PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Agile Foundation – Which Certification is best?

In this article, we endeavor to highlight the basic differences between the PRINCE2 Foundation and the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation. The names sound pretty similar and may be confusing to many. But before delving into the differences, let us learn about each. 

PRINCE2– PRINCE2, an acronym for “PRojects IN Controlled Environments”, is a project management methodology that is based on processes. Mainly used by the private sector in the UK, it is prevalent elsewhere, too, more so in Europe. PRINCE2 uses a product-based approach to structure an organization’s project management team, which is focused on its business. PRINCE2 aims at fragmenting the business into smaller and more manageable parts, with the existing resources and constraints, which makes it well suited to manage risks in the projects. 

PRINCE2 AGILE: This is a famous Agile project management methodology, which is an amalgamation of the flexibility of Agile with compliance to governance provided by PRINCE2. It is based on the utilization of Agile concepts, methods as well technologies and aims at creating an interface between Agile and PRINCE2 for a smooth transition and project management. Any industry can implement PRINCE2 Agile for its benefit.

Salient Features of Difference Between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile Foundation

1. Purpose of Certification-

PRINCE2 Foundation Certification– is a beginners’ guide to the application of PRINCE2 in real project management scenarios. In other words, PRINCE2 Foundation certification is a prerequisite for the PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification. Hence, PRINCE2 Foundation training ensures that one has sufficient base knowledge about PRINCE2 before he/she can upgrade to the advanced PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate. 

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification– is a bit different in the sense that it helps professionals:

• Learn about delivering Agile projects using Agile methodology with adjustments to the PRINCE2 control simultaneously.
• Learn about PRINCE2 governance and its requirements.
• Consolidate a variety of new Agile concepts as well as acquire technical know-how, including Scrum, Lean, Kanban, etc.
• Understand the PRINCE2 – Agile interface, how both are intertwined and the role of each.

2. Training for Certification-

PRINCE2 Foundation- Under normal circumstances, the PRINCE2 Foundation training is a two-day interactive instructor-led training. An exam is taken at the end of the training period, prior to certification. However, it varies depending on the training provider institute. The certification may also be received by self-study or distance education. The training for PRINCE2 Foundation Certification is provided by AXELOS’ which is the governing body, and the training can be taken from an Accredited Training Organization (ATO) or an Affiliate Partner of an ATO.

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation- Almost similar to the PRINCE2 Foundation Certification, the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation Certification is also provided via a face-to-face physical classroom method or via virtual classrooms. The certifying body is the same for both in AXELOS and can be taken up by any Accredited Training Organization or an Affiliate Partner of an ATO. 

3. Prospective Beneficiaries-

PRINCE2 Foundation Certification- The PRINCE2 Foundation Certificate is basically meant for professionals currently dealing with project management or aspiring to do so in the near future. Personnel involved in project design and development, like Project Committee Members, team managers, or support staff, may also take this certification to their benefit. 

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation Certification- The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation Certification is best suited for professionals who deal with any sized project in the Agile environment in any capacity, like a project manager or support team member. This certification has no prerequisites. Even professionals with no prior knowledge about PRINCE2 are eligible for certification, as these are covered during the training. 

4. Examination Format-

PRINCE2 Foundation Certification examination–

• Format: Multiple Choice Questions
• Number of questions: 60
• Pass marks: 55% (33 questions correct out of 60 )
• Duration: 1 Hour (60 Mins)
• Type: Closed Book

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation Certification examination–

• Format: Objective Test
• Number of questions: 50
• Pass marks: 55%
• Duration: 1 Hour (60 Mins)
• Type: Closed Book

Conclusion

Both PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certifications are suitable for project management in any type of industry. In projects running in the Agile Environment, PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certifications are more suitable. PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification ensures that the certified professional can customize the present project according to the available resources and existing governance and constraints, just like a PRINCE2 Foundation certified professional, but in an Agile environment. PRINCE2 Agile may be safely called one of the most efficient Agile project management systems.