PRINCE2 practitioners are the most skilled and experienced PRINCE2® specialists in the world. PRINCE2 practitioner certification demonstrates your comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2 core practice areas and project management processes. To obtain this valuable certification, you must put in the effort to pass the exam.
Let us now look at the PRINCE2 Practitioner Preparation Guide!
About PRINCE2 Practitioner
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam certification aims to assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of how to apply and tailor the method in a variety of project environments and scenarios. Once certified, you can expect to be assigned to positions of leadership, such as project manager or team leader. To take the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, you must first pass the PRINCE2 Foundation exam.
Target Audience
PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is suitable for anyone managing projects. This could be a component of a formal project management function or a role that includes project management as part of the day-to-day duties. The Practitioner certification attempts to confirm that the candidate has sufficient knowledge and understanding of the method to implement and tailor it in a variety of project environments and scenarios.
- This certification is intended for project managers, aspiring project managers, and anyone involved in project management.
- Members of the Project Board (e.g. Senior Responsible Owners)
- Team Leaders (e.g. Product Delivery Managers)
- Assurance of the Project (e.g. Business Change Analysts)
- Help with a Project (e.g. Project and Programme Office personnel)
What are the prerequisites to become a PRINCE2 Practitioner?
To sit for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, the candidate must have proof of passing one of the following exams:
- Foundation for PRINCE2
- Professional in Project Management (PMP)
- Associate in Project Management Certification (CAPM)
- Level A of the IPMA (Certified Projects Director)
- Furthermore, Level B of the IPMA (Certified Senior Project Manager)
- Level C of the IPMA (Certified Project Manager)
- Also, Level D IPMA (Certified Project Management Associate)
Let us now get to the meat of the article –
Steps to become a PRINCE2 Practitioner
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is a professional exam that is designed to provide candidates with in-depth knowledge of project management. This exam will assess your understanding of the PRINCE2 project management principles, themes, and processes. Let us begin with the preparation for passing the exam –
Step 1 – Know in-depth about the Exam Syllabus
Below mentioned is the detailed course outline for the exam along with the documentation and whitepapers –
Axelos has divided the syllabus into various sections. The PRINCE2 Practitioner Syllabus includes 3 objectives and sub-topics in it.
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
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)
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)
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 – Know about the Exam Format
Another thing that the candidate should be aware of is the exam’s fundamentals. The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Questions are multiple-choice and multiple-response in nature. To pass the exam, the candidate must score at least 55 percent. In addition, the candidate will have 150 minutes to complete the exam. The certification is valid for three years. Furthermore, the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification fee is USD 300.
Step 3 – Gather all other important details about the exam
These are some policies of which you should be aware of when you will be taking this exam –
Scoring Process
To pass the PRINCE2 practitioner exam, the candidate must achieve a score of at least 55%. This means that the candidate must have answered 38 of the 68 questions correctly. Though a score of more than 55% is always appreciated and will boost your confidence. This summarises all of the exam information for the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. Let’s move on and learn about the PRINCE2 practitioner exam process.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Results
Candidates appearing for web-based exams can very well view their exam results immediately after completion.
Maintain Practitioner status
Remember, the PRINCE2 foundation exam has no expiration date. PRINCE2 practitioner certification, on the other hand, is only valid for three years. This means that candidates must take the exam to keep their practitioner status.
Step 4 – Refer to the best Resources
Different resources have distinct knowledge and comprehension sets. In academic life, however, revision should be done on a case-by-case basis. As a result, it is critical to match the type of revision you do on your source material.
AXELOS Whitepares and Blogs
To help you earn the PRINCE2 Practitioner Certificate, AXELOS provides official whitepapers, blogs, case studies, and webinars. While preparing for the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam, these are the most important and dependable resources. These resources will provide excellent knowledge and understanding of various PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam topics. As a result, the candidate should experiment with these resources.
Training Program
AXELOS provides an official training program for every xam. The candidate can register with AXELOS and participate in the training program. The PRINCE2 Practitioner Training Manual will provide you with the necessary understanding, knowledge, and skills for the exam. Furthermore, there are numerous other websites on the internet that provide these training programs; the candidate can select whichever one they prefer.
Books
The next step should be to collect some books. The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Books should be used by the candidate to ensure a thorough understanding of the exam concepts. To help you with your work, we have listed some books that you can read below:
- 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.
PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Test
The most useful resource in the preparation guide is the PRINCE2 Practitioner Practice Exam. Once the candidate believes they are adequately prepared, they can take the practice test. The practice test will assist the candidate in identifying their weak points so that they can work on them.
Step 5 – Take the exam in accordance with the Expert’s Advice
To summarise, PRINCE2 Practitioner certification will help you obtain a variety of project management job positions. The exam is rigorous, but with the proper procedure and efforts, you can be certified with this valuable credential. It is critical to gather all of the information about the test and certificate before you begin your preparations.
Clarifying all questions and doubts ahead of time will aid in the development of expertise and knowledge. Practice tests will be the final stage of your preparations. It is critical to take multiple tests because it will help you get to know the test better. Similarly, these tests will keep your preparations on track and provide you with an accurate assessment of your capabilities and abilities.
