PMP® Vs. PRINCE2®

Do you want to take your project management career to the next level? Are you pondering on which one to choose between PMP^® and PRINCE2^® certification? Acknowledged as the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers, PMP^® plays an important role in increasing the earning potential of an individual while benefiting the employers as well. Whereas, PRINCE2^® 2017 certification emphasizes on tailoring the method to the needs of organisations and project management environments. Therefore, both the certifications comprise of unique elements that cater to your professional development.

Although, both the certifications offer a plethora of opportunities to move ahead in your project management career, they are provided by two different bodies, namely, PMI® and AXELOS. This blog will help you to differentiate between PMP^® and PRINCE2^® certifications based on various parameters and enable you to decide which certification will help you to continue with your project management journey.

There are two different project management frameworks involved in the PRINCE2^® and PMP^® certifications. Before moving to the differences, let’s compare both the certifications:

Both the certifications offer a body of knowledge and a proven approach towards managing projects efficiently. There are numerous factors that lead to your decision of choosing either PMP^® or PRINCE2^® certification. The parameters can be differentiated as follows:

The initial difference can be drawn between PMP^® and PRINCE2^® certification based on the prerequisites. Both the certifications demand the candidates fulfil certain prerequisites which differ in certain ways.

To begin with, the prerequisites for PMP^® certification requires a few credentials to be achieved based on the degree that you hold. The same can be explained as follows:

A) For candidates holding a high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent

Minimum five years/60 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience

B) For candidates holding a four-year degree

On the other hand, the PRINCE2^® Foundation certification doesn’t demand its end learners to fulfil any prerequisites. However, you must hold a PRINCE2^® Foundation certification as a prerequisite to taking up the PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification.

The Project Management Professional (PMP)^® certification and PRINCE2^® certification have got separate demands across different countries. Further, the acceptance of these certifications differs from industry to industry based on the geographical location.

The popularity of both the certifications can be listed in the form of the following chart:

Every certification needs you to hold a certain amount of experience and knowledge to continue with your certification journey. Similarly, you are expected to hold a certain amount of experience and knowledge to take up PMP^® and PRINCE2^® certification.

So, who should go for a PMP^® certification? According to PMI^®, PMP^® certification should be taken up by experienced Project Managers who meet the following requirements:

On the other hand, the PRINCE2^® Foundation certification can be taken up by:

Whereas, the PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification can be taken up by:

Once you take up a certification it would surely benefit you in some way. Every certification benefits you in some way. It further helps you to choose between the certifications that fit your desired career path.

The benefits of taking up a PMP^® certification can be listed down as follows:

As an internationally accredited certification, getting a PMP^® certification will help you to get recognised across the global business community. Moreover, it helps you to form a network with people who are pursuing PMP^® certification as well as the ones who are already PMP^® certified. This enhances your chances of getting a better job leading to your career growth as well as a higher salary.

You need to undergo rigorous training in order to get PMP^® certified. It helps you to learn A to Z of project management by getting trained and educated in the five project management processes that include planning, initiating, implementing, monitoring and controlling.    

Increase your chances to work with global organisations working in various parts of the world by adding a PMP^® certification to your profile. Further, the project management forums and discussion boards help you to master your expertise with various tips and additional knowledge.

You can expect a higher pay or a good hike as soon as you become a PMP^® certified professional. PMI’s Project Management Salary Survey shows that the PMP^® certified professionals get the advantage of earning 20% more than their non-certified counterparts.

The key benefits of PRINCE2^® Foundation and PRINCE2^® Practitioner certifications are different based on the learning outcomes of both the certifications. The key benefits of PRINCE2® Foundation certification are as follows:

Get equipped with a certification of high demand in Project Management.

Work efficiently as a member of a team working within a PRINCE2^® environment by learning the best practices.

You need to earn your PRINCE2^® Foundation certification in order to move ahead to the higher levels of Project Management certifications, like PRINCE2^® Practitioner and PRINCE2^® Agile.

Whereas, the key benefits of PRINCE2^® Practitioner certifications can be listed down as:

Taking up a PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification will help you gain a Project Management credential that is in high demand.

PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification helps you to understand and learn to tailor as well as apply the PRINCE2^® methodologies across different project environments and scenarios.

Open the doors to advance your career in Project Management by equipping yourself with PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification.

Isn’t it comfortable to write an examination in your local language? PRINCE2^® Foundation and PRINCE2^® Practitioner examinations are conducted in a few international languages whereas, the PMP^® certification examination is conducted in English but provides Language Aids for 14 international languages.

You can choose from among 6 languages to appear for your PRINCE2^® Foundation and PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification. They are:

Whereas, PMP^® examinations are conducted in English all over the world. However, it provides language aids to the candidates in 14 languages, namely, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, German, Polish, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

It is important for a candidate to understand the examination format prior to sitting for any certification examination. PMP^® and PRINCE2^® certifications have different examination format based on the number of questions, minimum score, and the time allotted for answering the questions. The difference can be listed down as:

PMP^® and PRINCE2^® certifications are owned by two different entities. PMP^® is owned by the Project Management Institute (PMI)^®, whereas, AXELOS is the owner of PRINCE2^®. With different owners, the application procedure for both the certifications also varies from each other.

Once you have concluded that you meet the eligibility criteria, you will need to apply for the PMP examination.

The steps are as follows:

Book your examination centre by visiting Prometric or by telephone

Step 1: Register for a Project Management Institute membership at PMI.org.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Step 3: Wait for the confirmation of receipt and completion of your application

Step 4: Part 1: Wait for the acceptance of your application

             Part 2: If you are audited and your application is approved, then

Step 5: Make the payment, preferably online, as it is the easiest and easiest way

Step 6: Book your examination centre by visiting Prometric or by telephone

Step 7: Take the examination.

Whereas, you need to pay the examination fee for your PRINCE2^® Foundation or PRINCE2^® Practitioner examination through PeopleCert. However, you need to book your test centre through Pearson VUE or Prometric.

Both PMP^® and PRINCE2^® Practitioner certifications are valid for a period of three years. But there are different criteria which you need to follow in order to maintain both the certifications.

You need to earn 60 PDUs by fulfilling the educational requirements and giving back to the profession in order to maintain your PMP^® certification every three years. Becoming a PMI member smoothens your process of maintaining your required PDUs through its exclusive workshops and study materials. You need to pay $139 to become a PMI^® member, and the annual renewal fee is $129.

On the other hand, you can maintain your PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification by either resitting for the examination or by subscribing to My PRINCE2. You need to meet the following criteria within three years to maintain your PRINCE2^® Practitioner Certification:

Adding a project management certification to your profile adds great value to your career. It upgrades your skills to improve your project performance while enhancing your career prospects.

PMP^® and PRINCE2^® are deployed across the world as project management framework for project management practice. Both aims to improve the project performance and eventually the success rate. However, they take two different approaches. Hope this article helps you to choose the best project management certification for your career growth. All the best!

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