The popularity of PRINCE2 as the preferred project management qualification of choice continues to grow.
The most recent annual figures released by APMG-International for 2012, show the number of PRINCE2 examinations taken globally rose 5% compared with 2011. The figures show more than 144,000 people sat PRINCE2 examinations in 2012 compared with 136,000 the previous year. By the end of 2012, more than 1 million candidates had taken PRINCE2 exams since 1996.
In fact, the total number of exams taken in 2012 was the highest on record, beating the previous record (in 2011) by more than 8,000. 2012 also saw record numbers of candidates take both Foundation and Practitioner examinations.
The growth of PRINCE2 exams occurred in all regions except in the UK which suffered a fall in exams of 6%. The fastest growing regions during 2012 were Central Asia with a 148% increase in exams compared with the previous year, Scandinavia with a growth of 61%, Eastern Europe with 23%, North America with 16%, Africa and East Asia with 11%, Australasia with 9% and Western Europe (excluding the UK) with a 1% increase.
The general increase in exams across regions was also matched in individual countries where statistics are available, although the rate of increase was uneven. Again, the UK was the exception to the general rule along with the Netherlands and Italy. Although the UK remained the largest market, 2012 showed a 6% year on year fall in exams. The Netherlands suffered an even larger 13% fall in the number of examinations. These figures probably reflect the fact that both countries have the most mature market for PRINCE2, and the market has reached saturation point in both countries. Italy showed a fall in the number of exams of 8%.
On a positive note however, India proved to be the fastest growing country in 2012 with a total increase in exams of 168%. After India, the next fastest growing countries were Denmark (52%), France (42%). China (26%), Poland and South Africa (both 20%), Czech Republic (15%), Germany (14%) and Australia (4%).
The phenomenal growth of PRINCE2 is expected to continue and has already passed the 1 million mark in September 2012. Only 10 years ago, only 35,000 PRINCE2 exams were sat, compared with the 144,000 in 2012. This is a 400% increase over 10 years.
Interestingly, the number of candidates now taking PRINCE2 exams online is also experiencing rapid growth as more students study using accredited eLearning courses. Statistics showed a 126% increase in candidates taking their PRINCE2 exams online in 2012 compared with the previous year.
To gain your PRINCE2 qualification, why not join the many others who have chosen Knowledge Train as their preferred PRINCE2 training provider. PRINCE2 qualifications can be gained either by joining a classroom-based course, or by self-studying via our range of PRINCE2 CBT products.