If you are in project management, there are many ways you can accelerate your career without a degree. Both PRINCE 2 and PRINCE 2 Agile are widely recognised certificates that teach you project management methodology.
Let’s break down the details of each of these courses to find the one to best suit you.
What is the PRINCE 2 Course?
PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured project management method widely used across industries. It focuses on process-driven project management and is based on best practices and governance frameworks.
The PRINCE2 Foundation course is ideal for beginners and covers core project management principles, themes, and processes. It doesn’t require prior experience, making it suitable if you’re just starting out in the field. The PRINCE2 Practitioner level builds on this, enabling you to tailor the method to specific projects. It’s perfect for professionals managing or directing projects and wanting a consistent, scalable approach.
What is the PRINCE 2 Agile Course?
PRINCE2 Agile combines the flexibility and responsiveness of agile with the clearly defined framework of PRINCE2. It’s perfect for professionals working in agile environments but wanting to maintain strong governance and structure.
This course requires existing PRINCE2 knowledge or a qualification, and is recommended for those already working in project or delivery roles. You’ll learn how to adapt PRINCE2 principles to agile frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean Startup.
Comparison of PRINCE 2 vs PRINCE 2 Agile
To further break down PRINCE 2 vs PRINCE 2 Agile, here is a side-by-side comparison of the two:
Main Focus
- PRINCE 2: Provides a structured framework for project management using a best practice approach.
- PRINCE 2 Agile: Combines PRINCE2® with Agile principles to deliver flexible, iterative project management.
Target Audience
- PRINCE 2: Project managers looking for a solid, traditional methodology for project management.
- PRINCE 2 Agile: Project managers working in dynamic environments who require a flexible, agile approach to project management.
Prerequisites
- PRINCE 2: No formal prerequisites for Foundation. For Practitioner, you must have completed the Foundation level.
- PRINCE 2 Agile: No formal prerequisites for Foundation. Practitioner requires Foundation certification.
Application
- PRINCE 2: Useful in industries with standardised project structures such as construction, engineering, and government.
- PRINCE 2 Agile: Ideal for industries that require adaptive and iterative project delivery such as IT, software development, and innovation-driven sectors.
Benefits
- PRINCE 2: Ideal for both public and private sector projects.
- PRINCE 2 Agile: Enhance ability to balance project flexibility with control.
Both PRINCE 2 and PRINCE 2 Agile certifications are highly regarded in the project management field. These credentials provide a proven, systematic blueprint to managing projects, but they also adapt to different project environments.
What Role Do You Want?
Choosing between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile largely depends on your career aspirations and the type of organisation or projects you work with.
- Are you new to project management? Start with PRINCE2 Foundation to build a strong understanding of the fundamentals.
- Want to work in a traditional project setting or a government organisation? PRINCE2 offers a structured path that’s valued in many corporate environments.
- Already working in agile or digital teams? PRINCE2 Agile helps bridge the gap between agile delivery and business governance.
- Looking to manage both structure and agility in large-scale projects? PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner is designed for just that.
Whichever route you choose, both PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile offer a solid foundation to advance your career in project management.
Start Your Next Course Today
The best choice ultimately comes down to your current role, your goals, and the type of project environment you work in.
If you are looking to expand your Project Management skills with training, ALC can help you find the right course to propel you forward. At ALC Training, we’ve been empowering project professionals since 1994.
Whether you’re looking to master PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum, or other industry-leading certifications, our expert trainers and comprehensive courses are designed to set you up for success.