You’re currently based out of the United Kingdom. While there’s been a lot happening in the last few years because of Brexit, as well as numerous world events, it’s still the place you call home and you want to work there long term. It’s still a central hub of Europe (even though it no longer belongs to the EU) and a lot of large organizations have offices in London or other English cities.

Here’s looking at you: you’re not an up and coming project manager anymore – you’re “up and went for it”! You’ve worked hard, toiled with many late nights, schmoozed and gotten yourself into the right circles and are looking for the next big step of your project management career. You consider yourself a worldly citizen and want to take your skill set to other countries one day.

The big question here is: is the Project Management Professional certification better for you, or the PRINCE2 certification? This blog will dive a bit more into the differences and what might be a better fit for you.

PMP or PRINCE2 in UK?

Firstly, if you’ve been considering the PMP Certification online, you might have noticed that there isn’t much information on it. That’s because the PRINCE2 certification is the one that’s generally favored in the UK, as well as Australia and Asia Pacific.

The PRINCE2 certification actually started in the United Kingdom and was the knowledge framework for government projects. It’s somewhat more rigid than the PMP Certification, which is an evolving body of knowledge that is built upon year after year. In fact, the PMP has a requirement that you renew the certification every three years, as well as requirements for you to contribute to the PMP community.

Perhaps the biggest difference of all is that the PRINCE2 certification doesn’t require any project management experience (thought it helps) before you’re even allowed the sit the exam, while the PMP requires 4,500 hours of real world, documented project management experience as a prerequisite.

It really comes down to the sorts of projects you want to work on, or the type of company you want to work for. If it is more public service, government work, PRINCE2 might be more suitable. If you want to have a certificate anchored in real world experience and to have your skills valued by companies all around the world, it’s the PMP you want.

PMP Certification UK Requirements

The PMP requirements in the UK are the same as they are anywhere around the world. Have either

• a four-year degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and have completed this course, or
• at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.

You might not even qualify at this point and need to keep working away satisfying the requirements before you can apply.

PMP Course London

Many of the courses are online, but if you want to have an educational experience in person in London, I’ve found a few locales below:

Hopefully this blog has cleared some things up. While this blog is all about the PMP Certification, just know that whatever you choose, do what’s best for you. Good luck!