Project Management Certifications

Arras People regularly receives phone calls and enquiries from candidates in relation to project management qualifications. Some of the most common questions we receive are:

• Which course would you recommend for someone new to project management?
• Are there any books I should be reading?
• I’ve completed my PRINCE2 training now, how do I find a job?

In this guide we give some opinions, and share our own experiences within project management, and suggest qualifications which can be taken to underpin practical project management skills and experience. This guide makes no recommendation on training course providers, and candidates undertaking qualifications should thoroughly research training providers before commencing any course.

There are three main project management qualifications in the project management marketplace today.

• APM Certifications
• APMG Certifications
• PMI_^® Certifications

There are also MSc postgraduate degrees available, project management accreditations within a particular sector, like IT, are available through the British Computer Society and a large number of project management courses, which do not lead to a recognised "qualification", but do cover topics within the project management skillset.

More about these courses and qualifications later.

Before booking on a course and spending £££ and time, you should really think about what outcome you're looking for. There are a lot of valid reasons:

• I've been working in the project management field for a while and now is the time to gain qualifications within my chosen profession.
• My line manager thinks I should gain a qualification in my profession to help me in my professional development.
• I think I'll benefit from learning the theoretical side of project management and this will complement my practical knowledge and experience.
• My organisation wants "professional project managers" and qualifications are one step to achieve that.
• I need help in a specific area of project management—my skills gap/s needs addressing.
• I'd like to learn more about how other project managers manage and other organisation's approaches to project management.
• I've worked within many project management frameworks but I don't have a piece of paper that says I know what I'm doing.
• I'd like to gain work within the public sector and need the PRINCE2 / MSP tick in the box.
• I have "some" experience in project management and have enjoyed it, and now I want to stay within the project management field and take my career forward.

All valid reasons for undertaking a project management qualification.

For candidates with no formal previous experience in a project management role, project management training and qualifications can give a good insight to the key technical areas of project management and in some cases confirm what you already know or are doing on an informal basis.

Training alone won't guarantee a job

Many candidates looking for a career change into a project management job often look to training courses and qualifications as a first step. Don't!

Before spending money on a course, view our guide on career changes, you may find that now is not the right time to take a qualification and actually there are other options available to you which don't cost the earth.

Practical experience counts for a lot in the project management field—"been there and done it" can carry the weight of a hundred classroom based training courses!

Again, before booking on a course and spending £££ and time, you should really think about what outcome you're looking for. If it is solely about gaining employment in a field in which you have no previous experience you need to rethink your position to avoid frustrations further down the line when looking for a new role.
 

Entry level courses are aimed at people who have between 0 and 1 years experience within project management, there is one specific course (with qualifications), numerous courses provided by many training providers (no qualifications) and a specific course (with qualification) aimed at the IT market.

APM - Association for Project Management has the "Introductory Certificate" which takes 2 days with an exam included. Expect to pay approx £1000. Topics include:

• Planning and scheduling
• Communications
• Quality management
• Teamwork
• Resource management
• Risk management
• Handover
• Review

To take the course, a list of training providers are available on the website. For further advice on who to choose, see the section later in this guide "Choosing a Provider".

Also available at entry level is the PRINCE2 Overview (from APMG) which provides a one day overview with no examinations. This course is ideally suited to people who are not project personnel but are working in a project environment for a short period. This course is not mentioned by APMG (official website for PRINCE2) therefore contact training providers direct to enquire about the course. Expect to pay approx £300 for 1 day.

Courses available from training providers include titles such as "Introduction to Project Management". Most of these courses are following the APM Introductory Certificate theme and further details can be obtained by requesting a course breakdown to see the topics included.

The "Foundation in Project Management" from the British Computer Society - examining board ISEB - gives a Foundation Certificate as the qualification. This course is aimed at people working with IT project management, for further information on the qualification Expect to pay approx £700, depending on location, for 2 days.

For people looking for a cheaper alternative to attending a training course, some of the courses are available as exam only options. Essentially you are self taught through the use of the textbook and then pay to sit the examination. The downside to this option is that you miss out on the interactive learning available through classroom sessions with other people (often you pick up useful advice from other delegates which are not taught through the course!)

When reviewing training provider websites check to see if an exam only option is available to you.

A further option is distance learning-the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management is available through distance learning-expect to pay approx £350 which does not include the exam fee. Fees include content on CD and access to a personal tutor.

Before booking on the APM, APMG or ISEB courses, it is advised that you check the course outline to see if this is the course for you. You can also buy the textbooks before committing to the course itself.

The APM Body of Knowledge available from Amazon

This book "Starting Out in Project Management" accompanies the APM Body of Knowledge and is a great text if studying for the APM Foundation

The edition of PRINCE2 - Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: 2009 Edition - is the textbook that is used for the PRINCE2 Foundation Course and Exam

The Project Management for IT-Related Projects - the text which accompanies the ISEB Foundation Certification is also available from Amazon

Before highlighting courses and qualifications aimed at practitioners of project management (generally people who have been working within the field for a number of years) there are courses available as the next step up from the Introductory level.

• PRINCE2 Foundation
• Introduction to Programme Management
• Programme and Project Support Essentials
• P3O (Portfolio, Programme and Project Office) Foundation

PRINCE2 Foundation - the PRINCE2 Foundation level is one of the most popular courses in the UK today, with many training providers catering for demand, there are courses being run every week around the country. A three day course which includes the examination at the end of the third day. The course covers the processes, components and techniques. Expect to pay between £750-£1000 for a three day course. Fees include course materials and the exam fee. Weekend training is also now available to fit in with work schedules (approx £1000).

For people looking for a cheaper alternative, distance learning (or e-learning) packages are available where you can study at your own pace and then book the exam at a public exam sitting. Price for exam only approx £195.

To book exam only (Open Centre Examinations) see the website - PRINCE2. The PRINCE2 Foundation course leads to a recognised qualification within the project management field.

Introduction to Programme Management courses are also available for people who find themselves not only working within a project environment for the first time, but also a programme environment. Courses are available which cover the concepts of programme management and the differences between projects and programmes. Topics include; stakeholder management, benefits realisation and the planning and reporting at programme level. Expect to pay approx £350-400 for a 1 day course (no exam or qualification).

Programme and Project Support Essentials

The Programme and Project Support Essentials course and accreditation from ISEB is a must for anyone working within the field of programme and project support. The Essentials course looks at the role of the PSO (Project Support Office) and areas such as planning, reporting, risk management etc. The advantage of this course is the specific support focus (and also the opportunity to meet others working in the same field as you).

P3O Foundation (Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices)

The P3O Foundation in Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices is one of the latest accreditations from the APMG and is aimed at people working within the PMO area. The foundation examination is based on the book and like other APMG exams is a multiple choice based exam. The foundation level is applicable to both support workers and management staff.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner Accreditation can also be taken as a self-study option. It's recommended that the following books are purchased and then an open centre examination booked to take the actual exam.

Recommended books for self study:

Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2:2009 available through Amazon

Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2:2009 available through Amazon

Passing the PRINCE2 Exams again available through Amazon

The cost for booking the exam only is £360.

Other courses available through training providers include PRINCE2 Practitioner at the weekend, PRINCE2 Conversion (2 days approx £600) aimed at people who have recently completed the Foundation level and want to gain the Practitioner level, Exam Workshops (good for people who have opted for the self taught route) expect to pay approximately £600 which includes the exam on the 2nd day.

Click on the following link for further general information on PRINCE2.

The PMI (Project Management Institute) has predominantly been viewed as an American institute in relation to project management but many organisations based in the UK deem the PMI as a preferred choice when certifying their project managers.

Based on the PMI Body of Knowledge to enroll on the course delegates must satisfy some basic criteria - hence the PMI certifications are only open to people with practitioner level experience.

There are two levels to the Certification - CAPM and PMP.

PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

To complete the first level of the PMI Certification, delegates must be able to demonstrate:

• High school diploma or equivalent and
• Either 1,500 hours on a project team or 23 hours project management training (i.e. CAPM training course)

To complete the Certification based on the 1500 hours of working within a project team and not opting to complete the CAPM course, applicants need to complete an application form. Register to use the website at PMI and choose the Career Development and Certification & Credentials-follow the online application form instructions. Evidence of your 1500 hours needs completing which includes references from the organisation etc.

With this option an exam is still a requirement once PMI have accepted your 1500 hours

Further information on the CAPM certification can be found in the Credentials Handbook from the PMI website.

To complete the CAPM certification through course study with exam included, course duration is 4 days and includes a three hour 150 question examination, based on the PMI Body of Knowledge. Expect to pay approx £1400-1500 for this option.

Short courses are also available to accompany the 1500 work hours option. A Exam Prep Workshop over two days helps delegates to get prepared for the exam having not taken the full 4 day course-expect to pay approx £600 for the two day preparation.

The Project Management Professional (PMP_^®)

The next level to the CAPM, the PMP credential also has pre-requisites which you must have evidence of before enrolling:

• Applicants must have 35 hours of specific project management education.
• With a Bachelor's Degree (or the global equivalent): Applicants must have a minimum three years' professional project management experience, during which 4,500 hours are spent leading and directing project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application
• Without a Bachelor's Degree (or the global equivalent): Applicants must have a minimum five years' professional project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours are spent leading and directing project tasks, up to eight years from the time of application.

View the PMP Professional Credential Handbook to gain further information on the credential.

The PMP course is conducted over five days and satisfies the 35 hours of project management education needed. It is advised that the examination is taken at a later date. Expect to pay approx £1600-1800 for the five-day course. PMP Exam Preparation Workshops are also available - a two-day course costs approx £600.

Due to the thorough nature of the PMI Certification process and accompanying courses, it is easy to see why the PMI has been chosen by many organisations.

To assist in the examination process, the "PMP Exam Prep: Accelerated Learning To Pass PMI's PMP Exam - On Your First Try!" is a good place to start:

The PMI Body of Knowledge is available through Amazon

The PMP Exam Prep available through Amazon

ISEB Accreditations for Practitioners

Following on from the Foundation in Project Management for IT environments, the Certificate in IS Project Management has had many favourable reviews from project managers working within IT. Costs are pretty high at around £4000 (including accommodation) and includes a written exam at the end of the course.

There are other options available - if you've already completed the PRINCE2 Practitioner level you don't need to attend the full five day Certificate in IS Project Management course. A two-day "Module 2" course (approx £1500 5 days) The course includes a written examination and verbal interview.

Advanced Certificate in Programme and Project Support (ISEB)

Following on from the Programme and Project Support Essentials accreditation, an advanced course and accreditation can be taken. Aimed at people working as PPSO Managers, see more information. The course includes a written examination and an oral examination. A five-day course costs approx £1500. The oral examination tends to be scheduled at a later date.

Topics covered include:

• The PPSO in context
• PPSO Techniques
• Programme & Project Life Cycles
• Programme Management Methods
• Products and Systems
• Development Methods
• Support Tools
• Dealing with non-programme and non-project work
• Dealing with difficult situations
• The business case (advanced-level)
• Marketing the PPSO
• Designing and installing the programme and project support office.
• Keeping the PPSO current

To view the accompanying textbook for the course:

The Project and Programme Support Office Handbook: Advanced Vol 2

Following on from the Foundation Certificate from the APM, the Association for Project Management then has the APMP accreditation.

It is advised (by Arras)  that you complete the Foundation level first and then gain some practical on the job experience. The APMP consists of a 5 day instructor led course followed by a three-hour exam. If you have considerable experience already you can just complete the APMP without the Foundation level

Launched in 2010, there is now the option to complete the APMP in three days if you are already a PRINCE2 Practitioner level. The exam is slightly shorter at 2 hours in recognition of prior learning.

Along with the PMI accreditations, the APMP is considered to be a much more rounded accreditation that covers project management techniques in both technical and personal areas. This is not an acreditation to learn about method and structure (like the PRINCE2) but more about the management skills needed to deliver projects.

Courses are available from training providers; with the APMP costing from £1200 to £1500 on average (for 5 days) and the APMP for PRINCE2 Practitioners (3 days) from £750 to £1000

There is a book available for the APMP for PRINCE2 Practitioners course:

Self Study Option

There is a self-study option available for the APMP where you can just take the exam at an alloted time. The self study book called "Your Journey to Professional Project Management" means you can study at your own pace. It is also recommended that you check out the APM's own website to understand more about the exam format and some examples of test questions

The APM do have a service called Open Examinations where practitioners can book an exam slot, although these are held infrequently throughout the year. The Open Examinations section of the APM website has more details about dates and prices

An alternative to sitting the exam only is to approach some of the accreditated training organisations, some do offer the exam only as an option, examples include Parallel Project Training

Following on from the APMP, the Association for Project Management also has the Practitioner Qualification and Certificated Project Manager. The Practitioner Qualification is open for people who meet the following criteria:

either

• have passed the APMP Qualification, or;
• can demonstrate good familiarity with the APM Body of Knowledge and have passed an equivalent qualification such as PMP, ISEB Certificate in Project Management, Open University Project Management Module M865, or;
• can demonstrate they have a good foundation knowledge of project management, supported by evidence of relevant CPD.

Assessments are run over a period of 2 and a half days and carried out by an APM approved assessment centre. Costs approx £1900 with dates intermittent throughout the year. Click on the link for further information on the Practitioner Qualification.

Courses are available from training providers which help to prepare delegates for the assessment. For a 2 day workshop expect to pay approx £800.

Certificated Project Manager

An assessment, project report and panel interview constitute the Certificated Project Manager accreditation.

For more information, view the APM website.

Contact APM directly for the application form to kick start the process.

The Registered Project Professional is a new standard from the APM (launched 2011) which is the next step on the journey to the Chartered Status for Project Management - a standard which is viewed as the pinnacle for a project professional's career

This short video from the APM talks about Who Should Apply for the RPP:

> Other videos are available through YouTube

The RPP process includes an exercise in gathering a "portfolio of evidence" which is then followed up with a professional interview.

The APM website covers the process in detail with the associated costs and timelines involved

> Registered Project Professional

Also view the Camel blog for more information, thoughts and opinions about the RPP.

An accreditation available in two levels—Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation level covers the principles of programme management according to the APMG "Managing Successful Programmes" method. A good introduction for people working within a programme structure.

The course—either 3 or 4 days—and includes an exam at the end and costs approx £1000. For more information on the MSP Foundation visit the website.

For books to accompany this and the Practitioner level course (both recommended by APMG):

Managing Successful Programmes is available through Amazon

And the Managing Successful Programmes Pocketbook also available through Amazon


 

The Practitioner level MSP accreditation, 2 or 3 days can be taken as an upgrade to the Foundation level (the Foundation level must be completed and passed before commencing the Practitioner level) and is aimed at programme managers, senior project managers and PMO Managers. Expect to pay approx £650-800 for the 2 day course.

There are also Foundation and Practitioner combined courses available (5 days approx £1500), this includes the Foundation exam on the 4th day and Practitioner on the next. A pretty intensive option but achievable especially if you are already working within a programme environment and have achieved other accreditations previously.

APMG's Management of Risk (MoR)

Two levels - Foundation and Practitioner - aimed at delegates interested in further developing their expertise in risk management or for professionals specialising as risk managers.

Foundation courses is 3 or 4 days approx £800-£1595, and the Practitioner is 5 days at approximately £1300-£1800.

To see the textbook that accompanies the course:

For more information visit the website

The Management of Risk 2007 Guidance for Practitioners available from Amazon

ITIL Foundation and Practitioner

The ITIL approach to Service Management Best Practice courses and accreditations are geared towards delegates working within IT service management projects.

The Qualification Scheme has four levels - see the website for more information.

The Foundation - 3 day course approx £ 750 leads to the individual modules i.e., Change Management, Configuration Management, Problem Management etc. Courses are 3 days approx £1000. The ITIL Expert (4 days = approx. £1300) will lead to the Advanced Service Management Professional Diploma when available. A lengthy accreditation system which covers all the main areas needed in service management.

BCS Professional Examinations

Certificate in IT, Diploma in IT and the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT are all available through the British Computer Society.

The following list is a quick guide to the many available accreditations and qualifications for Programme and Project Management practitioners here in the UK, along with an introduction to the awarding / accreditation body.

Purposely we have avoided “product based” accreditation as we are looking for core Programme and Project Management listings. 

You can also view the project management training directory

APM:  Association for Project Management

The APM's mission statement is: "To develop and promote the professional disciplines of project and programme management for the public benefit" As the largest independent professional body of its kind in Europe, their membership extends to17,500 individual and 500 corporate members throughout the UK and abroad. Their aim is to develop and promote project management across all sectors of industry and beyond.

• 

  Introductory Certificate in Project Management
• APMP 
• APM Practitioner
• CPM: Certificated Project Manager
• APM Risk Certificate - Level 1
• APM Risk Certificate - Level 2
• Registered Project Professional (RPP)

APMG-UK:  

APMG-UK is the United Kingdom arm of APMG-International, a global Examination Institute accredited by The APM Group. APMG-UK specialises in the accreditation and certification of organisations, processes and people, within a range of industries and management disciplines and is currently the Official Accreditor of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).

• Agile Project Management
• APMP Foundation - Bid & Proposal Management
• APMP Practitioner - Bid & Proposal Management
• APMP Professional - Bid & Proposal Management
• CHAMPS2 - Change Management Foundation
• CHAMPS2 - Change Management Practitioner
• Change Management Foundation
• Change Management Practitioner
• Earned Value Management (EVM) Certification
• P3O® Foundation
• P3O® Practitioner
• CMI PPM Certificate
• CMI PPM Diploma
• DSDM Atern Foundation (Agile)
• M_o_R® Foundation (Management of Risk)
• M_o_R® Practitioner (Management of Risk)
• MSP® Foundation - Managing Successful Programmes
• MSP® Practitioner - Managing Successful Programmes
• MSP® Advanced Practitioner - Managing Successful Programmes
• PMD Pro - Project Management in Development
• PPS - Programme and Project Sponsorship
• PRINCE2® Foundation
• PRINCE2® Practitioner

DSDM: DSDM Consortium

Formed in January 1994 with the single objective of jointly developing and promoting an independent RAD framework, the mission of the not-for-profit DSDM Consortium is to be the leading enabler of knowledge and learning for successful Agile project delivery.

• Atern Foundation Certification
• Atern Practitioner Certification

ECITB: Engineering Construction Industry Training Board

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is the statutory organisation, national training provider and awarding body with responsibility for the training and development of the UK’s engineering construction workforce. Acting on behalf of the industry, the ECITB works closely with Government and employers to attract, develop and qualify engineering construction personnel in hundreds of skills and disciplines.

• NVQ Level 2 in Project Control Support
• NVQ Level 3 in Project Control
• NVQ Level 4 in Project Control

IPMA®:  International Project Management Association

The IPMA® is a world leading, non-profit making project management organisation which represents more than 50 project management associations from all continents of the world. The organisation actively promotes project management to businesses and organisations around the world in order to increase the recognition of the profession.

• Level A - Certified Projects Director
• Level B - Certified Senior Project Manager
• Level C - Certified Project Manager 
• Level D - Certified Project Manager Associate

ISEB:  The Information Systems Examinations Board

The Information Systems Examinations Board (ISEB) is part of the British Computer Society) BCS and is an international examination body created to raise the standard of competence and performance of people working in Information Technology.

• Certificate in Programme and Project Support Office Essentials
• Advanced Certificate in Programme and Project Support Office
• Foundation Certificate in IS Project Management
• Certificate in IS Project Management

PMI®:  Project Management Institute

PMI is the world’s leading not-for-profit membership association for the project management profession, with more than half a million members and credential holders in 185 countries. Their worldwide advocacy for project management is supported by a globally-recognized standards and credentials, an extensive research program, and professional development opportunities.

• CAPM_^®- Certified Associate in Project Management
• PMP_^® - Project Management Professional
• PgMP_^® - Program Management Professional
• PMI-RMP_^® - Risk Management Professional
• PMI-SP_^® - Scheduling Professional

RICS: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

RICS was founded in London in 1868, and granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1881. The Charter requires the Institution "to maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage."  With around 100,000 qualified members in some 140 countries, RICS provides the world's leading professional qualification in land, property, construction and the associated environmental issues.

• AssocRICS - Project Management

Six Sigma: 

Six Sigmais a business management strategy originally developed by Motorola, USA in 1981. (Unfortunately, there is no recognised Six Sigma accreditation body or single organization in the UK which oversees a standard body of knowledge or standardized Six Sigma tests and certification).

• Yellow Belt Certification
• Green Belt Certification
• Black Belt Certification
• Master Black Belt Certification

Universities: Many UK universities offer a Project Management MSc

• MSc Construction Project Management
• MSc Engineering Project Management
• MSc in Project Management

If you have any other Programme and Project Management Accreditations and Qualifications which you believe would enhance this listing please contact us and let us know. You can also view the project management training directory.

Recommendations for choosing your training provider

Whilst Arras makes no recommendations for specific training providers of project management related courses but does give advice on how to choose the best trainer for your own individual needs.

Things to consider: