AgilePM or PRINCE2 Agile – Which certification is best?

Introduction

At agileKRC we regularly get asked about AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile and which course someone should attend, either a PRINCE2 Agile course, or an AgilePM course

To help you decide, we’ve have put together some guidance that we hope will help people with their decision.

Read on to find out more or watch the webinar to listen to Keith Richards (Lead Author of PRINCE2 Agile and Lead Author of AgilePM) explaining the two frameworks.

Video

In this video, Keith gives guidance about on selecting the most appropriate agile project management methodology. Keith examines the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and looks at the best way to run projects using agile, no matter what approach you are using.

Topics covered in the video include:

• How do you integrate agile project management with Scrum and Kanban?
• How is an agile project different to a traditional project? …and how is it the same?
• What is the role of a Project Board or Steering Committee when using agile?
• Why does the Product Owner role need to change when running a project?
• How does the Scrum Master role relate to the Project Manager role?
• How do you ensure that the essential agile behaviours are taking place?
• Guidance is also given on the respective exams for each one and very importantly – how to pass them!

What is AgilePM?

AgilePM (Agile Project Management) is an agile project management framework created by the Agile Business Consortium (formerly the DSDM Consortium). It was designed from the ground up as a way to manage agile projects because the many popular agile approaches being used – Scrum in particular – do not provide a project management capability.

AgilePM has two qualifications that are managed by the accreditation body APMG International:

• AgilePM Foundation
• AgilePM Practitioner

Examinations are managed by PeopleCert on behalf of AXELOS.

PRINCE2 Agile is not used in isolation, it is used in conjunction with PRINCE2. Therefore, when using PRINCE2 Agile you are using PRINCE2 configured and tailored for an agile context.

PRINCE2 Agile vs AgilePM differences

Although these frameworks are different, they are similar because they are addressing the need to manage projects in today’s world where agile has become mainstream.

They both contain a process/lifecycle, defined roles, products to be delivered and guidance on a variety of tools and techniques. Each has an overarching set of principles or values that allows agile to function.

Scrum and Kanban

Where do Scrum and Kanban fit into all of this? Well, they do, and they don’t! Firstly, Scrum and Kanban are not agile project management frameworks so you cannot manage a project with either of them in isolation. However, you can incorporate them into both AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile.

Which is best – AgilePM or PRINCE2 Agile?

Both frameworks are tried and tested and have built up a lot of credibility in the agile marketplace where project management is the focus of attention. They are not alternatives to some of the popular agile methods such as Scrum as these methods perform a different role.

Which is best for individuals?

If you are an individual and looking to improve you CV or develop your own skillset, then we advise you to do the following:

• If you have passed a PRINCE2 exam (either Foundation or Practitioner and even if lapsed) – go for PRINCE2 Agile as this will build on your exiting knowledge and make your PRINCE2 much more versatile and relevant.
• If you do not have any PRINCE2 qualifications it is probably best to go for AgilePM simply because this is currently the most popular and more likely to appear on job adverts.

Which is best for organisations?

For organisations, when choosing between Agile PM or PRINCE2 Agile it is important that you make the decision based on where you are now and what you are looking to achieve.

It is not possible to say one is better than the other because you must take in to account your organisation’s own situation before deciding. You need to look at what your prevailing way of working is based on several factors:

• If you are a ‘PRINCE2 shop’ you would be best to adopt PRINCE2 Agile.
• If you have your own agile project management process, then you would be advised to look at both so you can see if either of them offers you options to update your own best practice.
• If you are looking to adopt an agile project management framework from scratch, then Agile PM is marginally the quickest and cheapest option for a credible framework that has been around since the mid-nineties.

You can still opt to go for PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile instead as it is a more recognisable ‘brand’ worldwide and the PRINCE2 Agile guidance is more comprehensive and up to date in its coverage of agile (describing such things as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean Startup).

Alternatives to AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile

In North America, in particular, a very popular project management approach is based upon the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

PMI has its own agile ‘add-on’ called PMI-ACP. There are other agile project management frameworks that exist although many do not have independently supervised accreditations.

Summary

This article has explained the differences between Agile PM and PRINCE2 Agile and which is best for individuals and organisations seeking to move to an agile capability.

agileKRC has been at the forefront of agile training and agile consulting in both AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile frameworks since both of these frameworks existing. agileKRC also created the training materials used for both courses.

agileKRC was also the first training organisation to offer DSDM exams and also helped to create the PRINCE2 Agile guidance. agileKRC have run regular monthly courses agile project management since 2010 and has extremely high pass rates.

If you are thinking about getting certified in agile project management or PRINCE2 Agile, or need training for your team, then contact agileKRC to start a discussion about how we can help you develop your agile capability.