If you are a project manager or aspire to become one, you might have heard of PRINCE2 and PMP certifications. PRINCE2 and PMP are both prestigious and widely recognized project management certifications. However, they have some key differences that you should consider before choosing the one that fits your goals.
Both Prince2 and PMP are project management courses. PRINCE2 is an acronym for Projects in Controlled Environments and it is a methodology that focuses on following a process-oriented approach to ensure project success. PMP stands for Project Management Professional, and it is a knowledge-based methodology that focuses on the techniques and skills for managing and delivering projects.
Both certifications have their advantages and disadvantages, and they suit different types of projects and industries. In this article, we will compare PRINCE2 and PMP on various factors. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of a PRINCE2 certification and a PMP certification, and you will be able to decide which one is best for your career goals. So, let’s get started!
Origin and Ownership
One of the obvious differences between PRINCE2 and PMP certifications is the origin and ownership of these credentials. PRINCE2 was developed in the United Kingdom (UK) by a government support agency in 1989, and it is now owned and regulated by AXELOS, a joint venture of a private company and a government organization. PMP was created in the United States of America (USA) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit professional association, in 1984, and it is still controlled and administered by PMI.
The difference in origin and ownership also affects the geographic popularity and recognition of these certifications. PRINCE2 is a widely used project management methodology in the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries.
On the other hand, PMP is predominantly popular in the United States, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and certain regions of Asia. However, both certifications are globally accepted and valued by employers and clients across various industries and sectors.
Purpose and Scope
Another difference between PRINCE2 and PMP certifications is the purpose and scope of these credentials.
PRINCE2 certification aims to provide a process-based methodology that focuses on how to implement the skills and techniques of project management. It answers the what, when, and who questions of project management, such as:
- What are the objectives and deliverables of the project?
- When are the milestones and deadlines of the project?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of the project team and stakeholders?
PRINCE2 certification covers the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, and provides a prescriptive framework with a high focus on the best practices to be followed.
PMP certification aims to provide a knowledge-based methodology that focuses on the skills and techniques of project management. It answers the how and why questions of project management, such as:
- How to plan, execute, monitor, and control the project?
- Why use certain tools, techniques, and methods for the project?
- How to apply project management knowledge to different situations and scenarios?
PMP certification covers ten knowledge areas that help you to master the project management knowledge, such as:
- Quality
- Risk
- Schedule
- Procurement
- Resource
- Scope
- Stakeholder
- Communication
- Cost
PMP certification provides a descriptive framework with a focus on the knowledge areas.
Methodology and Framework
Another difference between PRINCE2 and PMP certifications is the methodology and framework of these credentials. PRINCE2 certification uses a process-based methodology, which means it tells you how to implement the skills and techniques of project management. It gives you clear and detailed guidance on what to do, when to do, and who to do in a project. It follows a set of principles, themes, and processes that cover the whole project lifecycle.
PMP certification uses a knowledge-based methodology, which means it tells you what skills and techniques you need to manage and deliver a project. It gives you broad and flexible guidance on how to apply project management knowledge to different situations and scenarios. It follows a set of knowledge areas, such as scope, schedule, cost, quality, etc., that helps you to master the project management knowledge.
Prerequisites and Exam
Another difference between PRINCE2 and PMP certifications is the prerequisites and exams for these credentials. The certification program for PRINCE2 has two levels: Foundation and Practitioner.
The Foundation level does not have any prerequisites and is open to all individuals. On the other hand, the Practitioner level requires candidates to have passed the Foundation exam or have completed one of the following exams:
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM),
- IPMA Level A, B, C, or D.
The PRINCE2 Foundation exam is a 60-question multiple-choice test, with a passing score of at least 55%. Similarly, the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam consists of 68 objective-testing questions and also requires a minimum score of 55% to pass.
The PMP certification has stricter requirements compared to the PRINCE2 certification. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a four-year degree, have 36 months of experience as a project leader, and have completed 35 hours of project management education or training
- Have a high school diploma or associate degree, have 60 months of experience as a project leader, and have completed 35 hours of project management education or training
The PMP exam consists of a total of 180 questions, including multiple-choice, multiple-response, matching, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank questions. A minimum score of 65% is required to pass the exam.
Popularity and Recognition
Another difference between PRINCE2 and PMP certifications is the popularity and recognition of these credentials. PRINCE2 and PMP certifications are both globally recognized certifications. However, some areas favor one type of certification over the other. PRINCE2 certifications are more popular in the UK, Australia, and most European regions, but PMP certifications are more popular in Canada, the Middle East, and the United States.
The popularity and recognition of these certifications depend on various factors, such as:
- The origin and ownership of the certifications
- The industry and sector of the projects
- The preferences and demands of employers and clients
- The availability and accessibility of the training and exam providers
Both certifications have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of popularity and recognition. PRINCE2 certification is more standardized and consistent, as it follows a common language and methodology across different projects and organizations. PMP certification is more flexible and adaptable, as it allows you to apply project management knowledge to different situations and scenarios.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Another difference between PRINCE2 and PMP certifications is the benefits and drawbacks of these credentials. Both certifications have their pros and cons, depending on various factors, such as your career goals, project requirements, industry standards, and personal preferences. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of PRINCE2 and PMP certifications:
Benefits of PRINCE2 Certification
- It helps you to follow a standardized and consistent approach to project management, which reduces the risks and uncertainties involved in projects.
- It enhances your skills and knowledge in managing projects in a controlled environment, which increases the quality and efficiency of your project outcomes.
- It improves your communication and collaboration with your project team and stakeholders, as everyone follows the same language and methodology.
- It boosts your credibility and recognition as a project manager, as PRINCE2 is a globally accepted and valued certification.
- It increases your career opportunities and salary prospects, as PRINCE2 is in high demand in many industries and sectors.
Drawbacks of PRINCE2 Certification
- It can be too rigid and prescriptive for some projects, especially those that require more flexibility and creativity.
- It can be too complex and bureaucratic for some projects, especially those that are small and simple.
- It can be too costly and time-consuming to obtain and maintain, as you need to pay for the training, exam, and renewal fees.
- It can be too dependent on the availability and quality of the training and exam providers, as not all of them are accredited and reliable.
Benefits of PMP Certification
- It helps you to master the skills and techniques of project management, which enables you to handle any type of project in any situation and scenario.
- It enhances your competence and confidence in managing and delivering projects, which increases the satisfaction and loyalty of your project team and stakeholders.
- It improves your adaptability and versatility in project management, as you can apply the project management knowledge to different industries and sectors.
- It boosts your reputation and respect as a project manager, as PMP is a prestigious and renowned certification.
- It increases your career growth and salary potential, as PMP is one of the most sought-after and highest-paying certifications.
Drawbacks of PMP Certification
- It can be too challenging and demanding to obtain and retain, as you need to meet the strict prerequisites and exam criteria and earn the continuing education units.
- It can be too broad and generic for some projects, especially those that require more specific and tailored guidance and methodology.
- It can be too expensive and time-intensive to prepare and pass, as you need to invest in the training, exam, and renewal costs.
- It can be too competitive and saturated in the market, as many PMP-certified project managers are vying for the same opportunities.
PRINCE2 vs PMP – Which One is Right for You?
We have compared PRINCE2 and PMP certifications based on various factors, such as origin and ownership, purpose and scope, methodology and framework, prerequisites and exam, popularity and recognition, and benefits and drawbacks. After evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of both certifications, it is clear that they are better suited for different types of projects and industries. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on factors such as career objectives, project needs, industry norms, and individual preferences.
Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:
- Choose PRINCE2 certification if you want to follow a standardized and consistent approach to project management, if you work in the UK, Australia, or Europe, or if you want to enhance your communication and collaboration skills.
- Choose PMP certification if you want to master the skills and techniques of project management, if you work in the USA, Canada, or Asia, or if you want to improve your adaptability and versatility skills.
Of course, these are not the only factors to consider. You should also do your research, consult with your peers and mentors, and evaluate your current and future career prospects. Ultimately, the best certification for you is the one that aligns with your goals and values, and that helps you to grow as a project manager.
Bottom Line
We hope this article has helped you to understand the differences between PRINCE2 and PMP certifications and to decide which one is best for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!
