PRojects IN Controlled Environments, otherwise known as PRINCE2®, is a project management framework that has now become a widely recognised and popular systemic approach to effective project management. There are many reasons why you should pursue a PRINCE2® certification. However, before pursuing a certification, learning how its certification programmes work is important. They are categorised into two levels: Foundation and Practitioner.
Read on as we review the main differences between these two certifications to help you determine which one you should go for.
PRINCE2® Foundation
The Foundation certification is the entry-level programme that comprehensively introduces the PRINCE2® methodology, covering the entire framework, its fundamental concepts, principles, themes, processes, and terminology. It gives individuals everything they need to be effective and contribute to PRINCE2® project teams.
In the Foundation certification exam, candidates are evaluated according to their knowledge of the PRINCE2® principles, terminology, and other fundamental ideas like business case, project lifecycle, quality, risk, and progress through a multiple-choice exam. Passing the exam certifies that the individual has completely understood the inner workings of the PRINCE2® methodology and how to apply it in their project management career.
The Benefits of a PRINCE2® Foundation Certification
1. Transferable skills
The skills gained from completing the PRINCE2® Foundation course are universally applicable, meaning certification holders can use them no matter which project, organisation, industry or sector they work in. This versatility makes the Foundation certification incredibly valuable for professionals interested in diversifying their career options.
2. Gain a solid foundation
Earning a PRINCE2 Foundation certification not only familiarises you with the renowned PRINCE2® framework but also lets you gain an in-depth understanding of widely applicable project management principles and terminology. This robust knowledge of PRINCE2® lets you speak the same language as other professionals in the global field of project management, which is essential for effective collaboration and communication in today’s diverse project teams.
3. Enjoy more entry-level opportunities
Professionals with a PRINCE2® Foundation certification have more options to choose from when it comes to entry-level project management positions. This is thanks to the increasing number of companies recognising and seeking the certification, as it represents a candidate’s commitment to project management excellence. As such, it also gives one a competitive edge in the job market and increases the odds of securing project-related positions.
PRINCE2® Practitioner
The advanced-level Practitioner certification is designed for those who have already learned the basics of the PRINCE2® methodology and want to take their project management skills to the next level. This program is more focused on practically implementing the techniques learned and applying the principles of PRINCE2® to real-world scenarios.
Candidates looking to take the PRINCE2® Practitioner course must meet certain requirements to qualify, such as having a PRINCE2® Foundation certification or any other recognised PMP virtual training certification. The Practitioner certification exam will test the individual’s capacity to lead a successful PRINCE2® project by applying its principles in project settings, making informed judgements, and tailoring the methodology to specific circumstances, all while managing risks and issues that may arise.
The Benefits of a PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification
1. Career advancement
Earning an advanced project management certification like the PRINCE2® Practitioner significantly improves employability as it represents a candidate’s capacity to lead and manage PRINCE2® projects effectively. Furthermore, it increases one’s eligibility to be the prime choice for overseeing more senior project management roles.
2. Takes your project management skills to the next level
Advancing one’s project management skills is a given when undertaking the PRINCE2® Practitioner certification. The program equips professionals with the knowledge and expertise to tailor the PRINCE2® methodology to different project challenges and environments in real-world scenarios. Certificate holders also take away more profound knowledge of the inherent complexities of project management.
3. Guarantee consistent project delivery
By earning the Practitioner certification, professionals become equipped with the tools and techniques to guarantee consistent project delivery and learn effective risk management to maintain project quality. Such a high level of expertise reduces the risk of project failure and increases the likelihood of completing projects within the established time and financial constraints.
Which Certification Is Right For You?
Besides their differences, there are many other factors to consider when deciding between PRINCE2® Foundation or Practitioner, such as your level of experience, career aspirations, organisational requirements, and time and commitment.
For those new to project management, earning a PRINCE2® Foundation certification is highly recommended as it provides the principles, techniques, and foundation necessary to perform well in this career field. In contrast, the PRINCE2® Practitioner is the better choice for those with experience and who want to further develop their skills. Naturally, completing the latter certification will take more time and commitment as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2® methodology. So, the Foundation level will typically suffice for those with limited time or who need a PRINCE2® certification quickly.
Another aspect to consider when choosing between the two is your current and long-term professional objectives. Let us say that the organisation you want to get into specifically requires a PRINCE2® certification for their project management positions. Suppose your career aspiration is to make project management your lifelong career. In that case, it may be worth investing in Foundation and (eventually) Practitioner certifications to easily meet such requirements throughout your career. Otherwise, you might consider doing more research to find other job opportunities that do not have such strict requirements if you have no plans to specialise solely in project management.
Conclusion
In summary, the PRINCE2® Foundation certification is more suited for professionals just starting in project management and need a solid foundation to kick start their career and have a better chance at securing entry-level project management positions. On the other hand, the PRINCE2® Practitioner certification is more suited for professionals with project management experience who want the best way to advance their careers.
If you are interested in pursuing these certifications for your career, BridgingMinds offers both PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Practitioner courses on a monthly schedule. Besides PRINCE2® and project management courses, we also provide other professional cybersecurity programmes such as SF – Certified Ethical Hacker, CISSP training, and CompTIA Security+. For more information and scheduling details, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.
