How Long Does a PRINCE2® Qualification Take?

Leading a team to complete a project to a high standard within a set period isn’t always easy. That’s why taking the time to develop your project management skills and gain a PRINCE2 qualification can work wonders to help you get organised.

While the idea of adding a professional qualification to your list of credentials may sound like a no-brainer, you’ll inevitably still have a few questions about just how long it’ll take you to complete a PRINCE2 course before you officially enrol - and we’re here to help.

Why study a PRINCE2® qualification?

Gaining a PRINCE2 qualification can take your project management career to new heights.

You’ll learn how to successfully deliver top-quality projects on time and within budget, and upon completion of a globally recognised PRINCE2 course, you’ll be a more qualified and employable individual, opening doors to further career opportunities and increased salary options. 

How are PRINCE2® qualifications structured? 

PRINCE2 qualifications follow a simple progression.

To begin with, the PRINCE2 Foundation qualification is an introductory course designed for those at any stage of their career who want to expand their project management knowledge and practical experience. This qualification also acts as a prerequisite should you wish to progress to the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification.

If you already hold a project management qualification, however, you might be able to skip the PRINCE2 Foundation course altogether and go straight to the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification. This advanced qualification was created for experienced individuals who want to become fully certified PRINCE2 Practitioners.

If you’re a PRINCE2 beginner who wants to become a qualified Practitioner by studying both courses in one go (and save a little money while doing so), you also have the option to enrol on a PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Combined course.

Like the PRINCE2 Foundation course, this qualification has no entry requirements, but it naturally takes longer to complete being that it’s the equivalent of two courses in one.

How long does a PRINCE2® qualification take?

It typically takes students anywhere from three days to three months to complete a PRINCE2 project management qualification. 

If you’re studying the PRINCE2 combined course, it takes most students anywhere from five days to six months to complete their qualification, however, time to completion depends on the study format you choose.

To learn more about how long it takes to complete each PRINCE2 course, read more below.

How long does a PRINCE2® 6th Edition Foundation qualification take?

It takes most students two to three days (or 30 to 50 learning hours) to complete the PRINCE2 Foundation course if they study it full-time in a classroom.

If you’re studying part-time online, it could take you around one to three months to complete a PRINCE2 Foundation qualification while working full-time. 

However, it’s possible to complete PRINCE2 online just as quickly as in a classroom if you’re able to dedicate a chunk of time to study.

What will you learn?

You'll study the fundamental themes, processes, and principles of the PRINCE2 method, learning how to start, initiate, control, and effectively manage projects with confidence and tact. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to then move on to the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification if you so choose.

If you decide not to move on to the next level, keep in mind that the Foundation course alone is not enough to be considered a certified practitioner.

How long does a PRINCE2® 6th Edition Practitioner qualification take?

Like the Foundation course, it takes most students two to three days to complete the PRINCE2 Practitioner course if they choose the full-time classroom route.

Otherwise, part-time online and virtual learning methods typically take students an average of three months to complete the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification while working full-time. 

However, it’s possible to complete PRINCE2 online just as quickly as in a classroom if you dedicate all your time to study.

What will you learn?

While the Foundation course focuses on practical theory, the PRINCE2 Practitioner course takes things one step further by focusing on the practical application of PRINCE2 theories.

You’ll learn how to apply the PRINCE2 method to your daily project management tasks through increased learning and knowledge in all aspects of PRINCE2 project management tactics, ultimately developing you into a fully certified PRINCE2 Practitioner upon completion of the course.

How long does a PRINCE2® 6th Edition Foundation & Practitioner Combined qualification take?

It generally takes students about five days to complete the PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Combined course if they choose to study in a classroom.

Part-time online and virtual learning routes, however, will take students an average of six months to gain their qualification; three months for the Foundation course and three months for the Practitioner course. 

Bear in mind that this is just an average; it’s possible to complete PRINCE2 online just as quickly as in a classroom if you’re able to work on it full-time.

What will you learn? 

The Combined course will teach you both the theory and application of the PRINCE2 method, tailoring your learning to suit your specific project environment.

You’ll become equipped with the comprehensive knowledge of the relationship between PRINCE2 themes, processes, and principles and will master the elements of the PRINCE2 process.

Should you study online or in a classroom?

As we mentioned, depending on the study route you choose, your PRINCE2 qualification can take anywhere from 3 to 6 days to 3 to 6 months to complete.

If you choose to learn in a classroom, you’ll likely gain your project management qualification faster since classes tend to be more intensive given their significantly shorter timeframe.

However, many people are hesitant of studying PRINCE2 qualifications in a classroom because they’re sceptical of the quality of learning and upskilling in such a short amount of time. Often this causes students to learn and simply regurgitate information on their assessments only to forget it all after their exam.

If you choose to study online, on the other hand, you’ll benefit from learning at your own pace, on your own time. You can shape your course around your schedule, blocking out set times of the day to study when it suits you - making learning and retaining the course information much more effective.

You can complete your qualification online as quickly or slowly as you choose, making it ideal if you’re fitting it around work and family. While it’s clear that a PRINCE2 course will inevitably take you some time, from a broader point of view, gaining this valuable qualification takes no time at all - especially when you can tailor learning around your work and life.

Learn more about gaining your PRINCE2 qualification 100% online with us. Get your free online PRINCE2 course guide today.