Manage Budget and Resources
• Plan and Manage Quality of Products and Deliverables
• Integrate Project Planning Activities
• Plan and Manage Procurement
• Establish Project Governance Structure
• Plan and Manage Project/Phase Closure

Module 3: Doing the Work

• Assess and Manage Risks
• Execute Project to Deliver Business Value
• Manage Communications
• Engage Stakeholders
• Create Project Artifacts
• Manage Project Changes
• Manage Project Issues
• Ensure Knowledge Transfer to Project Continuity

Module 4: Keeping the Team on Track

• Lead a Team
• Support Team Performance
• Address and Remove Impediments, Obstacles, and Blockers
• Manage Conflict
• Collaborate with Stakeholders
• Mentor Relevant Stakeholder
• Apply Emotional Intelligence to
• Promote Team Performance

Module 5: Keeping the Business in Mind

• Manage Compliance Requirements
• Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
• Evaluate and Address Internal and External Business Environment Changes
• Support Organizational Change
• Employ Continuous Process Improvement

Accreditation and Certification

Learners will not receive any certification for completion, and will sit for the PMP certification exam immediately after the course.

Cost

The total cost for a non-SIM member (with 8% GST) is $1944.00. If you’re an SIM member, then the course costs $1555.20. There’s also an early bird discount which you can read about here.

General Comments

The only differentiating factor between this and other courses that offer PMP certification will be the teaching institute, as the syllabus is same.

Based on track record, SIM Academy has been quite consistent in supporting adult education efforts since 1964.

It therefore boils down to how much you trust the institution, its fees and convenience. Nonetheless, SIM is a solid choice if you’re already an SIM alumnus or are looking for a formal educational institute to take your course.

Avanta Certificate in Project Management

Many of us would not have heard of Avanta, but they’re big. Avanta Global, established in Singapore, is a prominent service provider in the fields of Safety and Health, Environment, and Quality.

Known for their commitment to customer satisfaction and work ethics, they have expanded their reach to over 14 countries. Avanta Global specialises in training and development, e-learning, auditing and outsourcing, making them well-placed to impart project management skills to working professionals.

Course Content

Conducted over 3 8-hour days, the course aims to impart the theory and core methodology required to manage projects or participate on project teams.

The Certificate course is designed to develop project management skills and provides the knowledge and techniques necessary to operate successfully as project management experts in a variety of industries including business and IT.

Course objectives include:

• Introduction to Project Management
• Overview of Project Life Cycle and Organisation
• Processes involved in Project and Procurement management
• Planning, Organising, Controlling, Documenting and other techniques in PM
• Project Scope, Project Quality and Communications Management

Accreditation and Certification

Participants who complete the course will receive a verifiable e-certificate from Avanta Global.

Avanta Academy holds registration status within the Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) of the Committee for Private Education (CPE).

Additionally, it has been recognized as an Approved Training Organisation – Private Education Institute (ATO-PEI) by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) for Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programs.

This makes their certification useful and recognised locally. This, however, does not contribute to getting any international certifications such as the PMP.

Cost

There is a flat fee of S$720, per participant (excluding GST).

General Comments

Based on the relatively affordable cost, duration and syllabus scope, this course is perfect for two groups of people.

The first group is business owners of SMEs who wish to implement project management principles but have prior experience to not go through an introductory course. The second group is people who are looking to switch to a project management career, but don’t wish to just hold an introductory course certificate.

If you’re not intending to work in an MNC, then this certificate is enough in most cases.

NUS – Graduate Certificate in Project Management

This certificate course is relatively new, as the NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE) was only established in 2022 as a fusion of two schools – the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Design and Environment (SDE).

The college focuses on nurturing agile, future-ready talents and achieving global leadership in research, innovation, and enterprise across multiple disciplines. CDE offers distinctive disciplinary specialisations and interdisciplinary training, equipping students for a complex work environment. Project management happens to be one of their specialisations, brought over from SDE.

Course Content

The programme aims to provide professionals with the sound management skills and techniques necessary for the successful completion of complex projects in different industries.

Participants from overseas feature strongly on all intakes and the wide mix of expertise allows for meaningful exchange and interaction at graduate level.

The graduate course will take place over the course of 1 semester, with the passing criteria being any three modules from the following list with a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of at least 3.0:

• PM5105 Development finance
• PM5106 Design management
• PM5107 Time and cost management
• PM5109 Project management law
• PM5113 Managing projects using BIM
• PM5114 Managing complex projects

Participants should already have a bachelor's degree with honours in any related degree, with at least 8 years of working experience. TOEFL/IELTS is also needed for applicants whose undergraduate medium of instruction is not English.

Accreditation and Certification

Successful participants will get a verifiable graduate certificate in project management, issued by the NUS College of Design and Engineering.

This makes their certification useful and recognised globally. This, however, does not contribute to getting any international certifications such as the PMP.

Cost

There are no publicly available cost breakdowns on the NUS website – please contact Sheryl Hong for more information.

General Comments

This certificate course is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, you get an NUS certificate, which is on par with or even better than other certifications you can receive for project management. On the other hand, it’s not as recognised as industry-standard recognition like the PMP.

The unique selling point of this course is twofold: the networking opportunities and the flexibility. The course’s commitment to having overseas students in their courses can provide a lot of global networking opportunities if that fits your boat. The ability to flexibly choose 3 modules to go in-depth is also enticing for people who want to specialise in particular areas.

Ultimately, this course is for the mid-career professional who wants to go in-depth into certain project management topics or network extensively.

ST Engineering E-Services (COMAT) - Project Management Professional (SFw)

Here on our list is another education services provider that most aren’t familiar with.

COMAT, a business unit of ST Engineering e-Services Pte Ltd, is a prominent provider of end-to-end certified IT training courses, playing a significant role in Singapore’s business process outsourcing and shared service sector. They specialize in various key IT industry fields and have trained over 50,000 professionals through more than 50 accredited courses.

COMAT emphasizes relevant learning by offering diverse delivery models like instructor-led classroom training, workshops, one-to-one coaching, and virtual classrooms.

Course Content

Like other PMP certification courses on our list, the training is 5 full days, and each day covers 1 of the 5 topics needed to get your project management certificate.

However, the unique selling point of this course is its unique focus on passing the exam rather than just leaving you to your own devices. This includes a boot camp on the last day focusing on:

• Additional practise PMP exam paper questions completed by participants (with instructor guidance)
• Participants' responses/answers to the practise exam reviewed by instructor and clarifications done
• Videos on selected PMP topics (from PMI certification body and other sources)
• Study tips for exam
• More group/individual exercises, practical examples, class discussions/sharing on PMP topics

Accreditation and Certification

Learners will not receive any certification for completion, and will sit for the PMP certification exam immediately after the course.

Cost

The fee breakdown for this course is as follows.

General Comments

Among the PMP certification courses in this list, this seems the most value for money. If you’re willing to forgo brand-name education from well-known institutions, the bootcamp on the last day can be a lifesaver.

This course is therefore most well-suited for learners who appreciate a bit more guidance from instructors and other students. However, if you prefer independent learning, then other courses on the list might be better choices.

Google Project Management Certificate

Google certification is very common today for IT professionals, but did you know they also offer courses in other domains?

The Google Career Certificate scheme aims to help people acquire digital skills regardless of their background and is aimed at jobseekers and mid-career switchers who want enough skills to succeed at an entry-level role in that domain.

For project management, they’re also partnered with the Project Management Institute with a co-designed curriculum with Google experts.

Course Content

The course is 100% online and self-paced with no fixed deadline, although a learning duration of at least 10 hours per week is recommended.

In the certificate program, individuals can acquire these job-ready skills in under six months through interactive content that includes discussion prompts, quizzes, and hands-on activities. Participants will advance through a curriculum thoughtfully designed in collaboration with top employers and industry leaders, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Scrum.org.

In addition, students will be introduced to basic tools, such as MS Word, MS Powerpoint, Google Docs, Keynote, and other work management tools like Asana.

Curriculum details are not publicly available, but it can be inferred that it aligns with the PMP  and Scrum Master certification schemes, albeit a lot briefer.

Accreditation and Certification

Upon completion, students will have access to career resources and be connected directly with employers hiring for open entry-level roles in project management.

They will also be issued a verifiable Google Career Certificate to display on LinkedIn.

Cost

The cost is about USD $14 per month for a Coursera subscription.

General Comments

This course appears to be the most entry-level course in our list – but the Google brand name does pack a punch. Locally, Google Career Certificates are recognised as part of Skills Ignition SG and has received considerable government support.

Its low cost and barrier to entry places it as a good starting point that allows you to better catch up with other recognised certificates later such as the PMP. Therefore, we’d recommend this to anyone who’s just starting out and want exposure to project management without too much commitment.

Invensis – PMP Certification Training In Singapore

Here is another training provider that you’ve probably never heard of.

Invensis Learning, a global training organization, has positioned itself as a market leader in professional training solutions, serving over 100,000 individuals across small, medium, and large enterprises worldwide.

It offers over 60 technical and non-technical courses in areas such as IT Service Management, Agile and Scrum, Project Management, Quality Management, IT Security and Governance, and DevOps. Invensis is also an accredited training provider with a wide network of subject matter experts and trainers.

Course Content

Conducted over 2 weekends (4 days, each 9am-5pm), the PMP Certification Training offered by Invensis Learning in Singapore is an interactive, instructor-led course designed to prepare candidates for the PMP Certification exam.

The course meets the PMI-required 35 contact hours eligibility requirement and includes access to mock tests and case studies.

In addition to the 5 modules covered by the PMP syllabus, additional benefits of training from Invensis include an exam simulator with over 1000 practice questions, and the option to retake training within 2 months at no additional cost if a refresher is needed.

Accreditation and Certification

Learners will not receive any certification for completion, and will sit for the PMP certification exam immediately after the course.

Invensis is also recognised as a premier authorised training center by the PMI.

Cost

The course costs S $1470, with potential discounts available. You can visit their website for more information.

Note that this course fee does not include the examination fee.

General Comments

With other courses commonly being 5 days long, the shorter duration is an immediate advantage as you can potentially get your certification with less time commitment. The question bank and ability to retake training should you need it is also an advantage that other institutes may lack.

Depending on your confidence level and learning needs, this might be the best course for you if you’re looking to attain PMP certification with some guidance.

iKompass - PMP® Certification Exam Training and Course

iKompass is another niche training organisation providing e-learning, classroom learning and blended learning solutions for Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Project Management, Cyber Security and Serverless technologies.

For project management, they provide a large range of courses, chief of which is the PMP certification course we see here.

Course Content

Conducted over 5 weeks, the course is aligned with the PMBOK® Guide 6th edition which is the official standard published by PMI. Participants will be taken through the best practices in these areas:

• Project Integration Management
• Project Scope Management
• Project Schedule Management
• Project Cost Management
• Project Quality Management
• Project Resource Management
• Project Communications Management
• Project Procurement Management
• Project Stakeholder Management

The 5-week program also includes:

• 4 days of instructor led PMP® classroom or virtual training
• Access to over 40 hours of e-learning content
• Topics covered through practical examples
• Over 1000 practice questions
• PMBOK® Guide 6th edition hard copy (for physical class only)
• iKompass PMP® Course manual
• Application and eligibility support
• Detailed individual report to aid in self-study
• Instructor support up to 90 days after class
• Pre class and post class webinars

Accreditation and Certification

Learners will not receive any certification for completion, and will sit for the PMP certification exam immediately after the course.

Cost

The cost differs depending on whether physical classes are needed.

• For physical classes, the course costs $1390 excluding exam fees.
• Virtual class fees are not published, please contact them directly for more information

General Comments

Like other PMP courses, what we’re looking at are the additional benefits other than the certification itself. For starters, the flexibility of choosing either physical or virtual learning is a huge plus, and them giving the PMBOK® Guide in hard copy makes it a valuable resource too.

Ultimately, it depends on your learning needs and confidence in iKompass as a training provider, but this course is a good recommendation for anyone who wants to be PMP-certified.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are an aspiring project manager or seeking to enhance your skills, Singapore offers a diverse range of project management courses to suit your needs.

For those starting their journey, non-PMP-certified courses like NTUC LearningHub's Project Management Essentials, Avanta's Certificate in Project Management, or Google's Project Management Certificate provide valuable foundational knowledge and skills.

On the other hand, if you aspire to become a certified project management professional (PMP) or want to formalise your existing skills, there are accredited PMP-certified courses available.

NTUC LearningHub's Project Management Professional (PMP), SIM x SIM ACAD's PMP course, Invensis's PMP Certification Training, and iKompass's PMP® Certification Exam Training and Course all prepare you for the PMP certification exam, aligning with PMI standards.

Ultimately, the choice between non-PMP-certified and PMP-certified courses depends on your goals and experience level, alongside the company and industry you work in.

Keep levelling up!