The 11 Best Project Management Qualifications in 2025

Are you thinking of a career in project management? Looking to increase your ability to run successful projects?

Whether you’re a newbie or have some experience, a project management qualification is the ideal way to take the next step towards your dream career.

With an average salary of £49,000, project management can be a very lucrative career, and a project management qualification can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in the industry

But which qualification should you choose?

With so many project management qualifications available, you might not know where to begin. To get the most value out of your time studying, you need to carefully consider which certification is right for you based on your experience and future goals.

Here at MOL Learn, we offer a certified Project Management qualification, and this blog will give you a complete overview of the best project management courses in the UK - as well as their pros and cons.

1. Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

With over 100,000 members globally, CMI is renowned for setting industry standards and promoting excellence in management practices.

CMI's qualifications, including the coveted Chartered Manager status, offer international recognition and tailored learning paths that cater to professionals at all career stages.

Benefits of CMI:

• Ability to gain chartered manager status
• Recognised worldwide 
• Continuous learning culture 
• Tailored learning paths
• Extensive membership network
• Qualifications are adaptable to various industries.

CMI is the gold-standard for professional achievement, and truly the best the industry has to offer. They offer qualifications that go beyond certificates, opening doors for a global community of over 100,000 professionals and industry leaders.

Our Project Management course, accredited by the CMI, offers a flexible online learning experience for enhancing project management skills. It's perfect for managers who are required to deliver projects alongside their day-to-day management duties.

Covering key areas such as planning, execution, and monitoring, the course allows self-paced study with expert support. Upon completion, you’ll receive a recognised qualification, equipping you to manage successful projects across various fields.

Enrolling in the CMI Project Management course really changed everything for me. The way it was set up allowed me to learn at my own speed, and getting my CMI qualification has created some brilliant opportunities for me as a Project Manager!

- MOL learner

2. Association for Project Qualifications (APM PMQ)

About APM

The APM (Association for Project Management) is the only chartered body for the project management profession and currently has over 30,000 individual members.  

Completing a qualification with APM means you’ll have the opportunity to achieve Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status, which demonstrates an elevated level of technical knowledge, professional practice, and ethical behaviour. 

APM qualifications are recognised by employers and project managers worldwide, enhancing your career opportunities, confidence, and credibility as a project manager. 

APM entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), however, they’re recommended for those with 2-3 years of experience in a project environment.

APM – pros & cons

Pros

• Worldwide recognition
• Preferred qualification by UK employers
• Career advancement
• Enhanced skills
• Enhanced career and salary opportunities

Cons

• APM courses may involve tuition fees
• Involves a broad scope, so might not be ideal for those with more experience who want to specialise

3. PRINCE2 Qualifications

About PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is a project management method that was first developed by the UK government in 1989 and has since been updated on a yearly basis.

It can be adapted for projects of any size, scope, complexity, or sector, making it a versatile tool for project managers around the world.

PRINCE2 outlines seven key principles, created to make the project management process smoother. The framework also covers seven themes that should be addressed throughout any project, and the seven phases of organising a project. [DK1] 

PRINCE2 Entry Requirements

So, who is the PRINCE2 certification for?
 
The Foundation course is designed for anyone, regardless of experience or education.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner course builds on the knowledge learned in the Foundation course and applies it to real-life projects in varied sectors. These qualifications can be studied flexibly online, and even include a budget-friendly combined foundation and practitioner course.

PRINCE2 – pros & cons

Pros:

• Recognised worldwide
• Structured career development
• Can reach chartered status
• Widely respected by employers

Cons:

• Can be costly
• Time consuming
• Often preferred in the USA
• Can be rigid in its framework

4. Project Management Institute (PMI) Qualifications

About the Project Management Institute Qualification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) qualification is offered by the Project Management Institute. The course will end with an exam that has 150 multiple-choice questions. If you pass, keep in mind that you'll need to retake the exam every five years.

Who is the PMI course for?

It’s geared towards less experienced learners than the PMP qualification (the Project Management Professional certification) but requires applicants to pass an introductory course in project management Basics.
 
The CAPM can help you qualify for the PMP and is a fantastic introduction to project management.

PMI – pros & cons

Pros

• Globally recognised
• Improves career and salary prospects
• Prestigious qualification

Cons:

• Strict prerequisites and rigid assessment process

5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Qualification

About Certified ScrumMaster

Agile workplaces and Scrum methodologies are on the rise in today's business world. While Agile was created in the early days of software development, it’s now used in many non-tech industries.

For those who want to learn more about these principles, there are several certifications available, but Certified ScrumMaster is one of the most popular.

This course was designed by Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organisation dedicated to changing the way we work for the better.

Certified ScrumMaster Entry Requirements

With a foundational understanding of Agile working and Scrum, you can enrol in a certification course.

You will be asked to answer 35 questions on the exam to become certified. If you’re successful, your membership with the Scrum Alliance will expire every two years and must be renewed.

ScrumMaster– pros & cons

Pros

• This course can save you time from a project management perspective.
• The effective collaboration and communication offered by this framework leads to improved prioritisation.
• The Scrum methodology can be helpful for staff morale and productivity as large tasks are broken into more manageable chunks.

Cons

• Costly
• Lack of real-world application
• Requires ongoing certificate maintenance
• Not universally Recognised

6. CompTIA Project+ 

About CompTIA Project+

CompTIA Project+ is a certification that consolidates the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of project management.

It’s a vendor-neutral certification, recognised internationally and designed for individuals who want to show their expertise in project management practices.

This certification course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of project management; drawing upon multiple frameworks and soliciting feedback from experts in the IT industry, research institutions, government, and independent experts.
 
You can expect to gain knowledge and skills in managing the project life cycle, documentation, stakeholder coordination, and communication through this course.

CompTIA Project+ entry requirements

The CompTIA Project+ certification is perfect for entry-level project managers or anyone who typically manage small projects.

CompTIA Project+ - pros & cons

Pros

• Applicable in many industries
• Entry level accessibility
• International recognition
• CV enhancement
• Increased salary opportunities.

Cons

• Limited depth
• Not as well recognised as its competitors.

7. Certified Project Manager (IAPM) Qualification 

About IAMP

The Certified Project Manager qualification is offered by the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM), which is a professional association that provides global certification for project management.

IAMP Entry Requirements

There are no set entry requirements.

The International Association for Project Management (IAPM) has four certification levels, which are split into two categories: traditional project management and agile project management.

The Certified Project Manager qualification falls under the first category.

IAMP - pros & cons

Pros

• Internationally recognised
• Practical focus
• CV enhancement
• Good for entry level project managers

Cons

• Limited employer recognition

8. Professional in Project Management (PPM)  

About PPM

The Professional in Project Management course offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) is perfect for those with experience in middle management or a similar role.

The curriculum covers essential project management topics like effective communication and resource allocation, as well as more advanced concepts like risk and crisis management.

PPM entry requirements

Although the exam is often regarded as one of the more difficult amongst its competitors, requiring a 75% to pass, the course has no entry requirements.

PPM - pros & cons

Pros

• Internationally recognised
• Diverse skill set
• Career advancement
• Professional network of industry peers

Cons

• Not preferred by many employers
• Regarded as more difficult than competitors
• Requires renewal every few years

9. Six Sigma Qualifications

About Six Sigma

Six Sigma focuses on improving company processes to avoid defects and save money, which in turn benefits employees, project managers, and the business.

The term Six Sigma was first used in the 1980s by the Motorola team. It’s a more complete framework than other alternatives which gives it a competitive advantage.
There are three ‘belts’ that those aiming to become Six Sigma certified can achieve. These are based on the martial arts ranking system, which go from White Belt, all the way to Master Black Belt. 

The training is focused on the idea that it's cheaper to spend time improving processes, instead of having issues later down the line with customer satisfaction or internal mistakes.

Six Sigma Entry Requirements

This course is open to any learner, as it has no entry requirements.

Six Sigma - pros & cons

Pros

• Global recognition
• Increased knowledge and skills
• Increased career opportunities

Cons

• Not suitable for all organisations
• Not as highly perceived as its competitors

10. British Computing Society (BCS) Qualifications

The British Computer Society (BCS) is the leading Chartered Institute for IT in the UK, dedicated to enhancing education and skills for IT professionals across the globe.

BCS offers various qualifications, including the highly regarded BCS Foundation Certificate in IS Project Management. If you’re interested in pursuing a role in IT project management, this could be the qualification for you.

This certification is popular across industries and focuses on flexible, effective IT project management methodologies. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a way to gain practical, modern project management skills.

BCS Foundation Certificate in IS Project Management

This certification is designed for anyone involved in IT and doesn't have any specific entry requirements, but it's a good idea to get training from a provider that’s accredited by BCS.

BCS Foundation Certificate in IS Project Management – pros & cons

Pros

• Being recognised in the industry can make you look more credible and attractive to employers.
• You’ll gain important knowledge about IT project management principles that are essential for understanding the framework.
• The course is available online, so you can learn at your own pace and schedule.

Cons

• It might not go deep enough if you already have experience and want to learn more advanced topics.
• The focus is mainly on IT, so it doesn’t cover other project management methods much.
• If you're looking for a broader view of project management, this course might not be the best fit.

11. Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Project Managers

The course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Project Managers at The Knowledge Academy was created to help project managers develop an understanding the ever-changing world of AI technology.

This hands-on course breaks down the complexities of AI and shows how it can be smoothly incorporated into project management tasks.

During the course, you’ll get into topics like machine learning, data analysis, and automation. You’ll look at real-life examples of how AI can boost decision making, enhance teamwork, and improve project results.

The course includes live discussions and practical exercises, making tough concepts easier to grasp. By the end, you’ll understand when to use AI tools in your projects, helping you lead your teams with creativity and assurance.

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting to grips with AI for the first time or want to expand your existing knowledge - this course gives you the tools to use AI effectively and stay ahead in the competitive world of project management.

AI for Project Managers – pros & cons

Pros

• The course teaches project managers how to use AI in practical ways, making it easier to apply what you learn to your projects.
• You’ll learn new tools and methods that help you make smarter choices, use resources wisely, and improve how your projects run.
• Includes important knowledge about AI, helping you keep up with new tech and stay ahead of the game.

Cons

• If you don’t have a background in AI, you might find some parts of the course tough, and it may not cater to everyone’s learning needs.
• The course requires commitment, which could be a challenge for busy professionals trying to balance work and learning.

Become a project management pro with MOL

While there are advantages to the other qualifications we’ve discussed, the CMI Level 5 Project Management certification stands out as the top choice.

CMI is recognised around the world for offering the very best training, including important project skills, resource management, and team leadership, making it more comprehensive than other programmes.

If you’re ready to take the jump to develop your skills and gain an industry recognised project management qualification, take the next step with MOL and enrol with us today!