PRINCE2 Certification Levels Explained

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) certification stands out as a globally recognized standard for managing projects effectively. Developed by AXELOS, PRINCE2 offers a structured and scalable methodology widely adopted across various industries.

This blog will explore the different levels of PRINCE2 certification Foundation, Practitioner, and Agile each designed to cater to professionals at various stages of their project management careers.

Whether you are new to the field or an experienced project manager seeking to enhance your skills, understanding these certification levels can help you navigate your career path and improve your project management capabilities.

What is PRINCE2?

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a widely recognized project management methodology used across various industries and sectors, particularly in the UK and Europe. It provides a structured approach to managing projects and offers a method for effectively handling business and project risks.

PRINCE2 is built around seven principles, processes, and practices guiding the project management tasks. Here are the key components:

Principles: Ensure continued business justification, Learn from experience, Define roles, responsibilities and relationships, Manage by Stages, Manage by exception, Focus on Products, and Tailor to suit the project
Practices: Business Case, Organizing, Quality, Risk, Plans, Issues and Progress
Processes: Starting up a project, Initiating a project, Directing a project, Controlling a stage, Managing a product delivery, Managing a stage boundary and Closing a project
People: Leading Successful Change and Leading Successful Teams

PRINCE2 is particularly notable for its flexibility and can be adapted to the needs of any organization or project, regardless of scale and type. It emphasizes dividing projects into manageable and controllable stages, with regular reviews of progress against the plan and the business case.

What are PRINCE2 Certification Levels?

PRINCE2 certification is structured into different levels, each designed to provide varying degrees of knowledge and understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. These levels cater to professionals at different stages in their project management careers.

The main certification levels are:

1. PRINCE2 Foundation: This level introduces the PRINCE2 principles, practices, and processes. It helps individuals understand the basics of how to work effectively within an environment supporting PRINCE2. The Foundation certification is aimed at individuals who need to understand the methodology and work as part of a team within a PRINCE2-supported project.

2. PRINCE2 Practitioner: This level is for those who are managing projects within a PRINCE2 environment. The Practitioner certification teaches how to apply PRINCE2 to running and managing projects. It requires a deeper understanding of the methodology than the Foundation level. Candidates must pass the Foundation exam before they can take the Practitioner exam.

3. PRINCE2 Agile: This certification combines the project management benefits of PRINCE2 with the flexibility and responsiveness of agile concepts. It is available in two levels:

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation: This is for those who are new to PRINCE2 and are working in an agile environment. No prerequisites are required.
PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner: Aimed at those who already have a basic understanding of PRINCE2 and wish to apply agile methods to their projects. To take the Practitioner exam, candidates need to have passed one of several recognized project management qualifications, including PRINCE2 Foundation.

These certifications are intended to help professionals establish and improve their project management skills by applying structured project management methods. Each level builds on the previous one, progressively deepening knowledge and skills in the PRINCE2 methodology and its agile integration.

The PRINCE2 Certification Levels/Qualification Explained

The PRINCE2 certification is a globally recognized qualification that supports professionals with the knowledge to manage projects effectively using the structured PRINCE2 methodology. This certification is essential for individuals looking to enhance their project management skills and apply a rigorous framework to their project work. PRINCE2 certifications are split into several levels, catering to various professional needs from foundational knowledge to practical application and integration with agile methodologies.

1. PRINCE2 Foundation

The Foundation level serves as the entry point into the PRINCE2 methodology, designed to confirm your basic understanding of the framework. It ensures that you can act as an informed project management team member within a PRINCE2 environment. The syllabus covers the seven principles, practices, and processes central to the PRINCE2 approach, providing a broad understanding that is essential for all project staff.

Who Should Attend?

Project team members
Aspiring project managers
Consultants and contractors working in a PRINCE2 environment

Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for the PRINCE2 foundation certification exam.

Exam Format:

Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Closed book
Questions: 60 multiple choice
Passing Score: 60% (36 out of 60)

2. PRINCE2 Practitioner

The Practitioner certification is designed for those who are actively managing projects and need to apply the PRINCE2 methodology effectively to real-world project management challenges. This level builds on the foundation knowledge, emphasizing the application and tailoring of PRINCE2 in different project environments and scenarios.

Who Should Attend?

Project managers
Program managers
Project management staff and consultants

Prerequisites:
PRINCE2 Foundation or other project management qualifications like PMP, CAPM, or IPMA levels.

Exam Format:

Duration: 150 minutes
Format: Open book
Questions: 70 scenario-based questions
Passing Score: 60% (42 out of 70)

3. PRINCE2 Agile

The PRINCE2 Agile track is suitable for those who wish to combine the structured management environment of PRINCE2 with Agile's flexible and responsive nature. As stated above, this track includes two levels - Foundation and Practitioner - and extends the benefit of PRINCE2 governance in agile contexts.

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation

Designed for those familiar with PRINCE2 or other project management methodologies, this certification enables the application of these principles in an agile working environment.

Who Should Attend?

Product Owner
Product Manager
Scrum Master
Agile Coach

Prerequisites:
There are no Prerequisites for the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation exam.

Exam Format:

Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Objective testing, Closed book
Questions: 50 questions
Passing Score: 55%

PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner

This level is aimed at those who are already familiar with PRINCE2 or other project management methodologies and wish to apply these in an agile working environment.

Who Should Attend?

Product Owner
Product Manager
Scrum Master
Agile Coach

Prerequisites:

To be eligible for the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam, you must possess either the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification or any PRINCE2 certification
Alternatively, other recognized certifications include Project Management Professional® (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management® (CAPM), and IMPA Levels A, B, C, and D® (Certified Projects Director)

Exam Format:

Exam Type: Objective testing, Open book
No. of Questions: 50 questions
Exam Duration: 150 minutes
Passing Score: 60% (30 out of 50)

Who Manages the PRINCE2 Certification or Qualification?

The PRINCE2 certification is managed by AXELOS, a joint venture established in 2014 by the government of the United Kingdom and Capita. This organization is dedicated to developing, managing, and operating a variety of qualifications in best practice methodologies that were originally owned by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).

AXELOS is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the certification process. This includes developing the syllabus, setting examination standards, and accrediting training and examination providers. AXELOS’s role ensures that the PRINCE2 qualifications maintain their relevance and rigor, thereby upholding the high standards expected by industries worldwide.

AXELOS not only preserves the integrity and value of the PRINCE2 certification but also ensures it evolves in response to changing market dynamics and project management practices. This ongoing development helps professionals and organizations adapt to the demands of global project management with an established and structured methodology.

Conclusion

The PRINCE2 certification offers a hierarchic structure for enhancing project management skills, from foundational knowledge to advanced application and integration with agile methodologies. Whether you're beginning your project management career or seeking to specialize further, PRINCE2 provides a comprehensive framework that promotes effective project execution.

Ready to advance your skills? Join Invensis Learning's PRINCE2 certification courses to gain expertise and recognition.

FAQs on PRINCE2 Certification Levels

1. What are the prerequisites for each PRINCE2 certification level?

Foundation Level: There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation certification.
Practitioner Level: You must pass the Foundation exam before proceeding to the Practitioner certification. Alternatively, having a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification can also qualify you for the Practitioner level.

2. How long is the PRINCE2 Certification valid?

Foundation Level: Valid for three years
Practitioner Level: The Practitioner certification is valid for three years. Practitioners must complete CPD points and pass a re-registration examination every three years to maintain their certification.

3. What are the benefits of PRINCE2 Certification?

Globally recognized qualification that enhances your employability
Standardized approach to project management that improves project delivery and efficiency
Flexible method that can be tailored to projects of any size and complexity
Improved stakeholder engagement through clear definition of roles and responsibilities