Three ways to grow as a project manager
Project managers usually need three things: a globally recognised credential, a solid grasp of standard project management practice, and practical scheduling skills. WiseLearner's PMP, ISO 21500 Lead Project Manager and MS Project courses cover each of these. This guide explains what each offers and how they work together.
The three courses compared
| Course | What it is | What you learn | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMP Exam Prep | PMI's Project Management Professional certification | People, process and business environment skills across predictive, agile and hybrid approaches | Experienced project managers seeking the most recognised global credential |
| ISO 21500 Lead Project Manager | Certification based on the ISO 21500 project management guidance | Planning, implementing, monitoring and improving projects using the international standard | Project, programme and operations managers in standards-driven organisations |
| MS Project 2016/2019 | Hands-on Microsoft Project training | Building task lists, resources, assignments, tracking progress and reporting | Project managers, coordinators and PMO staff who build schedules |
PMP: the global benchmark
PMP (Project Management Professional) from PMI is the world's most recognised project management certification. It shows you can lead projects using predictive, agile and hybrid approaches.
From July 2026, the PMP exam follows a new Examination Content Outline. As published by training providers at the time of writing, the exam has 180 questions in 240 minutes, and the domains are weighted People 33%, Process 41% and Business Environment 26%. The Business Environment domain now carries much more weight, reflecting strategy, value, governance and sustainability. Always confirm the latest details with PMI before booking.
To apply, you need project management experience and 35 contact hours of project management education. WiseLearner's coordinators review your experience to confirm eligibility before you apply.
ISO 21500 Lead Project Manager
ISO 21500 gives high-level guidance on project management concepts and processes that form good practice. The Lead Project Manager course teaches you to plan, implement and evaluate projects using this international standard. The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes, taken online, with a 66% pass mark. It suits organisations that align their project methods with ISO standards, and professionals who already work with ISO 9001 or ISO 27001.
MS Project
Most project managers use only a fraction of what Microsoft Project can do. The 2-day course is about 80% hands-on practice: building plans, setting up and assigning resources, tracking progress and fine-tuning schedules. It works well alongside PMP or PRINCE2, turning planning theory into a working schedule. The official Microsoft exam for this product has been retired, so this is a skills course rather than a certification.
Which course should you take?
| Your goal | Course |
|---|---|
| The most recognised project management credential | PMP |
| Align projects with ISO standards | ISO 21500 Lead Project Manager |
| Build and track schedules confidently | MS Project |
| Run projects with a defined method | PRINCE2 |
| Manage agile projects at scale | SAFe certifications |
For PRINCE2, MSP and P3O, see our guide to the PRINCE2 family.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the new PMP exam?
From July 2026, published guidance describes 180 questions in 240 minutes. Confirm the current format with PMI before you book.
Do I need experience for PMP?
Yes. PMI requires project management experience plus 35 contact hours of project management education. WiseLearner can review your experience before you apply.
What is the difference between PMP and ISO 21500?
PMP is a credential from PMI that tests broad knowledge and experience. ISO 21500 is an international guidance standard; the Lead Project Manager certification shows you can apply it.
Is there an MS Project certification exam?
The Microsoft MS Project certification exam has been retired. The WiseLearner course focuses on hands-on scheduling skills.
Should I take PMP or PRINCE2?
PMP is broadly recognised worldwide and tests experience. PRINCE2 is a practical method, popular in the UK, Europe and with many government and IT services clients. Many project managers hold both.
Is PMP training available online?
Yes. WiseLearner runs live, instructor-led online PMP batches, plus classroom options in Hyderabad and corporate batches.
Advance your project management career
Choose the course that fits your goal, or call +91 99084 55513 for advice and the next batch dates.
