PRINCE2 Certification is a project management methodology developed by the UK government in the 1990s that provides a framework for managing projects in a structured, controlled, and consistent manner. PRINCE2 Agile is an extension of PRINCE2 that incorporates agile methods and practices into the PRINCE2 framework, designed to provide a flexible and adaptable approach to project management. In this blog, we will examine the differences between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile Certification.
PRINCE2 is based on seven principles and provides a set of processes, themes, and techniques for project management. PRINCE2 Agile combines the principles and processes of PRINCE2 with the agile mindset and practices, and it incorporates agile concepts such as iterative development, sprints, and user stories. Both Certifications are widely recognized and respected in the project management community and provide valuable skills and knowledge for project managers.
Table of Contents
- PRINCE2 Certification
- PRINCE2 Agile Certification
- Differences between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile Certification
- Choosing Between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile Certification
- Conclusion
PRINCE2 Certification
PRINCE2 Certification is a globally recognized project management certification demonstrating an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. Benefits of PRINCE2 Certification include enhanced project management skills, improved career prospects, increased earning potential, and better project outcomes. The PRINCE2 Certification exam is available in two levels:
The foundation and practitioner and the syllabus cover principles, themes, processes, and tailoring PRINCE2. Passing the Foundation level exam is a prerequisite for taking the Practitioner level exam, and the pass mark for both exams is 55 per cent.
PRINCE2 Agile Certification
PRINCE2 Agile Certification combines PRINCE2 structure with agile methodologies for managing projects in an agile environment. Benefits include improved project delivery, increased efficiency, enhanced communication, career opportunities, and business outcomes.
The Certification exam is available at Foundation and Practitioner levels and covers topics such as agile ways of working, PRINCE2 principles, themes, processes, behaviours, and agile concepts. Passing the Foundation level exam is a prerequisite for the Practitioner level exam, and the pass mark for both exams is 55 per cent.
Differences between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile Certification
PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile are project management methodologies with a common foundation but differ in approach and implementation. Below are the key differences between PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile Certification:
Approach to project management:
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured and process-driven project management methodology that focuses on delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the expected quality standards. PRINCE2 has a well-defined set of processes and procedures, along with clear roles and responsibilities for project management.
PRINCE2 Agile, on the other hand, combines the structure of PRINCE2 with the flexibility and responsiveness of agile methodologies. PRINCE2 Agile Certification recognizes that complex projects require effective management flexibility. It guides how to blend the PRINCE2 principles with agile approaches to deliver projects that meet customer needs and adapt to changing circumstances.
Principles and values:
PRINCE2 is built on seven core principles:
- Continued business justification.
- Learning from experience.
- Defining roles and responsibilities.
- Managing by stages.
- Managing by exception.
- Focusing on products.
- Tailoring to suit the project environment.
These principles provide a foundation for project management and ensure that projects remain aligned with the business objectives.
PRINCE2 Agile adds five behaviours to these principles: transparency, collaboration, rich communication, self-organisation, and exploration. These behaviours emphasise the importance of teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability in agile projects.
Exam format and requirements:
The PRINCE2 Foundation exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 60 minutes, and the pass mark is 55 per cent. The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is a scenario-based exam that tests the candidate’s ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to a project scenario. It consists of 68 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 150 minutes, and the pass mark is also 55 per cent.
The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 60 minutes, and the pass mark is also 55 per cent. The PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam is similar to the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam but focuses on applying agile principles and techniques within the PRINCE2 framework. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 150 minutes, and the pass mark is also 55 per cent.
Syllabus and course content:
The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner syllabus covers the seven principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2, along with practical guidance on tailoring PRINCE2 to suit different project environments. The syllabus also covers the roles and responsibilities of the project management team, project assurance, and risk management.
The PRINCE2 Agile syllabus covers agile ways of working, PRINCE2 Agile overview, PRINCE2 principles, themes, processes, behaviours, and agile concepts. The syllabus provides practical guidance on how to blend PRINCE2 with agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean Startup. It also covers agile techniques such as user stories, timeboxing, and retrospectives.
Conclusion
PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile are excellent Certifications worthy of pursuing by people looking to become aspiring Project Managers. Both have good career prospects, and when choosing the Certification, it is worth considering their fundamental differences. We hope you enjoyed the blog and understood PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile well.
