A PRINCE2 certification is a project management certification focused on providing insights into delegating roles and responsibilities for projects. PRINCE2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments.
A PMP certification is a certification offered by Project Management Institute (PMI). PMP stands for Project Management Professional. Both the PRINCE2 Certification and PMP Certification are widely recognised across 150+ countries.
This blog will explain the differences between PRINCE2 Certification and PMP certification and suggest which is better for your career.
Table of Content
- What is a PRINCE2 Certification?
- What is a PMP Certification?
- Differences between PRINCE2 and PMP Certification
- PRINCE2 vs PMP. Which is a better Certification?
- Tips to consider before you choose a certification
- Conclusion
What is a PRINCE2 Certification?
PRINCE2 is an integrated approach that provides a set of principles and practices for managing a project from start to finish. PRINCE2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments.
The PRINCE2 model finds answers to the management questions like what is to be done, who needs to do it, and when it is supposed to be completed. It provides knowledge, techniques, and skills required to deliver projects successfully within the set constraints and time limits.
PRINCE2 Certification has two levels of training
- PRINCE2 Foundation
- PRINCE2 Practitioner
What is a PMP Certification?
The PMP certification validates your knowledge of the principles and practices of project management. It exhibits your talent in using PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) for successful project completion.
Differences between the PRINCE2 and PMP Certification
| PRINCE2 | PMP | |
| Place of Origin | United Kingdom | United States of America |
| Owned by | Axelos | Project Management Institute ( (PMI) |
| Methodology | Process-based methodology | Knowledge-based methodology |
| Framework | A Prescriptive framework based on best principles and practices in Projects. | A Descriptive framework such as skills, scope, schedule, etc. It is based on the PMBOK guide. |
| Certification Levels | PRINCE2 Foundation PRINCE2 Practitioner | PMP is a standalone certification. |
| Exams | PRINCE2 Foundation has 75 multiple-choice questions. You must mandatorily clear the PRINCE2 Foundation exam to take the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. PRINCE2 Practitioner exam includes nine scenario-based questions. Exam time limit (PRINCE2 Foundation) – One hour Exam time limit (PRINCE2 Practitioner) – Two and half hours | PMP has 200 multiple-choice questions. The PMP exam evaluates your knowledge and skills in material management, change management, risk identification, and quality management. Exam time limit – Four hours |
| Exam style | PRINCE2 Foundation – Closed book PRINCE2 Practitioner – Open Book | Closed book |
| Popularity | PRINCE2 is widely popular across Australia, the United Kingdom, and regions of Europe. | PMP is widely popular across the USA, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and parts of Asia. |
PRINCE2 vs PMP. Which is a better Certification?
Let us understand the difference between PRINCE2 vs PMP in terms of Preparation time and Prerequisites.
The approximate preparation time for PRINCE2 vs PMP is as follows
| PRINCE2 | PMP |
| It might take 1 – 3 weeks on average. That is close to 10 – 20 hrs of study time. | It might take 8 – 12 weeks on average. The study time needed will vary based on your knowledge, experience, and grasping power. |
Let us check on the prerequisite for PRINCE2 and PMP
| PRINCE2 | PMP |
| For the PRINCE2 Practitioner examination, you need to provide a pass certificate compulsorily for one of the following: PRINCE2 Foundation Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Project Management Professional (PMP) IPMA/APM Level A (Certified Projects Director) IPMA/APM Level B (Certified Senior Project Manager) IPMA/APM Level C (Certified Project Manager) IPMA/APM Level D or P (Certified Project Management Associate) | Ensure you meet one of the following PMP Certification requirements before you apply for the PMP exam: A Four-Year Degree 35 hours of project management training CAPM certification Three years or 36 months of experience as a project lead (within the last eight years) Associate Degree or High School Diploma Five years or 60 months of experience as a project lead (within the last eight years) |
Tips to consider before you choose a certification
You can consider the following tips before you choose any project management certification.
Analyse your level of Experience: Your current level of experience is a major factor in deciding which certification will be suitable for your career building.
Confirm what you want to learn: As PRINCE2 certification program trains you with processes and frameworks of project management and PMP certification training focuses on techniques and knowledge in a broad range of project management. It is vital to be sure of what you want to learn before you opt for a certification.
Decide on your work location: Be sure to confirm where you want to work in future as a few companies might be specific about certain certifications.
Time limit to obtain certification: Determine by when you want to own a certification. It is important to analyse this aspect as each certification has its time limit and level of difficulty.
Think about, if owning both certifications can help you upgrade your overall skillset to handle complex projects confidently.
Following is a list of a few job roles which can be suitable for you to apply once you have acquired PMP and PRINCE2 certifications.
- Project Manager
- Project Manager IT (Information Technology)
- Senior Project Manager, IT
- Technical Project Manager
- Management Consultant
- PMO (Project Management Office) Analyst
- Service Delivery Manager
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed PRINCE2 and PMP for you to help analyse various aspects before you choose a certification. PRINCE2 Certification and PMP certification are both project management certifications recognised globally. The PRINCE2 and PMP certifications can harmonise well with each other. You can pursue both certifications to widen your horizons as a project manager.
