I would suggest for NGO related project management you should have a look at the PMD Pro which was created specifically for that sector. It comes from the same certification body as PRINCE2. More details are at:
http://www.apmg-international.com/APMG-UK/PMD_Pro/PMD_Pro.aspx

In terms of events planning. I don’t think PRINCE2 is appropriate, what you need is something that guides you through the elements of project management i.e., how to plan a project, how to resource it, how to budget for it etc.

The APM (Association of Project Management) accreditations should be the right thing. Take a look at the Introductory Certificate first:
http://www.arraspeople.co.uk/project-management-training-directory/project-management-training-courses/apm-introductory/

Is prince2 an appropriate qualification based on my aspirations? I am loathe to do some taught masters in event planning – and am far more interested in the pragmatic knowledge attained from a process/method based industry standard qualification (but only if it is desirable or beneficial).

Thank you so much for your feedback, finding specialist advice on this issue has proved quite difficult

We’ve found that PRINCE2 is fast getting recognition it deserves and now-a-days and is seen as the preferred certification especially during the recession, with increasing competition within the jobmarket. A PRINCE2 qualification is a great asset for your CV and gives project managers the skills to feel confident when managing large and sometimes complex projects.

Our own Prince2 certifications have seen a exponential growth during the recession and along with our project management training seminars, they offer our clients a real competitive edge in the job market.

I would hazard a guess that a great many more people are taking the Practioner exam because it’s moved from being a 3 hour essay exam to multiple choice. This means that most people can simply swot up the Prince 2 manual and get a pass without going on a course.

Further in a recession people naturally try to upgrade their qualifications and widen them if at all possible in case of redundancy.

The problem is course then becomes that the market becomes flooded with Prince 2 Practioners and therefore more and more qualifications spring up to enable people to differentiate themselves. For example I know APM is bringing in a Fellowship exam and I’m sure we’ll be seeing the same in the Prince 2 and PMP world soon.

What people need to realise is that Prince 2 Practioner does not make one a project manager. It simply means that someone understands the project management basics.

As always what employers are looking for is a track record and relevant experience. And with the saturation of Prince 2′s this has, at least in my experience become the main criteria over and above any qualifications attained.

Regards

Susan de Sousa
Site Editor http://www.my-project-management-expert.com

Having read bobson’s answer to your question, I think it is a pity that employers are sometimes reluctant to pay for employees’ P2 training, especially if it could benefit their organisation. Might a Career Development Loan be the answer here?