Praxis Framework® vs PRINCE2®

Praxis Framework is a complete ecosystem for managing change work (projects, programmes and portfolios). It is a comprehensive framework designed to support individuals and organisations with successful delivery no matter the scope or maturity. 

Unlike methods that only focus on processes, Praxis covers the five key areas of project delivery:

• Method (including processes and life cycle)
• Knowledge (functions such as scope, risk, scheduling)
• Competence (skills of individuals)
• Capability maturity (of organisations)
• Tools and techniques (a practical toolbox)

It is therefore broader in scope than most single-method certifications. A Praxis Framework certification signifies that you understand not just what to do, but also the purpose of and how to apply various management procedures.

Praxis also offers a suite of open-source expert-curated tools, available for all to access, to embed learning and good practice:

• Team Praxis – shows how different personalities interpret and implement a common body of knowledge.
• Praxis Local – helps organisations tailor the framework and make it easily accessible.
• Praxis 360 – supports building organisational capability maturity from the ground up.
• Marvin AI – connects Praxis content to a vast curated knowledge base of the project delivery community.

Ultimately, Praxis is designed not only to build knowledge but to help individuals and organisations apply it effectively.

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a widely recognised project management methodology that provides a structured approach to managing projects through clearly defined processes for each phase of a project’s lifecycle.

It introduces its own terminology and focuses on processes, roles, and responsibilities for managing projects.

PRINCE2 is often used as a first formal project management qualification and provides a solid understanding of the project life cycle. The content covers key areas:

• Principles – Guiding obligations and good practices, the ‘why’
• Themes – Common themes that should be managed throughout the project life cycle, the ‘what’
• Processes – the step-by-step application of processes to manage a project, the ‘how’ 

A certification in PRINCE2 signifies that an individual can understand and apply the principles, themes and processes to real projects. They are able to understand the common ‘language’ of projects and understand how to break work into stages, assign roles, control progress, manage risk, and close projects properly.

In essence, PRINCE2 covers “what to do” on a project, while Praxis covers “what to do” plus “how to embed and improve it” across all levels of project delivery.

If you are early on in your career and looking for a structured introduction to project management focused purely on processes for projects, you may find PRINCE2 more suitable. 

If you want to:

• Build confidence and a broader understanding of successful project delivery
• Learn about projects, programmes and portfolios in one framework
• Prepare for lifelong learning, create a basis for future development
• Gain functional knowledge alongside methods
• Access practical tools to help implement and embed good practice
• Work towards becoming an APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)

Then you should choose Praxis. 

These two certifications are not mutually exclusive. Some people start with PRINCE2, then add APM or MSP® to cover other areas. Praxis integrates these areas from the start and removes the challenge of having to harmonise different terminologies and taxonomies from separate certifications.

In short, PRINCE2 teaches you project processes; Praxis gives you the complete toolkit for successful project delivery.