Prince2 training course – what are the benefits?

If you’re looking to introduce new processes and products to your business, or simply learn a new skill, then a Prince2 project management course will be extremely helpful. Available to people from across various roles and sectors, it involves learning theory and methods that are based upon practical project management expertise.

In this article, you’ll learn about:

• What is a Prince2 training course?
• Which level is right for you?
• How a Prince2 project management course can benefit you and your business
• How to choose a Prince2 course provider

Read on to find out more about Prince2 course options. Or if you’re ready to compare quotes for training now, fill out the form at the top of the page.

What is a Prince2 training course?

Introduced in 2013, Prince2 is offered by Axelos, a joint venture company between the UK Cabinet Office and Capita Plc. Prince2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments and was designed to help organisations run projects more effectively and efficiently. It was revised and updated in 2017 to offer you the latest information and best practice in project management.

Any person who is attempting to implement a new process and introduce a new product within their business is a project manager, regardless of their actual job title, industry type or business size. It’s key to highlight here that a successful Prince2 project will focus on process and product.

A Prince2 course can be applied to small and large businesses, so it’s a qualification that you can adapt and utilise as your business grows. Some examples of possible projects include: updating computer hardware, fitting out a shop or renovating a business premises. Plus, it’s not only for practical projects – you can apply it to online changes as well, such as building a new website.

The Prince2 course offers project management training based upon the Prince2 method, which has four aspects:

• Principles – seven principles that guide the project; all have to be used to be a Prince2 project
• Themes – seven themes that govern how to create and maintain a project
• Processes – seven processes that manage the lifecycle of the project
• Project environment – the overarching aspect of the Prince2 method

Which level is right for you?

Training is offered at two levels: Foundation and Practitioner.

Prince2 foundation course

• Ideal for beginners
• Learn how to effectively support projects
• No entry requirements
• Course examined by a one-hour multiple choice test

If you’re a complete beginner, then you should opt for a Prince2 foundation course. In this, you’ll learn about the basics of project management, as well as the essential information you need to know about the Prince2 method to be a supporting member of a project delivery team. As this is a beginner’s course, there are no entry requirements. There is a one hour multiple choice test at the end of the course to achieve the qualification.

Prince2 practitioner course

• Build upon knowledge gained at foundation level
• Learn how to apply Prince2 method as a manager
• Required to have passed the foundation level
• Prince2 manual from previous course may be needed
• Course examined by a two-and-a-half hour multiple choice test

If you’ve already achieved the foundation level, then you can look to enhance your knowledge with a Prince2 practitioner course. This training builds upon the concepts learned in the foundation course and teaches you how to apply the Prince2 method to projects as a manager. To take this course, you’re required to have completed the foundation level. You may need your Prince2 manual from your previous course as well. To achieve the practitioner level, you’re required to pass a two-and-a-half hour multiple choice test upon completion of the training course.

What do you receive after completing and passing the training?

• Prince2 course certificate
• Prince2 manual – Managing Successful Projects with Prince2
• Annual online membership subscription service

Whichever level you choose, after passing the exam, you’ll get your Prince2 course certificate and Prince2 manual (Managing Successful Projects with Prince2), along with an annual membership subscription service to access additional resources and the Prince2 course community.

Also, it’s worth noting that some training providers offer the option to book the foundation and practitioner courses together. This allows you to gain a comprehensive overview of how to support and manage a project with the Prince2 method in one block of tuition. See below for more information on how to choose a provider.

How a Prince2 project management course can benefit you and your business

After gaining your Prince2 qualification, you’ll be equipped with more information and understanding of how to implement project management best practice. So what are the benefits for you and your business?

How it benefits you:

• Increase your network
• Enhance your professional skills
• Improve your career outlook

If you’re trying to find a business partner, then meeting like-minds at an in-person Prince2 training course could be the answer. You already have similar interests as you’re both studying the same course. Plus, it’s a great way to improve your networking skills too.

Whether you’ve been a project manager for years, or this is a whole new area for you, acquiring and consolidating knowledge with a formal qualification in a structured learning environment is a great way to improve your skill set.

A Prince2 practitioner course equips you with the ability to manage projects. Knowing how to manage a project and lead a team are essential skills to have when running your own small business. Similarly, the cost of additional training as well as the high-level knowledge learned from taking a Prince2 course is something to consider if you’re looking to price your freelance work.

According to Axelos, 88% of Prince2 certificate holders said that the qualification has helped their career.
How it benefits your business:

• Run projects with an official framework
• Understand what contributes to success
• Could help to save time and money

As a small business owner, it can be difficult to know where to begin when trying to introduce a new process or product. By taking a Prince2 course, you’ll be trained to run projects within an official framework, with clear guidelines and a timeline for each step of your project.

The Prince2 method is drawn from years of practical expertise, so you can understand what does and doesn’t make a project successful. As it can be applied to a range of business types and sizes, the scalable nature of a Prince2 course is another benefit. It’s become a worldwide accepted standard for project management, so you can implement the processes wherever your business operates. Plus, with the membership service you can access resources after your training has finished, to help point you in the right direction.

Although it can’t be guaranteed, if you learn how to streamline and effectively support or manage a project, you can apply this to your own business. In turn, with fewer team members and less time spent on a project, your business could reallocate that time and money elsewhere. Whether you apply the Prince2 project management course content directly, or transfer the skills learned, there are a number of practical ways your business could benefit.

Axelos also found that 85% of practitioners stated that Prince2 has been helpful in their role on a daily basis.


How to choose a Prince2 course provider

There are many training providers to choose from, so it’s essential to think about your individual circumstances and business needs that will influence which provider you choose. Generally, consider what you aim to get out of the course – are you looking to gain skills for a specific project or to improve your skill set more widely? As well as this, consider time – how much do you have and how quickly do you need to become qualified?

• Why do you want to take the course?
• How much time do you have?

Once you’ve thought about your individual needs, turn your attention to the training organisation.

Here are some key questions you should ask any prospective Prince2 course provider:

What types of training are offered?

Do you want to attend in-person training in a group? With this format, you could attend with your team members, or meet new people and expand your network. Plus, the instructor is there to answer any questions you may have.

If you opt for intensive in-person training, the content is delivered and the qualification is gained in a few days. Within this, think about the day and time that would work best for you – many providers offer training in the day and in the evening during the week, as well as at weekends.

Or do you prefer to complete the training online individually? Taking a Prince2 project management course online allows you to complete modules at the time and pace that suits you.

Plus, there’s minimal planning involved – you just need an internet connection to access the material. So you can spread out your learning and complete the course over a greater length of time with increased flexibility.

How is the content examined?

Note that the exam is likely to be taken in the same format as the tuition – for example, in-person training will be examined in the same way. Sometimes, there may be an option to take the exam in-person if you complete the training online, so check which exam type is offered with the course.

What’s the price?

With cost likely to be a driving factor for many small businesses, take into consideration how much you’re willing to spend on a course. In-person training can be more expensive, whereas online training can be a more cost-effective option.

However, bear in mind what you get for your money, as well as any additional costs you may need to factor in. For example, travel costs to reach the training centre, or any computer updates you may need if studying online independently.

Alternatively, many providers offer discounts if you book the foundation and practitioner courses together, so if you’re planning to extend your study at some point it could be worth to book the courses together.

Why this training provider?

Finally, don’t forget to investigate the training provider. Think about if you want to choose an educational establishment or a private company.

Online reviews are an excellent place to start – is there anything people repeatedly comment on positively? Alternatively, pain points that pop up again and again could be a deterrent.

You could seek advice, and ask for recommendations, from other small business owners too.

Plus, check out a provider’s accreditations to see if they’re an officially recognised organisation. Look out for the Prince2 Training Organization Accredited by PeopleCert on behalf of Axelos logo.

Summary

There’s a lot of information out there about Prince2, and it can be overwhelming. Here are the key points you need to know:

• Prince2 is a project management course
• It was revised and updated in 2017
• If you’re new to Prince2, take the foundation course
• The next step is to take a Prince2 practitioner course
• Course content is based upon practical expertise
• Upon completion, you gain a certificate, a manual and online membership access
• Think about where, when and how you like to study
• Do your research on training providers
• Consider the benefits to you and your business
• Remember that Prince2 course content is scalable and wide-ranging
• Complete the form at the top of the page to compare Prince2 course quotes

Compare Prince2 training course options.

The information on this page should help you to understand how you or your business can benefit from a Prince2 course. For more information though, you should speak to an expert – Startups can help with this.
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