Career

How to get your PRINCE2® certification

With the right preparation, passing the PRINCE2® exams is absolutely achievable.

Lyndsay Collins

01 November, 2024

If you’re looking to pursue a career in Project Management, earning your PRINCE2® certification is a key step toward success. With the right preparation, passing the PRINCE2® exams is absolutely achievable.

Here’s a guide to help you on your journey:

1. Familiarise yourself with the concept

Ideally, you should already be working as a Project Manager. However, if you’re in another role within a Project team, don’t worry—PRINCE2® is designed for anyone involved in Project Management, and you can learn all the basics as you go. The PRINCE2® methodology is versatile and applicable to a range of industries and project types.

2. Understand the exams

PRINCE2® has two exams, Foundation and Practitioner.

The Foundation exam assesses whether you can be an informed member of a Project Management team using PRINCE2®.

You'll need to demonstrate your understanding of PRINCE2® principles, terminology, and components.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need 35 correct answers to pass (55%). You have 60 minutes to complete the exam.

The Practitioner exam tests your ability to apply PRINCE2® to real-world project scenarios.

You'll need to show your understanding of how PRINCE2® processes, themes, techniques, and management products work together in various situations.

The exam consists of 8 scenario-based questions. You need 44 out of 80 marks to pass.

3. Plan your study schedule

Time management is key:

Project Management skills aren’t just for your career—they’re crucial to your study process. Whether you’re self-studying or attending a course, set clear deadlines and stick to them.

Self-study tips:

If you prefer studying on your own, ensure you allocate time each day to review the material.

You’ll also want to read through PRINCE2® resources in advance, so you can ask more informed questions during your training.

Preparing in advance will help you make the most of your course and reduce stress.

4. Get familiar with the PRINCE2® manual

For the Practitioner exam, you’ll be allowed to use the PRINCE2® manual. However, don’t rely on it too much.

The key is to know where to find answers quickly—time is limited, and you won’t have the luxury of browsing through it for every question.

Study the manual and practice how to locate relevant information efficiently.

5. Practice exam questions

Practice is essential to success. Try doing practice questions regularly to gauge your understanding of the material.

Not only will this boost your confidence, but it will also help you become more familiar with the exam format and improve your time management.

6. Stay calm during the exam

Read thoroughly:

Take your time to read through each question carefully and underline key information.
Focus on the question being asked, and avoid rushing through them.

Start with easy questions:

Answer the questions you find easiest first, then tackle the more difficult ones.
This will help build confidence and ensure you don’t run out of time.

Keep an eye on the clock:

Time management is crucial—watch the clock to make sure you pace yourself and have time to review your answers.

Final thoughts

Earning your PRINCE2® certification can give you a competitive edge in the Project Management world. With careful preparation and by following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to passing your exams and advancing in your career.

Good luck with your PRINCE2® journey—you’ve got this!