Are you looking to fully dedicate yourself to a career in project management? Becoming a project administrator is a great first step in that direction. Project Administrators are tasked with managing the day-to-day administrative functions of a project and typically report to a Project Manager or a member of senior management.

Most people get on this career track by first becoming an assistant to a Project Manager and cultivating their skills while gaining experience in the role. Another way to become a Project Administrator is by taking courses on the subject and earning a project administrator certification. In this primer, we’ll discuss what this certificate is, who it’s for, and why getting certified can be incredibly beneficial to you. Read on below:

What Are the Available Project Administrator Certifications That I Can Earn?

In Australia, there are two qualifications that you can earn to become a certified project administrator. They are the 10552NAT Certificate III in Project Administration and the BSB41515 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice.

Who Are They For?

These qualifications are suitable for professionals who work on or are involved in projects but do not supervise them. Both certificates also offer a direct path to a career in project management by being qualified prerequisites for a BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management.

The 10552NAT Certificate III in Project Administration is considered an entry-level qualification for aspiring project administrators. It is ideal for learners who do not yet have any experience working on projects. However, it’s also beneficial for individuals who may already have said experience but are new to certain administrative responsibilities. This holds true for clerical staff members in charge of monitoring and reporting on projects as well.

Meanwhile, the BSB41515 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice is considered the intermediate-level project administrator certification. It is best pursued by professionals who already have some experience working on projects and are stepping up or being given greater responsibilities. It is also ideal for individuals who handle projects that require them to act as a liaison to clerical staff.

What Are the Advantages of Getting Certified?

Regardless of the qualification that you choose to pursue, successfully earning a certificate will be undeniably beneficial to your career. Here are the advantages that you can expect to gain:

A Step Up in Your Career

Becoming a certified project administrator takes you one step closer to a highly lucrative career in project management. After earning a 10552NAT Certificate III in Project Administration or BSB41515 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice, you may proceed to a BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management to become a certified project manager.

A Better Income

Earning a project administrator certification can allow you to charge more for your services. The 10552NAT Certificate III in Project Administration and BSB41515 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice are both nationally-recognised qualifications. Professionals that possess them can command salaries from anywhere between $60,000 to $80,000 annually.

A Job That’s in High Demand

Project administrators are in extremely high demand. In fact, organisations will require 87.7 million skilled professionals that possess knowledge and experience in project management and project management-related roles by 2027, according to a Project Management Institute report.

Indeed, attaining the relevant certifications can put you in a prime position for career growth, whether you choose to stay with your current organisation or seek employment opportunities elsewhere. It also makes you highly marketable, opening many doors that may otherwise be beyond your reach if you weren’t certified. Project administration credentials such as the aforementioned certificates can also strengthen your resume and make you more attractive to HR managers and employers.

A Set of Marketable Skills

While earning these qualifications, you’ll learn many useful skills that you can use to your advantage, even if you don’t end up pushing through with a career in project management. Some of the skills that you’ll learn include better time management and resource allocation as well as improved communication and negotiation skills. You’ll also master how to work with various information systems and gain project management software proficiency along the way.

Proof of Your Expertise and Hard Work

Finally, getting certified in project administration validates and formalises your skills and experience. After all, earning these qualifications is no small feat, as they require a significant amount of coursework. But once you’re done, you will come out the other side with tangible proof of your abilities and proficiency in the field.

While it is possible to become a Project Administrator without the relevant credentials, earning the right qualifications and getting certified can be remarkably advantageous, regardless of your current role. We encourage you to take a look at Priority Management’s training course pages on 10552NAT Certificate III in Project Administration and BSB41515 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice to learn more about how we can help you get started.

If you are ready to formalise your project management skills, check out our accredited training courses.