We are holding a special combined PRINCE2 Foundation + Practitioner classroom training in September to kick-start our PRINCE2 Project Management methodology program in Nigeria. All delegates in this September class will be getting 35K shavings from the regular fee and will be credited with 36 PDUs to build their PMI accreditation Professional Development Units. The prevalent questions are – what differentiates PRINCE2 from PMBOK? Why do I need PRINCE2 accreditation after PMI? If I have to choose, which one is more suitable with regards to career development and job opportunity?
First point of differentiation is their acronym:
PRINCE – Project in Control Environment (sourced from the UK)
PMBOK – Project Management Body of Knowledge (sourced from the USA)
PRINCE focuses on controlling the environment in which projects are deployed while PMBOK prioritizes on the knowledge (tools and techniques) to manage the project. This subtle difference can be found in their respective material resources and exams hence the PMP exam appears to be more difficult to prepare for than the Practitioner exam.
Despite the difficult level of the PMI credential exams, PRINCE is a more adaptable to suit any company project success policy – PRINCE shares accountability within varying roles and responsibilities while PMBOK puts all responsibility on the Project Manager. The latter does not appear feasible to corporate project success – the superman approach, though admirable is putting too much on one individual.
Since PMBOK focuses on personal career development of the Project Manager while PRINCE focuses on the success of corporate projects, I will advise learning both methodology but it is wiser to tackle PMBOK credentials before PRINCE2. However, based on priority like geographic location and company policy, the one you choose first does really matter. If you live or desire to live in a Commonwealth county like the UK and Australia, PRINCE2 credential is a must have compared to living in the Middle East where PMI credential is populated hence more appreciated.
Another reason why you may prefer to do PRINCE2 first is the eligibility criteria placed on PMI credentials especially PMP exam where a 3-year project experience is required but anybody can take the PRINCE2 exam. Although PMI creates CAPM alternative for zero to (<3) years experience but you cannot automatically gain eligibility to write the PMP exam until you have attained the minimum 3 years project experience but you can do the PRINCE2 Practitioner immediately after writing the PRINCE2 Foundation prerequisite.
*Take advantage of our September PRINCE2 discounts by clicking PRINCE2 here
SALARY SCALE OF BOTH PMP AND PRINCE2 IN USA
SALARY SCALE OF BOTH PMP AND PRINCE2 IN UK
