PRINCE2 Agile Certification

PRINCE2 Agile

certification

Author: Simon Buehring

PRINCE2

is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited, used under

    www.whatisprince2.net  
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Table of contents     
Introduction 
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation 
PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner 
PRINCE2 
Training options to get certified 
Benefits of PRINCE2 Agile certification 
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation vs Practitioner 
PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile 
PRINCE2 Agile certification FAQs 
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. 

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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.

1. Classroom-based training (physical classroom)

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.

2. Classroom-based training (online virtual classroom)

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.

3. Online eLearning

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.

4. Self-study

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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1. Employability

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.

2. Skills development

PRINCE2's structured approach combined with the adaptability of Agile helps develop project management

skills applicable to agile environments.

3. Increased earnings

The average salary for PRINCE2 Agile-certified professionals tends to be higher compared to non-certified

professionals in project management.

4. Confidence boost

Candidates with a PRINCE2 Agile certificate often have greater confidence of being able to contribute to

their organization’s projects.

5. Global recognition

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.

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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:

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

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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.

1. Employability

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.

2. Develop skills

Enrolling in PRINCE2 Agile training allows a candidate to enhance essential agile project management skills.

3. Confidence boost

Candidates with PRINCE2 Agile certification often demonstrate a higher level of confidence in contributing

more effectively to their organization's projects.

4. Globally recognised

As PRINCE2 is a globally recognized project management methodology, having a PRINCE2 Agile

certification can expand a candidate’s career opportunities.

5. Increased earnings

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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:

1. Retake the same PRINCE2 Agile exam

• Refer to the price of a PRINCE2 Agile training course for the same certification.

2. Take further courses and certifications

• Check the cost of getting an additional certification for PRINCE2

, MSP

, P3O

, MoV

, MoP

, or

MoR

3. 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.