Three reasons why obtain PRINCE2 certificate

Students sometimes hesitate, about which certificate is better to take, PRINCE2 or PMI

Project Management Certification Requirements: A Comparison Between PRINCE2® and PMI®

In this article, I will discuss traditional project management certifications, often referred to as “classic” or “waterfall” methods, specifically comparing two of the most recognized frameworks: PRINCE2® and PMI® (Project Management Institute), focusing primarily on the popular PMP® (Project Management Professional) certification. Both of these certifications are highly regarded in the project management world, and I will explain why, when it comes to ease and efficiency, PRINCE2® might be the better option for those seeking a certification quickly.

It is important to note that when I state PRINCE2® is the "best," I do not imply it is the ultimate project management system globally. Instead, I mean it is the best choice for those aiming to become certified professionals with the least amount of hassle and time commitment.

1. Learning Curve

One of the most significant factors to consider when pursuing a certification is the learning curve. How long will it take to master the material, and how difficult is it to absorb the concepts?

PRINCE2®: The PRINCE2® methodology is relatively easy to grasp for most learners, especially when they already have some experience in project management. The learning manual, Managing Successful Projects With PRINCE2, focuses on “hard skills,” which include project management principles and procedures. The book itself is concise, with only about 200 pages of content, leaving the rest for appendices and additional resources.

This brevity translates into a fast learning experience. Typically, individuals can prepare for the PRINCE2® Foundation exam in approximately three days (or 20 hours of training). Many learners find that with some pre-course self-study, they are able to grasp the essential concepts quickly and perform well on the exam.

PMI®: On the other hand, the PMI certification, particularly the PMP® exam, involves a much more extensive study process. The PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), which is the key resource for PMP® certification, spans about 600 pages. The content is dense and can be overwhelming for individuals without a deep project management background. Due to the complexity and breadth of the material, learners often need several weeks or even months to adequately prepare.

In fact, many candidates for the PMI exams struggle to pass on their first attempt, sometimes requiring multiple tries over the course of a year or more before becoming certified. This extended study period reflects the deeper, more theoretical nature of the PMI approach, which may not be as easily absorbed in a short time frame.

2. Certification Exam

Once the learning phase is complete, the next step is the certification exam. The structure and difficulty of the exam play a crucial role in determining which certification is the most efficient path to certification.

PRINCE2®: PRINCE2® offers two levels of certification: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation exam is the first level, and it requires a passing score of 55% to earn the certification. The exam consists of 68 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 2.5 hours to complete it. For non-native English speakers, there is an additional 40 minutes to accommodate language barriers.

The Practitioner exam, which is the second level of certification, typically has a higher pass rate on the first attempt. The Foundation exam has an impressive success rate of around 92%, while the Practitioner exam’s first-attempt pass rate is about 80%. These figures suggest that with the right training and preparation, individuals have a high likelihood of passing their exams without excessive stress or difficulty.

PMI®: In contrast, the PMI’s PMP® exam is a more arduous process. It consists of 180 questions, and candidates are given 230 minutes to complete the test, including two 10-minute breaks. The passing rate for the PMP® exam is much lower than for PRINCE2®. Although exact statistics are not publicly available, estimates suggest that the first-attempt pass rate ranges between 50% and 70%. This lower pass rate reflects the higher complexity of the exam and the greater depth of knowledge required.

Furthermore, the passing score for PMI exams is estimated to be around 75%, though PMI does not officially disclose the exact number of correct answers required to pass. This makes the PMP® exam a more challenging test in terms of both content and passing criteria.

3. Expiration of Certifications

Another important aspect of project management certifications is the validity period of the certification. How long does the certification remain valid, and what are the requirements for maintaining it?

PRINCE2®: One of the major advantages of the PRINCE2® Foundation certification was, that they did not expire. This was changed in 2022, when Peoplecert introduced 3 years validity of the certificate.

To maintain the validity of the certificate after 3 years, there are three options:

- resit for the exam
- join the Peoplecert Plus exclusive club, learn and work as a project manager, and after 3 years, the certificate will be prolonged. The membership costs a yearly fee.
- take another exam from the project management family of certificates

PMI®: In contrast, both the CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) and PMP® certifications from PMI® are valid for 3 years. To maintain their status, individuals must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) over this period. This requirement ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in project management. Failure to complete the PDUs or renew the certification on time will result in the loss of the certification, requiring individuals to retake the exam.

Conclusion

If your primary goal is to obtain a project management certification quickly with minimal effort, PRINCE2® is the best option. It provides a fast, structured learning process, with manageable exams and a higher first-attempt pass rate. Furthermore, the PRINCE2® Foundation certification is valid for life, offering long-term value without the need for re-certification fees.

While PMI® certifications, particularly the PMP®, are prestigious and widely recognized in the industry, they require a more significant time commitment for preparation and maintenance. They may be more suitable for professionals who are deeply committed to long-term project management careers and are ready to invest in the rigorous study and ongoing professional development required.

Ultimately, PRINCE2® offers a more efficient path to becoming a certified project manager, while PMI® certifications may provide deeper theoretical knowledge for those willing to put in the time and effort required for success. Both certifications have their merits, but PRINCE2® stands out for its simplicity, faster learning curve, and lifetime validity of the Foundation certificate.