APM vs PMP: A Detailed Comparison

Project management is a highly challenging yet highly rewarding career. With the right training and knowledge, you can also improve your career prospects in project management. The Association for Project Management (APM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) are two of the most renowned certifications for project management. The debate around APM vs PMP is getting hotter by the day, but which one to choose?   

According to the Project Management Institute, professionals with a PMP certification earned about 16 percent higher salaries than those without a certification. So, having a project management certification helps boost your salary. Read this blog to learn the differences between APM and PMP, their benefits, and which one to choose. 

Table of Contents   

1) An introduction to APM and PMP 

    a) What is PMP? 

    b) What is APM? 

2) What is the difference between APM and PMP

3) Which one to choose?  

4) Conclusion     

An introduction to APM and PMP  

APM and PMP are two widely recognised project management methodologies used to manage projects of varying sizes and complexity.   

What is PMP?  

PMP is a project management program offered by the PMI, and it is considered one of the highest standards for project management among project management professionals. A PMP certification can demonstrate your knowledge and ability in project management and increase your career prospects. 

What is APM?  

APM focuses on completing projects that achieve corporate goals within a predetermined timeframe and price range. The PMP puts more focus on ten knowledge areas. They are Integration, scope, time, cost, quality, resource, communication, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management. Apart from this, it comprises five process groups that comprise project management. They are listed below:   

a) Planning  

b) Executing  

c) Monitoring  

d) Controlling  

e) Closing


 

What is the difference between APM and PMP?  

APM and PMP are used for project management; however, these two have subtle differences. APM is a set of best practices, while PMP is a standard for project management. APM has training for all levels of experience. However, PMP has certain limitations.   

What is the Project Management Methodology used?  

APM adopts a flexible and adaptable methodology that may be customised to meet the needs of each project. On the other hand, PMP uses a standardised and structured process. It places a strong emphasis on adhering to widely accepted practices and techniques.   

Tools and Methodologies  

APM uses Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma, among other approaches. Examples of APM technologies are Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and project portfolio management software. Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid, and Critical Path are a few of the PMP techniques. Software for project scheduling, risk management, and cost estimating are all examples of PMP tools.   

Eligibility criteria

 

There are no prerequisites for applying for APM but for PMP there are certain eligibility criteria that you need to fulfil. You can find these criteria in the above table.   

Benefits of APM  

Both APM and PMP have their methodologies for managing projects effectively. Both have their pros and cons and now let's discuss some of the benefits of APM: 

a) Flexibility: APM helps in project management flexibility and can be tailored to each project's particular needs. 

b) Collaboration: APM places a strong emphasis on cooperation and collaboration, which enhances communication and motivates employees. 

c) Faster Delivery: APM places a strong emphasis on meeting deadlines, which can result in shorter delivery periods and shorter time-to-market. 

Challenges of APM  

The flexible nature of APM might result in a lack of framework and make it challenging to gauge success and development. Other than a lack of framework, it has certain limitations, and they are listed below:  

a) Limited applicability: APM might not be appropriate for all project types, especially those with strict budgets and timelines 

b) Rigorous: APM is a hard nut to crack, and it can be considered rigorous 

Benefits of PMP   

The PMP programme offers a standardised project management approach, increasing outcomes' uniformity and predictability. Some of the benefits of PMP are listed below:   

a) Widely Recognised: The well-known PMP certification can increase employment opportunities and financial potential.   

b) Standardisation: Project management is handled using a standardised method thanks to PMP  

c) Comprehensive: The PMP certification encompasses various project management knowledge areas and abilities.   

Challenges of PMP  

The standardised PMP approach is sometimes rigid and not flexible, which makes it challenging to modify to specific project requirements. The biggest challenge of PMP is managing the time and money. The PMP certification requires a considerable time commitment and a significant cash commitment, including the cost of the exam and study materials. 

Signup for PMP® Training courses and enhance your career potential by engaging with large-scale projects.  

Which one to choose?  

Regardless of your experience in project management, there's always room for improvement and APM, and PMP offer exactly that. Understanding the following factors help when deciding between APM and PMP:   

a) Project requirements and scope  

b) Values and organisational culture  

c) Resources that are available, including financial and time restraints  

d) The expertise and talents of the project team  

e) Project management best practices and standards that are industry-specific  

Why choose APM?  

Although it is hard, APM offers a clear path to career advancement. It also offers training for all levels of project management. You can use APM in the following scenarios:    

a) Agile projects with rapidly changing needs  

b) Projects with a small team or less formal structure: Projects with a high level of uncertainty and risk  

c) Project management companies that value adaptability and teamwork: Companies in the software, IT, and creative industries  

d) Projects with a broad and complicated scope and those with a defined budget and schedule are examples of situations where PMP is preferable  

e) Projects with a lot of requirements for regulation and compliance  

Why choose PMP?  

PMP is a credential offered by Project Management Institute and is considered the gold standard for project management. It is one of the most renowned qualifications for project managers, and you can use it in the following scenarios:   

a) Projects with a broad and complicated scope and those with a defined budget and schedule are examples of situations where PMP is preferable  

b) Projects with a lot of requirements for regulation and compliance  

Signup for the APM Introductory Certificate PFQ course and learn the foundation, basic structure, and terminology of project management.  

Conclusion    

We hope you have learned everything about Association for Project Management and Project Management Professionals with a detailed comparison. Apart from this, you would have also learned about what is APM, what is PMP and their benefits and challenges. We hope this blog gave you clarity on which one to choose, APM vs PMP.  

Signup for APM Training courses and understand how to prepare and participate in projects of any size.