PRINCE2® vs PMP - Major Differences Between PMP and PRINCE2

Setting up a smooth course of action to sail around in finding a suitable Project Management course could prove to be tedious.

Does your inquiry into choosing an appropriate certification course never seem to halt?

If this is the problem you are facing when finding a satisfactory Project Management course, then you must read this post on PRINCE2 vs PMP to clarify all your doubts, helping you understand the differences between these certifications.

Read below to learn the detailed difference between PRINCE2 and PMP.  

Table of Contents

1) What is PRINCE2 Certification? 

2) What is PMP Certification? 

3) Differences between PRINCE2 vs PMP  

   a) Project Management Approach 

   b) Project Management Methodology 

   c) Framework

   d) Project Management Geography-wise

   e) Certification Bodies 

   f) Certification types

   g) Eligibility & Fee Structure

   h) Estimated Preparation Time

   i) Certification Exam Format

4) PMP vs PRINCE2: Salary prospects

5) PMP Vs PRINCE2: Career prospects

6) PMP vs PRINCE2: Which Certification suits you better?

7) PRINCE2 vs PMP: Certification benefits

8) PMP vs PRINCE2: Which is more difficult?

9) Conclusion

What is PRINCE2 Certification?

The PRINCE2 certification aims to achieve successful project practices with its organised certification program following a Project management approach. PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environment. This method successfully delivers projects with transparent processes, frameworks, and guidelines. 

Both PRINCE2 and PMP offer certifications for Project Management Practitioners. It is vital to keep in your mind that these certifications are mutually exclusive and harmonise with each other. Besides, if you pursue both certifications together, it will be the perfect addition to widen your prospects as a Project Manager. Hence, you must clearly understand what they offer in each of these certifications before selecting the suitable one for you.  

We will try to project the differences and advantages, as well as a few other vital details, through this blog on PMP vs PRINCE2.

What is PMP Certification?

PMP Certification stands for Project Management Professional Certification. It shows that you have considerable experience in schooling in the Project Management field.  

PMP Certification is a golden standard in the Project Management field recognised across organisations globally. This certification proves as substantial evidence for your training and experience gained in the field of Project Management. After completing your PMP Exam, you will fall onto the list of most preferred candidates in the eyes of recruiters.

 

Differences between PRINCE2 vs PMP

Below are the differences discussed between PMP vs PRINCE2 certifications based on various aspects of Project Management in each. 

a) Project Management Approach

To achieve a successful project fulfilment this approach concentrates on the set framework to handle distinct aspects of the project.
 

PRINCE2	PMP
Before the project commencement, its time, scope, and cost are decided.  The Project Development in PRINCE2 tags along with a repetitive approach.	The time, scope, and cost are decided before the project’s commencement.  The projects in PMP are completed consecutively.

b) Project Management Methodology

The objective Project Management Methodology model is to adopt the best design, plan, execute, and deliver the project impartially. You can embrace the suitable Project Methodology for a project based on the type of certifications operated in the industry or business domain.
 

PRINCE2	PMP
Follows process-based approach  It sets out intelligible processes defining to do what is required.	PMP is based on guidelines from PMBOK (Project Management body of knowledge).  Approaches to encompass 10 knowledge areas.

c) Framework

The PMP certification makes use of a descriptive framework and focuses on certain areas like cost, risk management, schedule, and scope. On the other hand, the PRINCE2 certification uses a prescriptive framework and focuses on the Project Management best practices.

d) Project Management Geography-wise 

Let us understand the industry-oriented & geographical prominence in relevance to these two certifications.
 

PRINCE2	PMP
PRINCE2 is mandated across industries like Engineering, Information Technology, Construction, Financial Services, and other businesses.    The popular PRINCE2 regions are the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Netherlands, and Eastern and Western Europe.	PMP is a recognised Project management certification across all the prime industries.    PMP certification is majorly identified across the United States of America, Canada, China, Japan, India, Germany, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Australia.

e) Certification Bodies 

Having a certificate from these institutes will naturally uplift your resume among professionals. These certifications are given by the notable certification authorities of Project management.

Check on Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification to add to your Project Management skillsets.

f) Certification types

You have to decide on the basis of your career level and goals to decide the type of certification that you want to pursue.

PMP and PRINCE2 Certification options include:
 

PMP	PRINCE2
1) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)	PRINCE2 Foundation
2) Project Management Professional (PMP)	PRINCE2 Practitioner
3) PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)	PRINCE2 Agile Foundation
4) Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM)	PRINCE2 Agile Practition

g) Eligibility & Fee Structure

Considerably, pursuing a PMP certification needs to meet more preconditions than a PRINCE2 certification. Check out the details in the table below, as both the PRINCE2 and PMP certifications have different requirements.
 

	PRINCE2 Foundation	PRINCE2 Practitioner	PMP
Minimum Experience Required	Not Applicable		3 yrs.
Experience Required in Project Handling/Management	Not Applicable		Bachelor's degree with 4500hrs or Secondary degree with 7500hrs.
Formal Training Required	Yes		At least 35 hrs of Project Management Education.
Exam Cost	Included in Training Fee		Approx. 501 GBP
Renewal Cycle	Not Applicable	5 yrs.	3 yrs.
Renewal Criteria	Not Applicable	Short Test	Need to earn 60 PDU’s  (Professional Development Units)

Explaining PRINCE2 Practitioner Examination Prerequisites in Detail: 

For applying to the PRINCE2 Practitioner examination, you must compulsorily provide a pass certificate for one of the following: 

A) PRINCE2 Foundation 

B) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) 

C) Project Management Professional (PMP) 

D) APM Level A (Certified Projects Director) 

E) APM Level B (Certified Senior Project Manager) 

F) APM Level C (Certified Project Manager) 

G) APM Level D or P (Certified Project Management Associate) 

In the United States of America, the IPMA chapter is the APM (Association for Project management).  

The APM (Association for Project management) is the only chartered body participating in the Corporate Partnership Programme for the Project Management profession in the United Kingdom. 

Get the required information about PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner in detail. Now! 

h) Estimated Preparation Time 

Get acquainted with the exam pattern and plan a schedule. Allot a timetable for yourself based on the syllabus you need to cover and availability. You need to strictly adhere to the planned schedule to succeed. Below is the rough outline based on the research conducted on various study scales. 
 

PRINCE2	PMP
On average it might take 1 – 3 weeks.  That will come close to 10 – 20 hrs of study.	On average it might take 8 – 12 weeks.  The hours of study time required will vary based on your experience, knowledge, and grasping power.

i) Certification Exam Format 

Having a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Exam format will help you with better planning for the PMP exam preparation. The differences listed below will certainly give a clear picture to your mind. 
 

	PRINCE2 Foundation	PRINCE2 Practitioner	PMP
Total No. Of Questions	75	8 × 10	200
Exam Pattern	Theoretical Questions with Multiple Choice Options	Subjective Questions	Theoretical Questions with Multiple Choice Options
Total Time.	1 hour	2.5 hours	4 hours
Pass Percentage	50%	55%	Has No set percentage, depends on Psychometric Assessment.
Exam Mode	Online	Online	Prometric

Also, check out our blog to prepare the top PMP interview questions to ace your interview!

PMP vs PRINCE2: Salary prospects

A certified practitioners in Project Management earn more than 20% than their non-certified counterparts. Holding a PMP or PRINCE2 certification is a proof that you have good knowledge about Project Management.

PMP vs PRINCE2: Career prospects

Project Managers of all levels and tenures should go for training and certification to maintain their professional edge. Some companies look for either PMP or PRINCE2, or both, and some do not require any. Whatever the certification may be, only your dedication to the profession can increase career prospects.
 

PMP	PRINCE2
PMP certification is considered as an industry standard by employers worldwide. It is because the certificate requires knowledge, skills, and experience that are transferred across trades around the world. All PM-related careers list Project Management Certification as a requirement.	Professionals with this certification can showcase to their employers that they have mastered the method and can implement the same in their projects,

 

PMP Vs PRINCE2:​ Which Certification suits you better?

 

Consider these tips to choose between PMP or PRINCE2 certification. 

a) Set a clear goal: Be clear about what you want to learn. As PRINCE2 certification focuses on frameworks and methodologies, the PMP certification is far more focused on acquiring wide knowledge and project management techniques. 

b) Analyse your current experience: Your current level of experience is a crucial deciding factor for choosing a course between PMP and PRINCE2 certifications. The PMP certification requires high experience in the Project Management field compared to the PRINCE2 Foundation certification. 

c) Your Location & Relocation factor: Decide your career & certification, on basis of your current location or the location where you want to live in. 

d) Time: This is a crucial factor to investigate in oneself, as to what are your available timings for the study and by when do you want to complete the course and avail the certification. You need to decide on a feasible option, as the PMP certification usually requires much time compared to the PRINCE2 certification. 

e) Consider obtaining both certifications: Both certifications offer you a different level of project management techniques and understanding. It might prove to be a better opportunity with an all-round skillset making yourself eligible to stand out from the competition.

PRINCE2 vs PMP: Certification Benefits

Each certificate has its advantages, and you can choose them based on your career level and goals.

Benefits of having PMP Certification

PMP certified professionals can work in any industry, with any methodology, and in any location. In addition to this, having a PMP credential can significantly increase your earning potential. Benefits of having PMP certification include:

a) Your resume is hand-picked with PMP- If you want to be hired as a Project Manager, it is better to have a PMP certification. A PMP credential advocates on your behalf that you possess the required skills to take on Project challenges; successfully finish the Project and committed to development.

b) Global opportunities with improved Salary prospects- You can get a better salary package than your non-certified peers on having a PMP credential.

c) Improved Networking Opportunities- PMP certification is valid only for 3 years after which you must earn 60 PDUs to maintain the certificate. Hence, this long process results in attending PMI conferences and seminars. There, you can meet professionals from similar backgrounds whose ideation is also the same.

d) Standard Project Execution Skill- Your Project Management skills are considered a benchmark when you have a PMP which ultimately improves the productivity of your project team. PMP is based on the PMBOK Guide- Fifth Edition which authenticates your knowledge of best practices and principles of Project Management.

e) Recognised across various industries- When it comes to practical application, PMP is acknowledged across industry verticals. Since PMP is unbound by any methodology or standard, it is widely accepted in many industries like Banking, IT, Telecommunications, Aerospace etc.

Become a PMP certified Project Management Professional by joining the PMP Training course.

Benefits of having PRINCE2 Certification

A successful project that has clear templates, processes, and steps is a resultant of adopting a highly rated PM methodology that is PRINCE2. The PRINCE2 Foundation certificate has a validity of lifetime whereas the PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate has to be renewed every 3-5 years by giving the exam. Benefits of having PRINCE2 certification include:

a) A holistic methodology for Project Management- The void created by PMP is filled by PRINCE2. PRINCE2 is differentiated by ‘the process’ and ‘Body of knowledge’, thus making it an effective Project Management methodology. PMP follows a standardised format to manage projects and stays from recommending what processes to follow.

b) Justifies even before starting- A project employing PRINCE2 methodology should come up with constant updates on various junctures of a business case. By doing so, it ensures that the intended value is delivered to the enterprise and clients. In case of any failure, the justification to continue with the project is terminated.

c) Customised to fit any Size and Complexity- The process in PRINCE2 cannot be removed and the processing activity should be completed. PRINCE2 is tailored in such a way that it suits projects of any size and complexity. Because it is an embedded methodology, it saves a lot of resources and time. Thus, making PRINCE2 applicable to every aspect of an organisation.

d) Global opportunities with better salary prospects- You can land your dream job and also have good pay with a PRINCE2 credential. Especially countries like UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia give you an improved pay rise if you hold a PRINCE2 certification.

PRINCE2 credential holders are in high demand in the UK and Europe whereas the USA and others demand PMP credential holders. But the right certification that suits your career is completely dependent on the organisation and the project type you work for.

PMP vs PRINCE2: Which is more difficult?

Knowledge about the difficulty level of the certifications is essential as it prepares one’s mind prior taking a certification. The PRINCE2 certification falls on the easier side because you can get your certification just by passing the exam. Whereas PMP requires a minimum of 7,500 hours plus a secondary degree or 4500 hours and a four-year degree.

Conclusion

PMP vs PRINCE2 certifications are both globally recognised certifications in the field of Project Management. The demand for each certification would vary depending on the location you choose to work. The popular location-wise comparison under the geography-wise approach will aid you to select a certification and the location of your work preference.  

You can consider the suitable option that fits the best with your choice, as we have already discussed most of the differences between PMP and PRINCE2.  

Talk to our expert consultants to understand in detail about PRINCE2 Training course. Now!