ITIL Certification vs PRINCE2 – Understanding the Differences

IT professionals need to upgrade their skills from time to time for better opportunities and to keep their skill sets current. Project and service management qualifications hold a significant value in the IT industry and are important for IT professionals that want to boost their careers. IT service management and project management are both essential functions that ensure enterprise success, driving the demand for certified professionals in each specialization, also sparking a debate on the comparative merits of ITIL vs PRINCE2. 

ITIL® and PRINCE2® are two examples of technology guidance that is relevant in the digital age. Both approaches have been instrumental in the worlds of ITSM and project management for many years. Both have also been recently updated to evolve with modern ways of working 

ITIL and PRINCE2 certifications are among the most popular certifications recognized by organizations across the world. Between them, they cover IT infrastructure and project management protocols that help in scaling projects, and making complicated tasks feasible. If you look for difference between ITIL and PRINCE, you will find that while ITIL 4 does not specifically exclude any topics or components related to service management, though detailed discussion on specific technology use is not part of the guidance. 

An Overview Of ITIL

ITIL stands for Information Technology Infrastructure Library and is a set of best IT service management practices that lead to efficient management of IT services within organizations and ensure robust project delivery. It is not limited to IT-based projects but also facilitates cost management and ensures continual growth and improvement in the effectiveness of the teams. Several enterprises and individuals choose to invest in a good training program like ITIL foundation training to build strong teams to manage their business’ IT environment. 

We can say that ITIL ensures the continuous growth of IT service development processes. It has been effective over multiple applications and is not limited to a particular business model. In fact, due to its success and versatility, its applications have expanded in non-IT organizations too. KnowledgeHut ITIL foundation training is a great option for enterprises and individuals wishing to strengthen their ITSM capabilities. 

It helps to enhance the skills of people, organizations, and processes and guarantees that if any sort of changes in technology or business practices affect them adversely, they can adapt quickly and stay on top of the competition.  

An Overview Of PRINCE2

PRINCE2 stands for Projects in controlled environments, and it facilitates project management, and enhances team performance by “bringing a common language to projects”. The PRINCE2 certification is globally recognized and works with a wide range of sectors and roles. It places greater focus on project-based methodology and provides detailed guidelines and steps to follow to ensure successful project delivery, working with DevOps, Lean, and Agile.   

Differences Between ITIL and PRINCE2

ITIL certification	PRINCE2 certification
It is an IT-specific service management framework. It pertains to IT service management.	It is a process-based method for effective project management.
ITIL focuses on the provision of long-term services and does not provide service managers enough to ensure successful project delivery.	PRINCE2 methodology allows non-proprietary best practice guidance on project management. PRINCE2 is in the public domain.
ITIL is an IT program that aims at maintaining and supporting specific situations.	PRINCE2 methodology does not include the support and development required for an IT service manager after the design and implementation of any project.
ITIL is a process management certificate.	PRINCE2 is a best certification for project manager.
ITIL assists project management by defining guidelines that each new release must adhere to testing, scheduling, coding, etc.	Project management focuses on project delivery that may or may not be included in the defined budget, scope, and timeframe of the project.

Who Uses ITIL/PRINCE2?

ITIL can be applied by organizations that provide ITSM (IT Service Management) products and services. The different sectors and industries and sectors where it is used are: 

1. Non-governmental organizations 
2. National, state, and local governments 
3. Universities and education systems 
4. Large, medium, and small companies 

Some renowned organizations that use ITIL are: 

• Mercantil Bank 
• Amadeus 
• Equinor 
• Group Bimbo 
• LV 
• Newcastle University 
• Aquila Heywood 
• De Montfort University 
• Essex County Council 
• Intrinsic 
• Cincinnati Children's Medical Hospital 

PRINCE2 methodology can be applied across varieties of industries and sectors. Large public and private sector organizations have increased their efficiency implementing PRINCE2. Some of them are: 

• Public sector organizations like Home Office, NHS, British Red Cross, Metropolitan Police, Central and local government.  
• Oil and Gas Industry like Shell, BP, and Transpower New Zealand. 
• Construction Industry such as UK Highways Agency, IPP Contracting Ltd. 
• Companies such as Aquasoft, HP, Siemens, Phillips, BAE, Electronic Data System, Vodafone, Getronics, Ericsson Services Ireland, etc. 
• Banking like Barclays 
• Operations management 
• Marketing 
• engineering 

What’s the Qualification Process For ITIL/PRINCE2?

As with most professional certifications, ITIL and PRINCE2 both require thorough understanding of the concepts and methodologies used by each, dedicated preparation for the exam; in fact, some candidates stick to a rigorous study plan to clear the exams; and generous amounts of practice. Once you’ve cleared the exam, you’re all set to flaunt your professional certification badges on your professional profiles.  

Let’s Look at The Qualification Process for ITIL : 

ITIL has a number of comprehensive courses called lifecycle modules that focus on different areas. Freestanding qualifications like business and management level understanding of the ITIL core lifecycle are also available. IT professionals should focus on the benefits of these courses in the long term for their careers. ITIL deals with how IT services can be enhanced and implemented for maximum benefits to the organization.  

• Step 1: Register for any of the service management courses. This will help you gain relevant knowledge in a structured manner and also learn from industry experts.  
• Step 2: Take the exam. You get 2 attempts to pass the ITIL4 exam.  
• Step 3: Earn your badge and flaunt it! You’ve worked hard for the certification, and once you’ve earned it, it is time to let the badge do the talking!  

Let us now explore PRINCE2 qualification 

PRINCE2 Foundation certification is as coveted as they are difficult to earn. You get the option of Foundation and Practitioner level certifications, for which you have to appear for an exam and you can also opt for a PRINCE2 course. While the Foundation Level exam does not have prior certification requirements, to take the practitioner exam, you need to hold a PRINCE2 Foundation certification or equivalent qualifications as mentioned on the Axelos official website.

PRINCE2 Foundation

Sign up with an Axelos ATO for the certification training, or study at your own pace. It is recommended to go with an accredited training organization as that helps you get structured inputs and have expert instructors. Post training, you must take the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam and score 55% or above to successfully clear it. The PRINCE2 Foundation certification also helps validate your skills in project management.

PRINCE2 Practitioner

This certification is designed for those professionals who have successfully completed the Foundation certification and want to upgrade either knowledge and skills. You can start with a training program and take the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam and clear it to earn your PRINCE2 Practitioner certification. Candidates need to score above 55% in this two and a half hour, open book exam, to be successful.

PRINCE2 Agile

PRINCE2 Agile courses are offered exclusively by Axelos ATOs, and the certification through PeopleCert, often in partnership with the ATOs. 

Top Cities where KnowledgeHut Conduct ITIL Certification Training Course Online

ITIL Certification in Singapore	ITIL Certification in Melbourne	ITIL Certification in Delhi
ITIL Certification in Pune	ITIL Certification in Mumbai	ITIL Certification in Perth
ITIL Certification in Bangalore	ITIL Certification in Sydney	ITIL Certification in Toronto
ITIL Certification in Hyderabad	ITIL Certification in Dubai	ITIL Certification in Brisbane
ITIL Certification in Chennai	ITIL Certification in Kolkata	ITIL Certification in Calgary

Core Components Of ITIL & PRINCE2

ITIL has two main components – the Service Value System, also known simply as SVS, and the Four Dimensions Model. Between them, these two components make the ITIL ecosystem. Let’s take a quick look at the subcomponents of each. 

The Four Dimensions Model is what enables the Service Value System to have a balanced effect. The four dimensions to be considered are: 

• Organizations & People 
• Information & Technology 
• Partners & Suppliers 
• Value Streams & Processes 

The Service Value System consists of: 

• ITIL Service Value Chain 
• ITIL Management Practices 
• ITIL Guiding Principles 
• Governance 
• Continual Improvement 

The core components of PRINCE2 have seven sub-components each. Together, they help establish the framework for good practices. These components are:  

• Principles 
• Themes 
• Processes 
• Environments 

Exceptions: What PRINCE2 & ITIL Aren’t

The functional areas covered by ITIL and PRINCE2 are fairly vast and it does raise a question about what doesn’t come under the purview of these two frameworks. 

ITIL Isn’t 

Anything outside the umbrella of IT Service Management. While ITIL framework does not have any particular exclusions, it is understood that the framework only extends as far as the scope of ITSM goes.  

PRINCE2 Isn’t 

The right framework for you if your project management methodology focus is on  

• specialist aspects 
• detailed techniques 
• leadership capabilities

ITIL vs PRINCE2 – The Right Choice

We’ve just skimmed over the key differences between the two certifications - ITIL and PRINCE2. But there are many aspects that one needs to consider before choosing the right certification. Both these certifications are highly in demand and guarantee a boost in career. An organization considers its certified employees as assets because of the knowledge and skills they hold. Having a reputed certification that can benefit your organization is important. ITIL leads an organization to stronger alignment between IT and business. It helps to optimize value for the customers. PRINCE2 has a built-in mechanism for continuous improvement. It involves project management best practices. PRINCE2 is a full project management methodology and can be applied to any project and size.