How to get your PRINCE2 certification

By Sarah Morgan

Many of you have decided to pursue a career in project management and getting your PRINCE2 certification is an essential component. Read the following tips, prepare, take a deep breath and you’ll pass your exams.

Familiarise yourself with the concept

Ideally you should already be working as a Project Manager to take this certification. This would mean that you are familiar with the background of the PRINCE2 Qualification Scheme. However, if you’re working another role within a project team, and you’re up for the challenge, that’s also fine. You can learn about the background of PRINCE2 here.

Learn about the exams

• The Foundation Exam: Passing the Foundation Exam will show that you’ll be able to act as an informed member of a project management team using PRINCE2 in an environment that supports it. In order to pass, you’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of the key principles and terminology. So you must show you’ve grasped the purpose and major content of roles, the eight components, eight processes and sub-processes as well as the techniques. You’ll need to get 35 out of 70 questions right to pass the 60-minute exam.

• The Practitioner Exam: In the Practitioner Exam you’ll have to show that you know how processes, themes, techniques and PRINCE2 management products interact and that you can apply that knowledge. You’ll also have to demonstrate that you understand how management products are used in a given scenario. The exam’s aim is to test that you’ve grasped the reasons behind the processes, themes and techniques and can tailor PRINCE2 to different project environments.  You’ll have to answer 8 questions, each carrying 10 marks. To pass the Practitioner Exam you’ll need to get 44 marks out of 80.

If you’re curious about the questions that might come up in the exam, get your free practice test.

Set your schedule and prepare in advance

As a (prospective) Project Manager you must be excellent in timekeeping. Getting your PRINCE2 is a project, where time plays a key role. If you decide to study on your own, make sure that you set yourself deadlines and meet them. Self-study is going to be difficult and time-consuming, but with careful planning and discipline you can succeed. However, if you’d rather escape the stress of doing everything on your own, feel free to contact us.

Once you have signed up for your training, you should work in advance and do some reading, so that you can make the most of your course. If you have the basic idea, you’ll be able to ask questions on topics, you may not fully understand. It’s worth it!

Learn how to use the PRINCE2 Manual for Practitioner Level

In the Practitioner Exam you’ll be able to use a manual, but don’t let that make you lazy. You will have to know the manual inside out, because you will not have the time to browse for the answers. You’ll have to know where to look.

Practice Exam Questions

Learn by doing. If you want to make sure that you pass, you must practice doing the exam. Get your practice questions and do them!

Don’t panic in the exam

First read through everything cover to cover. Then read each question, underline key words and finally answer the question asked. Do the simple questions first and review your answers at the end. Watch the clock, time flies when you’re having fun.

Good luck with getting your PRINCE2 certification! 

About the Author:        

Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.