It is quite common nowadays to witness students and software industry aspirants becoming perplexed when it omes to choosing the apt certification course. This article is aimed to aid in making an informed decision.
The key difference
While PRINCE2 focuses on various techniques to be incorporated for effective project management, PMP directs using the knowledge-based approach. PRINCE2 seeks to find answers to the three Ws – What, Whom and When, whereas, PMP aims at figuring out how.
Industry Needs and Area Distribution
Both Prince2 and PMP are globally recognized. But certain certification programmes are preferred over another in particular countries. For instance, PRINCE2 is prioritized in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other Asian and European countries. Whereas PMP is widely used in the United States of America and other countries of the American continents.
Project Roles
In PRINCE2, the roles of members of the entire project are well defined, whereas PMP emphasizes on the role of the Project manager.
The Project Management Network
By enrolling in PMP, you become a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) which facilitates in being part of a vast network of project management professionals. This can be fruitful, especially when you are a freelance project manager as you may obtain more projects.
However, there is no access to such a project management professional network in PRINCE2.
Certification validity
PRINCE2 Practitioner is valid for 3 years. However, by subscription to PRINCE2, you can maintain the Practitioner certification.
PMP certification is also valid for 3 years only, but if you earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years, your certification can be extended.
Prerequisites
PRINCE2 Practitioner
- PRINCE2 Foundation (2009 or 2017 version)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)®
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
- IPMA Level A or B® or C® or D®
PMP
Option 1
- Secondary degree (associate’s degree, high school diploma, or the global equivalent)
- 7500 hours experience in leading and directing projects
- CAPM certification OR 35 hours of project management education
Or
Option 2
- 4-year degree
- 4500 hours experience in leading and directing projects
- CAPM certification OR 35 hours of project management education
Examination format
PRINCE2 Practitioner
Closed book
68 questions in 150 minutes.
PMP
Open book (the official PRINCE2 manual only)
200 multiple-choice questions in 240 minutes.
Available languages
PRINCE2 exams are currently available only in English.
PMP exam is administered in English. However language aids are provided at no extra cost in the following languages – Arabic, Brazilian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Cost
PRINCE2 exam costs US$490 in the United States and varies depending upon the region you are taking the exam.
PMP exam costs US$405 for members and US$555 for non-members. A student can become a PMI member for just US$32. For the rest, it costs US$129. The application fee costs US$10 additionally for new members.
Takeaway
Both the certifications have proved valuable and beneficial for project management. However, their desirability varies according to geographical reasons and the type of industry you prefer to work. To progress your career as a competent project manager, you may choose either of the two based on your personal preferences.
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