PRINCE2 vs PMI-ACP Certification: Which One to Choose?

Booming career success relies on making pertinent choices, including choosing the proper project management certification. Research indicates that certified project managers earn an average of 16%—22% more than their non-certified colleagues. In addition, the national demand for project management professionals is estimated to grow by 33% in areas like Australia.

When deciding between PRINCE2 vs PMI-ACP, understanding the unique benefits of each certification is crucial. Both are considered advanced certifications that can significantly enhance your career prospects. PRINCE2 focuses on structured project management methodologies, while PMI-ACP emphasizes agile practices, making it ideal for dynamic and fast-paced industries. Choosing either certification can help propel your profession and set you apart in a competitive marketplace.

Understanding PRINCE2

PRINCE2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments. This project management methodology is widely accepted and applied worldwide, especially among the most adopted methods in Britain, Europe, and Commonwealth countries.

This PRINCE2 method is based on organizing and planning a Project and controlling it into defined and managed phases, so it is ideal for projects and processes where structured planning and control are needed.

PRINCE2 has two levels of certification:

• PRINCE2 Foundation: This level is meant for those new to PRINCE2 (Projects In Controlled Environments). It addresses fundamental concepts and terminology.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner: It is designed for adept users of PRINCE2 who can apply the knowledge in practice.

Exploring PMI-ACP

The Project Management Institute (PMI) Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification is designed for those who practice agile methods. It is often salary boosting for an agile environment that is continuously changing. It also includes an understanding and skills in agile methods like Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Extreme programming (XP).

PMI-ACP Certification requires some mandatory prerequisites to be completed or achieved before appearing for the final certification exam:

• 21 contact hours of Agile training
• 12 months working in any form of project management
• 8 months of working experience in Agile Projects during the previous 3 years.

Comparing PRINCE2 and PMI-ACP

Parameter PRINCE2 PMI-ACP

Origin Developed in the UK (1989) by the CCTA Created by the Project Management Institute

Approach Structured stages for project management Based on Agile methodologies, suitable for adaptive projects

Certification Levels Foundation and Practitioner Single certification covering multiple Agile practices

Prerequisites None for Foundation; Foundation required for Practitioner Agile and project management experience needed

Exam Format Foundation: 60 multiple-choice questions, 1 hour. Practitioner: 70 objective questions, 2.5 hours 120 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours

Renewal Every 3 years Requires 30 Agile-specific PDUs every 3 years

Industry Focus Public sector, construction, healthcare, finance IT, software development, startups, digital marketing

Global Reach Popular in Europe and Commonwealth countries Strong foothold in North America and Asia

Career Impacts

PRINCE2 or PMI-ACP will provide you with enormous career options, including IT consultant, project manager, and program manager.

As with almost both certifications, a person with PRINCE2 certifications can command a wage of around $85,000 to $130,000 per year, especially in healthcare, government, and construction. The remuneration for such professionals is expected to be higher in the US and Commonwealth countries.

Once PMI-ACP certification is attained, there is always a highly competitive demand for industries such as software and business initiatives.

PMI-ACP-certified professionals use their expertise to advise teams on best practices. Understand and apply multiple agile approaches, including Scrum, Lean, Kanban, and Test-Driven Development.

The average salary for a PMI-ACP certified professional in the US is around $120,000 per year. Roles such as Agile Coach, Scrum Master, or Agile Project Manager are in great demand for leading tech startups and established organizations.

Making the Right Choice

To choose between PRINCE2 and PMI-ACP, you can ask yourself these questions:

• Do you like following a set structure? Then, go for PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications.
• Do you work in dynamic environments that use Agile practices? Then, you require a PMI-ACP.

If you do not have the proper prescribed experience or qualify for PMI-ACP, start with PRINCE2 Foundation training, as it has no prerequisites.

PMI-ACP is more prevalent in North America and Agile industries, while PRINCE2 is more prevalent in Europe and Commonwealth countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PRINCE2 certification and PMI-ACP are both essential. Which one is right for you depends on your goals and the kinds of projects you want to manage.

Think about what you do now and where you want to be in 5 to 10 years. If you are more invested in traditional projects, PRINCE2 is a better option, and PMI-ACP reflects the more agile-focused environment while offering excellent career prospects in agile project management.