Becoming a PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organisation (ATO)
Hey, folks! Welcome back to another exciting blog that’s here to help you navigate the intriguing world of the PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organization (ATO) accreditation processes.
We’re about to embark on an epic journey. Strap in and get ready!
Become an Accredited Training Organization (ATO)
The topic at hand is how your organization can become an Accredited Training Organization (ATO), specifically for delivering PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner level training courses.
Think about the power that comes with it, enabling others to step up their game in project management. But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
PeopleCert – Our Journey
Well, it finally happened. There I was some weeks back, writing another PRINCE2 blog, when I got a polite nudge from PeopleCert, noting that Projex Academy had yet to become an Accredited Training Organization (ATO).
PeopleCert were quite right. On the face of it, I was referencing PRINCE2-related copyright-protected material.
Casting my mind back a few decades, I seem to remember that becoming an ATO needed athletic prowess to jump through all the admin hoops, not to mention being darned expensive. Having an extra ongoing business overhead caused my tardiness.
How Wrong Could I Be?
After my initial slap on the wrist from PeopleCert, they could not have been nicer folks to do business with.
So, I dropped a swift email to their ATO support staff and said I wanted to start the ball rolling to become an ATO. I asked, Where do we go from here?
PeopleCert held no grudges and immediately got into partner mode.
First, my business partner Nick and I got invited to a friendly 30-minute video conference with the PeopleCert Network Operations Team, followed up with an introductory and very detailed email.
I quickly learned that PeopleCert have an efficient and well-structured team, and their processes are well-oiled!
PeopleCert had set up a shared and private folder for us, with a simple list of the information we needed to provide.
From the outset, it was clear that PeopleCert was here to serve Projex Academy – and not the other way around.
How refreshing!
So, if you are considering becoming an official Accredited Organisation, do not hesitate.
Remember that PeopleCert offers an astonishing 111 Product Families and official Training Materials (OTM). If you require a learning management system (LMS), they have that too.
From there on, it was plain sailing as PeopleCert gave us a detailed list of what we needed to prepare.
Being a well-known and successful training company already, Projex Academy needed to allow PeopleCert to view our video and documentation training materials, which were reviewed by them twice. Once again, I liked the fact that all our training materials were scrutinised and reviewed by an independent PRINCE2 expert who validated their quality.
Our materials passed with flying colours, but we needed to add references to Axelos copyright materials (owned by PeopleCert). Projex Academy also needed straightforward documentation, such as our organization details, quality manual, and my updated CV/Resume.
Then I had to eat humble pie.
My PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Exam Certificates were outdated, so I had to retake both the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Exams!
It was an opportunity to become familiar with PeopleCert’s Remote Proctor online exam system. I needed to apply for a date and time to take both exams and download PeopleCert’s secure Exam Shield Application.
The whole process was painless and in easy, logical steps. I got my results within seconds of completing each exam.
Projex Academy is certified PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organization
Next, let’s shed some light on PRINCE2.
PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments and is a globally recognized project management method.
Businesses, big and small use this framework worldwide.
What is your goal as an ATO?
To equip individuals with the valuable PRINCE2 skill set.
And then there’s PeopleCert.
PeopleCert acquired Axelos, so these guys will be giving you the green light.
They’re the accreditation body.
But more than that, they’re the guardians of quality, ensuring the training you provide is top-notch.
So, to become an ATO for PRINCE2, you need the PeopleCert stamp of approval. It’s like a backstage pass to the world of professional education.
Need to retake your PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam?
The first step is to grab their official Mock Practitioner Exam, complete with scenario and answers/rationale.
If you get good scores, it’s time to take the real thing!
These days you can take the exam online and in your own home.
You will want to download PeopleCert’s Exam Shield Application.
Here are the application Steps:
First, you must pay for your exam upfront and download PeopleCert’s secure ExamShield application onto your computer.
Get This, Because Projex Academy were working with PeopleCert to become an ATO – they gave us a FREE Exam Voucher for both of the exams as they are included in the Accreditation price. Sweet!
Once in, you get precise step-by-step advice and guidance that takes you all the way through to your PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Pass!
You get one month FREE access to you own My Axelos account to help you prepare.
As you can see below, you just need to follow through the Actions Required list. PeopleCert even give you training experience and a link to the Web Proctored Exams Candidate Experience (https://www.peoplecert.org/ways-to-get-certified/PeopleCert-Online-Proctoring)
You will need a PC with a Camera. The camera must be mobile, as your invigilator will want you to pick it up and take them around your room. More on this in a moment.
System Requirements.
You will need to do a live test of the following:
You can see it tests your system integrity, audio and video, and your internet connection. See from above, I had two warnings which were well explained and took just moments to fix.
PeopleCert Online Proctored Examinations are available to accommodate candidates who wish to take their professional certification exams remotely.
You can take your PRINCE2 exam from almost any place you want. A computer, webcam and internet connection are all you need to take the next step in your career and become certified.
Freedom for examination
Feel more comfortable taking the exam from home or would you prefer to combine it with your busy day to day and do it in the office? No Worries. A remotely monitored exam is the ideal option.
In a rush? You can take the exam in as soon as 4 hours after booking it, it’s easy to reschedule if needed allowing you to focus your energy on what matters most: exam preparation.
PeopleCert’s expert online proctors use sophisticated, proprietary software to guide you through the exam process and ensure your experience is comfortable, safe, and stress-free.
It is intuitive, easy to install and use, compatible with Windows and Mac, safe and reliable.
Just choose the room that best suits you, connect to the Internet and you’re done.
Your remote watchdog will identify you through sophisticated technology that ensures your sandbox is comfortable, while complying with guidelines on what’s allowed and what’s not.
In addition, your remote monitor will observe you non-intrusively throughout the exam and will always be at your disposal in case you need help or something goes wrong.
PeopleCert have your back in all possible situations. So just relax and give your best.
Pre-exam room details.
My PeopleCert online invigilator was well-experienced and had come across all the tricks that could be played to cheat on the exam.
He checked on and under my desk/mouse pad, other computers in the room, my cupboards and the entry door.
He allowed me to have blank sheets of paper to make notes during the exam and, if needed, to take a comfort break during the exam. The Invigilator has a show/hide text message screen so you can type in any questions during the exam.
When you click on a question number, the middle part of the screen shows you the question and answer options.
I was not allowed to capture the exam question sheet format (of course!), but the screen layout consists of a left-hand vertical column of the question numbers, with a link to bring up the scenario when needed.
Immediately after you complete your exam, you are given your pass information and scores. You will be sent your certificate later.
PRINCE2 ATO Accreditation
Let me lay out the PRINCE2 ATO accreditation sequence for you:
Step One:
The Roadmap. Before you start, get a lay of the land.
Check out the PeopleCert Accreditation Guide (https://www.peoplecert.org/become-a-training-organisation), which provides a comprehensive overview of what you must do. It’s the roadmap for your journey.
Step Two:
Application. Fill in the application form (https://www.peoplecert.org/Become-Our-Partner).
They’ll ask for your organization’s legal and trading name, registration number, type of business, contact details and more. Ensure you have all the necessary details handy. See more on the application later in this blog …
Step Three:
Quality Management System. You’ll need a Quality Management System (QMS). This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a requirement.
A QMS is like a recipe book, outlining the procedures, responsibilities, and processes necessary to achieve your training objectives. It’s a way to ensure you’re maintaining consistent quality.
Don’t worry, keep reading and I will give you a detailed template for your own ATO Quality and Operations Manual.
Step Four:
Trainers and Courseware. Your trainers must be PeopleCert certified, and the courseware must align with PRINCE2 guidelines. Your trainers are the heart of your ATO. They need to know their stuff and be able to pass it on effectively.
And your courseware? That’s the training blueprint. So, it needs to be stellar.
Step Five:
Accreditation Fee. There’s a cost associated with becoming an ATO. It’s like the entry fee to the concert.
Check the PeopleCert Pricing List (https://www.peoplecert.org/fees-and-policies) for the specifics.
Step Six: Audit.
This is where PeopleCert checks everything.
They’ll review your QMS, trainers, and courseware. It’s like the final checkpoint before you hit the stage.
Once you pass the audit, congratulations! You’ve made it. You’re now an Accredited Training Organization.
The world of PRINCE2 training is ready for you.
But wait, there’s more.
Post PRINCE2 Accreditation
After accreditation, there’s something called Surveillance Audits.
These occur annually to make sure you’re still maintaining that high standard you started with. It’s a way to ensure you keep delivering quality.
The PeopleCert Network Operations Team
These folks are brilliant! They were friendly and helpful. I spent 30 minutes on Skype chatting with them, and whenever I had a question (I had lots!), I would rush out an email, and they would respond swiftly and clearly.
To start with, PeopleCert set up an online folder for me to upload all Projex Academy’s details.
The Operations Team set out clearly what I had to do:
To start the accreditation process, I had to complete a “Partner Application Form and Agreement” and submit it signed to PeopleCert.
The application must include the following supporting documentation:
- Certificate of Incorporation and Good Standing: reflecting your company registration details and a valid VAT identification number to be used on all invoices.
- Courseware:
The presentations
Case studies.
Handouts.
Mock tests.
e-learning codes.
Trainer’s handouts/guidelines.
The material must be submitted in full and must be properly versioned (unique ID and issuance date).
In case you use the Official Training Material (OTM) provided by PeopleCert, you will want to tick the relevant boxes on page 4 of their Partner Application Form.
- Quality Management System (QMS):
Quality/operations manual
Organigram
Training processes/ procedures
Copy of a valid ISO 9001 certificate – if certified for the relevant scope, i.e. training and exams delivery, etc - Trainer Items:
Trainers must complete all fields from the attached Trainer Application form.
The form should be co-signed by both trainer and sponsoring ATO and must be submitted to PeopleCert together with the following supporting documentation:
• A detailed CV
• Exam certificates meeting each training product requirements:
PRINCE2 (Foundation/Practitioner):
- Hold a valid PRINCE2 Practitioner Certificate.
- Have three years of project management experience.
Note: PRINCE2 6th edition Practitioner certified and approved trainers can only train the PRINCE2 6th edition version.
- Company profile and any available marketing material for the products/modules you are applying for (if any)
Once the above are in place, please upload them to the dedicated folder we have created for you (link will follow):
I used a WORD template to update my CV/Resume and downloaded the PeopleCert editable PDF templates – one for the Partnership and one for me as a Trainer:
PRINCE2 Quality/Operations Manual Template
Here are the section headings I used and general guidance as to the type of information under each:
I. Quality/Operations Manual
- Introduction: This is where you describe your company. For example: “Acme Training is an accredited training organization offering a variety of professional training courses including PRINCE2, ITIL, and AgilePM.”
- Scope of QMS: “The QMS applies to all training services provided by Acme Training, including development, delivery, and evaluation of training courses.”
- Responsibilities: Detail the roles and responsibilities of key staff in the QMS. For instance, the Quality Assurance Manager could be responsible for the overall performance of the QMS, training and supervising staff on quality matters, and organizing internal audits.
- Quality Policy: “Acme Training is committed to delivering high-quality training services that meet the needs and expectations of our clients. We achieve this through continuous improvement of our services, compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, and cultivating an environment that encourages staff to reach their full potential.”
- Quality Objectives: “To achieve 95% customer satisfaction rates, have less than 2% nonconforming outputs, and ensure all staff members receive at least 24 hours of professional development training each year.”
- Risk Management Process: An outline of how risks to quality will be identified, evaluated, and managed. For instance, all staff might be trained to identify and report potential risks, which are then assessed by a risk management team.
- Quality Assurance Process: “All training courses are reviewed and approved by a QA Manager before delivery. Post-course evaluations are analysed to identify areas for improvement.”
- Training and Development: “All trainers undergo an intensive onboarding process and receive ongoing professional development to ensure they deliver the best training experience.”
- Documented Information: “All training materials, procedures, policies, and forms are controlled documents. They are reviewed annually or when significant changes occur in our processes or response to customer feedback.”
- Operational Processes: “Before a new training course is released, it is designed in consultation with industry experts, thoroughly reviewed, pilot tested, and only then approved for delivery.”
- Performance Evaluation: “Customer feedback, internal audits, and management reviews are used to evaluate the effectiveness of our QMS and identify areas for improvement.”
- Nonconformity and Corrective Action: “Nonconformities are logged and analysed to identify root causes. Corrective actions are implemented, and their effectiveness is evaluated.”
- Continual Improvement: “Based on performance evaluations, Acme Training continually improves its QMS, processes, and services.”
- References and Appendices: Any relevant documents, policies, regulations, or standards, such as the PRINCE2 manual or ISO 9001.
II. Organigram. This visual representation will depict the hierarchy and reporting lines in your organization. For example, the CEO reports to the Board of Directors, the Training Manager reports to the Operations Manager, and so on.
III. Training Processes/ Procedures - Training Development Process: “Training needs are identified through industry research, client requests, and staff suggestions. Content is developed by trainers, reviewed by a panel of experts, and approved by the Training Manager.”
- Training Delivery Process: “Trainers prepare by reviewing course materials and customer profiles. They deliver interactive training, monitor participant engagement, and adjust their delivery as needed.”
- Training Evaluation Process: “Participants are asked to complete post-course evaluations to rate the course content, delivery, and trainer performance. The QA team analyses this feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement.”
- Training Improvement Process: “Based on feedback analysis, areas for improvement are identified. These might include course content updates, delivery method changes, or additional trainer training.”
- Competence Development Process: “Staff are required to identify their professional development needs as part of their annual performance review. They then participate in relevant training courses, workshops, or conferences.”
- Document Control Process: “All training materials, procedures, and forms are reviewed and updated annually or when significant changes occur. Outdated versions are archived and marked as obsolete.”
That’s it, folks! Simple, right? Okay, maybe not that simple. Just follow the guidance of those excellent PeopleCert folks, and you can do it in a week or so.
And in doing so, you’re not just building up your organization; you’re empowering countless individuals with knowledge and skills that can shape their future.
So, get started. Use this guide as a companion on your journey.
There will be challenges, but remember, the best things in life often come from hard work and dedication.
Good luck, and here’s to YOU becoming the next PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organization!
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