Introduction
Whilst PRINCE2 is the most popular project management certification in the UK and Europe, PRINCE2 Agile is still a relatively niche qualification with far fewer people having sat PRINCE2 Agile exams than the standard PRINCE2 exams.
Certification in PRINCE2 has been available since 1996 when the first examinations were taken. PRINCE2 Agile certification is a newcomer to the PRINCE2 suite of certifications, having only been available since 2015.
The two newer PRINCE2 Agile qualifications are Foundation, and Practitioner.
PRINCE2 Agile certification is a valuable certification for anyone seeking to progress in project management within an agile project environment. The time, effort, and resources invested in obtaining a PRINCE2 Agile certification can significantly boost a candidate’s prospects and can open new career opportunities in the global job market.
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation
The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification confirms that a candidate has a basic understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology and basic Agile concepts and terminology. By passing the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation exam, it demonstrates a candidate has sufficient understanding of the PRINCE2 Agile method.
The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification is one of the prerequisites for the Practitioner certification.
The examination is a 60-minute multiple-choice test, comprising 50 questions. The pass mark is 55%, or 28 out of 60. With dedicated study, it is achievable to complete the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation level within two days, or longer if studying at home.
PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner
PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner is the more advanced level of PRINCE2 Agile certification. PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner verifies a candidate’s ability to apply and tailor the PRINCE2 method to an agile context using a broad toolset of agile delivery techniques and frameworks. A successful PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner will be able to blend the structure, governance, and controls of PRINCE2, with agile methods, techniques, and approaches.
The Practitioner examination is a 2.5-hour, open-book (PRINCE2 Agile manual only) test with 50 objective-style questions. The pass mark is 60%, or 30 out of 50. This certification is achievable within 2 days by attending a training course, or longer if studying at home.
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 is the original PRINCE2 certification in the UK. PRINCE2 certification is available at both Foundation and Practitioner levels.
Training options to get certified
The four ways to become PRINCE2 Agile certified are as follows.
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Classroom-based training (physical classroom)
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Classroom-based training (online virtual classroom)
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Online eLearning
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Self-study
This is the traditional learning method involving in-person training sessions taking place over consecutive days. This learning method offers direct interaction between a student and the trainer and fellow students.
This is the most expensive way to learn PRINCE2 Agile and become certified. If joining a class through a PRINCE2 Agile Accredited Training Organization (ATO) the candidate will receive a voucher(s) for their PRINCE2 Agile exams which are taken online.
This way of learning became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic because it uses virtual classroom technology to simulate a classroom. It still involves in-person training classes but takes place online. This method offers the same interaction with trainers and fellow students as a traditional class but requires no travelling to a course. Students require an internet connection, and computer with audio to learn.
Virtual classroom training is usually cheaper than traditional classroom training.
Some providers offer online PRINCE2 Agile eLearning courses. These provide greater flexibility for students who may not be able to attend in-person training and prefer to study at their own pace. Students require an internet-enabled device with audio features. Although online eLearning courses often work on mobile devices, the small screen size usually gives a less than optimal learning experience and so is better suited to a desktop computer.
Online eLearning training is usually cheaper than virtual classroom courses.
This type of learning is the cheapest way to become PRINCE2 Agile-certified. This option is best for students who are highly self-motivated or if other options are too expensive. Students require a PRINCE2 Agile manual supplemented by other freely available supplementary materials from the internet.
Benefits of PRINCE2 Agile certification
There are five main benefits for an individual becoming PRINCE2 Agile-certified. The benefits to individuals are different from the benefits to organizations adopting PRINCE2 Agile. The 5 benefits for individuals are:
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Employability
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Skills development
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Increased earnings
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Confidence boost
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Global recognition
Many organizations, both in the public and private sectors, actively seek PRINCE2 Agile-certified professionals especially for project roles in an agile environment. PRINCE2 Agile certification on a candidate’s resume can significantly increase their employability and career prospects.
PRINCE2’s structured approach combined with the adaptability of Agile helps develop project management skills applicable to agile environments.
The average salary for PRINCE2 Agile-certified professionals tends to be higher compared to non-certified professionals in project management.
Candidates with a PRINCE2 Agile certificate often have greater confidence of being able to contribute to their organization’s projects.
PRINCE2 Agile is recognized globally as an agile project management method, meaning a candidate’s certification and skills can be applied internationally.
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation vs Practitioner
Deciding whether to aim for PRINCE2 Agile Foundation or Practitioner certification depends on a candidate’s aims. If a candidate aims to start managing projects using PRINCE2 in an agile environment, then Practitioner certification is best. If a candidate only wants to learn the basics of PRINCE2 and Agile approaches, then Foundation certification is sufficient.
If a candidate’s aim is to participate on an agile project as a team member, then Foundation is enough. However, if a candidate performs a role higher project manager (for example programme manager) then it is advisable to aim for Practitioner certification.
PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile
Deciding whether to choose PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile depends upon the types of projects a candidate is involved in.
If a candidate is involved in agile projects, for example as a team member, team leader, project manager, Scrum Master, or Scrum Product Owner then they should aim for PRINCE2 Agile certification. If the candidate is not involved in agile projects, then they should choose PRINCE2 certification.
PRINCE2 Agile certification FAQs
Does PRINCE2 Agile certification count towards CPD?
Yes, PRINCE2 Agile certification does count towards CPD (Continuing Professional Development). To find out if your PRINCE2 Agile training course has CPD units, contact your PRINCE2 training provider or CPD awarding body.
Does PRINCE2 Agile certification expire?
The PRINCE2 Agile certifications do not expire. However, as of January 2023, a renewal date will be established three years from the date of the exam. If certificates were issued prior to 30 June 2020, a renewal date of 1 July 2023 will be applied. Certificate renewal is a voluntary process.
To renew the PRINCE2 Agile certification, candidates must select one of the three renewal options available.
Those who opt not to renew within three years from the award date (or before 1st July 2023 for certifications obtained on or before June 2020) will remain on the Successful Candidates Register. However, their records will reflect that their certification does not align with the current certification requirements.
How do I get PRINCE2 Agile certification?
Acquiring PRINCE2 Agile certification necessitates passing one of the two PRINCE2 Agile certification exams. Most individuals achieve their PRINCE2 Agile certification either by enrolling in a classroom PRINCE2 course or through self-study via a PRINCE2 eLearning course.
An alternative method involves purchasing the PRINCE2 Agile certification exam directly from PeopleCert, the PRINCE2 examination institute, or from a PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organisation (ATO), followed by self-study, potentially using freely available resources online.
How do I renew my PRINCE2 Agile certification?
You can renew your PRINCE2 Agile certification in one of three ways:
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Retake the same PRINCE2 exam
- The certificate can be renewed by attempting the initial exam again before its renewal date, which is generally 3 years from the date of the original exam.
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Take further courses and certifications
- Another method to renew the certificate is by taking another course and exam from the same product suite before the renewal date. PRINCE2 Agile is part of the Project, Programme & Portfolio Management Product Suite, which includes: PRINCE2®, PRINCE2® Agile, MoR®, MSP®, MoV®, MoP®, and P3O®.
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Collect and log AXELOS CPD points
- This option is available from March 2023 onwards.
How long does it take to get PRINCE2 Agile certification?
The minimum duration to acquire PRINCE2 Agile certification is two days, which is the standard length of a PRINCE2 Agile Foundation course. A PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner course typically lasts another two days, with the exam scheduled on the third day. So, to prepare for, and pass both PRINCE2 Agile exams, a minimum of five days should be planned.
If opting for PRINCE2 Agile online self-paced eLearning, most people take longer than five days. The self-study method, though less expensive, usually takes significantly longer than one week.
How much does PRINCE2 Agile certification cost?
The cost for PRINCE2 Agile certification can vary greatly depending on the PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) chosen and the study method.
The most affordable way to get PRINCE2 Agile certified is to self-study using free study materials found online. This method requires you to buy your certification exam either from PeopleCert, the PRINCE2 Agile examination institute, or from an ATO.
A more expensive option is to purchase an online eLearning course which typically includes the certification exam(s). Usually, the most expensive way to get certified is to participate in a classroom PRINCE2 Agile course, either in a virtual learning environment or a physical classroom. The virtual classroom option is typically cheaper than the physical classroom course.
For the most recent prices of eLearning or classroom training, visit the PRINCE2 Agile training page.
Is PRINCE2 Agile certification worth it?
Whether PRINCE2 Agile certification is valuable depends on your objectives for obtaining it. If your goal is to gain more understanding of managing agile projects using a structured methodology, it is worth it. If the certification is desired for career advancement, you must consider your existing project management and agile experience. The PRINCE2 Agile certification can help enhance your resume and assist in securing an agile project management role.
If you have existing project management certifications, such as one from the UK-based Association for Project Management (APM), or the American Project Management Institute (PMI), obtaining a PRINCE2 Agile certification can supplement your APM or PMI certification.
If you hold another type of certification, like an agile one (e.g. Scrum), a PRINCE2 Agile certification will supplement your agile knowledge and experience, as most agile certifications are not specifically project management methodologies. Exceptions do exist, such as DSDM – Dynamic Systems Development Methodology, and AgilePM – Agile Project Management.
Deciding if a PRINCE2 Agile certification is worth it also depends on your location. PRINCE2 Agile is popular in the UK, Australia, and many European countries, but not as much in the Americas. If you reside outside the UK, Australia, and Europe, certification from the PMI may be more beneficial.
What is the benefit of PRINCE2 Agile certification?
There are five primary benefits for an individual earning the PRINCE2 Agile certification.
- Employability
- Develop skills
- Confidence boost
- Globally recognised
- Increased earnings
Many organizations prefer hiring PRINCE2 Agile certified professionals for agile project management roles, especially in the UK, improving the candidate’s employability and career prospects.
Enrolling in PRINCE2 Agile training allows a candidate to enhance essential agile project management skills.
Candidates with PRINCE2 Agile certification often demonstrate a higher level of confidence in contributing more effectively to their organization’s projects.
As PRINCE2 is a globally recognized project management methodology, having a PRINCE2 Agile certification can expand a candidate’s career opportunities.
In the UK, average salaries for PRINCE2 certified professionals are usually higher compared to those without project management certifications.
What is the PRINCE2 Agile certification governing body?
AXELOS governs the PRINCE2 Agile certification scheme. AXELOS sets the examination standards and is responsible for updates to the PRINCE2 Agile guidance. Although PeopleCert issues examination certificates, they do so on behalf of AXELOS.
What is the PRINCE2 Agile certification renewal cost?
The cost for renewing the PRINCE2 Agile certification depends on which of the following three renewal options is chosen:
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Retake the same PRINCE2 Agile exam
- Refer to the price of a PRINCE2 Agile training course for the same certification.
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Take further courses and certifications
- Check the cost of getting an additional certification for PRINCE2®, MSP®, P3O®, MoV®, MoP®, or MoR®.
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Collect and log AXELOS CPD points
- This is an annual renewal cost, so factor in the cost for 3 years. Check the cost of MyAXELOS membership before making a decision.
