Alexis Kestler
Getting PRINCE2 certified can significantly boost your ability to deliver projects in a structured way. As a project manager looking to advance your career in project management, PRINCE2 and PMP certifications are great options to elevate your position.
What is PRINCE2?
PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is an internationally recognized project management methodology used extensively in both public and private sectors.
PRINCE2 provides a flexible and adaptable approach to suit all types of projects. It offers a common language and processes for managing projects throughout their lifecycle.
The key features of PRINCE2 include:
- Product-based planning: Focus is on delivering products that are aligned with business objectives
- Defined roles and responsibilities: Clear accountability for each role involved in project delivery
- Stage gates: Projects are broken into manageable stages with review points between each stage
- Continuous business justification: Ongoing viability of the project is assessed at defined points
- Risk management: Potential threats are identified and mitigation plans established
- Quality management: Quality is defined for each product and methods put in place to achieve it
Overall, PRINCE2 provides governance and control for projects of any type or scale. It offers a systematic way of managing projects from start to finish.
Benefits of Getting PRINCE2 Certified
There are several advantages to getting PRINCE2 certified:
International Recognition
PRINCE2 is recognized as a best practice project management framework across 150 countries. The qualifications are valued by employers worldwide.
Career Advancement
The PRINCE2 certifications can boost your project management expertise. They demonstrate you have the skills to manage projects successfully. This can enhance your career prospects and salary potential.
According to PayScale, the average salary for PRINCE2 certified professionals is $117,000 in the US and £60,000 in the UK.
Common Project Management Language
PRINCE2 establishes a standard vocabulary and processes for managing any project. This enables effective communication across all team members, stakeholders and suppliers.
Flexible Framework
PRINCE2 can be tailored to work for any type or size of project. The principles and processes provide guidance that can be adjusted as needed.
Proven Best Practices
PRINCE2 incorporates decades of best practice in project management. The methodology is based on real-world experience of what works for project success.
PRINCE2 Certification Levels
There are 3 main certifications you can achieve for PRINCE2:
PRINCE2 Foundation
Covers the principles, themes, processes and terminology of PRINCE2. It aims to give you an understanding of the method as a whole.
PRINCE2 Practitioner
Focuses on applying PRINCE2 to scenario situations. It tests your ability to tailor PRINCE2 to address project management challenges.
PRINCE2 Agile®
Combines agile concepts with PRINCE2 principles. It covers managing projects in an agile context.
Who Should Get PRINCE2 Certified?
The PRINCE2 qualifications are recommended for:
- Aspiring project managers – provides structured processes to manage projects from end-to-end
- Existing project managers – demonstrates internationally recognized PM expertise
- Team members involved in projects – establishes common language & understanding of project management
- Senior managers overseeing projects – gain insight into project governance & control
- Individuals seeking to advance their PM career – boosts CV and salary potential
- Organizations wanting to improve project success – implements proven project management framework
PRINCE2 is valuable for anyone involved in project delivery and oversight. The universal applicability of PRINCE2 makes it relevant across all industries and organizations.
How to Prepare for PRINCE2 Exams
Proper preparation is key to pass your PRINCE2 exams. Here are some tips on how to get PRINCE2 certified:
Study the Official PRINCE2 Manual
The PRINCE2 manual covers all aspects of the methodology in detail. Read it thoroughly to understand the principles, themes and processes.
Take a PRINCE2 Training Course
A training course can provide an instructor-led walkthrough of the methodology. Opt for accredited training from an approved provider.
Do Mock Exams
Attempting practice tests helps assess your knowledge. Time yourself when doing mock exams to get used to the real exam conditions.
Learn the Key Concepts
Focus your revision on the main principles, themes and processes. Be able to describe these elements and how they are applied.
Read Blogs & Case Studies
Gain insights from blogs and case studies on how PRINCE2 is used in real-world projects.
Join Online Study Groups
Connect with people preparing for the same exam to share resources and discuss concepts.
Attend Exam Preparation Workshops
Some training providers offer short workshops focused on getting ready for the exam.
Manage Your Time in the Exam
Don‘t get stuck on one question. Flag it and come back if you have time.
With thorough preparation, you can feel confident tackling the PRINCE2 certification exams.
PRINCE2 Foundation Exam
The PRINCE2 Foundation exam aims to assess whether you can recall and understand the PRINCE2 method.
Exam Format
- 60 multiple choice questions
- 1 hour duration
- Closed book exam
- Pass score is 55%
Key Topics Covered:
- PRINCE2 principles, themes and processes
- Purpose of the PRINCE2 themes, principles and tailoring
- Project management terminology
Study Resources:
- PRINCE2 Foundation ebook
- PRINCE2 Foundation training course
- PRINCE2 Foundation sample exams
Cost:
The PRINCE2 Foundation exam price varies by region, ranging from $260-$500 USD approx.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam evaluates your ability to apply PRINCE2 to various project scenarios.
Exam Format
- Objective testing with 68 questions
- 150 minutes to complete
- Open book exam (official manual only)
- 55% pass score
Key Topics Covered:
- Tailoring PRINCE2 to project environment
- Applying principles, themes and processes
- Producing management products
- Advising on project management challenges
Study Resources:
- PRINCE2 Practitioner ebook
- PRINCE2 Practitioner training course
- PRINCE2 Practitioner sample exams
Cost
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam price is around $400-$550 USD approx.
PRINCE2 Agile Exam
The PRINCE2 Agile exam tests your ability to apply agile concepts and techniques when managing projects.
Exam Format
- Objective testing with 50 questions
- 60 minutes duration
- Open book exam
- 38/50 pass score
Key Topics Covered
- PRINCE2 Agile principles
- Agile concepts and behaviors
- Focus areas when using PRINCE2 Agile
- Key terms and techniques
Study Resources
- PRINCE2 Agile guide
- PRINCE2 Agile training course
- PRINCE2 Agile sample exams
Cost
The PRINCE2 Agile exam price is around $260-$500 USD approx.
Maintaining Your PRINCE2 Certification
To retain your certification, you‘ll need to renew it periodically:
-
PRINCE2 Foundation – 3-5 years validity. Lifetime certification, no renewal needed.
-
PRINCE2 Practitioner – 5 year validity. Renew by retaking practitioner exam.
-
PRINCE2 Agile – 5 year validity. Renew by retaking current agile exam.
Recertification helps validate that your PRINCE2 knowledge remains current.
PRINCE2 vs PMP Certification
PMP and PRINCE2 are both highly valued project management credentials. Here‘s a comparison:
| PRINCE2 | PMP |
|---|---|
| Prescriptive project management approach | General project management framework |
| Governance-focused | Delivery-focused |
| Stages driven | Process driven |
| Stronger in Europe & UK | Stronger in North America |
When to choose PRINCE2:
- Your projects need structured governance with detailed oversight
- You work mainly in Europe/UK based organizations
- Your industry uses PRINCE2 as a standard methodology
When to choose PMP:
- Your projects require less prescriptive guidance
- You work mainly in North America based organizations
- Your industry recognizes PMP as the standard
Either certification demonstrates expertise in project management fundamentals. The right choice comes down to your location, industry and project environment.
How Long to Get PRINCE2 Certified?
Here is a breakdown of the typical timeframe to gain PRINCE2 certifications:
PRINCE2 Foundation
- Self-study: 60-100 hours
- Training course: 2-3 days classroom + revision
PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Self-study: 80-120 hours
- Training course: 2-5 days classroom + revision
PRINCE2 Agile
- Self-study: 24 hours
- Training course: 2-3 days classroom + revision
The duration depends on your prior project management knowledge. Allow extra study time if you are new to project management.
Conclusion
Gaining PRINCE2 certification can significantly boost your project management skills and career advancement opportunities. The qualifications are internationally recognized and relevant across all industries.
With proper preparation using accredited training and practice tests, you can pass your PRINCE2 exams confidently. Investing time into getting certified demonstrates your dedication to project management excellence.
