Comparing PRINCE2 and PMP

The battle between project management methods will never end as each project manager and project management professional has their own personal preference and reasons for their choice of methodology. However, it must be said that it is entirely possible for different project management methods to be used in conjunction with each other to enable the practitioner to implement the parts of each that suit the project at hand. This must be done with care so as to not negatively affect the integrity of each method.

For those who are looking to adopt a specific method, it is important to weigh up the differences between them and make an informed decision. Here we will be comparing PRINCE2 and PMP in order to offer information that can assist you in taking the next step towards a successful and rewarding career in project management.

PRINCE2 Certification

PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments and it is a process-driven project management method which provides a framework for delivering successful projects. With clearly defined principles, themes and processes and an approach which breaks the project down into stages, PRINCE2 ensures that each project is handled in a manner which promotes the delivery of products that meet the requirements and expectations of the Customer.

If you are looking to become a PRINCE2 project manager, it is recommended that you undergo an approved PRINCE2 project management training course in order to full prepare for each of the PRINCE2 certification exams.

There are two levels of PRINCE2 project management training:

PRINCE2 Foundation – The first level of PRINCE2 project management training will provide you with an understanding of the terminology as well as the 7 Principles, 7 Themes and 7 Processes of the PRINCE2 method.

PRINCE2 Practitioner – This second level of PRINCE2 project management training will delve deeper into what was learned during the PRINCE2 Foundation course and focus on the ability to practically apply the PRINCE2 method in real life project scenarios.

In order to gain the certifications associated with each of these PRINCE2 project management training levels you will need to pass the relevant certification exams. Passing the PRINCE2 Foundation exam is a prerequisite for writing the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam so it is important to ensure that you complete this step first.

The PRINCE2 Foundation exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions and you will be given one hour in which to complete the exam. This is a closed-book exam and a score of 50% is required in order to pass.

When it comes to the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, you can expect around 9 scenario-based objective testing questions where you will be given a situation and asked how to handle it using the practical application of the PRINCE2 project management method. This is an open-book exam where only the official PRINCE2 manual will be allowed and the exam generally lasts 150 minutes. The pass mark for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is 55% and once you have passed both the PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, you will gain Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner status.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification does not expire and there is no need to renew or recertify this qualification. The PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification, however, needs to be renewed every 3-5 years and this is done by simply taking a shorter recertification exam.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

PMP, which stands for Project Management Professional, is a technique-based framework which enables you to work with any project management methodology and within any industry. PMBOK (Project Management Body Of Knowledge) is a guide to an evolving set of project management principles and these can improve the success rate of any type of project. The PMP qualification is based on the principles of PMBOK which is what makes it a popular choice.

There is only one level of training for the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification and only one certification exam that must be passed. However, there are other formal requirements which must be met in order to gain this qualification.

• A secondary degree (e.g. high school diploma)
• 35 hours of formal project management training
• 7500 hours of paid, full-time work directing/leading projects

OR

• A four year degree
• 35 hours of formal project management training
• 4500 hours of paid, full-time work directing/leading projects

It is only after you have fulfilled these prerequisites, and provided the necessary documentation as proof, that you will be approved to write the PMP certification exam.

The exam for the Project Management Professional (PMP) qualification is closed-book and you will need to rely solely on your project management knowledge and the experience that you have gained as a project manager. The exam comprises of 200 multiple choice questions and the duration of the exam is 4 hours. The exact pass mark is not public knowledge in an effort to ensure that maximum effort is given during the exam, but it is said to be around 64%. After passing the PMP exam, you will have achieved your official Project Management Professional certification.

In order to maintain your PMP certification, you will need to earn a minimum of 60 PDUs within each three year period from the date that you passed your certification exam. PDUs are Professional Development Units and there are a few options available in which to earn these. One PDU can be gained from each hour of additional project management training that you study, can be claimed from the PMI website and can also be earned by volunteering your skills as a project manager. If you fail to gain the required number of PDUs within the required time period, your PMP certification will expire and your certification will be considered “suspended”. You will then be given a one year suspension period in which to rectify the situation or you will be require to take the certification exam again in order to regain your PMP qualification.

How Will I Benefit?

Regardless of which project management method you choose to adopt, becoming a certified Project Manager will benefit your career. As a Project Manager you will be responsible for the success or failure of any project that you are working on and this is a lot of pressure. Knowing that you are qualified and have a proven method to support you along the way is not only reassuring, but also provides you with a greater chance for success. This said, there are some specific benefits that are generally considered to be attributed to each particular project management method that we have discussed here:

Benefits of being a PRINCE2 Project Manager

• Well structured methodology
• Improved earning potential
• Increased employability
• Comprehensive method
• Standard approach used throughout
• Focuses on the Business Case
• Internationally recognised

Benefits of being a PMP Project Manager

• Higher salary potential
• Value to your employer
• Project efficiency
• Networking opportunities
• Standardised skills
• Internationally recognised

If you are still struggling to make a decision as to which type of Project Manager you are interested in becoming, then perhaps you should consider ensuring that you are the most well-rounded Project Manager that you can be by gaining certifications in more than one method. This will enhance your career and enable you to be flexible in the world of project management.