Choosing the right PRINCE2 study method
PRINCE2 certification is the most popular project management certification anywhere in the world. Thousands of people choose to learn about the PRINCE2 methodology every week.
With PRINCE2 so popular, there are hundreds of accredited training organizations and weekly courses to choose from. Choosing the right PRINCE2 training format can also be a challenge.
To choose the study method that is most suitable for them, a candidate must understand what each of these methods entails, their pros and cons, and then weigh them up before deciding.
Read on for the pros and cons and considerations for the 3 main PRINCE2 training formats for learning about PRINCE2.
PRINCE2 classroom training
There are 2 types of classroom training – traditional and virtual.
Pros
- Certification can be achieved in a few days.
- Immediate support is available from the trainer.
- Learning with a class of students can aid motivation.
- Can learn from home (virtual classroom).
Cons
- Travel to physical classroom (traditional classroom).
- Learning occurs for all students at the same speed.
- Traditional and virtual classroom training are the two most expensive learning methods.
- Requires computer and internet (virtual classroom).
Things to consider about classroom learning
Not all courses are the same. PRINCE2 Practitioner courses often vary between providers. Some offer 2-day or 3-day. Some offer a gamified learning environment. Some offer hybrid or blended learning courses.
Even a 2-day PRINCE2 Foundation course can vary between different accredited PRINCE2 training providers. Various factors can affect the learning experience including:
- Venue quality.
- Size of class (number of students).
- Experience and expertise of the trainer.
- Quality of the training materials.
- Customer service.
Read the Guide to selecting the best PRINCE2 course provider before choosing a training company.
PRINCE2 online e-learning
Online e-learning is also known as distance learning, or self-paced online learning.
Pros
- Saves time. There’s no need to travel to a class or exam centre.
- Cheaper than classroom training.
- Students learn at their own pace and take the PRINCE2 exam when ready.
- Students can study using any device.
Cons
- Requires self-discipline. Studying alone means it is easy to get distracted from learning.
- Can be isolating without face-to-face classroom learning with a trainer and other students.
- Support is asynchronous. Student’s questions receive the trainer’s response 24 hours.
Things to consider about online e-learning
Not all e-learning courses are created equal. Many, like the ones from the big online course providers (e.g. Udemy, LinkedIn learning) are created cheaply for a large audience. Many such firms opt to create e-learning content on a budget by merely recording a classroom trainer. This method does not effectively facilitate learning nor keep learners engaged.
When choosing a PRINCE2 e-learning course, it is wise to choose courses designed using modern best practices in instructional design and are built with the latest tools and technology.
Modern learning technology
- The best self-paced digital courses, such as the ones offered by Knowledge Train, are built using cutting-edge web technologies, making them compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
- Such courses are also fully adaptive, seamlessly fitting any device and screen size, be it a desktop, tablet, or mobile, without needing any browser plugins or installations.
Best practice course design
- The best self-paced e-learning courses, such as the ones offered by Knowledge Train, also leverage the most recent e-learning best practices.
- Such online e-learning courses are extremely interactive, with exercises crafted to promote deep comprehension, which results in longer knowledge retention.
PRINCE2 self-study
Pros
- Cheapest way of learning.
- No traveling to a class or exam centre.
- Students learn at their own pace and take the PRINCE2 exam when ready.
Cons
- Takes the longest time. Time is needed to source learning materials.
- No professional trainer support can increase learning time.
- Requires self-discipline. Studying alone means it is easy to get distracted from learning.
- Can be isolating without face-to-face classroom learning with a trainer and other students.
Things to consider about self-study
Whilst self-studying can be attractive to students on a tight budget, it is the most challenging way to study. Without accredited training materials, students must rely upon the PRINCE2 manual and non-accredited resources of dubious quality. At best, these resources will make the learning journey harder. At best, they will be actively dangerous by presenting wrong information about PRINCE2 or presenting out of date or fake mock exam papers.
For this reason, self-study is to be avoided if possible.
