There are three certifications available in Project Management: PMP, CAPM, and PRINCE2. Each certification has its own focus and uniqueness. It can be difficult to decide between a variety of certifications.
It is common for certifications to have one thing in common. It triggers the professional’s career and salary. That’s the very reason why professionals spend their time and money to acquire these certifications/credentials on their name. Let’s talk about the different aspects of PMP, CAPM, and PRINCE2 to get a better understanding of how to determine which certification is best for you.
1200 Practice Questions on the PMP(r), Exam Simulator
800 Practice Questions on the CAPM Exam Simulator
PRINCE2 Certification Course
What are the most common certifications?
Before you dive into deeper comparisons, it is important to understand the similarities between certifications
The Layout of Certifications
There are many different perspectives that one can use to choose between these certifications. However, before you go to that level and understand it, it is important to understand the purpose of these exams. PRINCE2 also has Practitioner level, but this article will only compare it to its Foundation level.
Description
CAPM
PMP
PRINCE2 (F)
Exam Questions & Passing %* 150* % not defined * 200* % not defined* 75* 50%Exam Duration3 Hours4 Hours1 HourExam FeesEUR250/$300 (different for members)EUR465/$555 (different for members)~EUR270/$365 (Varies from institute to institute)Exam PrerequisitesSecondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)1,500 hours of project experience or23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the examAt least 3 years of experience in the project management field (5 years if you don’t have a four-year degree)At least 4,500 hours experience in leading and directing projects (7,500 hours if you don’t have a four-year degree)35 hours of formal project management educationFormal training Exam PatternBooking exam on Prometric centreOnlineMultiple ChoiceBooking exam on Prometric centreOnlineMultiple ChoiceUsually at Accelerated Training InstituteOnlineMultiple ChoiceExam SourcePrimarily PMBoK guide but not limited toPrimarily PMBoK guide but not limited toThe official manual, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2Certification RenewalAfter 5 yearsAfter 3 yearsNo expiryCAPM & PMP certifications are offered by same body i.e. PMI. It will be easier to understand the differences between PMI and PRINCE2 certifications by comparing them. This is because PMP and CAPM are both based on the same PMBOK guide. The primary difference between the two is that CAPM is an entry-level certification for Project Management, while PMP is more advanced.
Comparison between CAPM / PMP/ PRINCE2
This comparison, along with the details about certifications discussed in section last, makes it clear that CAPM and PMP are in line with one another while PRINCE2 is a completely different thought process. The PMBOK(r), Project Management Book of Knowledge guide, is the basis for both CAPM and PMP certifications. This guide also clearly states that this standard is not a specific methodology but a guide. You can use different tools and methodologies (e.g. agile, waterfall, PRINCE2) in order to implement the project management framework.
PRINCE2, i.e. Projects IN Controlled Environments certification is a process-based project management system that provides a method for delivering a project successfully with clear templates, processes and steps. Similar to PMBOK and even the PRINCE2 official manual mentions and refers to PMBOK. PRINCE2’s focus is a broad, high-level framework of project management principles.
What is validated by exam?
These exams validate the following skills:
Benefits of PRINCE2, PMP, and CAPM
Although certifications offer a few of the same benefits, it is not as extensive as this one.
There are few benefits that can be accessed regardless of the certification you choose. It is important to evaluate the return on investment. This can be in the form of a higher salary, better opportunities, credibility or better networking. Project Management
ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR PREPAREING PMP(r), Certification Exam PMP(r).
Self Study Training – Project Management Professional (PMP(r) Certification
Self Study Training – Certified Associate In Project Management (CAPM(r) Certification
Conclusion
Two obvious questions must be answered and concluded after this deep dive into these certifications. These are:
Which is better?
Which one should you choose?
