Skip to content
ApplySafer

How to become an IT project manager

IT project managers plan and deliver technology projects — new systems, software, upgrades and digital services — managing tasks, risks, budgets and the team.

You could work for a company's IT department, a software or consultancy firm, or the public sector. IT project lead and IT programme manager are related titles.

There is no licence to practise. IT experience helps, and many IT project managers take APM (Association for Project Management) or PMI (Project Management Institute) qualifications.

  • IT experience helps
  • No licence needed
  • Earn while learning possible

3 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AApprenticeship

    Associate project manager apprenticeship in an IT team

    For those who want to work on technology projects straight from school or college, with training paid for.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job with an IT or digital team; each employer sets its own requirements
    • The National Careers Service says higher apprenticeships usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A levels, or equivalent
    • Vacancies are competitive and availability varies by region

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for an Associate project manager apprenticeship in an IT or digital team
    2. Work on technology projects and train; your employer and the government pay
    3. Complete the end-point assessment
    4. Build experience as an assistant project manager
    5. Move up to IT project manager
    Estimated duration
    About 18 months, then experience
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Associate project manager (Level 4) at 18 months. The National Careers Service lists it among IT project manager apprenticeships.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £7,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BUniversity

    Computing or information systems degree, then an IT role

    For those who want to study computing, information systems or business, then move into managing technology projects.

    Starting requirements

    • Universities set their own entry requirements (2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, is typical for a degree)
    • Relevant subjects include computing, information systems, computer science, project management and business management
    • Postgraduate study usually needs a degree in a relevant subject

    Pathway outline

    1. Study a relevant degree
    2. Start in an IT role or as an assistant project manager
    3. Build experience on technology projects
    4. You could take APM's PMQ or a PMI qualification
    5. Move up to IT project manager
    Estimated duration
    3 years of study, then experience
    How we estimate this

    A typical full-time bachelor's degree in England takes 3 years. APM says PMQ candidates usually have 2 to 3 years' experience.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £29,898 to £30,018Paid up front by you: £528 to £648Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually after graduating, although many students work part-time or take a paid placement year.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CCareer change

    Move from an IT job into project management

    For people already working in IT — such as developers, analysts or support staff — who want to manage projects.

    Starting requirements

    • Experience working in IT; the National Careers Service says this can let you start as an assistant project manager
    • APM's PMQ suits people with 2 to 3 years' project experience; its PFQ needs none
    • Employers set their own requirements

    Pathway outline

    1. Take on project tasks in your IT role
    2. Move into an assistant project manager role
    3. Take APM's PFQ, then the PMQ when you have enough project experience
    4. Take on more management responsibility
    5. Apply for IT project manager roles
    Estimated duration
    About 2 to 3 years
    How we estimate this

    APM says PMQ candidates most likely have 2 to 3 years' experience as a project professional.

    Estimated direct study costs
    At least £958 to £1,096Plus: APM lists courses from accredited providers, each setting its own price; self-study with the open online exam is also possiblePaid up front by you: At least £958 to £1,096Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    You keep earning throughout.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Related careers — not the same as a it project manager

Each of these is a separate career with its own entry rules.

Questions people ask

Do I need to be able to code?

Not usually, but understanding how technology projects work helps. The National Careers Service says IT experience can let you start as an assistant project manager.

Do I need a computing degree?

No. A relevant degree is one route; apprenticeships and moving across from an IT role are others.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

Compare routes side by side