Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing and managing resources to successfully complete a particular project. Agile is a mindset and one of the project management methodologies approaches that primarily focuses on flexibility. Collaborative and adaptability. It has a set of principles for how you respond to change in uncertain working conditions.
Agile is considered one of the successful project management methodologies because it breaks projects into small and manageable sections, which are generally called Sprints. Team members all work together in these small portions in short time cycles (Time-boxed) and deliver portion by portion by getting customer feedback; simultaneously, they continuously improve the product (Increment) as well.
Agile does not stick to rigid plans before a project commences, it adapts to change; that’s why it’s one of the most used methodologies in today’s world in all types of industries. Agile Certifications such as PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) are the most popular choices in the Agile Market. In this article, we explore a comparison between these two certifications to determine which has value to develop a career in Agile.
Understanding PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner:
PRINCE2 Agile is a methodology for Project Managers who have already practiced their career in the PRINCE2 environment and need to be able to customize their approach to Agile contexts and situations.
PRINCE2 is a short-form abbreviation of Projects in Controlled Environments. It is the Process-Based Project Management Methodology, which was created to mainly focus on organization control and structured project delivery and managing projects effectively in UK government projects.
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner training has been developed by PeopleCert for anyone who delivers projects, large or small, in an agile context. It was initially used by the UK government in high governance environments and it was originally designed as a predictive project management methodology.
PRINCE2 Agile allows practitioners to combine the strong governance principles of PRINCE2 with the adaptability, flexibility and rapid benefits delivery of the Agile environment and of methodologies like Scrum or Kanban.
Understanding PMI-ACP:
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner is the Project Management Institute’s Certification for Agile Project Management, and it is intended that it will demonstrate a high level of understanding and knowledge about applying Agile principles and practices in project management.
PMI-ACP does not depend on single agile methodologies; it proves that you are able to deliver excellent output using Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP), and Test-Driven Development (TDD) based on the project requirements.
Companies that are flexible and willing to adapt tend to do better than those that aren’t. This PMI ACP Certification, created by experts in the field, helps Agile Practitioners learn how to use agile principles and gives them the skills to work together in any agile environment.
Comparison Between PRINCE2 Agile and PMI-ACP:
| Aspect | PRINCE2 Agile | PMI-ACP |
| Origin& Certification Body | Launched in 2015 By Axelos (Later Acquired By Peoplecert) | Launched in 2012 followed by a Pilot Program in 2011 by Project Management Institute. |
| Focus | Focuses on applying Agile concepts within the PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) framework | Validates a broad understanding of various Agile methodologies. |
| Structure | Offers guidance on adapting PRINCE2 practices, processes, roles, and management products to suit Agile projects. | Encourages practitioners to adapt their approach based on the specific needs and context of a project. |
| Eligibility Criteria | PRINCE2 Agile has two levels of certification: PRINCE2 Agile Foundation: Does not have mandatory prerequisites. Any Project Managers who are interested in working in PRINCE2 and Agile blended framework can apply. PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner: Candidates who have holding below certifications are only eligible to take this course. PRINCE2 Agile FoundationPRINCE2 Foundation or PRINCE2 PractitionerProject Management Professional® (PMP)*Certified Associate in Project Management® (CAPM)*IMPA Levels A, B, C, and D® (Certified Projects Director).Project Management Qualification (PMQ) | PMI-ACP is an advanced-level certification, it has complex eligibility requirements in both education and experience. Education: Secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, GED (general educational development), or global equivalent as an education Experience: At least 2 years of experience within the past 5 years. (Those who hold PMP Certification as an exemption from this requirement) Training: After 31 March 2025, the new 28 hours of training with an authorized partner is mandatory. (Previously, it was 21 hours of training) |
| Target Audience | Product OwnersScrum MastersProject ManagersProject CoordinatorsProject AnalystsProduct ManagersProgram ManagersTeam LeadersAnyone wishing to build Agile project management skillsAnyone involved in or impacted by a PRINCE2 Agile project | Associate Project managersProject ExecutiveProject LeadersProject AnalystProject CoordinatorsProject management job seekersProject management experience holders |
| Training | 32 hours of Live, Instructor Led Training | 28 hours of training in agile practices, frameworks, and methodologies. Previously it was 21 hours of training. |
| Exam | For PRINCE2 Agile Foundation: Duration: 1 hour Type: Multiple-choice Questions: 50 Pass Mark: 28 out of 50 (55%) Closed Book: Yes For PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner: Exam Type: Objective testing, scenario-basedQuestions: 50 MCQs, each worth one markPassing Score: 60%Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 Hours)Format: Open book | Total Questions: 120 Question Type: Multiple-Choice Questions, Multiple Response, Drag-and-Drop-Style Items, and Exhibits. Pre-test Questions: 20 questions not considered for evaluation Exam Duration: 180 minutes (3 Hours) |
| Validity | Both PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner are valid for 3 years from the date of achievement. | 3 years validity from the date of issuance. |
| Renewal | To keep PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner certifications active, you can either retake the exam or stay current by being an AXELOS/Peoplecert member. | To renew, earn 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within a three-year cycle, and pay the renewal fee of $60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members. |
| Industry Preference | Often preferred in environments requiring structured project management combined with Agile responsiveness, such as government projects and large corporations | Preferred in industries that need flexibility and adaptability, like IT, software development, and creative industries |
Which Certification Has More Value:
When it comes to the value of the certifications, it is completely based on your career needs and how the knowledge gained from that course helps in real-time application to achieve greater results.
PMI-ACP certification is the best choice if:
- You need an extensive understanding of Agile Principles and Practices.
- You want to work in a flexible and adaptable environment.
- You want to show your skills or ability to lead and support teams working in agile environments.
- If you work in software development, IT, or other industries that heavily depend on agile methodologies, then the PMI-ACP can be a valuable asset.
PMI-ACP is dominant in the US, Canada, and Agile-centric sectors, with over 1 million certified professionals. PMI-ACP improves roles in Agile teams (e.g., Scrum Master) and offers a 30% salary increase when switching careers into Agile-centric industries.
PRINCE2 Agile is an appropriate choice if:
- Organizations already use PRINCE2 or Organizations transitioning to PRINCE2 + Agile.
- You are working on Agile projects with a need for a structured governance approach to Agile Implementation.
- Projects with changing requirements and need for incremental delivery.
- You work in an environment that requires a balance of flexibility and control.
PRINCE2 Agile is valued for hybrid project management, aligning with 90% of organizations adopting Agile as a strategic priority as per the State of Agile Report. PRINCE2 Agile is preferred in the UK, Europe, and Australia, with over 2 million exams taken globally.
Final Thoughts:
PMI-ACP holds higher value in Agile-specific, fast-paced industries (e.g., tech) and the Americas, while PRINCE2 Agile excels in structured, governance-driven environments (e.g., EU/UK). Choose PMI-ACP for Agile depth and PMI’s global network; Choose PRINCE2 Agile to blend Agile flexibility with traditional project control. Both PRINCE2 Agile and PMI-ACP certifications offer valuable skills and knowledge for Project Managers.