Choosing the right project management certification for your career

With so many project management certifications available it can be difficult to decide which is right for you and your individual career aspirations. In this blog, we’ll explore the range of the certifications available from ILX, considering the benefits of each and comparing the ways in which they can support your career growth.

PRINCE2®

PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is one of the most widely recognised project management methodologies worldwide. It provides a process-driven approach, breaking projects into defined stages with clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows. Designed for project managers, team leaders, and professionals involved in project delivery, PRINCE2 is ideal for those seeking a structured, scalable approach to managing projects.

Benefits of PRINCE2:

• Process-driven methodology: Provides a structured framework with defined processes, ensuring projects are well-organised and controlled from start to finish
• Universally applicable: Can be tailored to suit projects of any size, sector or complexity
• Defined roles and responsibilities: Clearly establishes roles within a project team, ensuring accountability and efficient decision making
• Focus on business justification: Requires projects to have a clear business case, ensuring they deliver value and remain viable throughout their lifecycle
• Separation of project management and delivery: Distinguishes between managing a project and executing its technical work, allowing for greater control and adaptability

Find out more about our PRINCE2 training courses.

PRINCE2 Agile®

PRINCE2 Agile combines the structured governance of PRINCE2 with the flexibility and responsiveness of Agile methodologies. It provides a framework that allows organisations to apply Agile techniques, such as Scrum or Kanban, while maintaining control through PRINCE2’s structured approach. Designed for project managers and professionals working in dynamic environments, PRINCE2 Agile is ideal for those looking to integrate Agile ways of working into a traditional project management framework.

Benefits of PRINCE2 Agile:

• Combines structure with flexibility: Provides a balance between PRINCE2’s governance and Agile’s adaptability, making it suitable for changing project environments
• Enhances collaboration and responsiveness: Using Agile techniques it encourages iterative development, stakeholder engagement, and faster decision making
• Tailorable to any industry or project: The framework can be applied across sectors, whether in IT, construction, marketing or product development
• Improves risk management and control: Unlike purely Agile approaches, PRINCE2 Agile retains a focus on business justification and structured governance to ensure project viability
• Ideal for organisations transitioning to Agile: Helps businesses integrate Agile ways of working without abandoning existing processes, making it a practical choice for teams new to Agile

Find out more about our PRINCE2 Agile training courses.

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

Developed by the Association for Project Management, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, processes, and techniques. Unlike methodology-specific certifications, PMQ aims to equip you with a well-rounded knowledge of project management. It is designed for project professionals with some experience who want to develop a deeper understanding of best practices.

Benefits of APM PMQ:

• Comprehensive project management knowledge: Covers a broad range of principles, providing a strong foundation that can be applied across methodologies and industries
• Not tied to a specific methodology: Offers a flexible skills-based approach that is adaptable to different organisational structures and ways of working
• Recognised pathway to chartered status: Supports career progression by contributing towards the requirements needed to achieve Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status
• Enhances leadership and strategic thinking: Goes beyond technical skills, helping you to develop a strategic mindset for effective project leadership
• Widely respected by employers: An internationally recognised certification, PMQ enables you to develop well-rounded project capabilities, enhancing career advancement

Find out more about our APM PMQ training courses.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

CAPM is an entry-level certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It provides a solid foundation in project management principles, processes, and terminology, making it ideal for those looking to start or advance their career. Designed for professionals with little or no previous experience, this is an ideal certification for recent graduates or career changers.

Benefits of CAPM:

• Ideal for beginners: Designed for those with limited project management experience, making it a great starting point for those looking to build a career in the field
• Globally recognised certification: While particularly popular in the USA, CAPM is respected worldwide, helping professionals stand out to employers across various industries
• Based on industry best practice: The certification is aligned with the PMBOK® Guide, ensuring you have a knowledge of globally accepted project management standards
• Enhances career prospects: Demonstrates your commitment to project management, increasing job opportunities and preparing you for more senior roles or further study
• Boosts confidence in project environments: With a solid understanding of project management principles, certified individuals can contribute more effectively to project success and will feel like a valued member of any project team

Find out more about our CAPM training courses.

AgilePM®

AgilePM is a globally recognised certification focused on delivering projects in Agile environments. It covers key concepts such as iterative development, stakeholder collaboration, adaptive planning, and effective risk management. Designed for project professionals working in dynamic environments, AgilePM is suited to those seeking a clear approach to Agile project delivery.

Benefits of AgilePM:

• Rapid and adaptive project delivery: Supports iterative development, enabling teams to respond to changing requirements and deliver value faster
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration: Emphasises continuous communication with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business objectives throughout the project
• Risk and quality management: Unlike some Agile approaches that focus mainly on speed, AgilePM integrates risk management and quality assurance into the framework
• Business driven approach: Ensures that all project work is aligned with business objectives, maximising value delivery
• Supports organisational agility: Helps businesses transition towards a more adaptive way of working, fostering innovation and responsiveness to change

Find out more about our AgilePM training courses.

Praxis Framework™

The Praxis Framework is an integrated project, programme, and portfolio management framework that combines knowledge, methodology, competency, and capability maturity within a single structure. It provides a holistic approach incorporating best practices for multiple established frameworks, making it a flexible and comprehensive option for professionals and businesses. Well suited to those who want to build a broad, adaptable skill set.

Benefits of Praxis Framework:

• Integrated project, programme, and portfolio management: Praxis combines multiple disciplines into a single framework, reducing the need for multiple certifications
• Flexible and adaptable approach: Can be tailored to suit different industries, organisations and project environments
• Based on established best practices: Incorporates principles from other well-known methodologies, providing a well-rounded foundation in P3M
• Supports organisational capability development: Helps businesses assess and improve their project management maturity, leading to more efficient and effective project delivery
• Cost-effective certification: Unlike separate qualifications for project and programme management, Praxis offers a comprehensive solution in a single certification

Find out more about our Praxis Framework training courses.

Achieve a project management certification with ILX

Our wide range of project management courses are available as eLearning, live virtual classroom, classroom and blended training options. Learn more about our study options.

Still struggling to decide which is the right course for you? Get in touch with our team today and they’ll be happy to advise.