PRINCE2 also known as PRojects IN Controlled Environments is a project management method that has been widely adopted around the world. In particular, PRINCE2 employs a process-based approach that breaks down the project into smaller achievable stages. In addition, PRINCE2 certifications offered by AXELOS, provide the knowledge for individuals to become effective project managers, plus, their designations are globally recognized and can be applied across any industry in any region.

PRINCE2 Certifications

The PRINCE2 certificates validate an individual's ability to successfully manage projects. Thus, these qualifications are ideal for project managers and other specialists that are aspiring to enter the project management industry. Currently, there are over one million certified individuals globally, forming a massive network of PRINCE2 professionals. In general, this vendor offers four designations that can be categorized as foundation and practitioner certifications. In more detail, they are:

• PRINCE2 Foundation;
• PRINCE2 Practitioner;
• PRINCE2 Agile Foundation;
• PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner.

Below, we will describe the two most coveted PRINCE2 designations on offer.

PRINCE2 Foundation Certification

The PRINCE2 Foundation certificate validates an individual's ability to complete projects within the given timeframe and the available budget, handle risks, and minimize problems. What is more, this certification provides specialists an overview of the basics of PRINCE2 principles, processes, terminologies, and themes so certified professionals will have the knowledge required to apply PRINCE2 methodologies within project management stages that support PRINCE2. Also, applicants will be able to identify the objectives and content of the major management products and roles. Plus, they will have a good understanding of which management products are the inputs and outputs of the seven PRINCE2 processes. Lastly, certified specialists will be able to clearly identify the relationships between roles, processes, deliverables, and management dimensions. Do take note that candidates aiming to obtain the PRINCE2 Foundation certification must pass the related PRINCE2 Foundation exam, which does not have any specific prerequisites. However, candidates are expected to have a general understanding of project management. This certification test is designed for new entrants, experienced project workers, project managers, team and program managers, consultants, and employees operating in a PRINCE2 environment. Besides, the PRINCE2 Foundation certification exam consists of 60 questions, and candidates are provided 1 hour to attempt it. Remember that the actual evaluation is a closed-book exam, which means that candidates will not be permitted to carry any external materials into it. To cap it off, examinees must achieve a score of 55% or higher to pass the exam.

PRINCE2 Practitioner Designation

The PRINCE2 Practitioner endorsement validates an individual's ability to run and manage projects in a PRINCE2 environment. Plus, this certification allows individuals to work as Registered PRINCE2 Practitioners. After getting certified, professionals will have the ability to apply and manipulate PRINCE2 to deliver projects and solve any problems that may arise. Also, entrants will have a good understanding of the relationships between the PRINCE2 principles, processes, and themes including PRINCE2 products, and they will have the ability to apply this understanding in projects. To add more, candidates will also demonstrate a sound understanding of the underlying principles strengthening these elements and have the knowledge required to produce comprehensive descriptions of all principles, processes, themes, and worked examples of all PRINCE2 products that may be applied in certain instances of a project scenario. Usually, candidates that plan on obtaining the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification must pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. However, before registering for the final test candidates are expected to provide evidence of having successfully completed one of the following certifications:

• PRINCE2 Foundation;
• Project Management Professional (PMP);
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM);
• IPMA Levels A-D.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner evaluation is designed for professionals that have project management experience and exposure to PRINCE2. In particular, it is suitable for project managers, general managers, program managers, team managers, project support staff, and consultants. As for the exam details, the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification test consists of 68 questions, and candidates are expected to score 55% or higher to pass the official test. In addition, applicants will be provided 150 minutes to complete the whole test, plus, this is an open-book evaluation, therefore, candidates will have the benefit of carrying an external resource to the classroom.

Job Prospects

PRINCE2 is a tried and tested methodology for project management since 1996, and it can be applied across any industry to address project needs and problems. What’s more, project management has been a lucrative career pathway for many years, and the future remains strong as project management is an essential component in any industry. Gaining a PRINCE2 certification will help individuals take control of their careers and achieve professional goals. Research has shown that PRINCE2 has been helpful in shaping the careers of project management professionals, and 97% of decision-makers stated that their certificates improve overall efficiency and employee happiness. In particular, certified professionals can serve in various capacities including a project manager, program manager, project coordinator, operations manager, service delivery manager, technical project manager, project engineer, PRINCE2 consultant, and many more. Besides, PRINCE2 certifications act as great professional qualifications that complement the basic degree. When it comes to the salaries, PRINCE2 certified specialists are generally offered attractive salaries that vary greatly depending on the company, role, and project. Thus, according to research conducted by PayScale.com, the average annual income of a PRINCE2 certified professional is 99,175 USD.

Future Professional Development

The value of PRINCE2 certificates becomes more pronounced with increasing experience. The PRINCE2 Practitioner designation is the highest level of certification. So, specialists that achieve the PRINCE2 Practitioner validation must aim to earn the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner certifications which attempt to teach candidates the fundamentals and importance of combining Agile concepts and methodologies with PRINCE2. This results in a multitalented project management professional that is ready to take on projects of any scale in any industry.