PRINCE2 Practitioner is the most commonly used project management method globally, and it’s a standard that project managers all around the world have made and use. No matter the size or kind of project, PRINCE2 is a manageable technique that walks you through the crucial components of project management. It is an established and proven best practice. It may be modified to fit a particular organization’s or sector’s needs. However, becoming a competent and effective project manager requires more than just earning the Practitioner certificate. Yet, you must also make sure to invest in your professional growth as well as further training and real-world experience working on projects.
This exam is definitely your move ahead as it offers various benefits and makes your resume shine. Benefits Of PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification:
- Firstly, the qualification recognizes around the world
- Secondly, improved alignment and communications
- Then, a common consistent approach to project management
- Also, Influence the organizational culture.
Target Audience: PRINCE2 Practitioner
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is good for people who manage projects. The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam checks if you can use PRINCE2 ideas, rules, steps, and methods in actual project situations.
The Practitioner certification tries to confirm that you have sufficient knowledge and understanding to implement and tailor the method in a range of different project environments and scenarios.
The target audience for this exam is as follows-
- The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is targeted at project managers, team leaders, and other professionals who are involved in project management and who have already passed the PRINCE2 Foundation exam. The test is made to see if you can use PRINCE2 principles, steps, and methods in real-life projects.
- The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is ideal for project managers and professionals who want to enhance their project management skills and increase their understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology. It is also suitable for individuals who are involved in projects and want to learn how to apply the PRINCE2 framework to their work.
Learning Objectives of PRINCE2 Practitioner
The learning objectives of the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification are designed to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the PRINCE2 methodology and are able to apply it to real-world project scenarios. Here are the key learning objectives of the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification:
- Apply PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes to real-world project scenarios: You will learn how to apply the PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes to real-world project scenarios, and how to tailor PRINCE2 to meet the specific needs of a project.
- Understand the PRINCE2 themes: You’ll really get to know the seven PRINCE2 themes, which cover things like why you’re doing the project, who’s in charge, making sure it’s good quality, making plans, handling risks, dealing with changes, and tracking progress.
- Understand the PRINCE2 processes: You’ll get a strong grasp of the seven PRINCE2 steps, which involve beginning a project, getting it started, guiding it, overseeing each part, making sure products are delivered, handling stage changes, and wrapping up the project.
- Tailor PRINCE2 to meet specific project needs: You will learn how to tailor the PRINCE2 methodology to meet the specific needs of a project, including the size, complexity, risk, and importance of the project.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities in PRINCE2: You’ll learn about the jobs and duties of important people like the project manager, project board, team manager, and others involved in PRINCE2.
- Manage risks and issues: You will learn how to discover, assess, and manage risks and issues in a project, and communicate these to key stakeholders.
- Manage quality: You’ll discover how to keep an eye on quality from the start to the end of the project and make sure that what you produce meets the quality standards it should.
Learning Path – PRINCE2 Practitioner
The PRINCE2 6th Edition Certification Scheme advances the PRINCE2 5th Edition while putting a fresh emphasis on adapting the methodology to the demands of businesses and project management settings. Together with the PRINCE2 Agile certification program, it includes the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certifications.
Study Guide for PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
To do well on the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam, you need to fully learn and understand the material. It takes a lot of effort. Having the right study materials is crucial for success. Let’s go through everything step by step to help you succeed with the PRINCE2 Practitioner Study Guide.
Step 1- Visit the Official Page of PRINCE2 Practitioner
You should start your preparation by visiting the AXELOS official website and gathering the most accurate information. The official website provides all material, including test guides, blueprints, whitepapers, case studies, policies, and frequently asked questions. Before beginning your preparations, it is crucial to be aware of all test regulations and the course. Also, being familiar with the exam material will help you do well on the test. These three domains are covered by this exam:
#1. Apply the PRINCE2 principles in context
1.1 Analyze the application of PRINCE2 principles in context
a) Ensure continued business justification (2.1)
b) Learn from experience (2.2)
c) Define roles, responsibilities and relationships (2.3)
d) Manage by stages (2.4)
e) Manage by exception (2.5)
f) Focus on products (2.6)
g) Tailor to suit the project (2.7)
AXELOS Documentation: PRINCE2 – professional skills for non-project managers
#2. Understand how to apply effective people management in successful projects
2.1 Assess whether an approach to leadership and management of teams is appropriate (3.3, 3.1)
2.2 Assess whether an approach to leadership and management of change within a project, and people affected by a project, is appropriate (3.2, 3.1)
2.3 Apply the approach to the following:
- communications (3.4)
- people central to the method (3.5)
2.4 Apply the key management products required to support the people element of projects:
- communication management approach (3.4)
- change management approach (3.2)
#3. Understand how to apply and tailor relevant aspects of PRINCE2 practices in context
3.1 Business case
3.1.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘business case’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘business case’ practice (5.5):
o business case
o PID: benefits management approach
o PID: sustainability management approach
o project brief
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘business case’ practice (tab 5.1)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (5.2, 5.3)
3.1.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘business case’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.7,)
3.2 Organizing
3.2.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘organizing’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘organizing’ practice (6.5):
o PID: project management team structure
o PID: role descriptions
o PID: commercial management approach
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘organizing’ practice (tab 6.4)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (6.2, 6.3)
3.2.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘organizing’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7)
3.3 Plans
3.3.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘plans’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘plans’ practice (7.5):
o plan (project, stage, team & exception plans)
o project product description
o work package description
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘plans’ practice (tab 7.1)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (7.2, 7.3)
3.3.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘plans’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective
management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.7)
3.4 Quality
3.4.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘quality’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘quality’ practice (8.5):
o product description
o project log: product register
o PID: quality management approach
o project log: quality register
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘quality’ practice (tab 8.2)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (8.2, 8.3)
3.4.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘quality’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.7)
3.5 Risk
3.5.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘risk’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘risk’ practice (9.5):
o PID: risk management approach
o project log: risk register
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘risk’ practice (tab 9.3)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (9.2, 9.3)
3.5.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘risk’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.7)
3.6 Issues
3.6.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘issues’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘issues’ practice (10.5):
o PID: issue management approach
o issue register
o issue report
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘issues’ practice (tab 10.2)
c) Effective management and associated techniques (10.2, 10.3)
3.6.2 Analyse whether an approach to applying the ‘issues’ practice is effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: the PRINCE2 principles, and the effective management and associated techniques of the practice, and tailoring to the project’s environment/context (10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.7)
3.7 Progress
3.7.1 Apply the PRINCE2 ‘progress’ practice, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) the key management products required to support the ‘progress’ practice (11.5):
o project log: daily log
o project log: lessons log
o lessons report
o end stage report
o end project report
o checkpoint report
o highlight report
o exception report
o PID: digital and data management approach
b) The areas of focus for key roles associated with the ‘progress’ practice (tab 11.3)
#4. Understand how to apply (and tailor) relevant aspects of PRINCE2 processes in context
4.1 Starting up a project
4.1.1 Carry out the ‘starting up a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 13.1, 13.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 13.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 13.3)
4.1.2 Analyse whether the ‘starting up a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (13.1, 13.2, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7)
4.2 Directing a project
4.2.1 Carry out the ‘directing a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 14.1, 14.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 14.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 14.3)
4.2.2 Analyse whether the ‘directing a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (14.1, 14.2, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7)
4.3 Initiating a project
4.3.1 Carry out the ‘initiating a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 15.1, 15.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 15.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 15.3)
4.3.2 Analyse whether the ‘initiating a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (15.1, 15.2, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7)
4.4 Controlling a stage
4.4.1 Carry out the ‘controlling a stage’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (Tab 16.1, 16.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 16.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 16.3)
4.4.2 Analyse whether the ‘controlling a stage’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (16.1, 16.2, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7)
4.5 Managing product delivery
4.5.1 Carry out the ‘managing product delivery’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 17.1, 17.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 17.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 17.3)
4.5.2 Analyse whether the ‘managing product delivery’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (17.1, 17.2, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7)
4.6 Managing a stage boundary
4.6.1 Carry out the ‘managing a stage boundary’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 18.1, 18.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 18.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 18.3)
4.6.2 Analyse whether the ‘managing a stage boundary’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (18.1, 18.2, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7)
4.7 Closing a project
4.7.1 Carry out the ‘closing a project’ process, demonstrating an understanding of:
a) The activities, inputs and outputs (tab 19.1, 19.4)
b) The recommended roles and responsibilities within the process (RACI table) (tab 19.2)
c) How the practices are applied (tab 19.3)
4.7.2 Analyse whether the ‘closing a project’ process activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose, taking into consideration: tailoring to the project’s environment/context, the PRINCE2 practices, and the purpose and objectives of the process (19.1, 19.2, 19.4, 19.5, 19.6, 19.7)
Step 2- Explore Learning Resources
There are a variety of 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-
– Know the PRINCE2 methodology
The test will check if you know the PRINCE2 way of doing things, which includes the seven themes, seven processes, and what different team members should do. Make sure you read the official PRINCE2 book and practice using it in real situations.
– AXELOS Whitepares and Blogs
AXELOS provides official whitepapers, blogs, case studies, and webinars. The most important and reliable resources for getting ready for the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam are the ones we just talked about. These websites have a lot of useful information about the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Test topics, so you should definitely use them for reference.
– Discover Training Program
AXELOS itself offers its official PRINCE2 Practitioner Training Manual on each and every exam. You can enroll with AXELOS and benefit from the training course by doing so. The training courses will offer the specific exam’s comprehension, expertise, and abilities. For this test, practical experience and hands-on practice are crucial, therefore enroll in training programs in-depth.
– Grab Some Books
Now, it’s time to collect some books. To get a solid grasp of the exam ideas, consider getting PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Books. To make things simpler, here are some recommended books you can use as references:
- 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.
– Review project scenarios
The exam will present you with project scenarios and ask you to apply the PRINCE2 methodology to them. Practice reviewing project scenarios and identifying the appropriate PRINCE2 processes, themes, and roles to use in each scenario.
– Use the official PRINCE2 manual
The official PRINCE2 manual is the primary source of information for the exam. Be sure to read and understand the manual, and use it during the exam to help answer questions.
Step 3 – Self Evaluate with Practice Tests
PRINCE2 Practitioner 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. Your preparations will be better if you work on your weaknesses. These practice exams also provide you with an actual exam experience and hone your time management abilities. Also, taking several tests can increase your confidence. They have a negative impact on your accuracy, which is crucial for this exam. Let’s start practising to stay ahead of the competition.
Final Tips for the Exam
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam:
- Read the official PRINCE2 manual: The official PRINCE2 manual is the primary source of information for the exam. Read it thoroughly and make sure you understand the concepts and terminology used.
- Understand the seven themes: The seven themes are the backbone of the PRINCE2 methodology. Make sure you understand each theme and how they interact with each other.
- Understand the seven processes: The seven processes describe the steps needed to deliver a successful project. Make sure you understand the purpose of each process and the inputs and outputs.
- Study project management terminology: PRINCE2 uses a lot of project management terminology. Make sure you understand these terms and can use them in context.
- Understand how to tailor PRINCE2: PRINCE2 is like a toolbox that you can adjust to fit the requirements of various projects. It’s important to know how to change the way you use it depending on the situation.
- Familiarize yourself with exam format: The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is a 2.5-hour exam with 68 multiple-choice questions. Familiarize yourself with the exam format so that you can manage your time effectively during the test.
- Stay calm and focused: Take your time to read and understand each question before answering. If you are unsure of an answer, mark it and move on to the next question. You can always go back and review your answers later.
