PRINCE2, APM or PMI: Choose the best project management qualifications

Commonly considered the 3 best approaches to project management - PRINCE2, APM and PMI - require varying amounts of training and study and have different levels of professional accreditation.

A question commonly asked by prospective project management practitioners is:

'What are the best project management qualifications for me?'

The answer to this is dependent on factors such as:

• Your prior experience in project management (if any)
• Your academic qualifications
• The business sector or industry in which you work
• The type of organisation in which you work
• Where in the world you are based

You also need to consider how much time and effort you are prepared to dedicate to achieving a project management qualification and whether you see yourself progressing through a series of certifications with Continuing Professional Development (CPD), or if you simply require basic accreditation through a short project management course to demonstrate your skill and commitment as a PM to potential new employers. 

Whatever route you do decide to take, there is no doubt that acquiring a recognised professional qualification is one of the main benefits of project management training. It will help to advance your career and open up opportunities for you in many organisations, business sectors and industries which expect a project manager to be suitably qualified in addition to having the relevant experience.

Infographic: Project Management Certifications in the UK

PRINCE2 Qualifications

PRINCE2 is a popular project management methodology that is widely used in the UK public sector and some private sector organisations. The PRINCE2 framework is a structured, process-based approach to project management that is based on the collective experience of project management practitioners. The framework is flexible and can be tailored to any type of project, using four integrated elements: principles, themes, processes, and the project environment.

There are 7 PRINCE2 principles, which include learning from experience, managing by stages and focusing on products. There are also 7 themes, which describe aspects of project management, such as quality, risk and change; and 7 processes, which are steps in the project lifecycle such as initiating, controlling, managing and closing a project.

It is a valuable qualification for individuals new to project management, but the difficulty of obtaining a PRINCE2 qualification may vary depending on the individual's background and preparation.

APM Project Management

The Association for Project Management (APM) is a UK-based professional organisation that provides a structured approach to developing project management competencies and advancing careers in the field. The APM approach is based on two key resources: the Body of Knowledge (BoK) and Competence Framework.

The APM BoK is a guide that covers the context, people, delivery, and interfaces of projects in 57 separate topics. The Competence Framework is based on detailed research and the knowledge of experienced PM practitioners. It provides a clear set of standards across three domains: technical, behavioral, and contextual, which constitute 47 individual competencies.

The APM offers a range of qualifications, starting with the optional APM Introductory Certificate and progressing through the APMP, their most widely recognised certification, to the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) designation, which is the highest level of professional recognition offered by the APM.

The APM approach is commonly used in the UK in industries such as rail, construction, defense, and local government, and is recognised globally through its alignment with the International Project Management Institute (IPMA). 

PMI Qualifications

The Project Management Institute (PMI) also has a Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) forming the basis of its underlying principles, providing project managers with the essential tools and knowledge they require. The PMBOK is generally considered a global standard for project management and is based on the knowledge and experience of volunteer committees and PM practitioners.

The main PMI certification, the PMP, is considered one of the hardest qualifications to obtain and has the most stringent pre-requisites, which are one of:

• A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or global equivalent) with at least 5 years of PM experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.
• A 4-year degree (bachelor’s degree or global equivalent) and at least 3 years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The PMP certification is recognised around the world so is an ideal qualification if you are, or plan to be, working for a multi-national organisation or if you are based in the USA. According to PMI's own Project Management Salary Survey holding a PMP not only makes you more marketable to employers but also leads to a higher salary.

That is a brief overview of the 3 best project management qualifications to help you make the best decision on which approach to follow to develop your own career in the project management profession.

For more help, see findcourses Top 10 recommended Project Management Courses