How to choose the right Project Management Certification

Posted on:

How to choose the right Project Management Certification

Here’s an overview of the PRINCE2©, Agile Project Management, Change Management, and APM Project Management Qualifications:

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments):

  • Focus: PRINCE2 is a structured project management method that emphasizes control and organization. It provides a framework for dividing projects into manageable stages with defined roles and responsibilities.
  • Methodology: PRINCE2 is process-driven and offers a step-by-step guide to project management. It divides projects into stages, each with its own set of processes to ensure proper planning, execution, and monitoring.
  • Suitability: PRINCE2 is often used in industries where projects are complex and have a defined structure, such as construction and engineering. It is also widely recognized in government projects.
  • Exam: Foundation and Practitioner – Multiple choice – 55%
  • Pass rate: Good
  • Updates: There’s been a big update on PRINCE2 during 2023 to PRINCE2 version 7.
  • IPSO FACTO offers: FREE Foundation and Practitioner exam resits worth several hundred pounds.

Agile Project Management (AgilePM):

  • Focus: Agile is an iterative and flexible approach to project management, promoting collaboration and adaptability. It prioritizes customer satisfaction through the continuous delivery of small, incremental project components.
  • Methodology: Agile uses an iterative development cycle, allowing for changes and adjustments throughout the project’s life-cycle. It values customer feedback, responding to changing requirements quickly and efficiently.
  • Suitability: Agile is well-suited for industries where the project scope is likely to change, such as software development. It’s increasingly popular in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
  • Exam: Foundation and Practitioner – Multiple choice – 50%
  • Pass rate: Excellent

Change Management:

  • Focus: Change Management focuses on the people side of project implementation. It aims to minimize resistance to organizational change and maximize the positive impact on employees.
  • Methodology: Change Management involves strategies to guide individuals and teams through the process of change. This includes communication, training, and support to ensure that employees are ready and willing to adopt new processes or technologies.
  • Suitability: Change Management is crucial for projects that involve significant organizational change, like new technology implementations, mergers, or restructuring.
  • Exam: Foundation and Practitioner – Multiple choice – 50%
  • Pass rate: Excellent

APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (APM PFQ):

  • Focus: The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification centres around fundamental project management principles and practices. It provides a focused exploration of key aspects of the project life cycle and imparts essential skills for successful project delivery.
  • Methodology: Specifically designed for foundational project management, the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification introduces a range of methodologies, allowing for adaptability in application. It places emphasis on core principles such as leadership, effective communication, and the integration of technical and business skills.
  • Suitability: Ideal for individuals entering the field of project management or those seeking a solid foundation, the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification is suitable across various industries. It ensures a foundational understanding of project management principles and offers flexibility to align with different project management methodologies as needed.
  • Exam: Multiple choice – 60%
  • Pass rate: Excellent

APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ):

  • Focus: The Association for Project Management (APM) qualification covers a broad spectrum of project management principles and practices. It focuses on the end-to-end project life-cycle and the various skills required for successful project delivery.
  • Methodology: APM covers a range of project management methodologies, allowing flexibility in its application. It emphasizes leadership, communication, and the integration of technical and business skills.
  • Suitability: APM is suitable for a wide range of industries and projects. It provides a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and can be tailored to various project management methodologies.
  • Exam: 2 or 3 hour option. 2 hours if Prince2 Practitioner qualified – Written answers using a very specific technique – 55%
  • Pass rate: Above average

Considerations for your decision:

  • Project Type: Consider the nature of the projects you will be involved in. If they are more predictable and require a structured approach, PRINCE2 might be suitable. For dynamic and changing projects, Agile may be a better fit.
  • Organizational Culture: Take into account the culture of the organization. Some organizations prefer a more traditional, structured approach, while others embrace flexibility and adaptability.
  • Personal Preference and Skills: Consider your own working style and strengths. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, Agile might align well with your preferences. If you excel in structured, organized settings, PRINCE2 could be a good fit.

Ultimately, the best qualification depends on your career goals, the type of projects you’ll be working on, and your preferred approach to project management. It’s also common for professionals to blend aspects of different methodologies based on the specific needs of their projects.

Back