5 Amazing Benefits Of PMP Certification

by KnowledgeHut
27th Aug, 2016
Last updated on 28th Mar, 2019

Climbing up the career ladder is not easy and it takes a lot of hard work and patience. However, with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, things can become a little easier. A PMP certification can increase your salary dramatically and benefit your career. It improves your project management skills and makes you better at handling projects. Here are some of the benefits of earning a PMP certification:

Growth In Career

The PMP certification course is an internationally accredited one and is recognized by the entire global business community. Most big corporates look for PMP certified project managers and earning this certification would surely land you with a better job.

Everybody in the corporate world know the benefit of networking. When you become PMP certified, you’ll be in touch with people pursuing PMP certification courses and ones who are already PMP certified. You never know who might help you in getting a better job (and salary). The more people who you are in touch with in your field, the better it is for your career growth.

Enhance Your Skills

It’s not easy to get the PMP certification and you need to undergo rigorous training for the same. There is a also a significant amount of coursework involved. You get trained and educated in in five project management processes—planning, initiating, implementing, monitoring and controlling, and finally closing. In short, you learn A-Z of project management which you can implement in your company projects for better project execution.

Expand Your Marketability

A PMP certification can help reach to global organizations working in different parts of the world. It enhances your professional marketability to a great extent and legitimise your experience as a project manager. You’d also be in touch with individuals aspiring to take up the course and PMP certified professionals as already mentioned, through project management forums and discussion boards, helping you to master your expertise with their tips and knowledge.

Earn More

PMP certified project managers earn more than the non-certified ones. As soon as you get your PMP degree, you can command a higher pay and you can expect an immediate hike. Many surveys have shown that PMP certified project managers earn at least 20 percent more than the non-certified counterparts. Also PMP certified professionals have the capability to earn a six figure income.

Be A Project Manager Corporates Look For

Last but not the least, a PMP certification shapes you as an efficient project manager, though that depends on how seriously you take up your course. A project manager needs to take care a lot of things and all such aspects are covered under this certification course.

Project managers might need to train others and evaluate team members and even potential employees. A PMP certification gives you the skills and knowledge required to handle such situations as well.

The benefits of PMP certification are many and not just limited to these five. No matter what your field is—commerce, finance, research, telecom, technology, or business, a PMP credential is a ideal bet for professionals looking for better job opportunities and is your stepping stone to new markets, new industries, and even new countries.

The lengthy exam process and hefty exam and course fee might demotivate you for taking it up, but your money and time (and of course effort) is worth it as the returns you get is way beyond you can think of.

KnowledgeHut

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KnowledgeHut is a fast growing Management Consulting and Training firm that is a source of Intelligent Information support for businesses and professionals across the globe.

Website : http://www.knowledgehut.com/

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Why It’s Worth Becoming A Certified Project Management Professional. - KnowledgeHut 31 Dec 2016

[…] A Certified Project Management Professional course has been one of the most debated arguments in the field of management. Getting a PMP certification is not easy- it requires strenuous hours of dedication and experience, which is one of the reasons it has been ignored by the masses. There are more benefits of PMP certification […]

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Amber 31 May 2018

I find your opinion quite interesting, really helpful for PMP Certification Exam

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Career Opportunities for PRINCE® Certified Professionals

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Are you considering investing time, money, and effort into something that will help launch and elevate your career in Project Management?Keep reading to discover a host of options for your career in project management if you are a PRINCE2® certified professional.The benefits gained will more than justify your decision to spend your hard-earned money, time, and effort on PRINCE2® certification as it will help you progress up the career ladder and be known as a professional committed to quality.In this article, we will discuss your career prospects and job opportunities after being certified as either PRINCE2® Foundation or Practitioner or both. It also discusses how these certifications can assist you in furthering your career.So, how does a PRINCE2® qualification benefit me?The benefits are:1. It is one of the most popular project management methods in the world.PRINCE2® is a methodology that is widely implemented in various projects across the globe irrespective of size or sector. Acquiring this certification reflects that you have the knowledge of PRINCE2® terminologies. It will help you to better communicate and engage with clients and stakeholders as you will become adept at project management language that is commonly spoken around the world. 2. Project Management is becoming a skill that is in-demand. According to a survey conducted by AXELOS in 2017 in The Future Project Manager Report, around 76% of the respondents voted that project management will become a basic business skill which will be used by everyone.The best way to acquire project management skills and knowledge is by getting certified.3. Being PRINCE2® certified can boost your salary.Project-management certified professionals have salaries much higher than their non-certified counterparts. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a PRINCE2® Practitioner ranges from $40,000 to $242,000 per year.4. Become a better project manager by being PRINCE2® certified. PRINCE2® provides the best project management practices that are known to contribute to project success. It describes the optimal approach when it comes to managing 5. PRINCE2® opens the door for global opportunities. PRINCE2® is recognized by many multinational and government organisations, which increases the opportunities for employment in the global market.6. Being PRINCE2® certified can boost your career.It is an added advantage if you hold a PRINCE2® certification as employers in the UK and Europe prefer candidates with a PRINCE2® qualification, especially in the field of project support or administrator.7. Become more confident with PRINCE2®.You’ll feel more confident about your work with the certification, which will be reflected in your project role.8. Gain respect from your peers.PRINCE2® qualification and knowledge will help you become a better project practitioner, gain respect at work, and help your career grow.Who should get PRINCE2® certified?Having a PRINCE2® certification will be helpful for the following professionals:Project ManagersProject EngineersSoftware DevelopersProject ExecutivesAssociate Project ManagersSoftware EngineersHow does the PRINCE2® Certification help me with better job prospects?As a project management professional, you will be tasked with huge responsibilities. By being PRINCE2® certified, you can plan, manage, and control the progress of projects in a more efficient and effective manner and ensure that goals are achieved within the deadline.For candidates who wish to pursue a career in project management, positions such as project analyst and project planner serve as stepping stones to higher positions. These roles help the professional work alongside a project manager, and learn in-depth the practical application of project management methods and the steps involved in leading a project to successful completion.The role of Project Manager: It is the role of a Project Manager to synchronize resources like money, people and materials, and deliver products as specified by the customers. The Project Manager is responsible for planning the project, communicating with stakeholders, managing risks and issues, reporting to the senior manager as well as monitoring the progress of the project.The role of a Programme Manager: A Project Manager with experience can get promoted to the role of a Programme Manager and is responsible for planning and coordination of multiple projects which are managed by the project manager.It’s a job which is much in demand and well-paid. It is required that a programme manager have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the process of project management, along with the drive and enthusiasm to ensure execution and completion of projects.What are the roles and responsibilities for a PRINCE2® qualified professional?The major roles and responsibilities are listed below:Corporate or Programme Management: The corporate or programme manager is not a part of the project management team and is responsible for naming the executive, project mandate and describing the different levels of tolerances.Project Board: They are responsible for planning the direction and flow of the process that leads to the success of the project.Project Manager: He is responsible for the project management on an everyday basis, while at the same time working within restraints as set out by the project board.Team Members: It is the responsibility of the team members to deliver the required products within the specified expense and time, without affecting the quality of the product.Job opportunities for PRINCE2® certified professionalsWith PRINCE2® certification, you will be able to explore job opportunities from around the globe. This course equips you with the core competencies of project management, which will help you get jobs in various profiles of project management. With a PRINCE2® certification, you can opt for designations such as:Project Manager, ITSenior Project Manager, ITService Delivery ManagerProgram Manager, ITProject Manager, Software DevelopmentCustomer Project ManagerTechnical Project ManagerProject Management AnalystNational Senior EQA Scheme OfficerService Improvement ManagerImplementation Project ManagerProject Delivery ManagerPRINCE2® ConsultantInnovation Delivery ManagerPRINCE2® is an essential measure for the recruiters who aim to have creative and talented professionals onboard their company.They believe that a PRINCE2® certified professional is capable of managing any business requirement successfully under pressure. Moreover, most progressive and competitive companies realise the value in training their employees to deliver top class projects within a proposed deadline, and they consider PRINCE2® as the de-facto benchmark for managing projects efficiently.How do I start on my PRINCE2® Certification?Getting PRINCE2® certified is the best way to get a job in project management. A PRINCE2® certification will definitely increase your chances of landing yourself a project management job, by imparting an additional attribute to your CV.This will indicate to the employer that you are qualified for the position you are being hired for. As PRINCE2® certifications provide a wealth of project management techniques, you will no longer have to toil hard year after year to gain experience before applying for lucrative job roles in project management. The certification will also make you stand out for a project support role. It will save you a lot of time and energy while pushing your resume to the top of the pile.On completion of your PRINCE2® certification, you will have the confidence to apply for jobs in areas of project management. With the certification you can expect an average salary of around £32,000.What jobs can PRINCE2® certified professionals expect if they do not have any work experience?Even though a PRINCE2® certification will add credibility to your CV, you may need to gain years of experience within an appropriate technical role relevant to a project management job.In the above scenario, what gets counted is the individual’s work experience. A university fresher with just a degree and PRINCE2® certification will be highly unlikely to land a role as a project manager unless the job is specific for a graduate.For professionals who want to move to project management and PRINCE2® certified, their chances depend on their previous job experience. The jobs they can expect depend on each individual’s capabilities.What additional jobs are there for PRINCE2® certified professionals?Go for jobs where the employers mention that they consider PRINCE2® certification as an essential qualification criterion for their requirements. However, an employer might even ignore the PRINCE2® criterion if the candidate’s experience fits their job requirements.What would you need to get hired for entry-level job roles? It depends clearly on how you are categorised for an entry-level role. You may believe that getting an entry-level job like Project Administrator is possible just because this requires minimal experience, but please remember, there will be experienced Project Administrators vying for the same role as you. While they might be wanting to use this opportunity to gain more experience or as a means to move to another job role like Project Management, what you need to understand is that there will be some competition even from experienced campaigners when applying for entry-level jobs like Project Administrator.Getting more experience with the aid of PRINCE2® certificationsProfessionals holding the PRINCE2® certification but with no relevant experience in project management are advised to implement the PRINCE2® methodology in their own line of work. Project management can be categorised into two types: Formal and Informal.Informal project management experience involves professionals gaining experience by watching, interacting and learning from project managers working in the same company as them. They can observe what they do to work effectively while co-relating with the PRINCE2® knowledge that they have gained. Check if there is an option to get a job role of an assistant or coordinator.Lack of opportunities will make it tougher for you to gain experience. In such cases, experience and knowledge can be gained by working for or doing pro bono work for charitable organisations or professional bodies. Interacting with the people within these organisations might open up opportunities in project management once they come to know that your skills and expertise are suited for the job role. Be hardworking, that is all!What kind of job roles open up after gaining experience?Once PRINCE2® certified professionals gain enough experience in project management, a lot of progressive options open up. Project management skills are useful for not only project management alone but in other lines of work as well. PRINCE2® certified professionals can either continue along the project management path or utilise their project management experience skills in a more senior executive job role. They can start their own businesses, or turn into contractors; there are endless scopes of career development and chances of getting a better salary.PRINCE2® and PMP®: The differencesAlthough both are based on project management with similar ideas and thought-processes, there are some distinct differences between PRINCE2® and PMP®.Here are the top 10 differences between the above two:DifferencesPRINCE2®PMP®1Where did it originate from?Who controls and manages it?UK regionOwned by Axelos, UKUSARegulated by PMI, USA.2What it focuses on:What/ When/ Whom?How?3Methodology:Process-basedKnowledge-based4Study material for the examination:Official manual, “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® (2017 Edition)PMBOK® Guide - Project Management Body of Knowledge Edition 6 along with standards & practice frameworks, available on PMI site5The framework that it relies upon:Prescriptive: It is based on best practices in the project environmentDescriptive: It is formed with knowledge areas such as scope, schedule, cost, risk, etc.6What structure does it follow?An integrated set of themes & processes along with 7 mandatory principles10 Knowledge areas, which can be referred to in isolation to master a specific project management knowledge7About the project roles:All the project roles are well defined.Gives more importance to the role of a project manager.8Certifications:PRINCE2® offers two levels of certification:FoundationPractitionerWhile PMI offers many certifications that relate to other forms of project management, PMP® is the most recognized and popular project management certification.PMI also offers a basic CAPM certification that covers the foundational understanding of project management.9Well received in regions such as:The UK, Australia, the majority of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.USA, Canada, South America, Australia, Africa, Switzerland, the Middle East, and some parts of Asia10Eligibility:No eligibility criteria for Foundation level.However, for the Practitioner level,you must have obtained certification on at least one of the following:PRINCE2® FoundationProject Management Professional (PMP®)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)The eligibility criteria are mentioned below:Academic level (Higher secondary or Degree holder)Experience in projects35 Contact hours training11Cost of ExaminationFoundation level: $900Practitioner level: $1000 (Approximately)The cost varies according to the region you are taking the examination inPMI members: $405Non-PMI members: $555PRINCE2® vs PMP®: Regions that prefer themPMP® and PRINCE2® are based on and preferred in different regions of the world. PMP® is widely implemented for project management in North and South America, while PRINCE2® is famous in the UK and the rest of Europe. However, both are equally preferred in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.Geographic RegionPRINCE2®PMP®United KingdomPreferredThe United States of AmericaPreferredAsiaEqually PreferredEqually PreferredEuropePreferredAustraliaEqually PreferredEqually PreferredAfricaEqually PreferredEqually PreferredThe Middle EastEqually PreferredEqually PreferredNorth AmericaPreferredPreferredSouth AmericaPreferredPRINCE2® vs PMP®: Expected salary and job opportunitiesBefore going for certification, people often wonder which of the credentials; PMP® or PRINCE2®, will offer them better job prospects. Well, to be honest, comparing the two would be rather unfair. In both the options, one needs to possess or gain experience in project management to land better jobs with higher pay scales. Both credentials can lead to a bright future in project management. It all depends on the professional and in which part of the world he or she is planning to work in.Here are the different pay scales that PRINCE2® and PMP® professionals can get and the companies that hire them:PRINCE2® certified professionalsPMP® certified professionalsSalary range$ 77,000 to $ 90,000$105,000 to $115,000Hiring companiesTCS, Tech Mahindra, HCL, Fujitsu, Capgemini, EricssonIntel, Microsoft, CGI, Dell, L’Oreal, IBMThe salary structure depends on years of experience and also depends on the job role in project management.ConclusionFor all the reasons mentioned above, PRINCE2® certifications are the ideal way to kickstart your career in Project Management. PRINCE2® can be tailored to suit any project type at any scale, and will readily integrate into evolving methodologies, like agile. We wish you success in your journey in the Project Management world!

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Career Opportunities for PRINCE® Certified Professionals

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Complete Guide on PRINCE2® Foundation Examination

By KnowledgeHut

The key to excelling in any examination is to analyse its structure, question-pattern, and most importantly, the syllabus of the subject that you are going to take the examination for. If you prepare for an examination blindly by ignoring any one of the three criteria listed above, then the final outcome of your exam might be something unexpected.So, in order to pass any examination with flying colours, you must tread carefully and follow a proper procedure to plan your preparation for an examination.In this article, we will discuss the structure of PRINCE2® Foundation Examination, being certified with which will help you understand how the themes of PRINCE2®, its principles, processes, themes, and terminology are applied towards finishing a project with success and establish you as an informed member of a project management team. It is better if you plan your preparations following a proper procedure.So, let us begin understanding the PRINCE2® Foundation Examination structure.At first, let us get a brief overview of what the PRINCE2® Foundation Examination expects you to know.PRINCE2® Foundation Examination will test your ability to act as an informed member of a project management team using the PRINCE2® method within a project environment supporting PRINCE2®. From your end, you require to demonstrate that you understand the principles, themes, processes, and the terminology of the method.Once you pass the PRINCE2® Foundation Examination, you should be able to:Explain the purpose and major content of all roles, the seven principles, the seven themes, and the seven processes.State which management products are input to, and output from the seven processes.State the main purpose, and key contents, of the major management products.State the relationships between processes, deliverables, roles and the management dimensions of a project.The above gives you a brief but clear explanation of what this examination will demand from you in the form of the questions.Individuals who can go for the PRINCE2® Foundation Certification:There are no eligibility criteria to appear for the PRINCE2® Foundation Certification Examination. The PRINCE2® Foundation Certification is open for anybody to get accredited with, for ones who want to manage their projects, although it is found to be more useful for IT employees. But whether an individual is a designer, or develops and delivers projects, this certification will prove very effective. Moreover, if you currently are a project manager or planning to become one, then the PRINCE2® certification is the one for you.What is the examination format of PRINCE2® Foundation?Now, let’s dive a bit more into the structure of the PRINCE2® Foundation examination. The examination of the PRINCE2® Foundation Level is structured as follows :PRINCE2® Foundation examination will contain objective type testing questions. It will be a closed book examination and conducted by PEOPLECERT, who will give you an hour’s time to complete answering the question paper.This examination includes 60 questions, 5 out of them being trial questions and will not add to your final score.To pass the examination you will need to secure at least 55%, which is answering 33 out of 60 correctly.PRINCE2® Examination and Certification InfoInfo/ Examination typePRINCE2® Foundation ExaminationQuestion typeObjectiveConducted byPEOPLECERTCertification familyPRINCE2®Created byAXELOSTime allocated1 hourNumber of questions60Passing criteria 55%, i.e, at least 33 out of 60 questions need to be answered correctlyLevelFoundationNumber of Examination Languages6Re-certificationNot requiredClosed/Open bookClosed bookModes of languages for the examination:DutchEnglishFrenchGermanNorwegianPolishYou can check the PEOPLECERT website for more information.Which topics are covered in the PRINCE2® Foundation Examination?Here is the list of the necessary topics that are covered:Overview, Principles and Tailoring PRINCE2® to the Project EnvironmentBusiness Case (BC) ThemeQuality (QU) ThemePlans (PL) ThemeRisk (RK) ThemeChange (CH) ThemeProgress (PG) ThemeStarting up a Project (SU) ProcessDirecting a Project (DP) ProcessInitiating a Project (IP) ProcessControlling a Stage (CS) ProcessManaging Product Delivery (MP) ProcessManaging a Stage Boundary (SB) ProcessClosing a Project (CP) Process.How does one go about opting for the examination?You can opt for PRINCE2® examinations by either:Being a part of a PRINCE2® accredited training course through your PRINCE2® Training providerOnlineOr at a public PRINCE2® examination centre.The standard setup for classroom courses is paper-based. Ones who self-study, or practice eLearning courses, usually appear for the online examinations. The online examinations are invigilated too, and you should be in a quiet room separately with the webcam and microphone recording you.How difficult is the examination?There is no penalty for incorrect answers, keeping in mind that the examination is not expected to include every detail and advanced topics like tailoring. The passing score is low as well and you will require to secure at least 50% of the total. Therefore a random answer sheet already has a 25% score on an average. All you need to do is get 50% to pass the examination. The examination is rather simple and about 95% of the examination results are successful. This is stated by the seasonal reports from the examination institutes such as:APMG InternationalBCS, Learning and Development LtdCSMEEXINPeopleCert.PRINCE2® Foundation Syllabus:It is essential for you to have complete knowledge of the PRINCE2® principles, terminology, processes and themes. You must be able to:Describe the purpose and major content of all roles, the seven principles, the seven themes, and the seven processesMention which management products are to be included as input or output from the seven processesState the main purpose, and key contents, of the major management productsExplain how processes, deliverables, roles and the management dimensions of a project are related to each other.What is the main resource used to pass the examination?Many training organizations and candidates resort to the official manual by Axelos, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® for the main resource. However, the same should be only used when one goes for the PRINCE2® Practitioner Examination.The reason is, the official manual by Axelos is too long and holds too much information for somebody who is going just for the Foundation examination and can become quite daunting too.Like many candidates, you should go for simplified resources to prepare for the Foundation examination. You may also practice sample questions and examination questions of previous examinations to increase the chances of scoring more.Many candidates have set the trend of using the PRINCE2® Foundation Training manual because it is completely focussed on the PRINCE2® Foundation syllabus.Here is how the above-mentioned training manual different from the official one from Axelos:It is a manual for training purposes, not reference.It offers lots of examples of Management Products and that makes it easier for the candidates to understand.It focuses completely on the PRINCE2® Foundation syllabus and examination.It cites examples to·help explain new PRINCE2® terms.It offers an overview of all the types of questions that the candidates expect to face.It is available in PDF format that makes it easy to navigate to what you need.What is the procedure to prepare for the examination?There are three options:Take classroom courses: The standard course lasts for 3 days, with the examination to be conducted at the end of the last dayTake eLearning coursesOr self-study.It depends entirely on your experience and knowledge on how long you will take for self-study or in completing eLearning courses. This might be between 20 to 40 hours.It is recommended for you to opt for the classroom and eLearning courses from an Accredited Training Organisation. Why? Because the examination institutes reviewed and approved their material and the Accredited Training Organisations do mention the same information in their respective websites.What are the various types of questions?There are 3 types of question styles present in the PRINCE2® Foundation Examination, ‘Classic’, ‘List’ and ‘Missing word’. The questions are always presented in multiple-choice format. Therefore, all you need to do is choose one out of the four given options. Each question in the examination paper has one correct answer.‘Classic’ style questions: This question style will feature four options. One of them will hold the correct answer to the question. You can select only one. Therefore, you should read the question and the options carefully to make your choice.‘List’ style questions: This question style will have a question followed by four statements and four options. Every option will have a combination of three statements. You will need to read the statements, relate each option with the question, and choose the correct answer.‘Missing word’ style questions: This question style will provide you with a statement instead of a question which will have a missing word, the question being followed by four options, with any one of the four being the possible missing word in the statement. But you will go through all the four given options and choose the one which is relatable to the statement.Paying and appearing for the examinationFor classroom training, the examination is usually being conducted by the trainer at the end of the course. The examination fees vary from country to country and you will need to check with the accredited training organisations to check for the correct figures.The PRINCE2® Foundation Examination fee offer from PEOPLECERT: £236.00 for India.Some eLearning courses also have the examination bundled with their offered courses, and you will get a voucher from the Accredited Training Organisation, the voucher which you can use when appearing for the examination in one of the examination institutes’ websites. You may buy the examination from the Accredited Training Organisations or examination institutes separately and go through the same process.Choices are also available to take the examination in certain test centres such as Prometric, but it is not as common as other options.Choosing the test centre and scheduling/rescheduling/cancelling the examinationFollow these steps in order to register for the examination and choose the examination centre.Via Pearson Vue:Step 1: Visit the link:https://www.peoplecert.org/browse-certifications/project-programme-and-portfolio-management/PRINCE2®-2/PRINCE2®-2017-foundation-2232.Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the header ‘Take the Exam’.Step 3: At the bottom right corner of the screen, under ‘Approved Test Centre’, click ‘Pearson Vue’.Step 4: You will be taken to the page of Pearson VueStep 5: At the right-hand side of the page, you will see a host of options. You will need to sign in or create an account to schedule, reschedule or cancel an examination.Step 6: To find a test centre, look just below where you are asked to sign-in and you will need to either click on ‘Find a Test Center’ or ‘Find a test centre on a military base’ to search for the test centre according to your choice.Step 7: Proceed with the chosen test centre to schedule the examination date that you prefer.Via Prometric:Step 1: Repeat step 1 from above.Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the header ‘Take the Exam’.Step 3: At the bottom right corner of the screen, under ‘Approved Test Centre’ click‘ Prometric’.Step 4: You will be taken to the page of Prometric: https://www.prometric.com/PCERT/Pages/landing.aspxStep 5: At the top of the page you will find four options:‘Schedule My Test’: Click this option if you want to schedule the day and date of your examination.‘Locate A Test Center’: Click this option if you want to find the test centre according to your choice.‘Reschedule/Cancel My Test’: Click this option if you want to reschedule the day of your examinations or cancel it.‘Confirm My Test’: Click this option if you want to get a confirmation on the test centre, the day and date when your examination will be held.ConclusionSo that was the discussion of the PRINCE2® Foundation Examination structure. This blog will help you to get a deep understanding of the core details of the system, structure, criteria, and nature of the examination. After this, you surely would have a clearer idea about how the entire examination system works and what you need to apply for the same. Not only that, but you will also be better positioned to move ahead in understanding the further details regarding PRINCE2®.All the best!

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Complete Guide on PRINCE2® Foundation Examination

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Get PRINCE2® Certified

By KnowledgeHut

Gone are the days when one can stay satisfied with one’s job and stay relaxed about securing one’s future. Nowadays, it is no longer an ‘An easy and relaxed life’ anymore. Things have changed a lot and will keep doing so. It is a ‘Dog-eat-dog world’ where the competition is as fierce as it can possibly be.So what does one need to grow in one’s career? A tool that gives an advantage over others. Project management is the key to ensure that the project triangle is properly maintained which results in keeping the budget, scope, and timely delivery in check. This also unites the team and keeps everybody on the same page. Projects being delivered effectively on time creates a positive impact on the entire organisation as well.To do that, we need a methodology. PRINCE2® is one of those methods, excelling in which will take you to that next level in handling a particular project for any organisation in the most effective manner. It is the most frequently-used project management method and will offer you the confidence to manage your project effectively with success.In this article, we will discuss what PRINCE2® certification holds, the requirements needed to apply for the same, the benefits involved, and the proper procedure to apply for the examination.If you are interested to know about the above, then you have reached the right place.So, let us begin.What does the PRINCE2® Certification hold for you?PRINCE2® is made up of 7 principles, themes, processes, and project environment. The method used aids in managing projects with success no matter what the size and scale of a project are.PRINCE2® includes the following:The PRINCE2® manual – Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 EditionA Certification Scheme to help you reach either the ‘Foundation’ level or the ’Practitioner’A Membership subscription facility.To get PRINCE2® certified, you need to know that there are four levels in PRINCE2® Certification:PRINCE2® Foundation is the entry levelPRINCE2® Practitioner is the advanced levelPRINCE2® Agile FoundationPRINCE2® Agile Practitioner qualification.Even if there are four levels of certifications for PRINCE2®, the first two, PRINCE2® Foundation, and PRINCE2® Practitioner are the most sought after and the prerequisites vary for each of them.Let us have a look at each of their requirements and what you will learn from them.PRINCE2® Foundation qualification will educate you with the principles of PRINCE2®, its themes, terminology, and the way you will be able to implement PRINCE2® methodology to a project environment supporting PRINCE2®, thus making you an informed member of a project management team.Prerequisites:There are no specific pre-conditions for the Foundation level certification.You may study this on your own or as take it as a prerequisite to the PRINCE2® Practitioner courseHowever, with respect to PRINCE2® Certification Requirements, while it is not mandatory, having a basic knowledge of managing projects is always preferred.In that way, training in PRINCE2® will prepare you for the Foundation level certification in a much better manner in familiarising you with the methods, terms, and concepts.PRINCE2® Practitioner qualification will prepare you to apply PRINCE2® methodology in running and managing a project in an environment which supports the idea of implementing PRINCE2®. Once are able to do so, you will be able to apply PRINCE2® accordingly to take care of the requirements and issues that emerge from a specific project scenario. This results in you getting a comprehensible knowledge about relating PRINCE2® principles with its themes, processes, and PRINCE2® products, and understand them at the same time.Prerequisites:To go for this course and examination, you will need to provide proof that you passed one of the following:PRINCE2® FoundationProject Management Professional (PMP®)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).Only present-day certifications will qualify as a prerequisite.PRINCE2® Agile Foundation qualification comes into the picture once you are aware of what PRINCE2® processes, themes, and principles are, will educate you about governing PRINCE2® and an extensive range of agile concepts. It is similar to PRINCE2® Foundation and after being qualified, you will be able to understand how PRINCE2® 's methodology goes hand in hand with agile concepts while being an informed member of an agile project team simultaneously.PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner qualification teaches certified project managers on how to combine PRINCE2®'s structure, governance, and control with agile methods, techniques and approaches to get an effective result.Prerequisites:Just like PRINCE2® Practitioner, you will need to furnish proof of having passed one of the following:PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)Project Management Professional (PMP®)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).Like before, only current certifications will qualify as a prerequisite.However, all the levels of certification have the same examination style and structure.Who can go for PRINCE2® certification?Anybody can use PRINCE2® to manage their projects. If you are a project designer, or into the development and delivery of projects, then you will find this certification very helpful. Moreover, if you currently are a project manager or planning to become one, then PRINCE2® certification is the one for you.The PRINCE2® Foundation certification is for professionals who want to indicate that they can be an informed and effective member of a project management team by knowing PRINCE2® methodology, its themes, principles and processes within a PRINCE2® supporting environment.Moreover, the PRINCE2® Foundation Certification also acts as a prerequisite for professionals who want to get PRINCE2® Practitioner or PRINCE2® Agile certified.The PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification is for professionals who have sufficient knowledge about PRINCE2® methodologies and the application of the same, working effectively and actively with a project management team in a specific scenario and within a PRINCE2® supporting environment.What are the PRINCE2® training options?You can attend classroom training or study onlineVisit this Axelos link or the PRINCE2® website to find a local PRINCE2® Classroom Training or Online Training centre.Tell me about the PRINCE2® Certification examinations.Now that we have discussed the requirements of the PRINCE2® Certifications, let us understand the style and structure of the PRINCE2® Certification examinations to help you know how to pass it.Understanding the examination formatIt is quite normal to have lots of questions about the examination format, as this is one of the most crucial inquiries.PRINCE2® examinations are either undergone:As a part of a PRINCE2® accredited training course through your PRINCE2® training providerOnlineAt a public PRINCE2® examination centre.Regardless of which option you choose, the style and structure of each examination remain nearly the same.First, we will cover the examination structure. Let us go through them one by one.PRINCE2® Foundation Level Certification Examination 2009:The duration of the examination is 60 minutes.It includes 75 questions.You will need 50% to pass the examination. So you will need to get at least 35 out of the total 70 questions correct. Please note that 5 of the questions are for trial and are not counted in your final score.It will have a ‘Multiple Choice Question’ pattern.There is no negative marking.PRINCE2® Foundation Level Certification Examination 2017:The duration of the examination is 60 minutesIt includes 60 questionsYou will need 55% to pass the examination. So you will need to get at least 33 out of the total 60 questions correctIt will have a ‘Multiple Choice Question’ patternThere is no negative markingThere will be a Reference Book: Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® publication, 2017 edition. But, it will be a closed book examinationThere will be various types of questions: You may be given the regular question pattern with 4-Answer options, or filling a missing word type or pick 2 correct statements from a given list of 4 statements.But you might be wondering how the 2009 Certification differs from the 2017 version, and if either the requirements or the content has changed. Well, here is what is new about PRINCE2® 2017:It has a revised PRINCE2® GuidanceEmphasises the approach in the methods of managing projects using the same 7 principles, themes and processesCustomises PRINCE2® for the specific organisational and environmental needFocuses on the relationship between themes and principlesRedraws ‘Themes’ to include pertinent and specific examples of tailoringProvides more examples of practical application of methods and guidance to enable you to use for project managementHas become even more a ready reckoner and reference for all aspects of managing projectsPuts more emphasis on membership for practitioners and foundation level certification holders to stay up to date and validate their certifications.Now, let us analyse the PRINCE2® Practitioner examination requirements as well.PRINCE2® Practitioner Level Certification Examination 2009:Type of questions: ObjectiveThere will be 8 questions – 10 question items per question, each worth one markYou will need 55% to pass the examination. So you will need to get at least 44 out of the total 80 questions correctThe duration of the examination is 150 minutes (2 and a half hours)It will be an open book examination (Official PRINCE2® manual only).You might get this question about what you will need to do if you have a 2009 certificate, that whether you will need to reappear for the examination in the new 2017 format or wonder what the PRINCE2® certifications might reflect.If you hold a 2009 credential, you will not need to appear for the examination again!But, as the update was made to add more best practices or make subtle adjustments to the existing content, it is good to have an understanding of the revised material.This can be done by:Purchasing the 2017 PRINCE2® manual:Take AXELOS membershipGo through the FAQs published on AXELOS websiteBe a part of the AXELOS community account.PRINCE2® Practitioner Level Certification Examination 2017:Type of questions: ObjectiveThere will be a total of 68 questionsYou will need 55% to pass the examination. So you will need to get at least 38 out of the total 68 questions correctThe duration of the examination is 150 minutes (2 and a half hours)It will be an open book examination (Official PRINCE2® manual only).What is the outcome of being certified as a PRINCE2® Practitioner?When you become a certified PRINCE2® Practitioner, you demonstrate your ability to implement PRINCE2® methodology in multiple environments for any kind of project, and according to the specifications of your organisation. That is why, in project management, PRINCE2® Foundation certification level remains as one of the crucial requirements to pursue the Practitioner level.About the validity of the Practitioner certificate:Although the PRINCE2® Foundation certificate has lifelong validity, the Practitioner Certificate is not. It will expire three calendar years from their original certification.You either will need to resit for the Practitioner examination or renew your certificate through a subscription to My PRINCE2®.Here are the criteria that you need to meet within the three-year period, to make sure that you stay updated through My PRINCE2®:Join My PRINCE2® within three months of passing your Practitioner examination and renew your subscription every year during the three-year period. The membership fee is £50.00 + Taxes per year.You will need to maintain the PRINCE2® digital badge which you will get as a part of My PRINCE2® during the three-year period. During that period of time, you will require to earn 20 CPD points each year in the prescribed categories to be eligible for the renewal extension of your badge.This will result in you getting your Practitioner certificate renewed for a further three years.You will have the one year’s subscription included with your PRINCE2® Practitioner certificate. My PRINCE2® is an online subscription to the latest resources and content assisting you to apply everything that you learned during the PRINCE2® Practitioner examination to the workplace, as well as sharpening your skills and knowledge in line with future innovations in project and programme management.What are the benefits of being registered My PRINCE2®?As a My PRINCE2® subscriber, you will have access to:PRINCE2® templates and publications to apply ‘PRINCE2® best practice’A CPD toolset to keep your certificate up-to-date.Axelos will contact the successful candidates with a discount code. When contacted, the chosen candidates should have opted into AXELOS’s Successful Candidates Register at the time of examination registration. For any relevant enquiries, the candidates can email Axelos at membership@axelos.com.What is My PRINCE2®?My PRINCE2® is the go-to best practice subscription for project management professionals. It provides you with every possible practical help, easily accessible support, and professional approval to develop your project management career.You will get easy access to:PRINCE2® 2017 and PRINCE2® Agile official online guidancePRINCE2® 2017 templates to support you with every projectExclusive white papersMember’s discounts to industry publications, training courses, and events.But what are PRINCE2® digital badges?Digital badges are tokens that look like icons. They are granted to imply that you have reached an accomplishment. It is a simple process to verify and share information online. Your digital badge contains and reveals information regarding the activity of your professional improvement along with the issue date and an expiry date.AXELOS authorises this information and delivers it using metadata to avoid alterations. Employers and recruiters can use these badges to verify an individual’s credentials and can act as a differentiator.Your badge will show the highest certification that you hold. For example, if you hold both a PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Practitioner certification, then you will receive a PRINCE2® Practitioner badge.What is the outcome of being certified as a PRINCE2® Practitioner?When you become a certified PRINCE2® Practitioner, you demonstrate your ability to implement PRINCE2® methodology in multiple environments for any kind of project, and according to the specifications of your organisation. That is why, in project management, PRINCE2® Foundation certification level remains as one of the crucial requirements to pursue the Practitioner level.Cost of PRINCE2® certificationsFirstly, the components involved in the PRINCE2® certification cost are:PRINCE2® TrainingPRINCE2® examinationCost of Sample Examination papersStudy GuideMembership fee.From PRINCE2® Foundation to PRINCE2® Practitioner, the training and examination costs change from country to country and from one accredited training organisation to another. All the fees are approximate values and you will need to contact the accredited training organisations to check the exact costs.The components involved in the PRINCE2® certification cost are:PRINCE2® TrainingPRINCE2® examCost of Sample Examination papersStudy GuideMembership fee.Choosing a PRINCE2® course online results in the cost of your training component in PRINCE2® being as low as under $300. Do keep in mind to go for a PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner Certification examinations bundle. By doing so, you will get access to the entire course that will last for a year. Some training providers do provide such courses for just $60 if you desire to finish the same in one month’s time. Generally, you could have to pay around $900 for the Foundation examination, but if you get one of those combined courses featuring both PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner Certification examinations, then you automatically would end up paying much less on the PRINCE2® certification.Nevertheless, if you decide to attend classroom training, then you may have to pay around $1000 for your PRINCE2® certification. Quite some of these PRINCE2® courses cover the cost of the PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner Certification examinations. So do make a note of the cost of the PRINCE2® certification if you intend to go for PRINCE2® training. On top of that, do pay attention to the extent of course coverage, flexibility and the bundled services that each accredited training organisation has to offer. Doing so will help you save money on the cost of PRINCE2® certification.PRINCE2® course onlineGoing for a PRINCE2® course online will help you save a lot of money on the cost of PRINCE2® examination. The online course for PRINCE2® Foundation level may cost you €450 or more. However, the classroom session may cost €1000 or higher. So, in this manner, you will be able to cut down on the cost of the PRINCE2® examination if you choose for the online course.PRINCE2® Examination and Certification InfoInfo/ Examination typeFoundationPractitionerQuestion typeObjectiveObjectiveCertification familyPRINCE2®PRINCE2®Conducted byPEOPLECERTPEOPLECERTCreated byAXELOSAXELOSLevelFoundationAdvancedRe-certificationNot requiredRequiredNumber of questions6068Time allotted60 minutes150 minutes, 180 minutes for languages other than EnglishMarks to qualify33 out of 6038 out of 68Closed/Open bookClosed bookOpen book Only the manual is allowedExamination Languages66The languages that the examinations are held in are:DutchEnglishFrenchGermanNorwegianPolishYou can check the PEOPLECERT website for more information.Choosing the test centre and scheduling/rescheduling/cancelling the examinationFollow these steps in order to register for the examination and choose the examination centre.Via Pearson Vue:Step 1: Visit the link:https://www.peoplecert.org/browse-certifications/project-programme-and-portfolio-management/PRINCE2®-2/PRINCE2®-2017-foundation-2232.Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the header ‘Take the Exam’.Step 3: At the bottom right corner of the screen, under ‘Approved Test Centre’, click ‘Pearson Vue’.Step 4: You will be taken to the page of Pearson VueStep 5: At the right-hand side of the page, you will see a host of options. You will need to sign in or create an account to schedule, reschedule or cancel an examination.Step 6: To find a test centre, look just below where you are asked to sign-in and you will need to either click on ‘Find a Test Center’ or ‘Find a test center on a military base’ to search for the test centre according to your choice.Step 7: Proceed with the chosen test centre to schedule the examination date that you prefer.Via Prometric:Step 1: Repeat step 1 from above.Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the header ‘Take the Exam’.Step 3: At the bottom right corner of the screen, under ‘Approved Test Centre’ click ‘Prometric’.Step 4: You will be taken to the page of Prometric:Step 5: At the top of the page you will find four options:‘Schedule My Test’: Click this option if you want to schedule the day and date of your examination.‘Locate A Test Center’: Click this option if you want to find the test center according to your choice.‘Reschedule/Cancel My Test’: Click this option if you want to reschedule the day of your examinations or cancel it.‘Confirm My Test’: Click this option if you want to get a confirmation on the test centre, the day and date when your examination will be held.PRINCE2® SyllabusIn order to excel in the PRINCE2® certification examinations, you will need to know exactly what will be taught in the certification courses. We will go through the syllabus of both the PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Practitioner certification levels.PRINCE2® Foundation Syllabus:The PRINCE2® Foundation examination intends to test your capability to understand how Prince 2 methodologies work in a project and to be able to act as an informed member of a project management team using the PRINCE2® methodology within a project environment.You will need to exhibit that you have a proper understanding of the principles of the method and terminology. You must be able to:Explain the purpose and major content of all roles, the seven principles, the seven themes, and the seven processesMention which management products are to be included as input or output from the seven processesState the main purpose, and key contents, of the major management productsTell the relationships between processes, deliverables, roles and the management dimensions of a project.PRINCE2® Practitioner SyllabusThe Practitioner is the second of the two PRINCE2® examinations that you require to pass to become a Registered PRINCE2® Practitioner.This PRINCE2® examination test your ability to be able to understand and implement PRINCE2® in running and managing of a project within an environment supporting PRINCE2®. You will require to show that you have what it takes to excel to get qualified with the Foundation certification. You need to demonstrate that you can fine-tune PRINCE2® to address the requirements and issues of any given project scenario. You should be able to:Elaborate all the principles, themes and processes and examples of all PRINCE2® products that are worked on, in the manner they might be applied to address the particular situation of a given project scenarioShow that you do understand how principles, themes, processes, and PRINCE2® products are related to each other and can implement the sameDemonstrate that you do understand the reasons behind the principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2® and the principles assisting these elementsYou must be able to fine-tune PRINCE2® to different project circumstances.Now, after knowing all about getting PRINCE2® certified, you definitely will be curious to know how this certification benefits you.Here are the benefits of getting PRINCE2® certified:Growth in career: Both levels of certifications, be it PRINCE2® Foundation or PRINCE2® Practitioner, boost your career in the best manner possible. If you think you fill in all the checkboxes of the PRINCE2® Certification Requirements, then PRINCE2® certification should become one of your most sought after resolutions.Increase in salary: As it is a much sought after credential, PRINCE2® definitely increases your chances to get a raise.Professional Recognition: As a result of being PRINCE2® certified, you will get more recognition and credibility from your peers and organisation.Best Practice: You know what it takes to manage projects in the most efficient way possible and thus you can implement your ideas on the same, The certification adds value to your career, which in turn makes you a valuable asset to your company.PRINCE2® Vs PMP®Both PRINCE2® and PMP® are two well-acclaimed certifications in Project Management. They comprise of different ideas that are special in their own way. It is really difficult to ascertain which one of these two is better and proves itself as the best choice for an individual in Project Management.Let us have a look at the similarities between these two and compare them with each other Conclusion.Similarities:Both deliver the methods of project management.The prime focus is to manage projects with efficiency.Both are well-known throughout the world.In order to complete both the certifications, proper training and evaluations are to be conducted and completed successfully.Comparisons:PRINCE2®PMP®It is a methodology including processes and templates in details.It is based on PMBOK, which is not a methodology but a standard.It is more applicable to the IT industry.It is a general knowledge base for project management and relevant to many industries.It originated in the UK and is widely accepted in Europe and Australia.It was born in the USA and is very popular in North America, the Middle East and Asia.It has three levels: Foundation, Practitioner and Professional.It has only one level.A Project Manager is a mediator between the project and the control board.A Project Manager is the one responsible for the outcome of the project.ConclusionAs we come to the end of our discussion, you do realise that the PRINCE2® Certification requirements give you a proper head start to realise what exactly you need to become a PRINCE2® certification professional.It is quite evident that you will need proper training to help you clear the examination, even if this point is not mentioned in the requirements. So, you will require to choose an accredited and certified training provider to guide you throughout the term of certification. Good luck on your ventures ahead!

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Get PRINCE2® Certified

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12 Apr 2019
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