PRINCE2 (an acronym for PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a popular project management methodology used worldwide. The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam is a certification exam that assesses a candidate’s ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to real-world project management scenarios.
The exam is designed for individuals who have already passed the PRINCE2 Foundation exam and have a good understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. It tests candidates on their ability to apply the methodology to different project scenarios and their understanding of the principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2.
Exam Glossary
Here are some key terms and concepts related to the PRINCE2 methodology and the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam:
- Project: A temporary endeavor with a defined beginning and end, undertaken to achieve a specific goal.
- PRINCE2: PRojects IN Controlled Environments, a project management methodology used worldwide.
- Principles: The seven guiding principles of PRINCE2 that provide the framework for effective project management.
- Themes: The seven aspects of project management that must be addressed throughout the project lifecycle.
- Processes: The seven steps that define the stages of a project, from its initiation to its closure.
- Business Case: A document that outlines the justification for a project, including its costs, benefits, and risks.
- Risk: An uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, could have a positive or negative effect on a project.
- Quality: The degree to which a project meets its objectives and requirements.
- Change: Any alteration to the project’s scope, schedule, cost, or quality.
- Communication: The process of exchanging information between project stakeholders.
- Stakeholders: Individuals or organizations that have an interest in the project or are affected by its outcome.
- Product: The result or output of a project, such as a document, system, or service.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Study Guide
- PRINCE2 official website: The official PRINCE2 website provides information about the methodology, certifications, and exam preparation. Visit https://www.axelos.com/best-practice-solutions/prince2 for more information.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Guidance: This official guidance document provides detailed information about the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, including the format, structure, and content of the exam. It also provides sample exam questions and answers to help candidates prepare for the exam. The guidance document can be found at https://www.axelos.com/getmedia/9b2dace1-334a-4257-8d49-ebab7cfc6f5b/PRINCE2-Practitioner-Exam-Guidance.pdf.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Sample Exam Papers: The official PRINCE2 website provides sample exam papers to help candidates prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. These papers can be found at https://www.axelos.com/certifications/sample-papers/prince2-practitioner-sample-papers.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Simulator: The PRINCE2 Exam Simulator is an official tool that simulates the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. It provides candidates with a realistic exam experience and helps them identify areas where they need additional study. The Exam Simulator can be found at https://www.axelos.com/certifications/sample-papers/prince2-practitioner-exam-simulator.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Study Guide: The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Study Guide is an official resource that provides candidates with a detailed overview of the PRINCE2 methodology and exam content. It also includes practice questions and answers to help candidates prepare for the exam. The study guide can be found at https://www.axelos.com/store/prince2-practitioner-exam-study-guide-isbn-9780113316229.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam:
- Understand the PRINCE2 Methodology: The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is design to assess your ability to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to real-world project scenarios. Make sure you have a good understanding of the principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2.
- Use Official Study Materials: The PRINCE2 official website provides a variety of resources, such as the exam Guidance, Sample Exam Papers, Exam Simulator, and Study Guide. Use these official resources to prepare for the exam, as they are design to be in line with the exam content.
- Take Practice Exams: Taking practice exams can help you become familiar with the exam format and identify areas where you may need additional study. The official PRINCE2 website provides sample exam papers and an exam simulator to help you prepare for the exam.
- Study in Blocks: Break your study sessions into blocks of time and focus on one topic or theme at a time. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Use a study schedule to keep yourself on track.
- Understand the Exam Format: The exam is a 2.5-hour, open-book exam that consists of 68 multiple-choice questions. Understand the format of the exam and the time constraints so you can pace yourself accordingly.
- Practice Time Management: During the exam, make sure you are managing your time effectively. If you are stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later. Don’t spend too much time on any one question.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Course Outline
The Course Outline covers descriptive details about what this exam covers. It offers you the chance to identify specific content within each topic that may be tested and widen your knowledge. The Syllabus covers the following 3 domains. Moreover, you should tailor your study plan around these exam topics to achieve this certification.
- Apply the PRINCE2 principles in context
- Understand how to apply effective people management in successful projects
- Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of PRINCE2 practices in context
- Understand how to apply (and tailor) relevant aspects of PRINCE2 processes in context
Is the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam really difficult?
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification facilitates the development of your professional career. But now its time to address the most important questions: How hard is the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam? The exam covers various scenario based questions that make it really difficult to clear. Moreover, it is necessary to ensure that you supplement your studying with real-life experience working on projects, in addition to investing in personal professional development and wider training.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner Difficulty is indeed high but it is not unachievable. Therefore, all this boils down to the right preparation strategy and genuine learning resources to clear the exam. Remember consistency and determination are two essential keys to unlock this exam. However, it is quite difficult for candidates to prepare for the certification exam on their own. Access to the right preparation resources will help you stay on the right track.
Preparatory Resources for PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
There are a various learning resources available in the market place to aid your preparation journey for the exam. But, you need to be wise enough to choose the ones that suit your preparation strategy. Also, remember to refer from the authentic sources only. Here are some recommended study resources you must explore while preparing-
AXELOS Whitepapers and Blogs
The AXELOS offers its official whitepapers, blogs, case studies, and webinars. These are the most important and reliable resources while preparing for the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam. These resources will provide excellent knowledge and understanding of various topics related to the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam. Therefore, you should definitely refer them.
Prince2 Practioner Whitepapers
Discover Training Program
AXELOS itself offers its official training program on each and every exam. You can register yourself with AXELOS and can take advantage of the training program. The training programs will provide the understanding, knowledge and skills of the particular exam. Real life experience and hands on practice is essential for this exam, hence dive deep into training courses.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Tutorial
Online Tutorials enhance your knowledge and provide in depth understanding about the exam concepts. They will be your support throughout your journey towards the exam.
Grab Some Books
The next step should be gathering some books. You should refer the books related to the exam concepts. To make your work easy, we are recommending some Exam Book below for reference –
- Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017th Edition by The Stationery Office
- PRINCE2 Study Guide: 2017 Update 2nd Edition by David Hinde
- The PRINCE2 Practitioner: From Practitioner to Professional 3rd Edition, by Colin Bentley.
Self Evaluate with Practice Tests
Practice Exams are the most valuable resource in the preparation guide. These practice tests will help you acknowledge your strengths and identify your weaker areas. Working on your loopholes will improve your preparations. Also, these practice tests offer a real time experience of the exam and time management skills. Moreover, attempting multiple tests will boost your confidence. They play a detrimental role in improving your accuracy which is very important for this exam. Let’s start practising to stay ahead of the competition.
