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Introduction
If you have been Exploring project management certifications, you’ve likely come across PRINCE2®.
It is a globally recognised methodology that complements other frameworks such as the PMP.
When I decided to pursue the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, I knew I wanted to keep costs down without compromising on quality so this blog is about how I did it and how you can too.
Skip Foundation, Jump Straight to Practitioner
IF YOU HAVE THE PMP
First let me clear up a common misconception; you don’t need to start with the PRINCE2 Foundation exam if you already hold a PMP Certification. Having PMP allows you to skip straight to the Practitioner level.
This can save you both time and money, as you are by passing an additional exam and it’s associated costs.
All you need is Practitioner level materials and passing the exam.
But, Why PRINCE2 When You Already have the PMP?
Question might be, why did I even bother pursuing the PRINCE2 when I already had PMP? am I just certificate hogging?
WELL NO!!
PMP is fantastic for planning and executing projects globally, however PRINCE2 is highly favored for dealing with Projects in the UK, Europe (Think Ireland) and in Commonwealth countries such as New Zealand.
PRINCE2’s aligns particularly well with my work in the BOTs (British Overseas Territories) where focus on governance and adaptability or should I say Tailoring aligns well with our needs.
Adding PRINCE2 to my toolkit not only broadened my understanding of Projects but enhanced my ability to tailor processes to small scales.
Finding the Right Provider: ICS Learn
The next thing is to find a reliable and efficient provider for your learning and exam process.
After doing a bit of research, I found ICS Learn to be the most cost effective and flexible provider. Their PRINCE2 Practitioner Package includes everything you need:
- Access to course materials for 3 months.
- Comprehensive study guides and additional resources to aid you.
- A Mock Exam to help you prepare.
- They even offer a 3 month payment plan for you to settle your account over a longer period.
The package cost me £425, which was one of the best deals I found.
Take Advantage of the Payment Plans
What made ICS Learn even more appealing to me was their payment plan option.
Instead of paying full the amount £424.17 upfront, I opted for a 3 Month payment plan with initial deposit. This allowed me to spread the cost and make it more manageable and there was no additional interest as well.
For anyone juggling other financial priorities e.g. child priorities, marriage, of just general bills, this flexibility is a game changer.
Many other providers I came across either charged significantly more or did not offer payment plans at all.
Dedicate Self Study Time
Unlike other providers particularly physical lesson based providers ICS Learn provides self paced access to their study materials and course for 3 months, which was perfect for me.
It gave me ample time to:
- Go through all the study modules.
- Complete the mock exam and get a feel for the real test format.
- Brush up on areas where I felt less confident.
I recommend setting aside regular blocks of time to focus on the material. Treat it like a project, set milestones for yourself and track your progress.
Additional Study Support
ICS Learning offers tutor support as you study for you certification however you can find other useful resources that might help you in icing your preparation.
For more information inquire on this link
How it All Adds Up, Money Wise
Here is my Full Statement so you can see the breakdown of my costs.
- £125 Deposit – June 2024
- £ 99.73 Installment No.1 – July 2024
- £99.73 Installment No.2 – August 2024
- £99.73 Installment No.3 – September 2024
Closing Thoughts
Adding PRINCE2 Practitioner to my PMP certification has enhanced my understanding and management ability of projects.
If you are interested or if you are working in system with close ties to the UK system I believe you will find this certification quite useful.
Nonetheless it is Holiday Season and BOOM SZN upon us at the moment.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Friday the 13th!
Have questions or want to share your own certification journey? Drop a comment below!
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!
Keep sharing, you are helping aspiring project managers.