Organisations and individuals have a wide range of choices for project management training and development. Three of the most widely recognised are Prince2 from the Office of government commerce, the PMP from the USA based Project Management Institute and the APMP from the UK based Association for Project Management. This decision guide will help you make the best choice for you and your organisation.
PRINCE2™
PRINCE2™ is a project management method sponsored by the UK government via the Office of Government Commerce. It focuses on describing the processes, products and responsibilities required to manage a project in a controlled environment. Its roots are in government contracts and if provides a consistent approach to the implementation of major projects. Some have criticised it for not being fully scalable for smaller projects.
With its background in the UK, PRINCE2™ is increasingly recognised across the world with over 400,000 project managers holding the qualification. The qualification has no prerequisites.
PMI PMP
This is the most widely recognised project management qualification in the world with over half a million holders of the qualification around the globe. It is based on the comprehensive PMI body of knowledge. This combines both processes and a tools and techniques. While comprehensive the PM BoK is a little over complex for smaller projects.
The PMI PMP has detailed pre-requisites including
- 35 hours of directed study
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Project management experience of :
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With University – 4500 hours over at least 36 months
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With High School – 7500 hours over at least 60 months
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The fastest growth area for the PMP is in Asia.
APM
The UK APM has introductory (IC), foundation (APMP) and practitioner qualifications (PQ) qualification. These are based on the APM BoK. Unlike the PMI the APM body of knowledge provides a summary of the project management topic areas. The qualification is strongest in the UK with little recognition outside the UK. The APM has applied the for a Royal Charter so that it can award Chartered status to its members. It is strongest in the rail, construction and IT sectors in the UK.
How to decide
Questions to ask are:
- Are you interested in a global career in project management? PMP
- Do you work for an organisation (or client) working to a PRINC2 method? PRINCE
Are you based in a non UK PRINCE2 organisation? APM
For more information visit Parallel Project Managment Training
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