Passing the PRINCE2 Practitioner ExamKnowledge Train’s PRINCE2 training courses enjoy a high pass rate for the PRINCE2 exams. In this article we give you an insight into the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam tests your understanding of PRINCE2 terminology and principles, as well as your ability to apply, analyse, and evaluate the PRINCE2 method in relation to a given project scenario. It is aimed at people who aspire to, or already have, project management responsibilities.
The exam structure
- 9 topics, each focusing on a particular aspect of PRINCE2
- 12 marks per topic
- 55% pass mark (i.e. 59/108 total marks)
- 2.5 hour exam
- You may take an annotated copy of the official PRINCE2 manual (Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, 2009 edition) into the examination; no other revision materials or course notes are allowed.
The exam paper includes a Scenario Booklet, which describes the (fictional) project on which the questions are based.
The learning levels
Thorough knowledge of the PRINCE2 methodology is necessary if you are to stand a good chance of passing the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. In addition, the exam tests various aspects of your understanding of PRINCE2:
- Comprehension - your understanding of the principles, processes, themes, project environment, roles, and how they relate to the project scenario
- Application – your ability to use the themes as appropriate, tailor processes and themes as appropriate for the project scenario, and create management products
- Analysis – your ability to determine whether the PRINCE2 method has been used appropriately or inappropriately at particular points during the project, in particular by appraising past or planned events and completed products
In order to pass the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, you must therefore demonstrate the ability to apply, analyse, and evaluate the PRINCE2 methodology. Accordingly, these skills form the focus of our PRINCE2 Practitioner training.
The syllabus areas
The PRINCE2 syllabus comprises 15 areas: an area for each of the 7 themes, an area for each of the 7 processes, and 1 area covering the overview, the principles, and tailoring. Each topic in the exam tests your understanding of particular syllabus areas, as outlined below:
- 7 ‘theme’ topics (one for each of the themes: Business Case, Organization, Quality, Plans, Risk, Change, and Progress)
- 2 ‘process group’ topics (you will be tested on two of the following process groups: Starting Up a Project and Initiating a Project; Directing a Project, Managing a Stage Boundary, and Closing a Project; Controlling a Stage and Managing Product Delivery)
The question styles
Each topic contains twelve questions, which are based on one of five question styles.
- Classic Multiple Choice - select the correct answer from a list of several options
- Multiple Response – select the 2 correct answers from a list of several options
- Matching – link each item in one list to the appropriate item in a second list
- Sequencing – put events in the correct order
- Assertion/Reason – decide whether the assertion and reason are each true or false; and if both are true, decide whether the reason explains the assertion
The Assertion/Reason questions are arguably the most challenging, due to the number of steps involved in choosing the correct answer for each one. Each question consists of two statements, one of which is referred to as an ‘Assertion’ and the other a ‘Reason’. You must determine whether or not each of the statements is accurate. If both statements are accurate, then you must decide whether the reason is an accurate explanation for the assertion. You must then select your answer from the following options:
A) The assertion is true, the reason is true, and the reason explains the assertion
B) The assertion is true, the reason is true, but the reason does not explain the assertion
C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false
D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true
E) The assertion is false and the reason is false
It is therefore important to consider carefully each element of the question. For example, even if the assertion is false, it is still possible for the reason to be true.
Revision strategy
While you are allowed to refer to the PRINCE2 manual during the examination, relying on this for basic knowledge may waste time that could be spent considering more difficult questions. If you scored highly in the Foundation exam, you should have the core understanding necessary for applying the PRINCE2 method at Practitioner level. Even so, it is a good idea to revise the PRINCE2 method thoroughly in advance, perhaps by completing a PRINCE2 Refresher & Practitioner course (which includes the exam).
PRINCE2® is a trademark of the Office of Government Commerce
Exam strategy
Read the Scenario Booklet carefully before starting the exam, and try to identify the elements of the PRINCE2 method that have been applied to the project. Keep an eye out for flaws in its application.
It is easy to assume that timing is not an issue when the exam is 2.5 hours long. However, the 108 marks available allow very little time per mark. It is a good idea to read through the entire exam paper first, then to attempt the simpler questions, and then go back to the more difficult. This ensures that easy marks are not lost by overestimating the time available. There is no negative marking in this exam (that is to say, marks are not deducted for wrong answers), so answer every question, even if you are uncertain of your answer.
Geared towards a higher level of understanding and competence than the Foundation exam, the Practitioner exam is a rigorous test of practical analytical abilities. These abilities can be honed and best applied by working through sample exam questions and considering the internal structure and application of the PRINCE2 method in detail. Research shows that people who sit the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam after completing an accredited PRINCE2 training course have a pass rate approximately 10% higher than those who do not take training.
Boost your chances of passing the exam
For thorough training and exam preparation, led by an experienced PRINCE2 trainer, book a PRINCE2 course at Knowledge Train. If you need advice about which course best meets your needs, please contact us on +44 (0)20 7148 5985 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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