Which PMP Accreditation Body is Best: PMI vs PRINCE2 vs AAPM

The purpose of this guide is to analyse the three dominant project management certifications: PMI (PMP), PRINCE2, and APM. More specifically, this guide will offer recommendations on which qualifications to pursue, depending on one’s career objective, geographical location, industry, and financial plans.

I remember three years back, sitting in a coffee shop and totally confused with the three certification options: PMI, PRINCE2, and APM. Each certification claimed to change my career, but which one was the right one to pursue for my time and money? Earning my PMP and subsequently adding PRINCE2 Practitioner and exploring APM qualifications gives me a perspective that can only be obtained by going through the journey. There is something that I can share, and this is something I wish someone had told me about - PRINCE2 vs PMP with the APM certification.

What Makes Each Certification Unique?

When it comes to the Project Management Institute (PMI), their approach and philosophy are guaranteed to be different from their counterparts in the UK. PMI’s global reputation is on the PMBOK Guide, which, rather than providing a step-by-step guide on project execution, outlines a comprehensive framework comprising ten knowledge areas and five process groups. The principles and framework are to be contextualised for one’s own systems, which can be improved substantially.

PRINCE2 revolves around the principles of control and regulation of projects in its method and offers each practitioner ‘seven principles’, ‘seven themes’ and ‘seven processes’, structuring each practitioner’s approach to what is project execution. These subdivisions aid the organisation’s approach in implementing the project worldwide under the same standards. While I was working with a consulting company for the UK Government, I realized the effectiveness of PRINCE2. I saw how the project managers were able to streamline the processes and handovers since they all were communicating in one universal language.

The Association for Project Management, unlike the previous example, finds itself in the middle. “The APM Body of Knowledge” aims to foster the growth of ‘project’ professionals and not a one-planned approach specialized in a single methodology. It seeks to refine skills in technical, behavioural and contextual domains.

The Value of Certification within Different Geographies

The Certification’s value varies depending on your location. For example, if you walk into a meeting at the Cabinet Office in the UK and mention PMP, you will get nods, while if you mention PRINCE2, you will get a whole new reaction. In this case, doors will be opening for you. This is because the UK public sector uses PRINCE2 methodology, which is based on the Cabinet Office for all government projects.

I mastered this lesson at a cost. While acquiring my PMP, I focused on a government contract in London, only to find out they mandated a PRINCE2 Practitioner. They were impressed with my PMP, but it did not meet their proprietary methodology requirements.

In stark counterposition, demand for PMI credentials is enormous in the US, Canada, India, and China. More than 1.3 million certified PMPs exist in the world, with the majority in these countries. Many American recruiters do not read a resume and screen simply by PMP status.

Despite attempts to expand beyond Britain, the APM is still rigidly UK-focused. ChPP remains one of the most coveted professional qualifications within Britain, but beyond the Commonwealth, it goes unnoticed.

PMP Accreditation and Examination Framework

Possessing the PMP certification can take a considerable amount of time, along with other PMP certification requirements for the individual:

• Having a four-year degree, along with 36 months of project leadership (4500 hours), along 35 hours of education.
• Having a high school diploma plus 60 months, along with the leading of various projects (7500 hours), along with 35 hours of education.

Each individual is faced with 180 questions, which are divided into three sections based on the PMP syllabus:

• People (42%), which is composed of project leadership, team management, and conflict resolution
• Process (50%), which includes project planning and execution monitoring
• Business Environment (8%), which includes strategy alignment

The time limit which is given is 230 minutes. PMI adjusted the exam in 2021. Approximately half of the population in the world takes agile and population approaches, with the traditional ones. For those pursuing certification, Techademy’s self-paced PMP training offers flexible learning options that accommodate various schedules and learning preferences.

Advantages for the Career

Based on a survey and the analysis PMI has made in the year 2023, the salary of an individual has a PMP certificate is 33% more than the salary of a person who works as a project manager. $123,000 compared to $93,000 in the United States.

The salary differences in the different regions are:

• United States: $120,000 vs. $91,000 (increase of 32%)
• Switzerland: $130,000 vs. $98,000 (increase of 33%)
• Australia: $108,000 vs. $81,000 (increase of 33%)
• India: $23,000 vs. $17,000 (increase of 35%)

PMP holders also have other advantages besides having a tangible amount of money. Large organisations and other government contractors are particularly for the senior project manager salary positions. I have managed to obtain over 50 resumes for relevant positions through PMI chapter networking events alone. Understanding the benefits of PMP certification can significantly impact your career trajectory.

Issues that are Commonly Overlooked

It is painful to spend money, and cancellations for appointments cost $405 when you’re a member, and $555 when you’re a non-member. Membership is $139 yearly, study guides are $300 to $500, and applicable prep programs are 1,000 to 2,000. So on average, $1,500 to 3,000 has to be spent. For those seeking cost-effective options, an affordable PMP certification course can help reduce the overall investment while maintaining quality preparation.

Keeping the credentials is just as difficult, and you need to earn 60 Professional Development Units in 3 years for PMP certification renewal. PMI audits random renewals, and a lack of files may lead to your certification being taken away.

Some professionals argue that PMBOK is overly theoretical and claim that it teaches how to pass the exam, rather than how to manage complicated projects in the midst of a politically unfavourable and resource-shy environment. This can sometimes lead to project fail situations when theory doesn't translate to practical application.

Comparing PRINCE2 Foundation to Practitioner

Why PRINCE2 is Selected within Organizations

The rigidity of PRINCE2 comes with advantages, rather streamlining activities regardless of methodology. In my time consulting for a financial services firm, with over 40, PRINCE2 email spoke the same process language.

Heavy PRINCE2 works within the limits of small projects.

The APM PMQ Structure

The Project Management Qualification (PMQ) does not have any stringent requirements for admissions. Any student, regardless of the year they are in, is able to attempt it. The qualification is about answering 68 multiple-choice questions based on 10 different topics. Hence, a student will spend 90 minutes and will have to score over 55% to pass.

Whereas APM is different from PRINCE2 in a more methodology-neutral approach. A candidate would rather have well-balanced project Management with Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid to gain productivity within the frameworks designed in PRINCE2.

Choose PMI for International Recognition

A PMP certification is essential if you're aiming for global corporations or international relocation, and it allows entry anywhere from Singapore to São Paulo. PMI standards are favoured globally across industries like IT, construction, and engineering. In reviewing hundreds of senior PM job descriptions, around 70% require or prefer a PMP certification.

 Pick PRINCE2 for the UK Public Sector

PRINCE2 knowledge is highly sought after and often a requirement for public sector and government contractors. This is a common occurrence in many areas of the UK. This is a great option for individuals who prefer a more thorough, structured, and definitive approach to the methodology and wish to remain in the UK or Commonwealth countries.

Select APM for Flexible UK Opportunities

Professionals who prioritize broad competence are better suited to APM certification. APM is suitable for UK-based consultants who require APM-certified consultants without the rigid structure associated with PRINCE2, the global focus of the PMP, and the constant need for renewal. This approach works particularly well for experienced managers wishing to attain chartered status through the ChPP designation.

In contrast with other credentials, PMI (PMP) is more expensive, has more rigorous requirements, stricter deadlines, and less global relevance than APM (PMQ) and PRINCE2 professional certifications. Consider also PMP certification vs. Master's project management when deciding your educational path.

Each certification has its own distinct set of requirements, which fall under separate categories. PMI has the costliest fee, along with heightened credentials that include the verification of relevant professional experience, along with other requirements. PRINCE2 has the cheapest fee, in addition to funds verification under other credential categories. APM (PMQ) has a modest fee along with other uniformly given categories. Regarding its ACTP and PMQ, PMI has more study and instructional hours, which is commensurate with its higher fee.

Most of the comparisons have been aligned in their categorical seats. PMI is more in demand in North American and Asian regions, while PRINCE2 is more accepted in the UK and the public sector.