Choosing the right certification: A deep dive into APM and PMI qualifications for project management professionals

Andreea Dascalu, MAPM
6 min readJan 16, 2024

In the ever-evolving field of project management, certifications have become a valuable asset, showcasing expertise and commitment to professional development. Two prominent players in this space are the Association for Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Let’s explore the strengths and nuances of each, helping you choose the certification that aligns best with your career goals.

APM qualifications

APM is the largest professional body for project management in Europe and offers a range of certifications with varying levels of expertise. They focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring learners are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in real-world project management scenarios.

APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)

The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) provides a solid foundation in project management principles and terminology, and covers the key elements of the project management life cycle, including planning and scheduling, communication, teamwork, resource management, project risk management and project reviews.

--

--

Andreea Dascalu, MAPM

Programme manager and operations professional writing about industry insights, trends and tools. Full Member of the Association for Project Management (APM).