When starting a new career in project management, one of the many questions I receive and would probably ask myself also, is, which course should I start first and which one is the best for me? Great question and we could discuss several other courses, however, we’ll look mainly at APM vs PRINCE2 in the blog, as these are the two most popular certifications at Career Smarter for project management. This blog will also provide you with a more in-depth understanding of how each certification fits into your journey of learning.
How do APM or PRINCE2 courses help my career?
Both accredited courses provide excellent knowledge and skills that your hiring manager will want to see when making a hiring decision. According to the APM, 93% of these employers prefer candidates with project management qualifications, with PRINCE2 and APM being one of the best choices. Furthermore, APM data shows that 95% of their community reported a positive impact in their career after completing a certification.
Statistic taken from the apm.org.uk website:
Who or What is APM?
Firstly, APM stands for Association for Project Management, a British professional organisation established in 1972, focused on helping project professionals in their career development. The APM is also the only project management organisation with a royal charter in the world, awarded in 2017.
Through the Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) and Project Management Qualification (PMQ) courses, the APM certification courses cover the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a project environment or manage a project. The real focus of these training courses is to develop and prepare you for the role, making sure you are job-ready, and have the confidence in your abilities to work as a project manager.
What is PRINCE2?
PRINCE2 is an analogy for PRojects IN Controlled Environments, and is the second version of PRINCE2. PRINCE2 was developed as a UK government standard for information systems projects and has been adopted by countries across the globe. If you’re based in the UK and would like to build a career in project management, this would be a certification difficult to avoid.
Have a look at how often "PRINCE2" is referenced on 454 "Project Manager" listed jobs in the UK.
PRINCE2 is a method that provides a structure for running projects. What is a method? It’s a set of guidelines and tools project managers typically follow to improve the success of a project. These guidelines will differ between the methods, some being more suited to certain industries or project types. PRINCE2, for instance, is more process-based and linear, meaning, you complete the next step once the current step is complete.
The Real Difference Between APM and PRINCE2
My APM vs PRINCE2 Analogy
If you wanted to become a great chef, you’d probably start learning how the kitchen works and understanding the role first. It wouldn't make the most sense to begin learning about a few recipes, right?
When it comes to APM vs PRINCE2, this is the key difference between the two. One is more focused on the teaching how to become a project manager, and all the skills and knowledge you will need to become job-ready. While PRINCE2, on the other hand, doesn't teach you about the project manager role, but rather about the PRINCE2 method specifically.
A Few Pros and Cons of APM (Association for Project Management)
Pros:
- Employability: APM certification is widely recognised by UK employers, making it easier when building credibility for new roles.
- Practical Skills: The focus for APM courses is the real-world application of the role, practical knowledge is essential when becoming a project manager.
- Networking: The APM is a large community, proving networking opportunities, and access to additional resources for ongoing learning.
Cons:
- Recognition Scope: The APM certifications may not be as well recognised globally as PRINCE2.
- The APM courses don’t confirm you can work in a PRINCE2 environment, as well as the PRINCE2 certifications will.
A Few Pros and Cons of PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments)
Pros:
- High Recognition: PRINCE2 is the de facto in the UK, and has a larger global presence, specifically in Europe.
- Relevant Knowledge: Although PRINCE2 lacks the role-specific knowledge, the job board data shows us the skills are relevant and demanded by employers.
Cons:
- Popularity: While having PRINCE2 can definitely help you get a job, it’s very popular and, on its own, wouldn't help you standout from other candidates.
- Role Knowledge: The certification doesn't teach you to be a project manager, it focuses on the PRINCE2 method.
Which course should you choose?
I'm New to Project Management — APM PFQ and PRINCE2
If you are fairly new to project management, meaning you have no professional experience or little knowledge of projects, my first certification would be the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ). I’d then complete my PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications, especially if I was based in the UK. PRINCE2 skills are within the top 5 most requested skills on job boards in the UK currently. From here, I’d be confident enough to start looking for my first project management role, something such as project administrator or project co-ordinator.
I Have Previous Experience in Project Management — APM PMQ and PRINCE2
If I had previous project management experience, had a project management job, but wanted to validate my skills, I’d complete my PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications first. Followed by, the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) certification. The PMI (Project Management Institute) did some research and found that PRINCE2-certified professionals on average were earning 20% more than their non-certified colleagues. So, to improve my earning potential, have options to move to other companies, increase my credibility, I’d earn those as a minimum.
Lastly, it’s not an APM vs PRINCE2 situation for me, they work hand in hand and should both be achieved as project managers look to certify their roles and skills. If you have any additional pros and cons for my list, please share them below.