This article will help you understand why, how and when to renew your PRINCE2® certification.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate expires after three years. After that, you will need to either retake the exam or maintain it by subscribing to My PRINCE2. If you select the subscription option, then you will need to follow these steps to renew your PRINCE2® certification:
STEPS TO RENEW PRINCE2 CERTIFICATION
For more details on the certification renewal process, click
The renewal of the PRINCE2® certification demonstrates your commitment to continued professional excellence and your expertise in project management with PRINCE2. Here are some reasons to renew your PRINCE2® certification:
PRINCE2 Practitioner is an advanced level project management certification that validates your knowledge of the PRINCE2 methodology. To be eligible for this certification, you must have at least one of the following certifications:
Any of the following can take up the PRINCE2 Practitioner training:
Once you have received the PRINCE2 Foundation Certification, it's time to move forward to apply the methodology to your ongoing projects. You can begin with the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification. This certification aims to provide an understanding of implementing and customizing the methods for different project scenarios and environments. With this certification, you will be able to address the problems and needs of a specific project. Here are the outcomes of PRINCE2 certification:
For the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, you must at least have one of the following certifications:
PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is the second level of the PRINCE2 certification. Once you have the certification, you will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of implementing and customizing the methodology in different project scenarios and environments.
Here is the exam format for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam format:
Category | Exam Information |
Certification Family | PRINCE2 |
Owned By | AXELOS |
Level | Advanced |
Re-certification | Yes, after 3 years |
Exam Duration | 150 minutes |
Languages | 6 |
Pass Mark | 55% (38 out of 68) |
Open book or Closed book | Open book (Only the hard copy of Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 Edition is allowed) |
Exam Price | £389 |
No. of Questions | 68 |
Question Format | Objective Testing |
Languages | English, German, French, Dutch, Polish, and Norwegian |
PRINCE2 Practitioner exam has a passing rate of 55%. This means that you have to answer at least 38 out of 68 questions correctly.
Here are the steps you should follow to get certified in the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam:
There are two ways to take the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam:
Process for Classroom training
The program is 2 days long and the ATO will conduct the exam at the end of the second day. In case you have opted for the combined program of PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner, the exam will be conducted at the end of the fourth or last day of the training:
Exam Process for Virtual Training
If you are planning to prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam, here are a few tips to get you started:
Here is a revision checklist that you can use to prepare for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam and pass it successfully:
No, if you already have the 2009 certificate, you are not required to retake the exam in the 2017 format. However, it is important that you understand the revised material and best practices have been added to the existing materials. Here is what you can do:
A PRINCE2 qualification is a certification you receive after you pass the PRINCE2 Foundation or PRINCE2 Practitioner exam. You will start with the Foundation level certificate and then move to the Practitioner certificate. With the PRINCE2 qualification, you will have a better chance of getting a lucrative job and doing their job effectively. It is also beneficial to the organization as it will be able to sustain the interests of the clients through this methodology.
With PRINCE2, you will be considered an asset in the field of project management. PRINCE2 is among the proven methodologies that can help you deliver a project successfully with high-quality standards on time and under budget. Here are a few benefits of getting the PRINCE2 certification:
There are two major levels in the PRINCE2 2017 certification:
Also, PRINCE2 has an Agile certification scheme with the following two qualifications:
There are no eligibility criteria for attending the PRINCE2 course.
The cost of PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification includes the following:
Cost Heads | PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Certification | PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Certification | PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification | PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification |
Online Training cost | INR 9,999 - INR 12,999 | INR 10,999 | - | - |
Classroom Training cost | INR 21,999 | INR 28,999 | - | - |
E-learning cost | INR 3,500 - INR 7,500 | - | - | - |
Renewal cost | Not Applicable | £389 | Not Applicable | £389 |
Study Material Cost (with name) | Managing successful projects with PRINCE2® Kindle edition: INR 6,756.40 Paperback: 1,502 | Managing successful projects with PRINCE2® Kindle edition: INR 6,756.40 Paperback: 1,502 | Managing successful projects with PRINCE2® Kindle edition: INR 6,756.40 Paperback: 1,502 | Managing successful projects with PRINCE2® Kindle edition: INR 6,756.40 Paperback: 1,502 |
Exam Cost | £236 | £389 | £236 | £389 |
My PRINCE2® Membership cost | - | £50 + VAT per year | - | £50 + VAT per year |
The cost of the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is £389.
No, the cost of the PRINCE2 Manual is not included in the course fee. You can buy it here.
The most cost-effective way of taking the PRINCE2 exam is through online course training and self-study. If you can study on your own and understand the concepts, you can go for it. However, if you need any assistance, you can opt for classroom training. Though it may cost more, it is well worth the efforts. There are several websites you can register at an affordable price and get access to a lot of online materials and videos.
Yes, an online exam is available for the PRINCE2 through a web program known as the remote web proctor solution. It will give you access to the online exam using a microphone, webcam, and a stable internet connection. You can schedule the exam in advance, at a time and date that suits you. Your exam will be invigilated by a proctor. Here is a list of exams that are available with this service:
Yes, the PRINCE2 exam can be taken online as long as you have all the technical requirements in a place like a microphone, webcam, and a stable internet connection. Once you have scheduled the date, provisions for an invigilator will be made. For offline exams, you will have to book the exam through an accredited training organization. Centres are usually overbooked because they are written on certain days. So, you have to plan ahead or else you will end up on the waiting list.
To take the PRINCE2 exams online, you have to use a remote web proctor solution. You must schedule the exam in advance so that you can select a suitable date and time. Also, make sure that you have a microphone, webcam, and an internet connection to connect with the proctor. Proctor will be invigilating your exam. It is important that you meet all the technical requirements for continuing the exam smoothly.
You can take the exam online with PeopleCert. It is a globally recognized institute that allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home, provided that you have a system with internet facility and a webcam. It has developed an exam shield through which candidates can be invigilated through virtual proctoring. Apart from being equipped with the latest tools and technology, PeopleCert can be accessible and flexible.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is 2 hours 30 minutes long. You also have to go through the 2-day long training.
The PRINCE2 Foundation exam is considered to be easy. It may take you 1-2 hours daily for 3 weeks or 3- 4 hours for 10-12 days to prepare. It is important to stay focused and committed to the study hours. PRINCE2 Practitioner is comparatively difficult. You might need 1-2 hours daily for 4-6 months or 3-4 hours for 3-4 months for passing the exam successfully. If you want to pass the exam in your first attempt, you have to ensure that you understand all the concepts clearly.
PRINCE2 Practitioner is an open book examination. You can bring your PRINCE2 manuals in the examination room and get help from key points and other processes.
The system requirements for the PRINCE2 exam are:
The PRINCE2 exam results will be on your PeopleCert profile. You will be able to download the certification from the profile as well.
After you have submitted the test, you will get your result within 2 business days. The entire process can take around 5 days. If you have taken the exam through PearsonVUE, PeopleCert will send a confirmation email to you within 7 days with a link to the e-certificate. Once you activate your PeopleCert account, you will be able to manage the certificate and buy the hard copy.
Yes, some applicants do fail the certification exam. Some of the common reasons for failure can be a lack of adequate preparation and misappropriation of time. However, the passing rate of the PRINCE2 exam is higher than the failure rate. You need about 55% marks to pass the Foundation exam meaning you need to get at least 33 out of 60 questions correct. For the Practitioner exam, you must score 38 out of 68 questions. If you get an understanding of the appendices, themes, and glossary, you will be able to pass the exam.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification must be renewed within 3 to 5 years. As a practitioner, you must take the re-registration exam that has the same standard as the Practitioner exam. Here are a few tips that can help in preparing for the PRINCE2 re-registration exam:
No, PRINCE2 Manual is not a mandatory requirement for passing the exam. Manual and course lessons are adequate for the training. PRINCE2 Manual has all the necessary guidelines and information that you need for passing the examination. It is an important tool needed to prepare for the exam, especially if you are self-studying.
A PRINCE2 exam shield is a software that helps in writing the exams online. Known as the remote web proctor solution, it is installed in the system, that allows you to sit for the exam without any issues. Make sure that you visit the PeopleCert website for checking the compatibility of your computer systems. Also, you need identity photos and credentials like the driving license and passport. Any software affecting the functioning of the exam shield must be disabled or deactivated for a certain period.
PeopleCert is a certification institute that is recognized globally for all the professional exams. They are also partnered with government agencies and other organizations for the development of professional exams and professional delivery that are of high standards and flawless. There are countless exams that they deliver to different people across the globe that use unbeatable assessment technology tools.
When you use proctors, you can write your professional exams using an exam shield that can be invigilated through the internet. PeopleCert is responsible for delivering different certification programs for AXELOS and other organizations. Currently, it is the only recognized institute delivering the AXELOS examination globally.
Yes, here is the difference between the exam code and exam voucher:
Difference | Exam Code | Exam Voucher |
Issue | PRINCE2 issues this and you receive it in 24 hours by email after you have purchased the license | Issued once you have redeemed the exam code |
Validity | It is valid for the time your e-learning license is valid | It is valid only for 1 month |
Use | Exam code is needed for redeeming the exam voucher | You need it for booking the exam |
It is an acronym for Projects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2). PRINCE2 is a process-based methodology for project management that offers a step-by-step approach for delivering an effective project. It is commonly used in the UK and all across the globe. It focuses on dividing the project into several manageable steps. There are several levels in the certifications:
Yes, the certification is valid in India and all across the globe. However, because of its region of origin, there can be a preference in which certification is used. PMP is based in the US and accepted in the US, Asia, Canada Middle East. PRINCE2 originated in the UK and is acceptable in the UK, Australia, and Europe. However, even though PMP is more commonly used in India, PRINCE2 is very much valid.
PRINCE2 and PMP are project management certifications that have different frameworks. PMP has the foundation of PMBOK principles and guidelines as its standard of operations. It is a set of working techniques and processes which a project manager can use to accomplish a given project. It is a guide and a theory.
PRINCE2 is a methodology with well-detailed processes and templates that provides a step-by-step direction on organizing and executing projects. It focuses more on practical skills, unlike the theoretical aspect of PMP. PRINCE 2 is an operations manual while PMP is a reference guide.
There are two stages of PRINCE2 certification - Foundation and Practitioner. There are no conditions required for acquiring the Foundation certification. All you need is a basic understanding of project management. However, for the Practitioner certificate, you will need one of the following certifications:
You also have to go for an online course from an ATO or training by a certified trainer before you sit for the exam.
AXELOS is the accrediting body that provides the PRINCE2 certification.
The different PRINCE2 Certifications are:
There is not a single, fixed certification path for obtaining the PRINCE2 certification. There are two different paths suggested by AXELOS:
It must be noted that AXELOS doesn’t offer any training. There are Accrediting Training Organizations (ATOs) that caters to your training needs like the KnowledgeHut. It offers the following three learning modes:
Here are certain factors that you must consider before selecting the best PRINCE2 certification institute:
Your trainer will play an important role in getting the PRINCE2 certification. Here are some points you can use for selecting the best PRINCE2 certified trainer:
The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification require 2-days training. The online training for both takes 16 hours of study. While you are selecting the PRINCE2 online training, you will have to select one that offers a video course, training manual, or audio training.
The benefits of the PRINCE2 certification are:
With PRINCE2 Certification, you will have access and knowledge to use all the tools of project management. You will be able to ensure that the project is delivered with quality, cost, and time constraints. Some other benefits of implementing PRINCE2 in your organization are:
Here is why you should pursue the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification training:
To start preparing for the PRINCE2 certification exam, it is better, to begin with, some guidance. The PRINCE2 Guide is a great way to seek guidance. AXELOS has approved this guide as a learning resource for PRINCE2 qualifications.
You can also start practicing the test by completing the AXELOS’s sample papers. These papers are the best way to get an idea of how questions are presented during the real exam. You will have to create a user profile and log in to your AXELOS account for downloading the sample question papers.
Before investing in the project, the distribution, probability of success, and the Return on Investment (ROI) are predicted. The same goes for an e-learning program like PRINCE2. Here are the 5 levels used in the Kirkpatrick/Phillips model for assessing the training benefits:
Even though PRINCE2 certification cannot guarantee employment, it can boost your CV and help in getting an edge over the non-certified candidates:
If you are an IT professional seeking a project management role early in your career, then the PRINCE2 certification is for you. Through the training, you will acquire the knowledge of a lot of techniques and capabilities that can be used for project development and crisis management. PRINCE2 certification helps you increase the career prospects of candidates and helps them become adept at using various project management tools for project evaluations and audits.
The demand for PRINCE2-certified professionals is currently high. Such professionals are responsible for handling the project teams and executing projects successfully in different sectors, from real estate to IT. It is recognized all around the world and is a standard methodology for project management. The well-designed framework can execute any project in a way to accomplish the best outcomes from start to end.
The history of PRINCE2 shows that since the UK government made PRINCE2 mandatory for delivering projects, project managers have started to seriously take the PRINCE2 training for delivering projects with successful results. As a PRINCE2-certified professional, you will be preferred over the non-certified candidates by the recruiters.
PRINCE2 is a globally recognized certification and opens doors to higher opportunities. As a PRINCE-certified professional, you will be valued by several HR managers in the project management field. Thanks to the easy adaptability and flexibility it offers, PRINCE2 certifications are high in demand, especially in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Getting a job after completing the PRINCE2 Certification will be comparatively easier. When you are applying to desired positions in companies in India or abroad. Having the PRINCE2 logo on your resume will make you a preferred choice. Every company understands how valuable PRINCE2 is and how it can benefit their organization.
However, it is important to note that a certificate is not enough. You should also have the required experience. However, as an entry-level candidate, providing your basic knowledge and ability to successfully deliver the project can get you a job.
Project management certifications are the qualifications that can add value to the project managers’ credentials. Here are a few examples:
Yes, there is a huge demand for PRINCE2 Certification holders in the UK as well as the US. However, in the latter, PMP is more in demand. If you want to get started in the field of project management in the UK, PRINCE2 certification will help advance your career. Also, as a project management professional, you will be compensated well, regardless of the location and choice of industry.
No figures are showing the exact numbers of people in India that have a PRINCE2 certification. However, in 2016, a survey was conducted by the AXELOS-PRINCE2 that shows that India is the country in South Asia with the fastest-growing numbers of certification holders. The growth percentage has increased by 14% as compared to the United Kingdom. In a recent study, it was found that more people in India who have found that PRINCE2 certification is of great value. This just shows how important the certification is and more people are planning to get the PRINCE2 certification.
The PRINCE2 Agile qualification blends the PRINCE2 methodology with the responsiveness and flexibility of Agile. The reason why PRINCE2 Agile was created so that it can offer PRINCE2 governance while addressing the needs of the project environments. To handle this in the best way, you have to use an iterative and collaborative approach of Agile.
There are two levels of PRINCE2 Agile qualification - Foundation and Practitioner. It has been designed for responding to the user communities’ demand while also exploring the interface between the agile project delivery and project management. It consists of:
Here are a few benefits why you should go for the PRINCE2 Agile certification:
PRINCE2 Agile certification is a combination of the defined governance of the PRINCE2 methodology and the responsiveness and flexibility of Agile. The certification has been designed to help the project managers customize the management controls while working in an Agile environment. Through the certification, you will be able to get an understanding of agile concepts, techniques, PRINCE2 governance requirements, and the interface between the two. There are two levels in the PRINCE2 Agile qualification:
If you want to pass the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam, joining a training course will be your best option. Make sure that you choose a program in a reputed accredited training organization that is approved by AXELOS like KnowledgeHut. Once you enroll in the course, you will be able to get an in-depth understanding of the PRINCE2 and Agile concepts. There are several training modes like face-to-face training in a virtual or a physical classroom. You can also choose to go for a distance learning course. There are some ATOs that offer training by mixing different modes.
You have to visit the official website to schedule the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam. In India, the cost of the exam is £389.00.
Here are the steps to get certified as the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner:
If you want to make the preparation process of the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam easier, you have to develop a strategy. Here are a few tips to get you started:
If you want to get the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner certification, you have to understand that there is a strong relationship between your knowledge of the Foundation level and your success at the Practitioner level. To pass the exam, you must have an in-depth understanding of the Foundation level. Being well-versed with the PRINCE2 Manual is also important.
Some candidates like to give the exam immediately after completing their training. But, it is always better to leave some gap between the training and the exam. Here are some reasons why:
What exactly is the most ideal gap to have between the training and the exam? Ideally, it can be anywhere between 1 week to 1 month. This depends on how much time you need to prepare adequately. You must ensure that the gap is not too long. It might reduce your ability to recall the information.
If you are preparing for the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam, you should create a revision checklist. Here is a reference checklist for you:
During the exam, the details of a project will be provided, and the questions will be based on this project. While giving the exam, you will come across some terminologies used for describing the sections.
No, if you already have the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam, you are not required to retake the exam in 2017 format. However, you should get an understanding of the updated material because they are made with best practices in mind. Here is what you can do:
If you are planning to take the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner 2009 certification, you must first ensure that you fulfill some eligibility requirements. You must have at least one of the following certifications:
Yes, PRINCE2 Agile is the complete solution for agile project management that combines the responsiveness and flexibility of Agile along with the PRINCE2 governance. This certification is for individuals who work in an Agile project management environment. This certification is useful for the teams that are using Agile and want structure and project management practices in their workplace. Through PRINCE2 Agile, the team will have controls, governance, and structure while working with the methods, concepts, and techniques of Agile. The certification is to help the professionals customize the management controls while working in an Agile environment.
The following professionals can take up the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner Training:
With the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner Exam, you will have developed the ability to implement the Agile methodology for running and managing PRINCE2 projects. Also, the exam validates your ability to customize your knowledge of the PRINCE2 method in an agile context. It will also validate the following:
The exam will have questions in three categories. Out of all the questions, 5% will be from basic topics, 20% will be from the ‘focus area’ topics, and the remaining questions will be on how you can customize the concepts for suiting a certain scenario.
The exam format of the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam is as follows:
Category | Exam Information |
Certification Family | PRINCE2 Agile |
Created by | AXELOS |
Level | Advanced |
Validity | 3 years |
Re-certification | Yes |
Exam duration | 150 minutes |
Pass mark | 60% (30 out of 50 marks) |
Closed book or open book | Open book |
Exam prince | £389 |
No. of questions | 50 |
Question Format | Scenario-based |
Languages | English, Polish, and German |
There are certain eligibility requirements for the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner Certification. You must have at least one of the following certifications:
PRINCE2 Practitioner and Scrum Master certifications operate at different levels. The Scrum master leans towards the Agile product delivery level while the Practitioner is more focused on project management. If you wish to work in the field of project management, you should go for a PRINCE2 Practitioner. If your job role is related to Scrum Master, you should opt for the Scrum Master certification. Whatever you select should be based on your current and future career prospects. If you plan to work with a Scrum team in the future, adding the certification to your CV will be of advantage.
Also, another major difference between the two is that PRINCE2 Practitioners are related to the waterfall method, while the Scrum certifications are based on the Agile methodology. AXELOS has launched PRINCE2 Agile recently that combines the governance of PRINCE2 with the responsiveness and flexibility of Agile.
Once you have the PRINCE2 certification, you will have to renew it after it has expired. Here is the validity for different PRINCE2 certifications:
Certification Name | Validity |
PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Certification | Lifelong |
PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Certification | 3 years |
PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification | Lifelong |
PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification | 3 years |
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate expires after three years. After that, you can either maintain the certification through your My PRINCE2 certification or retake the exam. Here is what you have to do for maintaining your PRINCE2 qualification through My PRINCE2 certification:
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the credit points you can earn through professional training, experience, self-study, and community participation. AXELOS requires all the PRINCE2 certified professionals to stay updated with the project management knowledge. They can do this by acquiring CPD points.
After you have successfully passed your PRINCE2 exam, you can apply for the AXELOS membership. You will have to submit 20 CPDs every year for the next three years to maintain your membership. After 3 years, you will have 60 CPDs that will allow you to apply for the renewal of the certification.
My PRINCE2 subscription is for all professionals in the field of project management who want to use practical help, easy-access support, and professional endorsement to advance their careers. With the My PRINCE2 subscription, you will also have access to the following:
If you have a PRINCE2 2009 Practitioner Certificate, you must renew it within 3 to 5 years of its issued date. You will have to take the re-registration exam that is of the same standard as the original practitioner exam. It will be 60 minutes long and based on the PRINCE2 Manual.
Through the re-registration exam, you will be demonstrating your commitment towards continuing development and your PRINCE2 knowledge to your colleagues and employers.
Note: The Re-registration exams and the PRINCE2 2009 Foundation and Practitioner exams in the English language were discontinued from 1st January 2018. Also, the re-registration exams in German, Polish, and Dutch were unavailable from 31st March 2019.
Here are a few reasons that will let you know why PRINCE2 qualifications are worth the trouble of renewing:
The PRINCE2 Practitioner certification is valid for 5 years. After 3 years of passing the exam successfully, you can take the re-registration exam to renew your qualification. You will be able to see the expiry date of your certification on the certificate itself. If you do not renew your certification, you won’t be a registered PRINCE2 Practitioner anymore.
There are 2 ways in which you can renew your PRINCE2 Practitioner certification:
Once you have completed the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner training, you will get 32 PDUs.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is responsible for awarding the PDUs credits. Through the PDUs, you are showing your dedication to the world of project management. Every educational effort that you make in your career will be directed towards your credits. All PMI certifications, except the CAPM certification, require the candidates to earn a certain number of PDUs every three years to maintain their qualification.
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