Do You Need a Qualification to Lead Projects?

Do You Need a Qualification to Lead Projects?

A few thoughts from someone who’s seen both sides

I hear this question a lot — and not just from people changing careers.

Even experienced professionals ask it quietly, as if they’ve missed something important:
“Should I get a qualification if I want to lead projects properly?”

It’s a fair question. Especially when you look around and see job ads full of acronyms: PRINCE2, PMP, APM… It can feel like the only way forward is through a certified pathway.

But here’s something I want you to consider:

What if you’re already doing the work?

Because in reality, lots of people are.

You might be leading change, coordinating delivery, managing stakeholders, solving problems, and keeping things moving — but without the formal title or training.
Most of the best project leaders I’ve worked with started that way.

They didn’t come from a textbook.
They didn’t start with a badge.
They started with responsibility… and figured it out as they went.

So, are qualifications helpful?

Yes — in some situations.
If you’re applying for a formal project manager role in a big organisation or consultancy, qualifications often help tick boxes.

But they don’t guarantee good delivery.
And they don’t always give you the mindset or soft skills needed to lead in the real world.

What matters more is whether you:

• Communicate well under pressure
• Organise work in a way people can follow
• Keep your eye on outcomes, not just activity
• Spot risks early, and respond well when plans change

These are leadership behaviours — not just project management techniques.

Here’s a better question to ask

Instead of:
“Do I need a qualification?”

Try asking:
“What would give me the confidence and clarity to lead better?”

That might be a course.
It might be a mentor.
It might be reading blogs like this and testing ideas out in your day job.

Whatever it is, trust that experience, reflection and practice matter just as much (if not more) than formal training.

Final thought:
If you're already solving problems, coordinating work, and delivering change, you’re not an impostor.
You’re already on the path.
You don’t need permission to lead.