The Best Project Management Qualifications 2024


Wed 03 Jan 2024

If you're thinking of a career in project management or looking to increase your capability to run successful projects, then MOL Learn can offer you a complete project management course online.

This is the perfect course for a seasoned project manager wanting a bona fide qualification or those looking to move into the project management profession.  Our CMI project management qualification helps you stand out in the job market.  It will give you the knowledge you need to successfully deliver a wide range of projects.

However, with the vast amount of project management qualifications available, you might not know where to start your research. 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.

Our handy guide provides prospective project managers with an overview of the best UK qualifications to help them get ahead in 2024.

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 stands as a beacon of professional achievement, truly the best the industry has to offer, providing qualifications that go beyond certificates - they open doors to a global community of over 100,000 professionals and industry leaders. 

2. Association for Project Management (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.  

Achieving a qualification with APM means you’ll have the opportunity to achieve the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard. Achieving this standard demonstrates a high 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.  

3. 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.  

This standard 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.  
  
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 combined foundation and practitioner course to save money.  
  
PRINCE2 is a globally recognized qualification that does not require any experience for the Foundation level. However, every three years, consultants must renew their certification. The course can be studied and completed entirely online. Also, 88% of practitioners say PRINCE2 has been invaluable to their career development.  

4. Project Management Institute (PMI)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) qualification is offered by the Project Management Institute. It is geared towards less experienced learners than the PMP  qualification (the Project Management Professional certification) and 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.  
  
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. 

5. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

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 is 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.  
  
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. As a ScrumMaster, your role is to reduce distractions using the Scrum methodology and keep the project on task.  
  
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. However, your membership with the Scrum Alliance as part of this certification expires every two years and must be renewed.

6. CompTIA Project+

The CompTIA Project+ certification is perfect for entry-level project managers or anyone who typically manages small projects. This certification course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of how to be a successful project manager, drawing on 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 best practices upon completion of this course.  

7. Certified Project Manager (IAPM)

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.  
  
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.  
  
This internationally recognized qualification offers a sound methodology for planning, organising, and executing projects. Therefore, it’s yet another great option for entry-level project managers.

8. Professional in Project Management (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.

9. Six SigmaSix

Sigma focuses on improving company processes to eliminate 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 is a more complete framework than other alternatives which gives it an advantage.  
  
There are three belts that those wanting to become Six Sigma certified can achieve. They’re based on the martial arts ranking system and go from Yellow, Green all the way to Black Belt.


If you’re looking to develop your skills and gain an industry recognised project management qualification, read more about our CMI Project Management Course.  Get started with your next career step today with MOL Learn.

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