Choosing a course for your PRINCE2^® certification

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PRINCE2 training courses (instructor-led)

Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge, and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

In today’s episode, we’re zooming in on choosing a course to achieve your PRINCE2 certification.

Let’s kick things off with a discussion on PRINCE2 certification. PRINCE2, for those unfamiliar, is an acronym for Projects IN Controlled Environments, and it marks the second iteration of the PRINCE method. This project management methodology is a finely structured approach that answers pivotal questions on who should make decisions, which processes support those decisions, and when in the project life cycle should they be made. It’s founded on seven core principles, each instrumental in steering a project towards success.

The PRINCE2 project management methodology isn’t just a set of guidelines; it’s a philosophy that is designed to be thorough yet flexible, organised around principles, processes, and themes to facilitate controlled project environments. As we delve into its essence, we understand that accountability, process-driven decision-making, and timely interventions are what make PRINCE2 stand out as a methodology.

Let’s talk about PRINCE2 as a certification scheme. Beyond the practical guidance it provides to project managers, PRINCE2 offers two levels of certification that can significantly boost your project management credentials: the Foundation and Practitioner levels.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is your gateway into the realm of PRINCE2. It is tailored for those who find themselves working within project environments, perhaps supporting project managers, without carrying the full weight of project outcomes on their shoulders.

The PRINCE2 Foundation certification exam is a crucial step on the path to becoming certified. With a format that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, candidates will need to score at least 55% to pass. The exam is a closed-book test, lasting 60 minutes, with results provided on the same day. No prerequisites are needed to take the Foundation exam, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to embark on this project management journey.

For those deeply embedded in the world of project management, such as change managers, project support staff, product managers, or business analysts, the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is the next step. This level is designed for individuals looking to validate their expertise in applying the PRINCE2 framework in real-world project scenarios.

The Practitioner exam takes the challenge up a notch with an objective-style test comprising 68 questions and a time limit of 150 minutes. It is an open-book format, but earning a passing mark of 55% is no mean feat. The results, like the Foundation level, are provided on the same day.

If you’re aiming to earn your PRINCE2 project management certificate, enrolling in an instructor-led PRINCE2 course is a wise decision. Instructor-led courses are offered in two modes: the traditional physical classroom where you attend in person, or the virtual classroom where you participate over the internet. Both provide the invaluable benefit of face-to-face tuition with experienced trainers who will prepare you for the certification exams.

Instructor-led courses offer a rich and engaging learning experience, guided by seasoned PRINCE2 trainers. These courses are perfect for those who can adhere to a fixed classroom schedule and who appreciate the structure and interactive advantages of a traditional learning environment.

For those with commitments that make it challenging to follow a fixed schedule, self-paced online PRINCE2 courses are an excellent alternative, offering flexibility and the option to learn at your own pace.

Speaking of PRINCE2’s standing in the project management world, it’s not just popular; it’s the leader of the pack. Adopted by both public and private sectors across various countries, PRINCE2 certifications are held by nearly two million professionals, surpassing other renowned certifications like PMP and CAPM from PMI. And the numbers tell a compelling story about career prospects, with roles in project management offering competitive salaries that grow with experience and seniority.

Taking a moment to reflect on its origins, PRINCE2’s journey began as PRINCE, specifically designed for IT projects. With its evolution to PRINCE2 in 1996, the methodology shed its IT-centric skin to become a universally applicable framework. Fast forward to 2013, and we see AXELOS taking ownership, ensuring quality and consistency in training and certification. Furthermore, in keeping up with the times, PRINCE2 Agile was introduced to blend traditional project governance with agile innovation.

For those considering the PRINCE2 Foundation course, here’s what you can expect: instructor-led and comprehensive training that covers all you need to know to pass the certification exam. From official PRINCE2 materials and sample exams to receiving a digital copy of the official manual and a month of free AXELOS membership with your exam voucher—it’s all geared towards cultivating a solid foundational understanding of PRINCE2.

Turning to the PRINCE2 Practitioner course, expect an in-depth exploration of the methodology tailored to apply PRINCE2 in practical settings. Through this training, you’ll grasp how to tailor PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes to the unique context of your projects, ensuring you’re equipped not just with knowledge but with the know-how to succeed in project management.

As we conclude, what’s clear is that PRINCE2 certification is more than just a badge of honor; it’s a gateway to mastering a methodology that shapes effective project managers. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or looking to strengthen your expertise, PRINCE2 training courses offer a structured path to achieving your goals.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored PRINCE2 training courses. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!