Introduction
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is one of the most popular exams for project managers and people working in allied fields. Initially, PRINCE was developed by the Government of the UK. It was a method that they used to manage large-scale public sector projects. However, now, this method has been adopted globally in both the private and the public sector.
Unlike other certifications and degrees, PRINCE2 needs to be renewed every three years. If you do not renew the certification, then it will expire, and you will no longer be able to claim that you are a certified PRINCE2 Practitioner.
Overview of the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
PRINCE2 Practitioner is the second of the two levels. There are a few differences between the Foundation and the Practioner levels, and it is crucial to know them. Here are the differences between the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam and the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam:
| Practitioner Exam | Foundation Exam |
| Adapt Principles as per Project | Understand Principles |
| Understand Practical Application | Learn Key Phrases and Terms |
| Learn How To Run a Team | Receive Theoretical Knowledge |
You receive a certification after you pass the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. The certification is meant to show that you have sufficient knowledge and understanding of their project management method and are capable of tailoring their teaching to solve real-world project management problems.
Even though this course is meant for project managers, other people working in allied roles can also be benefited from taking this course. For example, the PRINCE practitioner exam can help:
- Individuals who are working as team managers
- Project support
- Operational line managers
- Project Board members (e.g. Senior Responsible Owners)
- Team Managers (e.g. Product Delivery Managers)
- Project Assurance (e.g. Business Change Analysts)
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Cost of PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
The cost of the exam varies according to the training provider. The training for the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam is conducted by AXELOS' Accredited Training Organisations who are responsible for setting their prices.
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Requirements for PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
To be able to take the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam, you must have passed at least one of the following courses:
- PRINCE2 Foundation (or higher) - this only applies to certificates obtained after 1 January 2009
- Project Management Qualification (PMQ)*
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)*
- IPMA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)
- IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
- IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
- IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate).
While booking yourself to take this exam with a certified examiner, you should ensure that you have proof that you have completed one of the above courses and hold:
- evidence that you have the required prerequisites
- a letter from your former examination institute that you have completed such course
- a letter from AXELOS
If you have not completed the prerequisite, the results of your PRINCE2 Practitioner exam will be withheld. Once you have proven that the precondition is complete, the results of your examination will be released.
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Format of the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam
The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam has the following pattern:
| Structure of Exam | Objective testing |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Purpose of Exam | Application of Principles |
| Number of Questions | 68 questions per paper |
| Pass Mark Required | 38 marks or more required to pass (out of 68 available): approximately 55% |
| Time Allotted | Two-and-a-half hours’ (150 minutes) duration, no additional reading time |
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The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam is available in the following languages:
- English
- German
- Danish
- Norwegian
- French
- Polish
- Dutch
You will be allowed to take the PRINCE2 exam manual with you during the PRINCE2 practitioner exam. However, since the exam is demanding in terms of time, you may not find much time to read the manual.
