If you’re considering a career in project management or looking to progress your existing career, you’ve probably come across two of the UK’s best-known project management qualifications:
A common question we hear is:
“Which one is better?”
The truth is…
It’s the wrong question.
PRINCE2® and APM aren’t competitors.
They complement each other.
Think of it like building an IKEA bookcase.
One tells you the process to follow.
The other gives you the knowledge, techniques and skills needed to complete the job successfully.
The strongest project managers understand both.
What is PRINCE2®?
PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is one of the world’s most recognised project management methodologies.
It provides a structured framework for managing projects from start to finish through defined:
- Processes
- Roles and responsibilities
- Governance
- Documentation
- Controls
- Decision points
PRINCE2® helps organisations deliver projects consistently and with clear accountability.
It answers questions like:
- What should happen next?
- Who is responsible?
- What documents are required?
- When should decisions be made?
- How do we control risk and change?
It focuses on how projects should be managed.
What is APM?
The Association for Project Management (APM) is the chartered body for the project profession in the UK.
Rather than teaching one methodology, APM develops your understanding of the wider project management profession.
APM qualifications cover topics such as:
- Leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Governance
- Risk management
- Planning
- Scheduling
- Procurement
- Commercial awareness
- Communication
- Team management
- Change management
- Project lifecycles
Instead of giving you a process to follow, APM develops the knowledge and behaviours that successful project professionals need.
PRINCE2® vs APM at a glance
| PRINCE2® | APM |
|---|---|
| Project management methodology | Professional body and knowledge framework |
| Structured processes | Broad project management knowledge |
| Focuses on governance | Focuses on professional capability |
| Highly process-driven | Covers technical and behavioural skills |
| Used worldwide | Particularly respected across the UK |
| Ideal for delivering projects consistently | Ideal for developing well-rounded project managers |
Why they’re better together
Many people think they need to choose between PRINCE2® and APM.
In reality, many experienced project professionals study both.
Why?
Because they answer different questions.
PRINCE2® teaches:
- What process to follow
- Project governance
- Roles and responsibilities
- Stage management
- Controls
APM teaches:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Planning techniques
- Managing stakeholders
- Commercial thinking
- Professional judgement
Together they provide a balanced skill set that combines practical delivery with professional capability. As PeopleCert describes it, PRINCE2® fills an important development gap for many professionals progressing beyond APM qualifications, particularly as higher-level APM pathways evolve.
Which qualification should you choose?
Choose APM if…
You’re:
- New to project management
- Building broad project management knowledge
- Looking to work towards Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)
- Working in UK organisations that recognise APM
Popular starting points:
- APM PFQ
- APM PMQ
Choose PRINCE2® if…
You:
- Need a recognised project management methodology
- Work in structured project environments
- Deliver projects within government or large organisations
- Want an internationally recognised certification
Popular route:
Job roles that benefit from PRINCE2®
PRINCE2® is particularly valuable for:
- Project Managers
- Junior Project Managers
- PMO Analysts
- Project Coordinators
- Project Support Officers
- Programme Managers
- Change Managers
- Delivery Managers
- Consultants
- Implementation Managers
Employers often request PRINCE2® because it provides a common language and consistent way of managing projects.
Job roles that benefit from APM
APM qualifications are well suited to:
- Aspiring Project Managers
- Project Officers
- Assistant Project Managers
- Project Managers
- Programme Support Officers
- Project Planners
- Engineers moving into project roles
- Construction Project Managers
- Defence professionals
- Public sector project teams
Many organisations value APM because it develops practical project management knowledge rather than focusing on a single methodology.
Which employers look for these qualifications?
Both qualifications are recognised across sectors including:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Infrastructure
- Government
- Defence
- NHS
- Financial Services
- IT & Technology
- Telecommunications
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Consultancy
You’ll frequently see PRINCE2®, APM or both requested in job adverts for project management roles.
Can you have both?
Absolutely.
In fact, many experienced project professionals do.
If you’ve already completed an APM qualification, PRINCE2® can add a structured delivery methodology to your skill set.
Likewise, if you’ve studied PRINCE2®, an APM qualification broadens your understanding of the wider project management profession.
The two qualifications work together rather than replacing one another.
Which route do we recommend?
At Training ByteSize, we deliver both PRINCE2® and APM qualifications because we recognise that every learner has different career goals.
Whether you’re starting your project management career, preparing for your next promotion or looking to expand your professional knowledge, we’ll help you choose the qualification that’s right for you or build a learning pathway that combines both.
Need advice?
Our team is always happy to help you decide which certification best matches your experience and career ambitions.
Is PRINCE2 better than APM?
Neither is inherently better. PRINCE2 provides a structured project management methodology, while APM develops broader project management knowledge and professional skills. Many professionals benefit from studying both.
Should I choose PRINCE2 or APM first?
If you’re new to project management, APM PFQ is an excellent introduction. If your organisation uses PRINCE2 or you’re working in a structured project environment, PRINCE2 Foundation may be the better starting point.
Can I have both PRINCE2 and APM qualifications?
Yes. Many project professionals complete both because they complement each other and provide a well-rounded understanding of project management.
Which qualification do employers prefer?
This depends on the organisation and role. Some employers specifically request PRINCE2, while others value APM qualifications. Many project management job adverts list either qualification as desirable.
Is PRINCE2 recognised internationally?
Yes. PRINCE2 is recognised worldwide and is widely used across both the public and private sectors.
