Should You Get PRINCE2® or PMP Certification?

It's easy to be convinced that any PMP certification or PRINCE2® training will make you a better project manager. But unfortunately, you could spend a thousand dollars here or there without knowing what project management certification is proper for you.

At times like these, it's essential to keep things in perspective. Knowing the subtle differences between PMP certification and PRINCE2® training can help you pick the best program for your needs.

If you are a project manager, it would be great to get certified. However, the best choice is to go for PRINCE2® and PMP certifications to become a professional in the field.

What is a PMP certification?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is the world's most widely recognized project management certification.

The PMP exam tests your ability to apply knowledge from the three bodies of knowledge defined by PMI: People, Processes, and Business Environment.

It also tests your ability to apply this knowledge in practice through two scenarios: one in which you're working with a team member and one where you're leading a project yourself.

What is a PRINCE2 certification?

The PRINCE2® certification is a globally recognized project management qualification PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments. It was developed to help organizations manage projects more effectively.

The PRINCE2® certification has been designed to reflect the latest project management standards, so it's an excellent choice if you want to gain an internationally recognized qualification that will help you progress in your career as a project manager or practitioner.

The certification helps candidates understand how to plan practical projects, ensure they're successful, and manage change effectively throughout all stages of the project lifecycle.

It also teaches candidates how to work effectively with stakeholders from different departments within their organization and with external suppliers and contractors on large multi-discipline projects.

What's the Key Difference?

PRINCE2 and PMP are two of the world's most widely-recognized and respected project management certifications. PRINCE2 and PMP provide you with a strong foundation in project management.

Completing one or both of these certifications will make you a better candidate by making it easy for hiring managers to see that you can be trusted with their projects. Certifications differ based on a variety of factors such as :

Framework

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification uses a descriptive framework, giving you the freedom to interpret the material as you see fit.

The PRINCE2 certification focuses on best project management practices, which give you specific instructions on how to do things.

Level of certification

The Project Management Institute offers the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification as a stand-alone certification. However, suppose you are new to project management. In that case, you may want to earn the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from the PMI first. This credential is just as valuable as the PMP credential but will not require as much time or effort for you to earn.

The PRINCE2 certification is available on two levels: PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. The Foundation level is geared toward people who will act as informed members of a project management team that uses PRINCE2 methodologies in a project environment supporting PRINCE2; the Practitioner level teaches PRINCE2 methods so that you can apply them while running and managing projects in a PRINCE2 environment.

Methodology

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification focuses on project management techniques and skills to manage and deliver projects successfully.

The PRINCE2 training focuses on the frameworks and processes necessary for successful projects.

Exams

The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam has 180 multiple-choice questions split into the following areas: people, process, and business environment.

In addition, the PMP exam evaluates your experience with various skills, such as change management, materials management, and quality management. You have 230 mins to complete the exam.

The PRINCE2 exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions you'll need to answer within 60 minutes. Five of these are trial questions; if answered incorrectly, they will not count against your final score.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is an objective, scenario-based paper that tests candidates on nine questions using a time limit of 2.5 hours.

Pre-requisites of Exam

• A four-year degree.
• 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.
• 35 hours of project management education.

OR

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or the global equivalent).
• 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.
• 35 hours of project management education.

There are no set requirements for taking the PRINCE2® exams. However, it's recommended that you have some project management experience and formal education in project management before you sit for the exam.

In addition, the Practitioner exam requires you to have passed the Foundation exam.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there's no way to tell you which certification is best for you because it depends on your goals. Are you looking to impact other people's lives, or are you after a project manager job? That will be the dominant factor in your decision.

We can tell you that both certifications will require much work, effort, and time. And in the end, one might make you happier than the other. So pick your goal wisely and go for it!