Introduction

This article explores the available knowledge-based project management certifications so you can choose the best one for you.Self-paced

Types of project management qualificationsBCS Business Analysis Practice self-paced online

There are 2 types of project management qualifications: knowledge-based and competency-based.

Knowledge-based qualifications£749 +vat

Knowledge-based qualifications require a candidate to show their knowledge of What qualifications do you need to become a business analyst?project managementBusiness analysts need a good mix of ‘soft-skills’ and ‘hard-skills.’ You will need to be good at solving problems and analysing data. You will also need to have excellent communication skills. – mainly by passing an examination.The path you might take will depend on your qualifications, education and experience. Many analysts begin in a technical background such as software development. This is helpful, as IT systems and databases can often form a major part of a businesses’ development plans.

Knowledge-based qualifications are suited for people seeking entry to the project manager profession because they usually do not require any prior project management experience.If you don’t have any IT experience, don’t fret! Often some basic knowledge of SQL is all you’ll be required to have, as systems analysis is a closely related, but otherwise entirely distinct discipline that you won’t have to worry about as a Business analyst.

Competency-based qualifications‘Soft skills’ vs. ‘hard skills’

Competency-based qualifications require a candidate to show their abilities across a range of project manager competencies. This is done by observing a candidate working alone, working in a group and by interview.Recruiters will generally look for work experience or an education that may have imparted desirable skills. Any experience you may have had as a manager or team-leader will be especially desirable. Soft skills you may want to highlight in your CV include:

They often require prior project management experience. They are suited to people who want to benchmark their skills against other project managers in the profession.Attention to detail.

The rest of this article will only consider knowledge-based Communication.project management certificationInterpersonal skills..Leadership.

Project management qualification levelsOrganisation.

A project management qualification can be one of 2 broad types:Problem-solving.

Entry-level qualificationsTeamwork.
Time-management.

• These teach students about project management concepts and terminology.Additionally, a post-graduate qualification in any of the following studies will make you more marketable as a BA:

Higher-level qualificationsBusiness information systems.
Business management.

• These teach students to apply project management concepts and methods.Computing and systems development.

• • Levels A, B, C or D.
• For: people wanting to learn how to apply best practices on Agile projects.
• Covers: application of the PRINCE2 methodology in Agile environments.
• Reference book: PRINCE2 Agile (360 pages).
• Study duration: 2-day classroom, or 21 hours online.
• Exam: Discovering new horizons with most analysis in business2.5 hours, 50 multiple-choice questions.
• Learning path: Simon BuehringPRINCE2 Agile Practitioner19 Feb 2026.

Association for Project Management (APM) qualificationsExplore how MOST analysis can enhance your business strategy and unlock new opportunities. Continue reading to learn practical steps and see real-world applications.

The UK-based Association for Project Management (APM) is an educational charity. It is the largest independent professional body of its kind in Europe. The APM has over 13,500 individual and 300 corporate members throughout the UK and abroad.

In 2017, APM was awarded a Royal Charter as part of its strategy to raise awareness and standards in the profession.

The APM qualifications are available at introductory to advanced levels. Only the introductory and intermediate qualifications are described below.

Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) (introductory level)Ultimate guide to business analysis careers

The APM worked with the UK Government’s Department for Education and Skills to develop the APM PFQSimon Buehring qualification. The 19 Feb 2026PFQ qualification used to be known as the Explore the various career paths in business analysis, from entry-level to senior roles. Understand salary prospects and job roles by reading further.APM Introductory Certificate

• Difficulty level: low.
• Prerequisites: Business analyst certification: What it is and how to get certifiednone.
• For: Simon Buehringpeople looking to start a 30 Apr 2026career in project management or those wanting to understand the Discover the essentials of business analyst certification, from leading qualification types to preparation, costs, and career benefits. Start your path to professional recognition and new business analysis opportunities.principles of project management .
• Covers: project management life cycle and related knowledge areas from the APMBoK .
• Reference book: APM Body of Knowledge 6th Edition (the APMBoK) (258 pages).Unlocking potential with SMART goals in goal setting
• Study duration: 2-day classroom or 25 hours online.Simon Buehring
• Exam: 19 Feb 20261 hour, 60 multiple-choice questions.
• Learning path: Explore the power of SMART goals to boost productivity and success. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice and tips. Scroll down to start transforming your goal-setting process today.APM PFQ .

Project Management Qualification (PMQ) (intermediate level)

The APM PMQ qualification used to be known as APMP .ISEB Business Analysis

• Difficulty level: medium.Simon Buehring
• Prerequisites: 19 Feb 2026none although typically, candidates already have some existing project management experience.
• For: Learn about the ISEB Business Analysis, a suite of professional qualifications that enhance BA skills. Scroll down for more information.people wanting to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in project management .
• Covers: project management life cycle and related knowledge areas from the APMBoK.
• Reference book: APM Body of Knowledge 6th Edition (the APMBoK) (258 pages).
• Study duration: Unlock your creative and organisational potential with mind maps5-day classroom or 35 hours online.
• Exam: Simon Buehring3 hours with 10 written questions, or 2 hours and 6 questions (for PRINCE2 Practitioners only).19 Feb 2026
• Learning path: APM PMQExplore the potential of mind maps to enhance your creativity and organisational skills. Scroll down to learn practical tips and techniques that you can start using today..

APMG International qualifications

APMG offers the AgilePM ^® Agile Project Management qualifications in conjunction with the Agile Business Consortium. These are based upon the Agile Project Framework – the latest version of DSDM, one of the oldest Agile methodsTechniques for business analysts. There are both introductory and intermediate qualifications.

AgilePM qualificationsSimon Buehring have grown rapidly since its launch in 2011. More than 200,000 exams have been taken.19 Feb 2026

AgilePM qualifications are popular within the ITDiscover essential business analysis techniques that enhance project outcomes. Scroll down for a list of top techniques. and software industries.

AgilePM Foundation (introductory qualification)

• Reference book: Agile Project Management Handbook (240 pages).
• Study duration: 3-day classroom or 20 hours online.
• .

AgilePM Practitioner (intermediate qualification)

• Difficulty level: medium.
• Prerequisites: AgilePM Foundation .
• For: people wanting to learn how to manage agile projects.Give us a call
• Covers: application of the Agile Project Framework.
• Reference book: +44 (0)207 148 5985Agile Project Management Handbook (240 pages).
• Study duration: Or chat with us using the link at the bottom of the screen.1-day classroom or 15 hours online.Contact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you.
• Exam: Finance FAQs2.5 hours, 80 multiple-choice questions.Contact
• Learning path: CookiesAgilePM PractitionerPrivacy.Terms

Non-UK qualifications, MSP

Outside the UK, the main project management qualification bodies are:®

• Project Management Institute (PMI), ITIL^®®
• IPMA, P3O^®®., PRINCE2

Project Management Institute (PMI)®^{® Agile, RESILIA} qualifications®

The most popular project management qualifications in the USA, Canada, Asia and Africa are those offered by the , and the Swirl logo are registered trademarks of the PeopleCert group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved. AgilePMProject Management Institute® (PMI) and AgileBA^®®. PMI are registered trademarks of Agile Business Consortium Limited. All rights reserved. The APMG International AgilePM and Swirl Device logo, APMG International AgileBA and Swirl Device Logo, APMG International Change Management and APMG International Better Business Cases and Swirl Device logo are trademarks of The APM Group Limited, used under permission of The APM Group Limited. All rights reserved. Better Business Cases™ is a trademark of Her Majesty’s Treasury. All rights reserved. DevOps Foundation^®® certifications requires prior experience, so they are harder to obtain than the other qualifications listed above. is a registered mark of the DevOps Institute. “PMI”, “PMBOK

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®^{® Guide”, “PMP” and “CAPM” are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc. Knowledge Train Scrum Essentials™, Business Learning Library (BLL)™, Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)™, Agile Learning Library (ALL)™, IT Learning Library (ITLL)™, and Compliance Learning Library (CLL)™ are trademarks of Knowledge Train Limited. All rights reserved.} (introductory qualification)Knowledge Train Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of NewDay Cards Ltd for the Newpay finance product provided by NewDay Ltd. NewDay Cards Ltd acts as a credit broker, not a lender. We will introduce you exclusively to Newpay finance products provided by NewDay Limited under this Introducer Appointed Representative arrangement. Finance available from other lenders is not covered by this arrangement. NewDay Ltd and Newday Cards Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (ref nos 690292 and 682417 respectively).

• Difficulty level: low (for the exam).
• Prerequisites:
  • A secondary degree (high school diploma or global equivalent); and
  • At least 1,500 hours of experience on a project team, or 23 hours of project management education prior to sitting the exam.
• For: Searchpeople wanting a globally recognized project management qualification.
• Covers: project management processes and terminology.
• Reference book: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK ^®

^® (intermediate qualification)Manage Consent

• Difficulty level: medium to high.To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
• Prerequisites:
  • A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree, or the global equivalent) with a minimum of five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; or,
  • A four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent) and at least three years of project management experience, with a minimum of 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

The IPMA ^® is a Federation of over 55 Member Associations (MAs), each representing one country. The MAs develop project management competencies in their geographic areas.

The IPMA has a four-level certification program:Preferences

• IPMA Level A: for those managing complex project portfolios and programmes .
• IPMA Level B: for those managing complex projects. Minimum five years of experience.
• IPMA Level C: for those managing moderately complex projects. Minimum three years of experience.
• IPMA Level D: for those working on projects seeking project management knowledge.The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.

Since 2004, the IPMA has certified more than 150,000 project managers in over 50 countries. One of the largest Member Associations is the UK-based Association for Project Management (APM).

Certification popularity

As a company offering Statisticsproject management training since 2005 we’ve learned a lot about the popularity of the many different project management qualifications and exams.

It’s difficult to find information about the number of exams taken. We have made some educated guesses about them. We based these upon information in the public domain.