Which Business Change Certification is Right for You? (APMG vs Prosci vs CCMP)

Introduction

If you’re building a career in Business Change, sooner or later the question comes up: “Which certification should I take?”

The three most recognised names are APMG Change Management™, Prosci, and CCMP. Each has unique strengths, recognition, and purpose. The right choice depends on your career goals, where you work, and how you prefer to learn.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences — in plain English — so you can make an informed decision.

1. APMG Change Management

Who offers it?
APMG International, in partnership with the Change Management Institute (CMI).

What’s it about?
This qualification is rooted in the CMI’s Change Management Body of Knowledge. It covers the principles, processes, people, and practice of leading change. Expect theory, models, and structured approaches that give you a strong foundation.

Recognition
Highly regarded in the UK, Europe, and industries where structured programmes (like MSP and PRINCE2) are common.

Best for you if…

• You want a solid theoretical grounding in change management.

• You’re UK/Europe-based and want a widely recognised qualification.

• You enjoy learning frameworks you can apply in varied contexts.

2.

Who offers it?
Prosci, a research and training organisation.

What’s it about?
Prosci is famous for the ADKAR model — Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement — and its wider methodology for managing the people side of change.

Training is immersive and practical: you leave with a toolkit and a methodology you can apply immediately to projects.

Recognition
Extremely popular worldwide. Many organisations (UK, Europe, US) specifically ask for “Prosci-trained” practitioners.

Best for you if…

• You want a hands-on, practical framework you can use straight away.

• Your organisation already uses Prosci.

• You prefer methodology and application over broad theory.

3. CCMP (Certified Change Management Professional)

Who offers it?
The Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP).

What’s it about?
Built around ACMP’s Standard for Change Management. CCMP reflects what practitioners agreed are the core competencies of change management.

It’s less about one methodology, more about demonstrating you meet professional standards across planning, execution, and sustaining change.

Recognition
Strongly valued in North America and multinational organisations. Seen as a professional credential, not just a training certificate.

Best for you if…

• You want a globally portable qualification.

• You want recognition beyond one methodology.

• You’re building a long-term career identity as a certified Change Management Professional.

Compare at a Glance

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” certification. The right one depends on you:

• Want theory and structure? → APMG.

• Want a practical framework you can use tomorrow? → Prosci.

• Want a global professional credential? → CCMP.

And remember: many Business Change professionals build a portfolio of certifications over time — starting with one, then adding another as their career evolves.

Further Resources

If you’d like to explore each certification in more detail, here are the official sites:

• APMG Change Management™ – apmg-international.com/product/change-management

• CCMP (Certified Change Management Professional) – acmpglobal.org/page/ccmp

• Prosci Change Management Certification – prosci.com/training/programs/change-management-certification-program

Thinking about a career in Business Change? Three certifications dominate the conversation: APMG Change Management™, Prosci, and CCMP. But what’s the difference, and which is best for you? Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide.