So much choice to study PRINCE2
PRINCE2 certification is the world’s most popular project management certification. Thousands of people choose to learn PRINCE2 every week.
The popularity of PRINCE2 means there are lots of PRINCE2 accredited training organizations and courses to choose from. Choosing the right PRINCE2 study format is important if you want to learn in ways that suits you best.
To choose the study format best for you, you must understand what each method entails, consider their pros and cons, and then weigh all this up before deciding.
Read on to learn the pros and cons of the the four main PRINCE2 study formats. We will list these in decreasing order of cost, so the most expensive method is first.
PRINCE2 traditional classroom
We will start with the traditional way which is PRINCE2 classroom training with an experienced trainer. This requires you to travel to a venue and join a class of students all learning together.
Pros
- Certification is achievable in a few days.
- Support is immediately available from the trainer.
- Motivation can be greater when learning with other students.
- You learn face to face.
Cons
- You must travel to the classroom location.
- Learning speed is the same for all students, no matter their individual abilities.
- The most expensive learning method.
- Requires computer and internet (virtual classroom).
Considerations
The quality of courses can vary enormously between providers. The duration of courses also varies with providers offering 2-day or 3-day courses for the same qualification.
The main factors that can affect the learning experience include:
- Venue quality.
- Number of students in the class.
- Trainer’s experience and expertise.
- Quality of the training materials.
- Customer service.
Read the guide to selecting the best PRINCE2 course provider before choosing a traditional classroom training provider.
PRINCE2 virtual classroom
Virtual classroom PRINCE2 training takes place over the internet. Students require a computer with audio. This form of study became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic and has remained popular ever since.
Pros
- Certification is achievable in a few days.
- Support is immediately available from the trainer.
- Motivation can be greater when learning with other students.
- You learn from home.
- No travel to a classroom location.
Cons
- Learning speed is the same for all students, no matter their individual abilities.
- The second most expensive method after traditional classroom.
- Requires computer, internet, and audio.
Considerations
Just like traditional classroom training, virtual classroom training varies enormously between providers in quality and duration. You should be aware of some of the horror stories we have read about over 100 students in one virtual classroom course, and inexperienced trainers from overseas leading classes in which students could not understand the trainer’s accent.
Again, don’t forget to read the guide to selecting the best PRINCE2 course provider before choosing a virtual classroom training provider.
PRINCE2 self-paced online
Studying with online PRINCE2 e-learning is also known as distance learning, or self-paced online learning. This type of study requires a computer with audio, but students can learn at their own pace with online lessons.
Pros
- No travel to a classroom location.
- Cheaper than both classroom training options.
- You learn at your own pace and take the PRINCE2 exam when ready.
- You can study on any device with internet access.
Cons
- Requires self-discipline to avoid getting distracted.
- Can be isolating without face-to-face learning with a trainer and other students.
- Support is asynchronous. Trainer responds to questions within 24 hours.
Considerations
There is a big difference in the quality of self-paced online courses. Many courses from the big online course providers (e.g. Udemy, LinkedIn learning) are created cheaply for large audiences, and do not engage students because they often only include videos of trainers speaking into a camera.
When choosing a PRINCE2 e-learning course, you should choose a course designed using modern best practices in instructional design and built with the latest technology.
Modern learning technology
- The best self-paced online courses, such as the ones by Knowledge Train, are built using modern web technologies, which means they can be used on any operating system including Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
- Courses should be fully adaptive, enabling them to display properly on any device and screen size, without needing browser plugins or installing any additional software.
Modern course design
- The best self-paced e-learning courses, also apply the modern e-learning best practices in design, making them interactive and engaging.
- Such online e-learning courses promote deeper understanding, which results in longer knowledge retention.
PRINCE2 self-study
This form of study is where you source the materials yourself – usually from the internet. The most important source is the PRINCE2 manual, but other free materials on the internet are of dubious quality and integrity.
Pros
- Cheapest way of learning.
- No travel to a classroom location.
- You learn at your own pace and take the PRINCE2 exam when ready.
- You can study on any device with internet access.
Cons
- Takes the longest time. Time is needed to source learning materials.
- Quality of free learning materials can be very dubious.
- Without professional trainer support learning time is longer.
- Requires self-discipline to avoid getting distracted.
- Can be isolating without face-to-face learning with a trainer and other students.
Considerations
Although self-study might be an attractive path for students on a tight budget, it is the hardest way of studying. Without accredited training course materials, you must rely upon the PRINCE2 manual and resources of dubious quality from the internet.
At best, these resources make your learning journey harder. At worst, they are dangerous because they may present factually wrong information about PRINCE2 or fake mock exam papers.
For this reason, avoid self-study if you can.
