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How to Become an IT Project Manager
A hybrid skillset featuring organizational leadership, communication, and technical acumen sets a strong foundation for a career as an IT project manager.
Find a unique career pathway helping IT teams navigate the implementation of business solutions
The role of the IT project manager (IT PM) is critical in today's digital world. IT PMs bridge the gap between technical teams and business objectives, ensuring that IT projects—from software implementation and system upgrades to cloud migration—are delivered successfully, on time, and within budget.
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to pivot into IT project management, or you’re just starting your career, here is the information you need about skill, certifications, and career pathways needed to become an IT project manager.
What are the basic duties and responsibilities of an IT project manager?
An IT project manager plans, executes, and oversees tech projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and meet all identified objectives. They are responsible for managing resources, leading project teams, and communicating with stakeholders to achieve the project's goals.
Examples of projects IT PMs manage include:
- Software and app development
- Hardware installations
- Network upgrades and infrastructure management
- Cloud computing and virtualization rollouts
- Cybersecurity and data protection initiatives
- System and software implementation
- Business analytics and data management
While specific duties vary by industry, the core responsibilities of an IT project manager include:
- Planning: Develop project plans, outline goals, and create schedules to track progress.
- Resource management: Allocate resources, including budget and staff, and delegate assignments to team members.
- Execution: Manage the day-to-day execution of the project, ensuring it stays on track.
- Leadership: Lead and motivate the project team and supervise project members.
- Communication: Act as the main point of contact for stakeholders, providing updates and managing expectations.
- Risk management: Identify potential risks and obstacles and develop mitigation strategies.
- Budgeting: Develop and manage the project budget to ensure the project stays within financial constraints.
- Quality assurance: Monitor project progress and quality, and report on performance metrics.
Advanced IT project manager duties
Beyond the core responsibilities, today’s IT PMs are often tasked with applying specialized skills to navigate complex projects and keep pace with industry advancements.
- Agile project management: Use Scrum or Kanban methodologies to manage backlogs, facilitate events (sprints), and ensure rapid, continuous delivery.
- Change management: Manage stakeholder resistance and craft strategies for the lasting adoption of project deliverables.
- Business analytics: Drive data-driven decision-making using programming, modeling, and data visualization to interpret complex data.
- AI and emerging technology: Utilize AI to increase project efficiency and predictability; address ethical implications and data privacy.
- Global project management: Navigate cultural nuances and regulatory landscapes; embed sustainability principles (ESG) throughout the project lifecycle.
In addition to these technical skills, it’s important for IT managers to have soft skills—like time management, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. These qualifications can help them manage teams and projects effectively.
What IT certifications are relevant for IT project managers?
Certifications can help you stand out as an IT PM by demonstrating your expertise. They can also help boost your earning potential. Five key certifications for IT project managers include:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Demonstrates to employers an understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes of effective project management. The CAPM can be especially helpful to those early in their career.
- PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP): Validates specialized expertise in assessing, identifying, and mitigating project risks.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM):
- PMP and CAPM are considered the “gold standard” in project management. A CAPM is typically chosen by people starting out in their project management career, while PMP certification is sought by more experienced project managers.
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP): Focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in cost engineering, including estimating, forecasting, and cost control for projects.
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): Demonstrates proficiency in Agile principles, practices, and tools across methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, often for teams working in rapidly changing environments.
- PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA): Certifies the ability to work with stakeholders to define business needs, shape project outputs, and drive successful business outcomes through effective requirements management.
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Career pathways to become an IT project manager
Whether you’re an experienced IT professional or just beginning your career in tech, you can start your path toward a career in IT project management from a few different directions.
Pathway 1: Current IT professionals
If you’re already a software developer, programmer, or help desk/computer technician, the knowledge you’ve gained in these jobs can help you transition to a new career as an IT project manager.
- Leverage technical knowledge: Highlight your deep understanding of IT and use it in project management within your current company.
- Build leadership skills: Seek out opportunities to lead small projects, serve as a Scrum Master, or run meetings.
- Earn a certification: Certifications like the CSM or PMI-ACP are especially valuable, because they immediately demonstrate your ability to manage software delivery teams.
- Earn an IT degree: Pursuing an IT degree can help prepare you for the “gold standard” certifications like PMP and CAPM.
Pathway 2: Current project managers interested in IT
If you’re an experienced PM but lack an IT background, focus on building IT-specific knowledge.
- Earn an IT-focused degree: If you don’t have a degree, or you have a non-technical degree, earning a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in IT can offer you a solid introduction to the world of tech. Classes such a network fundamentals and system administration can provide you a strong foundational IT education.
Many programs are online with flexible options. This means you can work while building skills in information technology and moving toward a career in IT project management. You may even be able to transfer credits, enabling you to earn your IT-focused degree faster.
- Look for entry-level opportunities: Junior roles in tech service and support can provide a great introduction to IT project management. These positions offer invaluable exposure to technical teams, project tools, and stakeholder communication.
Pathway 3: Those completely new to the field
If you don’t have any IT or project management experience, but want to build a career in the field, earning a degree is a good first step.
- Earn your degree: Earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology or project management is the most common and direct path. IT program courses can provide both theoretical and practical IT knowledge.
- Gain work experience: Look for positions such as IT project coordinator, IT project analyst, or IT support specialist, where you can get invaluable on-the-job training.
- Obtain a certification: The CAPM is specifically designed for those with limited or no project experience and helps demonstrate your expertise.
Start your path to a career in IT project management today
Ready to take the next step toward a career in IT project management?
Whether you are a seasoned professional pivoting into IT or just beginning your career, there are clear pathways—and programs—to help you achieve your goals. Our project management program emphasizes the modern, data-driven skillset to utilize emerging technologies and become highly valuable to prospective employers.
Learn more about our online project management degree program
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