Project Management Qualifications: The Definitive Guide
We have created a comprehensive guide to the vast range of project management qualifications available. This page will give you all of the information you need about APM, PRINCE2® and PMI qualifications, helping you to navigate through the options and choose the course that works best for you.
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
For those new to project management.
APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
For project managers who want to control projects better.
APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
For experienced project managers who want to advance their career.
APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)
For project professionals who want to gain chartered status.
Introduction
If you are involved in projects or project management then you already know that there are many professional qualifications available for people at different levels of experience. Project management is a fast-growing profession in which qualified project managers are much in demand. This demand is expected to grow, and the PMI expects there will be nearly 22 million new jobs by 2027 in project-oriented sectors.
Regardless of your current career stage and existing project management experience a professional project management qualification will distinguish you in the job market and improve your ability to deliver successful projects effectively.
It is well known that qualifications can boost your career prospects and your salary and provide access to new opportunities and professional roles. However, different countries, industries and organisations value specific credentials more highly than others. Some certifications test knowledge, others assess competence or performance; many require pre-existing qualifications and experience. Some certifications, such as PRINCE2®, describe a step-by-step method to deliver projects. Other qualifications, such as those from PMI and APM, are knowledge- and competence-based. So, the decision about which project management certification to choose is not always straightforward.
Training courses that lead to project management qualifications are a significant commitment of time and money. Once you go beyond the foundation level, most involve a substantial amount of reading and preparation before the course. During the course itself, further revision and exam preparation is often necessary. To pass a project management exam and reap the benefits of a recognised credential, candidates will need to choose wisely and prepare thoroughly. In this guide, we have set out most of the current options for you. If you would like to discuss the best option for you, please do get in touch.
The key certification bodies
Association for Project management
The Association for Project Management (APM), based in the UK, is the only chartered body for the project profession. It offers internationally recognised professional project management qualifications that are valued across a wide range of industries and organisations. They primarily focus on UK organisations, with some representation overseas. Projects are carried out using the APM approach in colleges and universities, international engineering and technology companies, government departments and major organisations. These include Admiral Group PLC, Balfour Beatty Plc, Capita IT Professional Services, BAE Systems, BT, GSK, Costain, MoD, Network Rail, Mace, Arcadis, BAA, Shell and Siemens. Click here for a full list.
The APM is the UK member of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), the global professional body for project, programme and portfolio management.
The Project Management Institute
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a USA-based project management organisation with over 500,000 members around the world. There are more than half a million PMI certification holders worldwide and they work in every industry, from healthcare, telecommunications and finance to IT and construction.
A PMI certification provides:
- An unbiased way of validating your knowledge and professional experience.
- PMI certification is not tied to any one specific methodology, industry or region. A PMI certification can move and adapt with your career.
- Competitive advantage. Many certification holders achieve salary increases, career advancement opportunities and employer recognition.
- It emphasises your commitment to professional growth. By earning and then maintaining a PMI certification, you continue to develop your knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Certifications are developed by practitioners, upheld by rigorous standards, based on ongoing research and always reflect current industry practices.
Axelos
PRINCE2® is a widely recognised approach that offers best practice guidance on project management and a clear road map for the delivery of successful projects. It is used extensively by the UK Government and by private sector organisations in the UK and worldwide.
Since the beginning of 2014, PRINCE2® certifications have been managed by Axelos, a joint venture between the UK Government and Capita.
Essential features of PRINCE2 include:
- A focus on business justification
- A defined structure for the project management team
- A product-based planning approach
- Emphasis on dividing the project into manageable and controllable stages
Flexibility that can be applied at a level appropriate to the project
Step 1 Project Management
Introductory qualifications
While most project management qualifications have pre-requisites, there are introductory courses that enable new project managers, project team members or project support staff to gain a good, basic understanding of why structured project management is needed and how it is implemented.
Key Facts
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PFQ)
- PRINCE2® Foundation
- PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
- CAPM
Study Options
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PFQ)Classroom
Virtual Training
Distance Learning
e-Learning - PRINCE2® FoundationClassroom
Distance Learning
e-Learning - PRINCE2® Agile FoundationClassroom
Distance Learning
e-Learning - CAPMClassroom
Distance Learning
e-Learning
Course Duration (classroom)
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PFQ)2 days
- PRINCE2® Foundation3 days
- PRINCE2® Agile Foundation3 days
- CAPM3 days
Exam Type & Duration
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PFQ)1 Hour multiple choice exam – 60 Questions
- PRINCE2® Foundation1 Hour multiple choice exam – 75 Questions
- PRINCE2® Agile Foundation1 Hour multiple choice exam – 50 Questions
- CAPM1 Hour multiple choice exam – 150 Questions
Pre-requisites
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PFQ)None
- PRINCE2® FoundationNone
- PRINCE2® Agile FoundationNone
- CAPMNone
The Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession, is a practical qualification for new project managers or members of project teams who want a better understanding of the processes, tools and language of project management.
There are no pre-requisites to attending a training course, so it is suitable for anyone involved in project work.
At the end of an APM PFQ course, you will be able to:
- Apply the fundamental principles of project management including:
- Defining the business case
- Establishing the scope for the project
- Drawing up a plan for delivery
- Identifying and managing risks
- Monitoring and tracking project progress
- Controlling change
- Be conversant with the words and language associated with project management.
- Understand how project management can enhance your effectiveness in your organisation.
The exam consists of a 1-hour multiple-choice paper comprising 60 questions.
The PRINCE2® Foundation qualification is designed for aspiring project managers, project team members and those supporting project work. You will gain a detailed understanding of the terminology and principles behind this structured project management method. PRINCE2® is the leading best-practice project management method that can be tailored to suit any type of working culture and any size of project in any industry.
At the end of a PRINCE2® Foundation course, you will be able to:
- Understand the need for project management.
- Understand how PRINCE2® meets that requirement.
- Understand the principles, themes and processes of PRINCE2®.
- Participate as an informed member of a PRINCE2® project team.
No prior qualifications or experience are required. This is typically a 3-day classroom course, but it is also available as a distance learning course. The exam is a 1-hour multiple-choice paper with 75 questions.
The PRINCE2® Agile Foundation qualification is designed for aspiring project managers, project team members and those supporting project work. The course helps them blend PRINCE2® management controls with agile techniques to deliver agile projects.
At the end of a PRINCE2® Agile Foundation course, you will be able to:
- Display a detailed understanding of the PRINCE2® governance requirements.
- Understand agile concepts and techniques such as Scrum and Kanban.
- Explore how the PRINCE2® method can be used with an agile approach.
No prior qualifications or experience are required. The exam is a 1-hour multiple-choice paper with 50 questions.
Training Courses that prepare candidates for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification are based on the essential PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). You will learn about each phase of a project from the PMBOK®.
At the end of a CAPM course you will be able to:
- Define the differences between project and operational work.
- List the key initiating activities that help determine whether to start and/or continue with a project.
- Create a detailed plan for the project which will include scope, time and cost baselines as well as the management strategies for the project.
- Outline the purpose of quality planning, assurance and control.
- Identify, analyse and manage project risks.
- List several reporting and control techniques that used to help manage the project.
- Define the interpersonal skills that will help engage and manage the team and other stakeholders.
- List the key activities that will bring the project to an orderly close.
The PMI do set pre-requisites for this qualification. You can apply with either 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education. You also need a secondary degree (high school diploma) or higher in order to qualify.
The exam consists of a 1-hour multiple-choice paper with 150 questions.
Step 2: Knowledge-based project management qualifications
As people progress in their career, they often want a professionally recognised project management qualification. A knowledge-based course traditionally involves 35 hours of classroom study, plus some self-study and an assessment at the end of the course. To pass the test, you need to know theoretical project management principles (usually drawn from a body of knowledge or manual) reasonably well. They vary in required pre-requisites as described below.
Key Facts
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PMQ)
- APM PMQ for PRINCE2® Practitioners
- PMP
- PRINCE2® Practitioner
Study Options
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PMQ)Classroom
Virtual Training
Distance Learning
e-Learning - APM PMQ for PRINCE2® PractitionersClassroom
Distance Learning
e-Learning - PMPClassroom
Virtual Training
Distance Learning
e-Learning - PRINCE2® PractitionerClassroom
Virtual Training
Distance Learning
e-Learning
Course Duration (classroom)
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PMQ)5 days
- APM PMQ for PRINCE2® Practitioners3 days
- PMP5 days
- PRINCE2® Practitioner3 days
Exam Type & Duration
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PMQ)3-hour-15-minute written exam. Answer 10 from 16 questions.
- APM PMQ for PRINCE2® Practitioners2-hour written exam. Answer 6 from 10 questions
- PMP3-hour written exam
- PRINCE2® Practitioner2.5-hour multiple choice exam
Pre-requisites
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PMQ)2-3 years of project experience
- APM PMQ for PRINCE2® PractitionersCurrent PRINCE2® Practitioner certification
- PMP3-5 years managing projects (dependent on academic qualifications) plus 35 hours of relevant CPD or a CAPM certification.
- PRINCE2® PractitionerPRINCE2® Foundation or equivalent
APM PMQ: The APM Project Management Qualification is an internationally recognised qualification developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession. It is designed for those who see project management as a key part of their role. It establishes a solid foundation in project management behaviours, skills, processes and tools. It is ideal for those with a few years’ experience in project delivery, who are seeking to consolidate a structured approach to project management. It is the next career progression step for anyone holding the APM PFQ qualification.
Training courses are based on the 73 assessment criteria from the APM Body of Knowledge and at the end of a training course you will be able to:
- Confidently apply the principles of project management to your project including:
- Defining the different roles in a project
- Describing the difference between a project, programme and portfolio
- Understanding the impact of a volatile and ambiguous project context on success
- Understanding the different types of project lifecycle, including linear, iterative and hybrid and which is best for different types of project
- Developing a project business case
- Preparing a project management plan with the associated baselines including critical path, critical chain and agile approaches
- Describing the way in which project managers lead and develop teams including virtual teams
- Describe how to control a project including applying earned value management
- Explain how to procure external resources
- Explain how quality can be managed during project delivery
- Explain the benefits of project management to your organisation.
Applicants typically have some pre-existing project management knowledge, although this is not essential.
There is a 3-hour-15-minute written exam where candidates must answer 10 out of 16 questions.
This is an alternative route to gaining the APM’s flagship qualification, APM PMQ, designed for project managers who are already registered PRINCE2® Practitioners. It involves a shorter training course and a 2-hour exam rather than the 3-hour exam in recognition of the existing experience and knowledge of PRINCE2® practitioners.
APM PMQ develops knowledge and understanding beyond PRINCE2®, such as budgeting and cost management, conflict management and teamwork.
Training courses and the exam only cover the assessment criteria from the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition that are not covered by the PRINCE2® Practitioner qualification.
The benefits of this qualification:
- APM PMQ fills the knowledge gap beyond PRINCE2 Practitioner.
- Increased likelihood of project success.
- Enhanced recognition of project management capability.
Applicants typically have some pre-existing project management knowledge, although this is not essential.
There is a 2-hour written exam where candidates must answer ten out of sixteen questions.
Project Management Professional (PMP) training courses typically do not include the PMP exam, which needs to be booked directly with the PMI 3–4 weeks after the course. This will allow fuller preparation for the exam and maximise the chance of success.
PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the most widely recognised global project management qualification. PMP certification demonstrates that you have the experience, education and competency to successfully lead and direct complex projects. In addition to your knowledge of project management, it also takes account of your experience and evaluates your ability to take critical decisions in difficult situations.
Once you gain the PMP you must also commit to continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain the credential, which is one of the reasons the qualification is so highly regarded.
It is the perfect choice of qualification for those project managers who work, or aspire to work, in an international market.
At the end of a PMP training course, you will be able to describe in detail the PMI approach to project management as described by their PMBOK® and demonstrate how the PMI processes can be used to improve project management in your organisation.
Detailed pre-requisites for PMP certification
The PMP credential is designed for experienced project managers who are looking for recognition of their competence to deliver projects. The PMI have specific prerequisites depending on the level of academic qualification and experience in project management.
| Education | Project Management Experience | Project Management Training Contact Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A 4-year degree (or the global equivalent) | 3 years of experience leading and directing projects | 35 hours as provided by this PMP credential certification course |
| A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or the global equivalent) | 5 years leading and directing projects | 35 hours as provided by this PMP credential certification course |
This qualification provides a good understanding of how to apply the PRINCE2 method to projects to improve the chance of project success. Candidates learn how to prepare project plans using product-based planning techniques, how to undertake risk analysis and risk management for the project and how to implement quality control and change control techniques.
The exam consists of a challenging two-and-a-half hour multiple choice paper based on 9 project scenarios.
Candidate must have passed the PRINCE2 Foundation exam or hold an equivalent qualification before taking the practitioner exam although in practise many training providers run a single concurrent 5-day course covering both syllabuses.
Other qualifications that meet the pre-requisite requirements for PRINCE2 Practitioner are:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- IPMA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)
- IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
- IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
- IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)
Step 3: Application-based project management qualifications
At this level you will need to demonstrate that you have and can apply the principles of project management to projects of reasonable complexity. The assessment methods move from knowledge-based exams to interviews, assessment centres and application of skill to scenario-based case studies and interviews.
Key Facts
- APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ)
- PRINCE2® Professional
Study Options
- APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ)Classroom
Distance learning
e-learning - PRINCE2® ProfessionalClassroom
Distance learning
e-learning
Course Duration (classroom)
- APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ)Modular Programme
- PRINCE2® Professional2.5 days
Exam Type & Duration
- APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ)3-hour practical exam plus interview based on a portfolio of your projects
- PRINCE2® ProfessionalAssessment centre with simulated projects and observers
Pre-requisites
- APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ)APM PMQ or equivalent, or evidence of 3-5 years managing non-complex projects
- PRINCE2® ProfessionalYou must be a registered PRINCE2® practitioner
The APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ) is the next step from the APM for those people working towards Chartered Project Professional (ChPP). It is a recognised route towards ChPP. It develops and evaluates competence in the key areas for project managers. Using a multifaceted approach, it evaluates your overall capability to deliver medium-complexity projects.
The APM PPQ is assessed against three mandatory core modules which are essential to project management:
Professionalism and managing others
- Planning and control
- Governance
Plus one of three elective competencies:
- Project management
- Programme management
- Portfolio management
Each of the 6 modules has a syllabus containing the assessment criteria and learning outcomes.
The APM PPQ assessment is made up of a scenario assessment, an oral assessment and a written assessment. All of the assessments take place on one day and take a total of 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Pre-requisites
Typically, you will:
- Have 3–5 years’ experience as a project professional successfully delivering projects.
- Already hold the APM PFQ or APM PMQ qualifications, although this is not a pre-requisite.
The PRINCE2® Professional qualification is the next level for PRINCE2® Practitioners and is the highest level of the PRINCE2® qualifications. This level tests a project manager’s ability to manage a PRINCE2® project across all aspects of the project life cycle.
There is no exam; instead, a candidate takes part in a 2-and-a-half-day residential assessment at an assessment centre. During that time, candidates work in groups of 3–4 people on a project while being observed by a qualified evaluator. Candidates also have an individual interview and need to submit written work.
You must be a registered PRINCE2® Practitioner and should have 1–2 years of real-world project experience before applying for the PRINCE2® Professional accreditation.
Step 4: Chartered Project Professional
Currently, this is the highest standard for project management professionals. To become an APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) you need to demonstrate that you have the competence and capability to deliver complex projects. Currently, this is the only project management standard at this level.
Key Facts
- APM Chartered Project Professional Standard (ChPP)
Study Options
- APM Chartered Project Professional Standard (ChPP)Coaching
Course Duration (classroom)
- APM Chartered Project Professional Standard (ChPP)2 separate 1-day workshops
Exam Type & Duration
- APM Chartered Project Professional Standard (ChPP)Written submission, interview and CPD log. The specific requirements will depend on your existing accreditations (recognised assessments).
Pre-requisites
- APM Chartered Project Professional Standard (ChPP)Hold a recognised assessment for technical knowledge.
OR
Hold a recognised assessment for technical knowledge and professional practice.
OR
No recognised assessment but meet eligibility criteria.
The APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard is a professional benchmark that demonstrates attainment of a defined level of technical knowledge, professional practice and ethical behaviour. Applicants are assessed against this benchmark to gain ChPP status and be included in the Register of Chartered Project Professionals.
There is no exam for the ChPP; instead, there is an application process followed by an interview, which varies in length and detail depending on a candidate’s existing qualifications (recognised assessment*) or prior experience.
The application process is designed to assess the following:
- Technical knowledge: advanced technical knowledge and understanding of how to deliver projects, programmes or portfolios.
- Professional practice: applying your knowledge to deliver projects, programmes or portfolios that have conflicting objectives or uncertainty and high levels of unpredictability or risk.
- Commitment: to professional ethics and continuing professional development (CPD).
Experienced project managers wishing to gain this coveted standard must submit a written portfolio of evidence detailing their on-the-job experience on complex projects and undergo an interview by 1 or 2 assessors.
The interview is compulsory for all applicants and is based on the information you submit in your application. The purpose of the interview is to explore and validate your written submission as well as assess your technical knowledge. The interviewer(s) will make their judgements based solely on the information in your application and your performance during the interview.
You must sit the interview within a year of receiving your successful written submission results.
*Visit the APM website for a list of recognised assessments.
Agile development
The focus of agile project management is on developing solutions incrementally, enabling project teams to react effectively to changing requirements, whilst empowering project personnel and encouraging increased collaboration and ownership.
Many people talk about agile development sitting alongside and complementing a project management approach. For example, PRINCE2® and APM approaches now include agile development techniques.
Key Facts
- APMG International AgilePM®
- PRINCE2® Agile™ Professional
- PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner)
Study Options
- APMG International AgilePM®Classroom
e-learning - PRINCE2® Agile™ ProfessionalClassroom
e-learning - PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner)Classroom
e-learning
Course Duration (classroom)
- APMG International AgilePM®4 days
- PRINCE2® Agile™ Professional3 days
- PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner)3-5 days
Exam Type & Duration
- APMG International AgilePM®Foundation: 40-minute multiple choice exam.
Practitioner: 2.5-hour written exam. - PRINCE2® Agile™ Professional2.5-hour multiple choice exam – 50 questions.
- PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner)3-hour multiple choice exam.
Pre-requisites
- APMG International AgilePM®Traditional project management knowledge and/or experience.
- PRINCE2® Agile™ ProfessionalPRINCE2® Foundation or Practitioner, PRINCE2® Agile Foundation, APM PMQ, CAPM, IPMA Level A, B, C, D
- PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner)Experience in agile project teams
The APMG International AgilePM® certification aims to address the needs of those working in a project-focused environment who want to combine the flexibility of an agile approach with a proven process for successful project delivery. It is well-suited for integration in a PRINCE2® project environment.
It is based on eight principles for effective agile project delivery:
- Focus on the business need
- Collaborate
- Build incrementally from firm foundations
- Communicate continuously and clearly
- Deliver on time
- Never compromise quality
- Develop iteratively
- Demonstrate control
The AgilePM® certification is aimed at aspiring and practising project managers, and at team members wishing to adopt a fast-paced, flexible and collaborative approach to project management whilst maintaining standards and rigour.
The exam consists of 2 parts:
- Foundation, which is a 40-minute multiple choice paper with 50 questions.
- Practitioner, which is a 2-and-a-half hour written exam in which 4 questions must be answered. In order to sit this exam, you must hold an AgilePM® Foundation Certificate.
PRINCE2® Agile™ is a solution combining the flexibility and responsiveness of agile with the clearly defined framework of PRINCE2®. It covers a wide range of agile concepts, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean Startup and Cynefin, and provides guidance on tailoring PRINCE2® in an agile context including:
- How to tailor the integrated set of PRINCE2® principles, themes and processes.
- How to produce the PRINCE2® management products.
- How to map the common agile roles to the PRINCE2® project management team structure.
- How to incorporate the fundamental agile behaviours, concepts and techniques into PRINCE2®.
The strength of PRINCE2® lies in the areas of project direction and project management whereas agile has a very strong focus on product delivery. When PRINCE2® and agile are combined, project direction, project management and project delivery are optimised to create a complete project management solution.
PRINCE2® Agile is an extension module tailored for forward-thinking organisations and individuals already benefiting from PRINCE2®. It provides further guidance on how to apply agile methods in a PRINCE2® project environment. The purpose of the qualification is to demonstrate that you can apply and tailor PRINCE2® Agile in a scenario situation.
As a pre-requisite, candidates must already hold a current PRINCE2® Practitioner qualification (i.e., have passed the PRINCE2® Practitioner or PRINCE2® Practitioner re-registration exam within the last 5 years).
The exam is a 2-and-a-half-hour multiple choice paper consisting of 50 questions.
The PMI-ACP® certification recognises knowledge of agile principles, practices and tools and techniques across agile methodologies, and is not limited to one agile approach. It spans many approaches to agile such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, extreme programming (XP) and test-driven development (TDD.)
The certification exam is 3 hours long and has 120 multiple-choice questions. To maintain your PMI-ACP®, you must earn 30 professional development units (PDUs) in agile topics every 3 years, to provide evidence of continued real-world, hands-on experience and skill.