Prince2 - Foundation and Practitioner, where's the best place to train online? Best cost etc?

GeorgeKnows

Hi!

I work in business interiors and fit-out - specifically furniture. As I'm sure you can imagine, March/April 2020 my industry fell apart. I was ultimately made redundant from the brilliant company I worked for in July 2020 having joined the company in November 2019. I managed to find a new job in the same industry pretty quickly, but as the market is starting to recover I'm tightening up my CV and figuring out how to bolster myself up and stand out from the crowd when I start applying for roles which are similar to the one which I was in at my previous company. 

I've got a couple of friends who work in recruitment and they recommended Prince2. I read into Prince2 extensively and feel like it will suit my existing skillset and give me another 'feather in my cap' when it comes to applying for jobs moving forward. Especially as I'm keen to progress in the next business that I join over the next 5-10 years. I figure understanding more about Project Management would be extremely beneficial. 

SO - that's what brings me to MoneySavingExpert. The waters are pretty muddy when it comes to choosing a good, reputable place to plant £thousands of my hard earned cash. I'd like to do both the Foundation and Practitioner qualification over the next few months.

I need a deal which will help me LEARN with workbooks and perhaps even online classes. And also both respective exams. I'm unsure what ballpark figure I should be aiming for here. Could anybody help? And could anybody who's Prince2 certified point me to a reputable company to go through?

Thank you very much in advance!

GeorgeKnows

Can anyone help me?

jim1999

I've used KnowledgeTrain in person and it was very good - generally concise and to the point.  They do appear to offer some form of online as well - at least they aren't fraudsters.

There are a lot of companies out there who prey on the popularity of Prince2 by offering very expensive packages that are just copy-pasted PDFs and access to tutors who could barely pass themselves.  So I would be very wary of just Googling.

For what it's worth, I really don't think Practitioner adds anything useful over and above Foundation, and I don't think I've ever used Prince2 for anything in real life.  Nonetheless a lot of employers feel more comfortable when staff have it, so I don't regret having done the qualification.  Just warning you that if you're expecting to learn something really useful and be able to apply it in a future job... you will be thoroughly disappointed.

Barny1979

I did the Prince2 Foundation Course through work in 2013, never used it since

Doshwaster

Not sure that Prince2 would be the most appropriate qualification for you. It's all very old hat and many organisations have moved on from it. In my experience 99% of people do the course for their CV and don't find any practical benefit for it. 

isplumm

Doshwaster said:

Not sure that Prince2 would be the most appropriate qualification for you. It's all very old hat and many organisations have moved on from it. In my experience 99% of people do the course for their CV and don't find any practical benefit for it. 

I wouldn't agree it is old hat - if you looking for PM jobs then PRINCE2 or similar qualification is still seen as important. But in terms of the OP - not sure I see the point? OP have you any experience in PM?

JReacher1

I think it’s a waste of time and money for you. 

You won’t get a project manager job with no experience and Prince2 qualification. 

You’re better off getting a junior PM role, or a project support role that gives you some experience. Then maybe consider doing Prince2 in a few years to improve your CV

kiroval479

Hello GeorgeKnows!

It's great to hear that you're considering bolstering your skillset with PRINCE2. Given the context you provided, let me address your questions:

Why PRINCE2 for your profession?

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a widely recognized project management methodology. For someone in the business interiors and fit-out industry, understanding how projects are managed from initiation to closure can be invaluable. It gives you a structured approach to managing projects and ensuring they're delivered on time and within budget, which is especially critical in your line of work.

Budget for PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner training and certification:

Typically, the combined cost for both Foundation and Practitioner courses, including the exams, can range from £800 to £2000, depending on the provider, format (online vs. classroom), and additional resources provided.

However, prices can vary based on region, the reputation of the training provider, and any additional support or post-training services they may offer.

Choosing a reputable training provider:

Accreditation: Ensure the training provider is accredited by AXELOS (the body that oversees PRINCE2). This guarantees that the training material and trainers meet the required standard.

Reviews and Recommendations: Look for online reviews and ask for recommendations from your network. Personal endorsements can be more trustworthy than generic online reviews.

Format: Given the ongoing pandemic concerns and the convenience of remote learning, many providers offer online training formats. If you prefer face-to-face interactions, look for classroom-based courses or blended learning options.

Post-training Support: Some providers offer post-training support, exam simulators, and additional resources to help candidates pass the exams.

Additional tips:

Consider bundling your course with other complementary PRINCE2 certifications or courses the provider might offer. This can sometimes be more cost-effective.

Some providers offer a guarantee to let you retake the course or exam if you don't pass on your first attempt, which can be a safety net for your investment.

In conclusion, PRINCE2 can indeed be a valuable addition to your skillset, especially if you're looking to distinguish yourself in a competitive job market and aspire to take on more significant roles in the future. Best of luck with your training and certification journey!

Plasticman

If I were in your situation I'd look to do the foundation and leave it there. It's not difficult to pass with a bit of effort and it'll give you something for your CV. Unless you're looking at an industry / role that mandates Prince 2, the practitioner qualification probably isn't worth it. And I'm speaking as a qualified Prince 2 practitioner and former project manager.