Which Project Management Qualification Should I Study?

With so many options out there, a common question we hear is “Which project management qualification should I study?” As a training provider, we offer a variety of project management courses to suit different methodologies and preferences. When it comes to choosing which project management qualification to study, it’s important to understand which course is best suited to you and your organisation. APM, PRINCE2®, and AgilePM® qualifications do not compete against each other. Instead, they complement each other, providing a well-rounded skill set for project managers.

Association for Project Management (APM)

The APM syllabus is deliberately broad in its application and is therefore not limited to any specific industry or methodology. APM qualifications ensure knowledge and understanding in key areas and provide the foundation for using methodology like PRINCE2 or AgilePM. APM is the only organisation which is able to award Chartered Status, providing the benchmark for expertise and attainment within the profession.

PRINCE2®

PRINCE2 stands for Projects In Controlled Environments and is a methodology originally developed for the IT environment. It became more widely used in 1996 and has since undergone several improvements and evolutions. PRINCE2 is based on seven underlying principles which can be applied to all projects. These principles are used in conjunction with seven themes which describe the key aspects of project management; the business case, organisation, quality, plans, risk, change and progress.

AgilePM

The AgilePM qualification from AXELOS is the world’s leading Agile project management qualification. The course provides a thorough understanding of the DSDM Agile Project Management framework. Key benefits often attributed to the Agile methodology include improved revenue and speed to market, developing the right product/solution, and increased collaboration and customer satisfaction.

What’s the Difference?

If you study an APM qualification, the principles you will learn can be used in any environment and can be applied to any project management method. APM qualifications cover the tools and techniques of project management. The APM qualification is assessed across a range of learning outcomes covering topics including life cycles, scope management, scheduling, risk, teamwork, communications, and conflict management.

If you study a PRINCE2 or AgilePM qualification, you will learn how to apply the particular methodology and how it can be tailored to your environment. As a standalone qualification, PRINCE2 and AgilePM will provide you with valuable information about the way to establish and deliver a project, including best practice. However, these qualifications are the most useful if your organisation has already adopted and tailored PRINCE2 or Agile project management to its own needs.

Unlike APM, PRINCE2 and AgilePM qualifications do not cover the essential tools you will need to manage a project such as leadership, negotiation techniques, quality management, or in-depth planning and estimating techniques.

Which Project Management Qualification Should I Study?

1 – It depends on your work environment. If you work in an organisation that has adopted PRINCE2 or AgilePM as its method for project management, then these qualifications are your best choice. However, if you wish to learn about project management in any and all environments, then APM will be more useful.

2 – If possible, we highly recommend that you study multiple qualifications. PRINCE2 and AgilePM will provide you with an understanding of what to do and when, while APM will teach you how to carry out these activities most effectively.

We are always happy to have a chat regarding the best project management course for you. If you would like to speak to one of our experienced course advisors, please get in touch.