The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is the second stage of the PRINCE2 certification path. It is intended for those who want to excel in the project management field. In other words, to be eligible for this evaluation, your background should be connected with a day-to-day project management role or a formal project management task. That’s because this exam is specifically developed to validate your mastery in applying the key methods across various project setups and scenarios.

Significant Features Of The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam

Before you commence with the certification path, let’s have a blow-by-blow elaboration of the crucial details, starting with the prerequisites. To be qualified for the PRINCE2 Practitioner evaluation, candidates are required to have at least one of the following:

• PRINCE2 5th Edition (Practitioner / Foundation)
• PRINCE2 6th Edition (Foundation)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
• Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
• Certified Projects Director (IPMA Level A)
• Certified Senior Project Manager (IPMA Level B)
• Certified Project Manager (IPMA Level C)
• Certified Project Management Associate (IPMA Level D)

Do take note that you need to provide proof of your fulfilled prerequisite in order to start your accreditation journey. If not, then the confirmation of your candidacy will be delayed until such time you can meet this requirement. Aside from this, it’s important that your work background fits with the target audience. Ideally, the best candidates for this official exam are project managers or anyone who is directly related to project management including project board members, product delivery managers, project office personnel, operational line managers, and business change analysts.

After familiarizing the general requirements, it’s time to dig into the exam process details. PRINCE2 Practitioner is an open-book, objective-based test that contains 68 tasks. You are given two and a half hours to complete all the items. And to succeed, you need to get at least 38 correct marks or approximately 55% out of the total question number. Since this is an open book evaluation, you are allowed to maximize the official hard copy of the “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 (2017 Edition)”. Other loose-leaf papers or notes are not permitted.

Useful Training Materials

Passing the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam at the first attempt is the primary goal of every candidate. And the key to success lies in using relevant prep resources. Below are the most recommended materials to reinforce your knowledge and strengthen your technical skills.

1. PRINCE2 Prerequisites Official Guide from AXELOS

For a more detailed look at the official prerequisites set by AXELOS for the PRINCE2 certification track, try to read this resource. This PDF file explains why AXELOS considers other certificates of third-party vendors as prerequisites. It also clarifies how these are chosen and what are the kinds of evidence that serve as proof of your prior accreditation.

2. PRINCE2 Practitioner Candidate Syllabus from AXELOS

The next pertinent material to prepare you for the mentioned above exam is the official PRINCE2 Practitioner syllabus. This outlines the basic aspects of the final evaluation, from the target audience to the test format. More than that, this is a relevant tool in familiarizing the key topics.

There are three major sections highlighted in the coverage. The first area is about the application of core PRINCE2 principles in context. The second domain subsequently takes on the application and modification of vital features of PRINCE2 themes. These include incorporating PRINCE2 requirements for various themes such as business case, organization, quality, plans, risk, change, and progress. Concerning the third knowledge area, you have to go over the application and modification of imperative aspects associated with PRINCE2 processes in a given context. It emphasizes how you start up, direct, and initiate a project, as well as manage a stage process, a product delivery process, and a stage boundary process.

3. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 from AXELOS

Grab a copy of this book from the official site and start learning the relevant topics listed above. This acts as the official manual that covers the PRINCE 2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner certification syllabus. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you consider this as one of your primary resources. The content of this edition strongly revolves around the flexibility and scalability of PRINCE2 methodology and how it works considering different project requirements and complexities.

As the latest version (6th edition), there are significant changes integrated into this publication. Aside from the emphasis on tailoring PRINCE2 to various organizational needs and project environments, it also underlines the link between PRINCE2 principles and themes. Moreover, it delivers comprehensive guidance on applying PRINCE2 methods through pertinent tips and useful examples.

4. PRINCE2 Practitioner training from ATO

Anyone who wants to pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is suggested to undertake the official training course. This formalized training program offers you a more concentrated discussion of the primary test sections to ensure you are right on track. In choosing the best course, it’s highly recommended that you receive training from an Accredited Training Organization (ATO) or their authorized affiliate. It’s because these are the only platforms that are in association with AXELOS’ guidelines, trademarks, and copyright material.

Normally, a PRINCE2 Practitioner training runs for one day and a half, with the exam taking place at the end of this course. The schedule and the rates depend on the available offerings in your area. Therefore, you need to find an ATO of your choice through the search tool provided on the official website.

5. Prince2 2017 Certification Foundation and Practitioner Guidebook written by Sarah Taylor

This is another preparation resource to apply if you want to improve your knowledge base regarding the entire PRINCE2 features and functions. What’s more, you can make use of this material in both your PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification journey. The book can be purchased online through Amazon.

Conclusion

As you realize, accomplishing the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is a strategic way in becoming a thriving and in-demand project manager. Therefore, this accreditation track involves a relevant skillset that is highly useful in dealing with real-life tasks associated with project management. So, take the time to review the ins and outs of the exam before diving into your certification path. Everything is in your hands!