Project Management Qualifications in the UK

Choosing the right project management qualification can feel confusing, especially in the UK where multiple certifications are widely recognised.

This guide explains the main project management qualification routes, who each one suits, and how to choose based on your experience, industry and career goals.

Quick shortcuts:

Already know the qualification you want? Browse project management training courses (online, virtual, classroom and in-house).

If you’re starting from scratch, begin with our guide on how to become a project manager. For core concepts, see what is project management.

What is a project management qualification?

A project management qualification is a formal certification that demonstrates your understanding of project management principles, frameworks, and best practices.

In the UK, qualifications are commonly used by employers to assess a candidate’s capability, knowledge level, and commitment to the profession. While experience remains important, holding a recognised project management certification can improve employability and support career progression.

Do you need a project management certification in the UK?

You do not legally need a certification to work as a project manager in the UK. However, many employers strongly prefer and sometimes require candidates to hold a recognised project management qualification.

A project management certification can be particularly valuable if you are:

  • New to project management
  • Changing careers
  • Applying for roles in structured or regulated industries
  • Seeking progression into senior or programme roles

Main project management qualifications recognised in the UK

APM qualifications

APM qualifications are developed by the Association for Project Management, the UK’s chartered body for the project profession. They focus on a broad, principles-based understanding of project management and are widely recognised across UK industries.

Learn more about APM certification and qualification levels.

Ready to take APM training? View our APM courses (PFQ, PMQ and ChPP) with online, virtual and classroom options.

PRINCE2 certification

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured project management methodology used extensively in the UK, particularly in government and large organisations. PRINCE2 certifications focus on applying a defined framework to manage projects in a controlled and repeatable way.

Explore how PRINCE2 certification works and its qualification levels.

If PRINCE2 is the right route for you, browse our PRINCE2 courses, including Foundation and Practitioner training.

Agile project management qualifications

Agile project management qualifications focus on delivering projects in iterative environments. In the UK, AgilePM is commonly used for structured agile project delivery.

If you want a recognised agile project qualification, browse our AgilePM courses.

International project management certifications (PMI)

You may also see international certifications such as PMP or CAPM referenced in job ads, particularly in multinational organisations. These are experience-dependent and are typically chosen when an employer specifically requests them.

APM vs PRINCE2 – which project management qualification is right for you?

APM and PRINCE2 are both widely recognised in the UK, but they’re chosen for different reasons: APM is a broader knowledge pathway, while PRINCE2 is a defined method. Use the comparison below to choose based on how you work and what employers expect in your sector.

Factor APM PRINCE2
Focus Principles & knowledge Methodology & process
Flexibility High Structured
Typical use Broad project management careers Controlled project environments
UK recognition Very strong Very strong

If you’re still deciding, it can help to review each pathway in detail:
APM certification and PRINCE2 certification.

Beginner vs professional project management qualifications

Entry-level qualifications introduce core project management concepts, while professional qualifications focus on applying those concepts in more complex environments.

If you’re starting out, most learners begin with APM PFQ or PRINCE2 Foundation. If you already manage projects, APM PMQ or PRINCE2 Practitioner is usually a better match.

Beginners often benefit from building foundational knowledge first. If you’re unsure where to start, see our guide on becoming a project manager.

What do UK employers look for in a project management qualification?

UK employers typically value:

  • Recognition by professional bodies
  • Relevance to the role and industry
  • Evidence of structured learning
  • Alignment with career progression

The “best” project management qualification is the one that supports your goals and matches the type of projects you want to manage.

Next steps after choosing a qualification

Once you’ve decided which project management qualification is right for you, the next step is understanding each pathway in more detail, including typical progression routes and which level is appropriate for your experience.

Prefer to start with fundamentals? Read what project management is and our career guide on how to become a project manager.