If you already lead projects, start with the PMP. It proves the experience you have, it covers predictive, agile and hybrid delivery, and once you hold it you can go straight to PRINCE2 Practitioner without sitting Foundation. Take PRINCE2 first only if you cannot meet the PMP's experience requirement yet, or the employer or client you want runs projects the PRINCE2 way.
The short answer
Leading projects already? Take the PMP, then add PRINCE2 Practitioner if a client asks for it. Early in your career? PRINCE2 Foundation and the CAPM both ask for no work experience, so pick the one the job ads you are applying to actually name.
What each one is
The PMP is PMI's certification for experienced project managers. You qualify with 36 months of leading projects and a bachelor's degree, or 60 months with a secondary diploma, plus 35 hours of training. The exam is 180 questions in 240 minutes, and roughly 40% of it is predictive delivery, with the rest agile and hybrid. PRINCE2 is one project management method, owned by PeopleCert and built on seven principles, seven practices and seven processes. Foundation is 60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, closed book. Practitioner is 150 minutes, open book, and tests applying the method to a scenario. Our older guide covers the PRINCE2 levels in more detail.
Get the PMP if
You lead or manage projects, whatever your title, and want a credential that proves it. You want something that works across industries and delivery styles rather than one method. Before you decide, search the job board you actually use for both names and count which one the roles you want ask for.
Get PRINCE2 if
You cannot meet the PMP's experience requirement yet and want a credential now: Foundation has no prerequisites. Or your employer or a client runs projects to PRINCE2 and asks for it by name.
Already have the PMP?
Then you can skip PRINCE2 Foundation. PeopleCert lists the PMP among the certifications that qualify you to sit PRINCE2 Practitioner directly. Our founder, Hemant Dhariyal, holds both.
How to decide
Check your months of experience against our PMP eligibility guide, then count the postings. Both need renewing: the PMP with 60 PDUs every three years, PRINCE2 Foundation with 60 CPD points every three years. If you qualify, our PMP course runs seven live Saturdays, in person in Mississauga or online. Not sure which fits? Tell us your background.
Frequently asked questions
- 01
Can I take PRINCE2 Practitioner if I have a PMP?
Yes. PeopleCert lists the PMP among the certifications that let you sit PRINCE2 Practitioner without taking Foundation first.
- 02
Is PRINCE2 or the PMP harder?
They test different things. PRINCE2 Foundation is 60 questions in 60 minutes on the method, and Practitioner is open book. The PMP is 180 questions in 240 minutes of scenario judgement, and you need project experience before you can sit it.
- 03
Do I need experience for PRINCE2?
Not for Foundation, which has no prerequisites. Practitioner needs Foundation or another qualifying certification, such as the PMP.
- 04
Do the PMP and PRINCE2 expire?
Both renew every three years. The PMP needs 60 PDUs per cycle. PRINCE2 Foundation needs 60 CPD points, or you can pass another PeopleCert exam in the same suite before your renewal date.
Education Edge is a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP #4456). Every course is live and instructor-led, and selected courses carry a 100% pass guarantee or your money back.