A project management certification (such as for example PRINCE2 of IPMA) is a great way to progress in your career. It can help not only help you find a new job but can also lead to promotions or salary increases. As a trainer of several project management modules, I am often asked which certificate of all providers is the best choice. The most common question in short: which certificate is most valuable to you?
PRINCE2 vs IPMA Popular Popularity
In the field of Project Management, PMI (Project Management Institute) is especially popular in America. In Europe, the International Project Management Association (IPMA) and the PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments, version 2) are the prominent certifications.
PRINCE2 and IPMA both have strong reputations within the project management industry. They are of good quality and on this basis they are not inferior to each other.
Level PRINCE2 vs IPMA
The level of PRINCE2 Foundation is comparable with IPMA d and the level of PRINCE2 Practitioner roughly corresponds to IPMA C and IPMA B. I do not consider IPMA-A, because that is more program management and then you look at more Managing Successful Programs from Peoplecert/Axelos (owner of PRINCE2).
Prerequisites PRINCE2 vs IPMA
PRINCE2 is easier to obtain, as there are no requirements for prior education and experience. If you pass the exam you have your certification.
IPMA levels require a self-assessment of your competencies and skills. For level C you must be able to demonstrate project management experience and that is even verified. To demonstrate your expertise, Level B requires you to report on the project management processes you have used on a real project.
Method PRINCE2 vs IPMA
PRINCE2 is a specific project management method designed to achieve project success (by controlling scope, benefits, quality, time, costs and risks)
A PRINCE2 certification therefore means that you are well aware of the PRINCE2 method, but says nothing about, for example, your critical path, earned value management planning, or workshop facilitation skills. Because you are not tested for that.
IPMA pays a lot of attention to project management theories and skills.
There are roughly 10 times more PRINCE2 certified project managers than IPMA certified project managers.
Owner PRINCE2 vs IPMA
PRINCE2 was originally developed by the UK government and is still operated by Axelos which is partially owned by the UK government.
It is therefore often mandatory for (partners of) government organizations there. You can also see that in the Netherlands. PRINCE2 is thus highly concentrated in the UK but growing in the rest of the world.
IPMA is based in Amsterdam but the certifications are managed by national “associations”. IPMA certification is prominent in continental Europe.
Validity PRINCE2 vs IPMA
De PRINCE2 Foundation certification does not expire. It PRINCE2 Practitioner You can keep your certificate valid with an Axelos membership. Otherwise you have to retake the exam every three years.
For IPMA you must demonstrate that you continue to gain sufficient direct project management experience.
Which certificate is most valuable to you naturally depends on the situation.
Contact us if you would like help with your trade-off between PRINCE2 of IPMA certification!
The author Ben Harmsen is an experienced trainer and consultant in the field of Project Management: Trainer for ao PRINCE2 (Agile) Foundation & Practitioner and IPMA, but also available as an IT Project Manager.
