If you’re considering enrolling in PRINCE2 training, you may be wondering what the difference between PRINCE2 Foundation Certification and PRINCE2 Practitioner is. Both certification courses are offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and help project managers manage projects successfully, but they differ in focus and overall level of difficulty—with one being better suited to your current skill set than the other. Let’s compare both certifications so you can make an informed decision about which course will benefit you most!
Different Methodologies
A PRINCE2 methodology is a structured approach to project management, developed for in-house use by government departments of the United Kingdom. It was created by Andrew Main Wilson in 1989 and has been adopted around the world as an industry standard for effective project management.
There are two levels of certification available: PRINCE2 Foundation (for beginners) and PRINCE2 Practitioner (for those with experience). Both certifications require candidates to pass three exams; however, there are significant differences between them. This guide will help you decide which level of certification best suits your needs.
What do Both Levels Cover?
If you’re interested in becoming a project manager, then you’ve probably heard of PRINCE2. But, with so many different options for studying in your corner of Europe, how do you know which to choose?
Before you decide, let’s take a look at what both levels have to offer. If you want to be an accredited project manager but don’t want to deal with some of the more complicated (and in-depth) areas like Risk Analysis or Change Management right away, then the Foundation level might be just right for you. On the other hand, if you are ready to dive into these topics and others, then perhaps Practitioner is where it’s at.
How are the Exams Different?
The PRINCE2 Foundation exam is a computer-based multiple-choice exam, while the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is an essay-based one. They are both 4 hours long but can be taken in different formats based on location. Additionally, they have different costs – $525 for a Foundation (exam only) and $695 for a Practitioner (exam plus membership).
When you pass either of these exams, you’ll receive your certification to use with your CVs as proof of qualification. Your certificate will remain valid for three years. If you don’t pass within that time frame, then it becomes invalid. You’ll need to retake it for $495 for a Foundation or $795 for a Practitioner.
You also get 1-year access to all online resources once you’ve passed any level of certification. These include interactive learning tools such as flashcards and games so that you can continue studying between tests and after passing.
This is especially useful if your job means that there’s not enough time during work hours to study or if you’re studying on nights or weekends when other resources aren’t available. Our online resources also include eBooks, which allow students who prefer paper books over digital content easy access to vital information without having to carry around heavy textbooks around all day at work or school!
Also Read – MBA: Top Reasons Why You Should or Shouldn’t Go for It
How Often are the Exams Offered?
PRINCE2 exams are offered four times per year. Currently, there is no waitlist system in place, but if you apply to take a PRINCE2 exam outside of its scheduled offering period, you will not be allowed to sit for that exam until it has become available again.
Please note that PRINCE2 has a strict anti-reschedule policy, so do not take an examination unless you are certain you can make it on time. If you have any questions about scheduling your exam, please contact your local PMI office.
How Much Does it Cost to Take an Exam?
Taking an exam typically costs between $30-70, depending on which level you’re at (Foundation or Practitioner). It is usually cheaper to take both exams together as a bundle. For example, if you were taking both exams in one sitting, it would cost $100.
If you were taking them separately over some time (e.g., two months), it would cost $130 total. To see more information about how much each exam costs and how to schedule your exam visit our Exams page.
When Should I Start Studying for an Exam?
Many people wonder when they should start studying for their PRINCE2 certification exams. Here are a few factors to consider. Are you starting from scratch with no experience?
Do you have some previous knowledge of how project management works? To take an exam at a higher level than your certification, you need to be able to pass everyone at that level. This means that if you have experience in both agile project management and PRINCE2 (such as having attended training or having worked on multiple projects), it’s probably better to choose which focus will serve you best. If not, consider taking each test separately. Focus on one level until you feel confident before tackling another.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in getting involved with project management, PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is the way to go. But if you’re not sure which certification to get, PRINCE2 Foundation or PRINCE2 Practitioner, you might be feeling confused about which one to pick and whether either of them is the right fit for you. In this article, we’ll have an in-depth look at how to decide which one will be better suited to your needs!
