PRINCE2 vs CAPM - Which One's Right for you?

PRINCE2 and CAPM are different certificates earned in the field of project management. Both PRINCE2 certification and CAPM certification differ from each other and have unique characteristics that confuse the students to choose one over the other. Therefore, in order to make the right decision, a clear picture of which one is the best for you becomes necessary.

Comparison Table for PRINCE2 and CAPM Certification

Here is a detailed comparison of PRINCE2 vs CAPM based on factors like level of certification, requirements, exam pattern, and renewal process.

Comparison	PRINCE2	CAPM
Level	It is an advanced level certificate	It is a basic level of certificate
Pre-requisites	The candidate has to clear two other levels including PRINCE foundation and PRINCE practitioner level before getting this certificate	There is no other level before clearing this level of certification
Exam questions	75 and candidates must get 50% marks	150 Passing percentage is not defined
Duration of the exam	One hour	Three hours
Basic qualification	Formal training	High school diploma, 1500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education completed before appearing for the exam
Certificate renewal	Does not expire	There’s a 3 year renewal cycle where the certification holder needs to earn 60 PDUs every 3 years, enter their PDUs in the CCRS and pay the renewal fee

Basics of CAPM certificate

CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. This is an entry-level certificate. For anyone who wants to start a career in the field of project management then CAPM is the right choice. It is the first step that helps professionals to show their credibility. CAPM helps professionals to learn different project management techniques, make up for lack of work experience and help them to work efficiently in the industry. 

Key Features of CAPM

Key features of CAPM include the following:

• It is an entry-level certification for project management issued by PMI
• It is based on PMBOK
• It includes generic knowledge about project management and can be used for multiple industries
• The course originated in the US, and it is acceptable in the US, Canada, Middle East, and Asia
• There is only one level
• A project manager is only responsible for the result of the project

Basics of PRINCE 2 Certification 

PRINCE2 Foundation course is a higher level of certificate and it stands for Project in Controlled Environment. A person who receives a PRINCE2 certificate has detailed and step-by-step knowledge of giving a successful project using different processes and templates. The certificate not only concentrates on delivering the project but also deals with the overall process. CAPM practice tests are the best way to prepare for the exams. These gives you a exam-like feeling while taking these tests in a time bound manner. 

Key Features of PRINCE2 Certificate 

The key features of the PRINCE2 certificate are given here:

• It is an advanced level certificate with multiple levels
• It includes detailed process models and templates
• It is mainly focused on IT
• The course was originated in the UK and it is accepted in the UK, Europe, and Australia
• It is divided into three levels: Foundation, practitioner, and professional
• The project manager has a specific role and he/she acts as a middle man between the project and the central control board

Common Things in PRINCE2 vs CAPM Certification 

Certain common things exist between the two different certifications recommended for becoming a proficient project manager. The common things between the two certificates include:

• Both the certificates deal with the project management approaches
• Both are recognized in different parts of the world
• The main focus of both certifications is to manage different projects effectively and efficiently
• A person has to complete required training and exam successfully to get the certification

Course Content for CAPM Includes the Following:

The different topics included for the CAPM exam are given here:

• Project Integration Management
• Project Scope Management
• Project Time Management
• Project Cost Management
• Project Quality Management
• Project Resource Management
• Project Communication Management
• Project Risk Management
• Project Procurement Management
• Project Stakeholder Management

Course Content for PRINCE2 Includes the Following 

The topics included for the PRINCE2 certification are typically the principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2. They are:

A. 7 PRINCE2 Principles

• Continued Business Justification
• Learn from Experience
• Define Roles & Responsibilities
• Manage by Stages
• Manage by Exception
• Focus on Products
• Tailor to Suit

B. 7 PRINCE2 Themes

• Businness Case
• Organization
• Quality
• Plans
• Risks
• Change
• Progress

C. 7 PRINCE2 Processes

• Starting Up a Project
• Directing a Project
• Initiating a Project
• Controlling a Stage
• Managing Product Delivery
• Managing a Stage Boundary
• Closing a Project

How do CAPM vs PRINCE2 Foundation Certificates Differ in Values in Project Management?

The main point of difference between PRINCE2 and CAPM certificates is the experience in the project management field. To get a PRINCE2 project manager courses the candidate first has to clear two more levels that are PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 practitioner levels. No experience is required for the foundation level. But to qualify for the practitioner level the candidate must have some experience. 

Project managers who have some practical experience in project management are eligible for the practitioner level. Therefore, project managers having PRINCE 2 level certificates have several years of experience and have more value. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Between PRINCE2 Foundation vs CAPM Certificate

There are certain things to consider when choosing between PRINCE2 vs CAPM certificates. Important things to consider include the following:

Career Prospective

Getting a CAPM certificate will ensure the knowledge level of the candidates for the project management. The professionals get a chance to learn project management skills and tricks to handle them but getting a PRINCE2 certificate will add more features to your resume. A KnowledgeHut PRINCE2 Certification will help the project managers to become ideal candidates for the role of a project manager, project executive, and senior supplier. CAPM is not recognized and reputed as compared to PRINCE2. It is not possible to grow with the CAPM certificate alone because it is not recognized in many countries. If anyone wants to get a higher position in the project management field he/she has to get an advanced level of certificate such as PRINCE2.

Salary Prospective

As already told that CAPM is a basic level certificate and PRINCE2 is an advanced level certificate so the salary of a PRINCE2 certified project manager will be more than a CAPM certified professional. Earning a CAPM certificate only means that a professional has an only basic understanding of project management, but it does not show that a professional has a proper understanding of the project control techniques. Thus, the salary of the professionals certified with PRINCE2 is more than the CAPM certified professionals. 

Study the Job Market

When you have to choose between two certificates you must study the job market. If you want to find out what employers are looking for you should speak to some agencies. Make sure that you choose the best certification that will support your CV. Find out what kind of experience employers are looking for so that you can make your CV easily reachable and help you get a job easily. Some employers look for candidates having particular certifications and qualifications. 

Geographical Validity 

Another important factor to consider is the geographical validation of the certificate. CAPM certificate is valid in certain geographic areas and PRINCE2 certificate is valid in other areas. Therefore, it is important to do this research before choosing a particular type of certification course and should choose the best option. 

Unlock your team's potential with certified scrummaster training. Embrace agile methodologies, lead projects to success, and join the CSM revolution today!

Benefits of CAPM Certificate

CAPM certificate is a basic certificate that ensures that you are dedicated to the profession of project management. It helps professionals to develop strong project management skills that can help them in the long run. Another benefit of getting a CAPM certificate is that if an individual does not satisfy the eligibility criteria for the advanced certificate he can apply for this basic level certificate. 

Benefits of PRINCE2 Certificate 

PRINCE2 certificate can help an individual to apply for different positions such as a project manager, financier, senior supplies, and project executor. Having a PRINCE2 certificate makes an individual eligible to handle all kinds of projects properly because having this certificate means that the person has a wider knowledge of implementing practical theories as compared to the other project management certifications. PRINCE2 certified individuals are liable to get more salary as compared to the CAPM certified individuals. Thus, it is another benefit of getting a PRINCE2 certificate. Big organizations also prefer to hire a professional with a higher level of certification. Thus, PRINCE2 certified individuals have more opportunities and better career options available as compared to CAPM certified individuals. 

The Final Decision

It depends on the needs of an individual. If you want to establish a good career in project management and reach up to the higher position you must choose a higher level of certificate and if you want to get the basic knowledge of handling projects then a CAPM certificate is sufficient. One should learn the pros and cons of each certification before making a decision. Knowing the deciding prospects of PRINCE2 vs CAPM can help an individual to make the right decision.