Top Differences Between PRINCE2 & PMP Certification

If you are working in the project management field, or if you are wondering how you can get recognition in the project management domain to advance your career, then you can opt for any of the two well-known project management certifications that are PRINCE2 and the PMP certification. Both PRINCE2 and PMP certifications can validate your skills and knowledge of key project management concepts to employers and demonstrate your abilities to apply the concepts throughout the lifecycle of project management. 

However, it can be overwhelming to choose among the PRINCE2 and PMP certifications as they are both highly reputed. To help you out, we list down the basics for each of the certifications to help you select the suitable one for your career advancement. 

What is the PRINCE2 Certification?

PRINCE2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments certification and is offered by AXELOS Ltd. It is a project-focused project management certification that demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of several systematic approaches to carry out successful projects in an organization by using processes, steps, templates, etc. PRINCE2 certification revolves around general frameworks and principles to offer a standardized approach to project management. 

PRINCE2 certification has the two following categories:

• PRINCE2 Foundation- It is an entry-level PRINCE2 certification that involves the basic study of project management methodologies.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner- It is an advanced-level PRINCE2 certification that requires candidates to meet specific eligibility requirements. 

What is the PMP Certification?

Project Management Institute (PMI) offers an advanced-level project management certification known as the Project management Professional (PMP) certification. The PMP certification is a globally accepted and widely recognized certification as it covers the fundamental project management processes, methodologies, and tools & techniques.

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What’s the Difference between PRINCE2 and PMP?

 

	PRINCE2	PMP
Accrediting body	AXELOS, UK	PMI, USA
Eligibility requirements	PRINCE2 Foundation- No eligibility requirements. PRINCE2 Practitioner- To enroll yourself in the PRINCE2 practitioner course, you have to clear any one of the following certifications: PMP, CAMP, PRINCE2 Foundation, or IPMA certification.	You need to fall into either of the following eligibility options. OPTION 1-  Secondary degree  7,500 hours-directing and leading projects. 35 hours of project management education. Minimum need of 5 years of professional project management experience. OPTION 2-  Four-year degree 4,500 hours-directing and leading projects.  35 hours of project management education/training. Minimum need of 3 years of professional project management experience.
Exam structure	PRINCE2 Foundation- 50 multiple-choice questions Duration of 60 minutes Passing percentage- 55%   PRINCE2 Practitioner-  50 multiple-choice questions Duration of 150 minutes Passing requirement- 60%	180 multiple-choice questions Duration of 230 minutes
Open book exam	Yes- PRINCE2 Practitioner is an open book exam.	NO
Exam cost	PRINCE2 Foundation: $200 PRINCE2 Practitioner: $340	PMI member- $405 Non-PMI member- $555
Methodology	Based on the 7 principles of project management.	Covers all aspects of project management.
Who is it for?	You can opt for the PRINCE2 certification if you are more into project management methodologies and want to learn how to deliver projects in a controlled manner.	You can opt for the PMP certification if you wish to master the project management tools, skills, and techniques. Moreover, if you meet the PMP eligibility requirements, then PMP is a more suitable choice.

Conclusion

The certification you choose depends upon your existing project management experience and several other factors like the industry you are working in or the job prospects you are looking for to advance your career. Regardless of the certification you choose, both PRINCE2 and PMP are good options to grow in the project management domain.