Created: 29 November 2021

Are PRINCE2 Courses Worth It? (The Answer Is Yes)

Ready to stop researching online: are PRINCE2 courses worth it? If so, the answer is yes. Learn everything you need to know about it today. 

Keyword(s): PRINCE2

If you want to plot the rise of the qualified project manager in business, take a look at this statistic. By 2027, experts predict organisations will want to hire as many as 88 million project management roles worldwide. 

If you chose a career in project management because it had promise, pat yourself on the back. Your intuition certainly looks correct.

Of course, that's just the starting point. To get the role of your dreams, you'll need to have a respected qualification to your name.

You have probably heard of PRINCE2, but what is it, and is that the best qualification for you? This guide will reveal all before you make your decision. 

PRINCE2 In a Nutshell

PRINCE2 is a project management framework.

It applies a consistent method and order for running projects, often with formal procedures and documentation. That ensures that any PRINCE2 manager delivers any project with the same approach.

PRINCE2 sits comfortably within many large organisations. They embrace the formal gated method that PRINCE2 uses to go from one phase to another (the specific term this method uses is stages.)

Big organisations also like PRINCE2's adherence to defined, fairly strict roles and responsibilities within a project. It's clear who does what and when. 

The most important word in the PRINCE2 world is control. Applying PRINCE2 means you control the progress and flow of a project. Follow it to the letter, and you might help prevent a runaway, failing project. 

The Two PRINCE2 Qualifications

If you've ever browsed PRINCE2 qualifications, you'll spot that providers typically offer two choices. Here are the two PRINCE2 qualifications you can earn: 

PRINCE2 Foundation

Perhaps you don't have much experience managing projects, or you work in a peripheral project role rather than as a project manager. If so, the PRINCE2 Foundation qualification is your best starting point.

The foundational PRINCE2 certification is a straightforward introduction to the PRINCE2 framework. 

If you don't already hold a project management certification, you can take the foundation exam in preparation for the practitioner qualification. 

PRINCE2 Practitioner

The practitioner qualification is the one that businesses will ask for when seeking a project manager who is PRINCE2 qualified.

It's a tough, challenging exam and a detailed course that takes you through the complete end-to-end processes, terminology, documentation, and principles that make up the PRINCE2 framework.

The practitioner qualification is known to be a challenge. But it's also one of the reasons this is a prestigious certification to add to your resume if you want to impress employers. 

The Benefits of PRINCE2 Qualifications

Is PRINCE2 worth the time and effort? What follows are the more notable benefits you should know before deciding: 

You'll Command a Higher Salary

On average, managers with a PRINCE2 qualification earn over $85,000.

Do you want a long-term career in project management that goes beyond entry-level, junior roles?

If the answer is yes, you'll need a weighty qualification like PRINCE2 to help you climb that career ladder and command a competitive, professional salary.

And achieving a six-figure salary with a PRINCE2 qualification and several years of project management experience is more than realistic. 

More Job Opportunities in Growing Sectors

PRINCE2 is used widely across various sectors, including government, charity, health, finance, defence, and IT.

You won't be short of career opportunities with a PRINCE2 qualification, even when attempting to move into a new industry sector.

To test this theory, try searching for PRINCE2 jobs on big job sites and see the sheer number of results you get with that keyword.

You'll be surprised at how in demand this qualification is worldwide, and you'll also notice that for some employers, especially when advertising senior project manager posts, it's mandatory. 

A Proven and Respected Framework to Deliver Projects

An external body, owned by Axelos, governs PRINCE2. It oversees the framework and brand name.

That means that there is one standard, so everyone undertaking PRINCE2 training will learn the same processes and methodology.

PRINCE2 training companies need to abide by specific standards and use official PRINCE2 material in their lessons.

There is a PRINCE2 textbook that covers the entire framework. It's something you will go through in detail during the practitioner course.

With those strict standards, a PRINCE2 qualification on your resume will be the same wherever you are in the world. And irrespective of where you received your training. So it is highly respected by organisations.

You Don't Need Prior Experience

Unlike some professional qualifications, you don't need to have managed projects or even show evidence of working in a project management role before you can apply for PRINCE2 foundational training.

Suppose you are still in the entry-level stage of your career.

In that case, it provides the perfect opportunity to get your foot on the ladder and get that first professional project management job by demonstrating you have a relevant qualification.

PRINCE2 Alternatives: Which Is Best for You? 

Before choosing PRINCE2, most project executives will compare PRINCE2 Vs. PMP, and PRINCE2 Vs. Agile. Here's a short guide to how they differ. 

PRINCE2 Vs. PMP

PMP is an alternative framework delivered under the PMI (Project Management Institute) organisation.

A significant difference between the two is that PMP is more of general guidance on how to run a project.

In contrast, PRINCE2 provides a structured framework to apply to your project and the organisation surrounding a project delivery team. 

PRINCE2 Vs. Agile

Agile became popular in the IT sector, particularly amongst development teams, for its flexible, iterative process.

Agile is an umbrella term and covers a range of similar methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, and XP.

While Agile is popular in the high-tech industry, other industries haven't widely adopted it.

Are PRINCE2 Courses Worth Your Time?

PRINCE2 is such an accessible and respected qualification that if you are serious about a career in project management, it's the obvious first step to take.

Even if you don't need PRINCE2 in your current role, you'll probably find that the framework will help you create a more organised approach to your projects. Something that won't go unnoticed by your employer. 

At AdvisedSkills, we've put together one of the easiest ways to get started with your first PRINCE2 qualification.

Head here to book your fully online PRINCE2 course with us and take your first big step to a flourishing project management career.