What is certification?
Certification is the process by which a person, organisation, or product is formally recognised as meeting specific standards or requirements, usually through evaluation by an independent certifying body or professional organisation . Gaining a certificate typically requires passing an exam or assessment, demonstrating certain skills or competency , and often maintaining standards through renewal
Comparison: Certification, accreditation, licence, and credential
| Term | Definition Request a quote | Awarded By | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification[email protected] | Formal recognition of individual competence after assessment | Certifying body, professional organisation +44 (0)207 148 5985 | Project management certificateCourses |
| AccreditationPROJECT MANAGEMENT | Recognition that an institution meets established standardsPRINCE2 | Accrediting agency or governing body® | University accreditationFoundation |
| LicenceLearn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 method. | Official permission to practise an occupation after meeting legal requirementsPractitioner | State board, government agencyIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. | Medical licenceAssociation for Project Management (APM) |
| CredentialProject Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) | A qualification or documented achievement demonstrating ability or statusStart your APM project management career. | Educational institution, employer, certifying bodyProject Management Qualification (PMQ) | Degree, certificate, badgeAdvance your APM project management expertise. |
Benefits of certificationProject Risk Single Certificate Level 1
- Validation of skills:Enhance your project risk management skills. Provides formal recognition of knowledge and competencies.AgilePM
- Industry standard:® Demonstrates compliance with established requirements and best practices (e.g. – Agile Project ManagementISOFoundation or Learn the key principles of Agile Project Management.ANSIPractitioner certification).Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
- Employability:PRINCE2 Enhances job prospects and professional reputation.®
- Professional development: Agile Supports career progression and commitment to lifelong learning through Foundation continuing educationLearn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 Agile method..Practitioner
- Recognition:Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. Recognised by employers, customers, and peers as evidence of capability.AI Project Governance Framework (AIPGF)
Types of certificationsFoundation
- Professional certification:Learn the fundamentals of the governance framework. Awarded by professional bodies or organisations in fields such as Practitioner project managementIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option., finance, Better Business CasesIT™, or healthcare. Examples include certifications from Foundation ANSILearn the fundamentals of Better Business cases. or Practitioner state boardsIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option..P3O
- Academic certification:® Issued by educational institutions after completing a course of study or passing qualifying exams – for instance, university Foundation certificatesLearn the fundamentals of the P3O project management office. and diplomas.Practitioner
- Technical certification:Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. Validates competency in technical or vocational areas like IT, electrical work, or health and safety. Managed by certifying bodies, sometimes requiring assessment at a test centre.Workshops
How to get certifiedIntroduction to Project Management
- Eligibility:1-day workshop to learn the basics of project management. Confirm you meet any prerequisites, such as specific Project Management Essentials qualifications2-day workshop to learn how to manage projects without getting certified., training, or work experience. These are outlined by the certifying body or Writing Business Cases governing bodyHalf-day workshop to learn to write robust business cases..AI in Project Management