How to choose the best project management certification
Project management certifications help professionals develop recognised skills, demonstrate knowledge and build credibility in roles responsible for delivering projects, programmes and business change initiatives.
This guide explores the most widely recognised project management certifications available, helping you to understand the best qualification for your role.
What is a project management certification?
A project management certification is a credential awarded by a recognised professional body that validates an individual's project management knowledge, skills or ability to apply a particular methodology.
Which project management certification is right for you?
The right certification depends on your experience level, career goals and professional responsibilities.
If you're new to project management
CAPM®
An entry-level certification from PMI that introduces core project management concepts, terminology and delivery approaches. It's ideal for aspiring project managers, project coordinators and professionals looking to build a recognised foundation in project management.
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
A beginner-friendly qualification that provides an understanding of project management principles, processes and terminology. PFQ is often used as a starting point for those exploring a career in project delivery.
PRINCE2 Foundation
Introduces the PRINCE2 methodology and provides an understanding of how projects can be governed, controlled and managed using a structured framework. Suitable for individuals who are new to project management or working within project teams.
These certifications help build foundational project management knowledge and are often suitable for those entering the profession.
For experienced project managers
PMP®
One of the world's most recognised project management certifications, PMP is designed for experienced professionals responsible for leading projects and delivering business outcomes across a range of industries.
APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
A comprehensive qualification that develops practical project management knowledge across areas such as planning, governance, leadership, risk and stakeholder management. Widely recognised within the UK.
PRINCE2 7 Practitioner
Builds on PRINCE2 Foundation by focusing on how the PRINCE2 methodology can be applied and tailored within real project environments.
For programme or change managers
PRINCE2® Programme Management Foundation and Practitioner (formerly MSP)
A programme management framework focused on coordinating multiple related projects to deliver strategic business change and organisational transformation.
PRINCE2® Portfolio Management Foundation and Practitioner (formerly MOP)
Helps organisations prioritise, govern and manage portfolios of projects and programmes to ensure investment decisions align with strategic objectives and business value.
These certifications focus on coordinating multiple projects and aligning delivery with strategic objectives.
For project managers in agile environments
AgilePM®
Combines Agile delivery practices with governance and control, helping organisations deliver projects in fast-moving and evolving environments.
Agile and scrum certifications
Alongside traditional project management qualifications, experienced PMs working in agile environments may also benefit from dedicated scrum and agile qualifications, such as Certified Scrum Master or Lean Six Sigma.
For futureproofing your project management career
QA Certificate in AI-Enabled Project Management
Explore how AI is transforming project delivery, helping project professionals understand how to use AI tools to improve planning, decision-making, risk management, stakeholder communication and project execution. It's designed for project managers who want to develop practical skills for managing projects in an increasingly AI-enabled workplace.
What are the most sought-after project management certifications?
PMP® certification
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI is one of the world's most recognised project management credentials.
Best suited for:
- Experienced project managers
- Programme delivery professionals
- Transformation leaders
Topics covered include:
- Project leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Delivery methodologies
- Business value and outcomes
PRINCE2® certification
PRINCE2 is a globally recognised project management methodology used across a wide range of sectors.
Certification levels include:
PRINCE2 Foundation
Introduces the PRINCE2 framework and terminology.
PRINCE2 Practitioner
Focuses on applying PRINCE2 within real-world project environments.
PRINCE2 Agile
Combines PRINCE2 governance with Agile delivery approaches.
APM Qualifications
The Association for Project Management (APM) offers several recognised qualifications.
APM PFQ
An introductory qualification covering project management fundamentals.
APM PMQ
A broader project management qualification for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge.
AgilePM®
AgilePM focuses on Agile project delivery and governance.
It is commonly pursued by professionals working in fast-moving delivery environments that require flexibility and iterative planning.
How to choose the best project management certification
There is no single "best" project management certification. The right choice depends on your experience, responsibilities and career ambitions.
Experience level
Different certifications are designed for different stages of a project management career.
Career goals
Some certifications focus on project delivery, while others support programme or portfolio leadership.
Industry requirements
Some organisations may adopt specific methodologies or frameworks.
Geographic recognition
Certain qualifications have stronger recognition in specific markets.
Project delivery environment
Consider whether your organisation uses traditional, Agile or hybrid delivery approaches.
Long-term progression
Think about where you want your career to go and whether a certification supports future qualifications and development opportunities.
Project management certification training with QA
QA helps project professionals build real-world skills and achieve recognised certifications from leading bodies including PMI®, PeopleCert® and APM®.
With expert-led project management training, flexible learning options and pathways from foundation-level certifications through to advanced programme and portfolio management qualifications, we support every stage of your project management career.
Project management certification training
Explore the most sought after project management certifications, with courses delivered by our team of experienced project management experts.
Why get a project management certification?
Demonstrate project management knowledge
Certifications provide evidence that you understand recognised project management practices and approaches.
Build confidence in project delivery
Structured learning helps professionals develop skills in planning, governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and delivery.
Support career progression
Many organisations value recognised project management credentials when recruiting or developing project professionals.
Develop skills for business transformation
As organisations increasingly adopt new technologies, digital transformation programmes and AI-enabled initiatives, project delivery skills remain critical.
Gain an industry-recognised credential
Professional certifications can help demonstrate commitment to continuous development and professional standards.
What does a project manager do?
Project managers are responsible for helping organisations deliver change successfully.
Their role typically involves planning, organising and coordinating activities while ensuring projects achieve their objectives.
Planning projects
Defining goals, scope, timelines and resources.
Managing budgets and resources
Coordinating people, technology and financial resources throughout a project lifecycle.
Working with stakeholders
Communicating with sponsors, leadership teams, customers and project teams.
Managing risk and change
Identifying potential risks and responding to issues as projects evolve.
Delivering business outcomes
Ensuring projects achieve the intended benefits and support organisational objectives.
What is the best project management certification for beginners?
Common starting points include CAPM®, APM PFQ and PRINCE2 Foundation, depending on individual goals and preferred learning pathways.
Can I hold more than one project management certification?
Many project professionals combine certifications throughout their careers to develop expertise in project delivery, programme management, Agile approaches and leadership.
Do project management certifications expire?
Some certifications require ongoing professional development or renewal, while others do not. Requirements vary by awarding body.
Let's talk
Start your digital transformation journey today
Contact us today via the form or give us a call
