In the ever-evolving field of project management, certifications have become a valuable asset, showcasing expertise and commitment to professional development. Two prominent players in this space are the Association for Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Let’s explore the strengths and nuances of each, helping you choose the certification that aligns best with your career goals.
APM qualifications
APM is the largest professional body for project management in Europe and offers a range of certifications with varying levels of expertise. They focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring learners are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in real-world project management scenarios.
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) provides a solid foundation in project management principles and terminology, and covers the key elements of the project management life cycle, including planning and scheduling, communication, teamwork, resource management, project risk management and project reviews.
Best for: Entry-level project managers or those wanting to enter the field
Prerequisites: None
Exam duration: 1h
Exam format: 60 multiple-choice questions
Exam fee:
- £231.60 for APM members
- £249.60 for non-APM members
APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is a highly recognized certification emphasising project management principles, techniques and best practices, and covers knowledge areas such as budgeting and cost management, conflict management, communication, leadership, negotiation, sponsorship and teamwork.
Best for: Mid-level project managers
Prerequisites: Some pre-existing project management knowledge
Exam duration: 2.5h
Exam format: 40 questions, mix of multiple response, select from list, short and long response questions
Exam fee:
- £471.60 for APM members
- £591.60 for non-APM members
APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
The APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) offers advanced levels of accreditation, validating a deeper understanding of project management practices, including effective leadership and management, governance and oversight, and planning and control.
Best for: Established project managers looking to advance their career
Prerequisites: Significant experience in managing and delivering complex projects
Exam duration: 2h 35m
Exam format: Scenario assessment, oral exam assessment and written assignment based on a pre-seen case study
Exam fee:
- £872.40 for APM members
- £992.40 for non-APM members
Why you should choose an APM certification
- Emphasis on competency: APM certifications focus on developing practical skills and competencies, ensuring that certified professionals can effectively apply project management principles in real-world scenarios.
- Flexibility: The modular structure of APM certifications allows professionals to tailor their certification path based on their experience and career objectives.
- Recognition: APM certifications are recognized globally, enhancing your credibility and marketability internationally.
PMI qualifications
PMI is a globally recognized organization that offers a range of certifications catering to different levels of project management expertise. PMI certifications are highly regarded in the industry and are known for their comprehensive and rigorous examination process.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® qualification validates foundational knowledge of project management principles, terminology, and processes, including predictive project management, agile principles and business analysis.
Best for: Entry-level project managers or those wanting to enter the field
Prerequisites:
- Secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, GED (general educational development), or global equivalent
- Minimum 23 hours of project management education completed before the exam (PMI’s on-demand CAPM Exam Prep course can help fulfil this requirement)
Exam duration: 3h
Exam format: 150 multiple-choice questions
Exam fee:
- $225 for PMI members
- $300 for non-PMI members
Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification
Considered the gold standard of project management qualifications, the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is globally recognized and showcases an individual’s expertise in project management processes and techniques.
Best for: Mid-level project managers
Prerequisites:
- High school or secondary school diploma
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading and managing projects within the past 8 years
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification (PMI’s on-demand PMP Exam Prep course can help fulfil this requirement)
or
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, or global equivalent
- 3 years of experience leading and managing projects within the past 8 years
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification (PMI’s on-demand PMP Exam Prep course can help fulfil this requirement)
or
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, or global equivalent, from a GAC accredited program
- 2 years of experience leading and managing projects within the past 8 years
- 35 hours of project management education/training (GAC core project management course work is pre-approved to fulfill this requirement)
Exam duration: 4.5h
Exam format: 180 questions (5 unscored pretest questions, 175 scored questions)
Exam fee:
- $405 for PMI members
- $655 for non-PMI members
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®
The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® qualification recognizes proficiency in a range of agile principles and practices, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, equipping you to lead agile teams, enhance collaboration and drive project success through iterative and incremental methodologies.
Best for: Project managers working in Agile environments and looking to demonstrate their proficiency in Agile methodologies
Prerequisites:
- Secondary degree
- 21 contact hours of training in agile practices
- 12 months of general project experience within the last 5 years (a current Project Management Professional (PMP®) or Program Management Professional (PgMP®) would satisfy this requirement but is not required)
- 8 months of agile project experience within the last 3 years
Exam duration: 3h
Exam format: 120 questions
Exam fee:
- $435 for PMI members
- $495 for non-PMI members
Why you should choose a PMI certification
- Industry recognition: The PMP certification is globally recognized and respected, often viewed as a symbol of excellence in project management.
- Comprehensive body of knowledge: PMI certifications, particularly PMP, cover a broad spectrum of project management knowledge, ensuring certified professionals have a well-rounded skill set.
- Network and resources: PMI provides a vast network of professionals and resources, fostering continuous learning and development throughout your career.
Choosing the right certification for you
The decision between APM and PMI certifications ultimately depends on your career goals, experience level, and the specific skills you aim to develop. Here are a few things to consider:
- Recognition and reputation: PMI certifications, especially the PMP, have a higher level of global recognition compared to APM qualifications. This might be advantageous if you plan to work internationally or join organizations that prioritize PMI credentials.
- Focus and specialization: APM qualifications are known for their balanced approach, covering a wider range of project management concepts. PMI certifications, on the other hand, offer specialized credentials, such as PMI-ACP for Agile-focused project managers.
- Examination and eligibility: PMI certifications generally require more work experience and rigorous examination preparations compared to APM qualifications which may be a more suitable option for those who are relatively new to project management.
In the dynamic world of project management, both APM and PMI certifications offer valuable opportunities for professional growth. Carefully assess your career trajectory, preferences, and learning style to make an informed decision. Remember, the best certification is the one that aligns with your unique aspirations and empowers you to excel in your project management journey.
Whichever path you choose, investing in continuous learning and skill development will undoubtedly boost your career prospects in the dynamic field of project management.
This post was previously published on Medium.com.