⚖️ Compare certifications
⚖️ Compare
30 different·1 in common
🧭 Overview
Certifying body= same
PeopleCert / AXELOS
PeopleCert / AXELOS
Focus≠ differs
AXELOS's portfolio management method — knowledge level.
The application-level PRINCE2 certification — apply the method to a scenario.
Best suited for≠ differs
Senior PMO / portfolio
Practising PMs in PRINCE2 markets
Pass mark≠ differs
50%
55%
Difficulty≠ differs
2 / 5
3 / 5
Open book≠ differs
No
Yes
🚀 Career & roles
Career prospects≠ differs
AXELOS management of portfolios — strategic prioritisation of programmes / projects. For senior PMO and portfolio staff in the UK/EU.
Proves you can apply and tailor PRINCE2 to a real project. Frequently mandatory for PM roles in UK/EU and in government tenders.
Post-certification roles≠ differs
Portfolio Analyst · PMO · Strategy Office
Project Manager · Senior PM · Programme Office · Delivery Manager
Demand trend≠ differs
Niche — senior UK/EU
Stable — often mandated in UK/EU/gov job specs
Typical salary≠ differs
Modest–good at senior level
Strong in UK/EU; comparable to PMP within those regions
🌍 Recognition & market
Recognition≠ differs
AXELOS / PeopleCert · UK/EU
AXELOS / PeopleCert · highly recognised across the UK/Commonwealth
Popular in≠ differs
UK, Europe, Middle East
UK, Europe, Australia, Middle East, Africa
Companies hiring≠ differs
Government, enterprises, consulting
Government, consulting, public sector, enterprises
Industry verticals≠ differs
Public sector, finance, IT
Public sector, IT, construction, finance, utilities
Tech horizontals≠ differs
Portfolio governance
Method-agnostic; enterprise & government delivery
📝 Exam format
Questions≠ differs
50 questions
68 questions
Duration≠ differs
40 min
150 min · 2h 30m
Question types≠ differs
Not published
Objective testing · scenario-based (open book)
Delivery≠ differs
Not published
Test centre · Online proctored
Languages≠ differs
Not published
English + others
🎓 Eligibility & process
Eligibility / prerequisites≠ differs
None for Foundation
PRINCE2 Foundation (or PMP/CAPM/IPMA) required first
Application process≠ differs
Course + exam via an accredited org / PeopleCert
Hold Foundation → book Practitioner (course + open-book exam) via PeopleCert/ATO
💸 Cost & effort
Training cost (approx)≠ differs
USD 400–1,100
USD 500–1,500
Exam / application fee≠ differs
USD 350
USD 500
Prep time≠ differs
~3 weeks
~4 weeks
Study hours≠ differs
~22 hours
~35 hours
🔄 Validity & renewal
Validity≠ differs
Not published
3 years
Renewal≠ differs
Not published
Renew within 3 years via CPD (MyPRINCE2) or re-exam
Retake policy≠ differs
Not published
No mandatory wait; rebook and pay the exam fee.
📈 ROI
ROI score≠ differs
2 / 5
4 / 5
Worth it?≠ differs
Strategic niche; valuable in portfolio-mature UK/EU orgs.
High in UK/EU/government markets where it is a hiring gate — strong regional ROI.
📊 Syllabus — domain weighting
📈MoP Foundation
- MoP Principles20%
- Portfolio Definition Cycle25%
- Portfolio Delivery Cycle25%
- Portfolio Management Practices20%
- Implementing & Sustaining MoP10%
🏰PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Principles15%
- Themes45%
- Processes40%
Career, cost, effort and ROI figures are indicative — they vary by region, employer and experience.