PRINCE2 VS PMP Certification 8 Important Differences

PRINCE2 and PMP are two very distinct certifications in their respective fields. There are lots of major differences between these two courses. In today’s world, having a certification is very important as there are massive changes brought in by these certifications in your CV. Professionals and individuals alike require the vast knowledge which is present in these certifications. There are a lot of other factors that determine which certification one should go for. These are very crucial phases in one’s professional career as choosing the right certification decides your career path afterward. The main objectives of these certifications are providing the trainees with the required knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in their respective fields. The objectives also include making the trainees very professionally trained and experts in their work field. There are also other certifications for several sectors, but when it comes to project management, PRINCE2 and PMP are the two most important certifications. 

Here, we are going to discuss the eight major differences between PRINCE2 and PMP.

1. Job Opportunities

If we look at job opportunities, PRINCE2 and PMP have very different job roles, but they have very high paying salaries. There are a lot of employment opportunities available in these sectors. There is a high rate of employment after you complete this certification. There are different job roles available for these two certifications. PRINCE2 qualified professionals are mainly employed in large scale industries where there is an availability of roles like an analyst, operations manager, etc., whereas PMP certified professionals are deployed in a range of industries from small to big with job roles like project manager, product manager, supervisors, directors, etc.

2. Region of popularity

PRINCE2 and PMP certification were developed and designed in different countries, so there is a huge chance of regional applicants applying for those certifications. PRINCE2 hails from the UK, while PMP was designed by the PMI, which is based in the USA. There are a lot of global students who also apply for these certifications. PMP certified individuals go for jobs in Silicon Valley, while PRINCE2 certified individuals are more inclined to the government or public sector jobs in regions like the UK and the European Union. Students from other major countries are also forming a major percent of the trainees. There are students from India, Brazil, China, Australia, South Africa, etc., who form a major part of these trainees. 

3. Method of Training

PRINCE2 and PMP use very different ways of training, while PRINCE2 uses an agile method of teaching, while PMP sticks to the traditional waterfall method of training its trainees. There are different methods and pathways through which the trainers progress. There are different ways through which they receive their training. These training modules help the aspirants to get a proper way to manage their schedules. 

4. Cost of PMP and PRINCE2

The cost of both these certifications is very different as there are a lot of factors ruling the costs. The cost of PRINCE2 certification is around $900-1000, depending upon the source you choose to pursue it. The cost of PMP certification is $555 for non-PMI members and $139 for PMI members. Hence it is recommended to get a PMI membership. Both these certifications have very high value in the market, and professionals should go for it to increase their resume quality. 

5. Requirements or Eligibility Factor

PMP certification requires some degree of more laborious qualifications. One needs 4500 hours of experience and a degree. While for PRINCE2, there is no such prior experience needed. Hence it can be inferred that PMP is a bit more professional while beginners will find it easier to attempt PRINCE2. 

6. Examination Structures

PMP and PRINCE2 certifications have very different examination structures. The PMP exam is more lengthy than it off 4 hours, whereas the PRINCE2 exam is of 2.5 hours. There are 200 questions in the PMP exam, while the PRINCE2 Foundation exam has 60 questions, and the Practitioner exam has 68 questions. 

7. Certification Validity/Renewal

PMP certification is valid for 3 years, and after attaining the certificate, one needs to earn 60 PDUs in 3 years to be eligible for further certification. PRINCE2 Foundation certification has no expiry and is therefore considered one of the best certifications with one time needs. PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is valid for three years. But one flexible feature of the PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate is that a certified practitioner can continue their certification by subscribing to PRINCE2. 

8. Source of Study

The source of study for both the certifications is different as well. The source of study for PMP is primarily the PMBOK guide, and there are also other important resources available in the PMI marketplace. The source of study for PRINCE2 is primarily from PRINCE2 websites and recommended books from the website.