PRINCE2 vs APM: Which Qualification is Right for You?

So, you're diving into the world of Project Management and facing a familiar crossroads: PRINCE2 vs APM. Both sound impressive, both promise career growth; but which one truly fits your goals? Whether you're a budding Project Manager or levelling up your skills, picking the right framework can shape your journey.   

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between PRINCE2 vs APM in plain, practical terms. No jargon overload; just a clear, insightful comparison to help you decide which path leads to success in your Project Management career. Let’s find the method that works for you.

Table of Contents

1) What is PRINCE2?

2) What is APM?

3) Key Differences Between APM and PRINCE2 Explained

4) What Are the Benefits of Prince2?

5) What Are the Drawbacks of PRINCE2?

6) What Are the Benefits of APM?

7) What Are the Drawbacks of APM?

8) Choosing the Right Project Management Qualification: PRINCE2 vs APM

9) Conclusion

What is PRINCE2? 

Projects In Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) is a widely recognised and globally accepted Project Management Certification programme. It is suitable for Project Managers in providing all the fundamental skills, knowledge and tools to enhance them competent and successful. It is a well-structured Project Management method, with various stages focusing on how to start, plan, organise, and complete a project.

Features of PRINCE2

PRINCE2 focuses on project control, Risk Management, and controlled execution of a project. It also helps in assigning a specific role to each member of the project in advance. Meanwhile, it also includes the seven principles which act as features. Here are the lists of the features of PRINCE2 to have a better understanding of what this programme offers.

1) Business Justification: Projects need to be designed in a way that incorporates the values and needs of the business along with its aim towards this project.

2) Eternal Learning: Learning is a lifelong process. Lessons from the past are used for improved Project Management while learning new things that will come at every stage.

3) Roles and Responsibilities: Each team member will have specific roles and responsibilities that they need to adhere to for effective Project Management.

4) Planned Structure: The projects are pre-planned with proper structure. It will have manageable stages and category divisions.

5) Exception Handles: Sometimes an exception of not being able to adhere to the plans will occur. Addressing such exceptions helps project boards to perform effectively.

6) Quality Over Anything: Prioritising the quality of your product and working to achieve high quality will be the main concern of a project.

7) Flexibility to Suit: PRINCE2 is easy to apply for all kinds of projects, aiming at flexibility and easy adaptation.

Apart from these seven principles, PRINCE2 has seven stages for Project Management. It involves project initiation, guidance, planning, monitoring, maintenance, product delivery, and closure.

What is APM?

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the only existing chartered body in the field of Project Management. Obtaining an APM certification will improve your project profession by allowing you to explore all aspects of Project Management.

Features of APM

APM is aimed at providing two qualification programmes, which are Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) and Project Management Qualification (PMQ). These qualifications provide a broad understanding of all key Project Management areas to advance the career of Project Managers. Here are the features of APM:

1) Professional Skill Development: APM aims to improve the skills and abilities of Project Managers to be more professional.

2) Structure of the Course: Provides an outline of how different elements of Project Management will help you enhance your project approach.

3) Flexibility: With the available sources, it is flexible to know and execute which approach suits which project.

4) Techniques to Refer: Teaches or helps you with project monitoring and planning techniques. This allows you to maintain a standard Project Management practice.

Upgrade your project skills by joining our APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) Course now!

Key Differences Between APM and PRINCE2 Explained

PRINCE2 and APM are both Project Management Certifications, but they have significant differences. Let's analyse their key differences about PRINCE2 vs APM:

What Are the Benefits of Prince2?

The benefits of PRINCE2 certification for Project Management include the following:

1) Consistency in Project Management: PRINCE2 offers a structured approach that promotes consistency across projects, ensuring every team follows the same best practices. 

2) Ready-to-use Templates: It includes templates for key project documentation, saving time and improving standardisation. 

3) Flexible and Non-prescriptive: You can adapt and design your own tools and methods, as PRINCE2 isn’t rigid or overly prescriptive. 

4) Easily Scalable Across Projects: The framework is scalable and suitable for projects of all sizes. Updates can be applied universally. 

5) Objective Open-book Exam: The certification exam is objective and open book, focusing on practical knowledge rather than rote memorisation.

What are the Drawbacks of PRINCE2?

While there are plenty of benefits, PRINCE2 also has some drawbacks.

1) Limited Guidance on Techniques: PRINCE2 lacks detailed specifications for Project Management techniques and processes, which may require supplementation with other methods. 

2) Heavy Documentation Requirements: It demands thorough documentation of project plans, reports, and risk registers potentially time-consuming for smaller projects. 

3) Dual-level Certification Required: You must complete both the Foundation and Practitioner levels to gain full recognition, which can be time intensive. 

4) Certification Renewal Every Three Years: To maintain your credential, PRINCE2 certification must be renewed every three years. 

5) Restrict Creativity: Its structured, process-driven approach can sometimes limit flexibility and creative problem-solving.

What are the Benefits of APM?

The benefits of APM certification for Project Management are:

1) Professional Recognition: APM offers a prestigious edge with the Chartered Project Professional (CHPP) standard, setting you apart in the industry. 

2) Career Development Opportunities: It supports your growth with a focus on advanced professional practice and technical knowledge. 

3) Boosts Efficiency and Credibility: APM certification enhances your effectiveness as a project manager while building trust with stakeholders. 

4) In-depth Project Focus: It dives deep into project-oriented topics, offering a more comprehensive understanding of Project Management practices. 

5) Access to Valuable Resources: You'll gain access to a library of templates, frameworks, and tools to support your day-to-day project work.

Convert complexity into credibility by signing up for our APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) Course at your convenience!

What Are the Drawbacks of APM?

So far, the benefits of APM have been discussed. Let's look at the drawbacks of it.

1) Not Beginner-friendly: APM is designed with experienced professionals in mind, which can make it challenging for newcomers to grasp initially. 

2) Higher Certification Costs: Compared to other frameworks, APM certification and exams tend to be more expensive. 

3) Knowledge Based Exam Content: The exam covers a broad range of Project Management topics, requiring a deep understanding of both theory and application. 

4) Closed-book, Essay-style Exam: APM assessments are typically closed-book and often include essay-type questions, which may be more demanding for some learners. 

5) Can Limit Creative Flexibility: Its structured approach may, at times, restrict creativity in favour of standardised processes and methodology.

Choosing the Right Project Management Qualification: PRINCE2 vs APM

The choice of APM vs PRINCE2 could be taken depending on your requirements, preferences and several other factors like career goals, industry type, and the nature of the project.

1) If you are new to Project Management, starting from the beginner level would be appropriate. In such cases, APM would suit you. If you’re already experienced and looking to enrich your Project Management skills, then PRINCE2 will help you with its structured approach.

2) When a versatile working on a project is required, you can go for APM; choose PRINCE2 for a clearly structured and planned project.

3) If you want to learn with an adaptable approach, APM will be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you want structures and procedures including training, PRINCE2 can be your choice.

In a nutshell, with a clear understanding, you can prefer PRINCE2 vs APM for your professional upskilling in Project Management. Both of these certifications are aimed at helping you advance in your career.

Conclusion

In this blog, you are introduced to PRINCE2 vs APM certifications for Project Management. When both are recognised and valuable, it is your call to take the decision. Make it personalised in your course selection by focusing on your aim, goal, areas to learn and improve. The choice is always yours and now you are on the road to enhance your Project Management.

Structure your project with PRINCE2® Foundation Training - Register soon!