PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Certification Training

PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is the standard process-based project management technology that provides a step-by-step approach to deliver an effective project. It is widely used in the UK and internationally. It emphasizes dividing projects into manageable steps. It uses practices from different industries. The certification comprises different levels which are PRINCE2® Foundation (basic level), PRINCE2® Practitioner, PRINCE2® Professional (for practitioners) and PRINCE2® Agile (Agile methods).

Want to get PRINCE2® certified? But before that, you need to learn about the various certifications involved in PRINCE2®. The PRINCE2® 2017 certification is divided into two main levels, namely:

1. PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Certification: If you want to advance in your PRINCE2® certification credentials, the Foundation certification plays a pivotal role in it. It is a prerequisite for the PRINCE2® Practitioner certification. Moreover, the Foundation level certification introduced you to PRINCE2® method. 

It further aims to confirm that you know and understand the PRINCE2® method in order to work with, or as a member of a project management team working in a PRINCE2® supporting environment.  

2. PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Certification: Validate your understanding of how to apply as well as tailor the method across different project environments and scenarios by equipping yourself with a PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Certification. It is meant for anyone who manages project as a part of their role.

Apart from the two levels, PRINCE2® also offers an Agile certification path which includes:

3. PRINCE2® Agile Foundation: Want to begin your Agile journey? Get equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver agile projects by tailoring PRINCE2® management controls by using a broad toolset of agile delivery techniques and frameworks.

4. PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner: Learn to blend structure, governance and control with agile methods, techniques, and approaches by equipping yourself with a PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification. It combines agile concepts with the world’s most popular project management approach.

PRINCE2®  Certification comprises of two main levels viz. Foundation level and Practitioner level certifications. Prince2® also offer Agile®  based certifications in the form of Prince2® Agile Foundation and Prince2® Agile Practitioner. Here are the eligibility criteria for these certifications.

1. Prince2® Foundation Certification

There is no such specific requirement to attend the Prince2® Foundation course. However, familiarity with the basics of project management will be an add-on for the aspirant.  

2. Prince2® Practitioner Certification

In order to achieve Prince2® Practitioner Certification, you need to pass the following exam and provide the proof for the same:

• PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher) - this only applies to certificates obtained after 1 January 2009
• 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)

3. Prince2® Agile Foundation Certification

There are no prior requirements to take the Prince2® Agile Foundation Certification. 

Or

Any interested individual can attend Prince2® Agile Foundation certification training. 

4. Prince2® Agile Practitioner Certification

In order to become eligible for Prince2® Agile Practitioner Certification, you are required to hold any of the following certifications:

• PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)
• PRINCE2® Agile® Foundation
• Project Management Professional® (PMP)*
• Certified Associate in Project Management® (CAPM)*
• IPMA Levels A, B, C, and D® (Certified Projects Director)

The first information that you need to know when you plan to take up any certification is the cost involved in it. Also, you should note that the certification cost comprises of numerous other elements other than the exam cost. Training cost is also an important element in the PRINCE2® certification cost and varies based on the ATO that you choose for training. Check out the following chart to learn about the various costs involved in each of the certifications:

Got PRINCE2® certified? But do you know that your certification needs a renewal after a specific period of time? Yes, if you are a PRINCE2® Practitioner or Agile Practitioner certified, then you need to renew your certification once it expires. The validity of various PRINCE2® certifications are as follows:

But what should you do once your validity is over for your Practitioner level certification? You can renew your PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Certification or PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification by either re-sitting the exams or by maintaining 20 CPDs every year. You need to have a MyPRINCE2® membership in order to maintain the required CPDs.

Both PMP® and PRINCE2® certifications can be compared on multiple aspects. Check out these differences to find which among the two best suits your requirement:

1. Equipping yourself with a PRINCE2® certification enables you to don a much-improved Project Management skill set. Moreover, you will learn to work with a methodology that is an alternative to PMP® along with terminology, framework, common systems, and procedures that are implemented by a large number of project managers in order to plan, initiate, monitor, manage, and execute projects.
   
   
2. Acquire the knowledge and skill to tailor all your PRINCE2® projects in order to suit your needs and oversee all the projects managed by you with a PRINCE2® certification. It is not an instruction manual, rather, it’s more of a methodology which ensures that you really understand all project principles as well as processes and the ways to manage them.
   
   
3. Now, here’s a unique advantage of PRINCE2® certification! You can start preparing for it from the foundation level. You can do a Project Management Certification by avoiding a huge amount of training time and high costs. Moreover, PRINCE2® Foundation certification enables you to get a full overview of what lies ahead when you decide to take up the PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification.
   
   
4. You can take the PRINCE2® certification exam upon completion of your training with an accredited ATO like KnowledgeHut. 
   
   
5. Now let’s come to the best part of this certification. With a PRINCE2® certification by your side, you can become one among the most prized professionals in Europe by earning an annual average salary of £50,000.
   
   
6. What can be better than having a certification that’s globally recognized! PRINCE2® certification is acknowledged as the de facto standard for Project Management across various countries around the globe.
   
   
7. The roles and responsibilities in PRINCE2® projects are clearly defined and shared within the project organisation. Although you play a pivotal role as a Project Manager, within a PRINCE2® project you’re not the only one to be blamed if things go wrong in the project.
    
8. And obviously, the exposure. You can go beyond a specific industry or organisation type with PRINCE2® certification. PRINCE2® methods can be used in any organisation, any industry, and any project of any scale, expanding your possible areas of project work.
   
   
9. Your PRINCE2® certification comes with a proof for your employers. As a PRINCE2® certification holder, your profile is entered in the PRINCE2® Successful Candidate Register from the certification body AXELOS.
   
   
10. Reap the benefits of using PRINCE2® by engaging with networks of groups as well as organisations that offer support from the experts who have delivered hundreds of successful projects.   

The PRINCE2® certification comes in 2 stages; Foundation and Practitioner. To acquire the Foundation certificate, there are no actual conditions to be met; just the basic knowledge of project management is needed which is not compulsory. However, for the Practitioner certification, you need to have passed the foundational level or either of Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and IPMA Level A/B/C/D.  You also need to undergo a training by a certified PRINCE2® trainer or take an online course from an accredited project management training institution before sitting for the exam.

You don’t have to specifically follow a fixed certification path to obtain the PRINCE2® 2017 Certification. AXELOS suggests two different paths to embark on your PRINCE2® 2017 Certification journey. They are:

• You can choose to enroll for a PRINCE2® 2017 Certification Training with a reputed ATO like KnowledgeHut and sit for the exams at the end of the training.
• You can also choose to study privately and then book your exam through PeopleCert, the exam conducting institute of AXELOS

It takes 2 days for the PRINCE2® Foundation classroom training and 2 days also for the PRINCE2® Practitioner training.  The online training for PRINCE2® Foundation takes 16 hours of study while the PRINCE2®Practitioner online training takes 16 hours of study. While choosing the PRINCE2® online training, ensure that the provider offers a training manual, video course or audio training and if possible online exam simulator or practice exam papers.

The average salary of PRINCE2® certified professionals ranges from $7500 – $30,000 per annum depending on the position, experience, and education of these professionals within their organizations. Hence, salaries vary from associate project managers who earn about $6000 per annum to project managers who earn an average of $15,000 per annum while senior project managers with experience spanning 20 years or more earn an average of about $30,000. The salary of PRINCE2® certified professionals in India shows that they earn at least 20% more than their non-certified colleagues who work in the same industry.

Here are a few tips that will help you select the best PRINCE2 course: 

• Sales Pitch
  While searching for the best PRINCE2 course, you will come across a few courses that might say something like, “100% Pass Rate!”, or “FREE training materials. FREE PRINCE2 manual”. Understand that nothing is really free. This is a sales pitch and you must understand that statistics can be messed with. To choose the right course for yourself, you must learn what your criteria should be and how to gauge it. Most courses will be of the same length but will vary in quality of training and one key variable - cost.
• Training experience
  Even though cost is the most obvious variable, it is the least important from the perspective of effectiveness of the training and the experience of the providers. How well you understand the methodology of PRINCE2 and pass the exam will depend on the training experience. As a student, you need enough time for absorbing the material, communicating with the trainer, and discussing the methodology. To provide cheap courses, some training providers cut back on the following basic areas:
  • Materials - Students need reliable training materials to understand the comprehensive PRINCE2 methodology. Only then, can then understand the ins and outs of every process, the role of each principle, theme playing in the overall framework, and interrelation of the management products. Some providers offer students 360+ PowerPoint slides in 3 days. That is why you should always take a few minutes to look through the available training materials. Also, you have to ensure that the training providers have updated the materials.
  • Venue - You will not be able to focus on what is being taught if you are crammed up in a small room and must share a desk, chairs, and training materials. The bigger the size of the classroom, the lower will be the educational value. This is because, with a higher ratio of student to teacher, there is less possibility of one-to-one communication. In such situations, students are barred from asking any questions as there are too many students for any beyond the lecture interaction.
  • Time - Most of the PRINCE2 trainers ask their students to complete a certain amount of revision and homework before the exam. But, when the organizations are looking for cost-cutting measures, they take extreme steps. Since there is less time available, training providers will have to compensate by giving more homework or making students spend a lot of time preparing for the course in advance.
  • Trainers - Always remember that cheap training providers will employ inexperienced trainers to save money. These trainers are just starting their careers. The experienced PRINCE2 trainers can choose who they work for and are therefore more costly. You need a tutor who can help you understand the material easily and make the exam a much less stressful experience.
• Size of the training provider
  Some companies claim that they are the largest provider. Often, their sales teams are just trying to sell you a course and couldn’t care less about you or your career. Take the time to understand the background, experience and reputation of the training provider. Select a provider who invests in nurturing and building the learner community through thought-leadership content like webinars and the like, to whom you will be much more than just a potential sales target.
• Terms and Conditions
  Before you sign up with a training provider, carefully read the terms and conditions on their website. There are some unethical providers who will keep your money and not offer a refund. Be clear of what you are getting into.
  With a considerably large PRINCE2 training providers market, potential PRINCE2 students have an option to select from a wide range of training providers. This is all the more reason to be careful while selecting the best course for you. Consider every factor mentioned above beyond just the cost. As mentioned, cost should be the least of the factors in the long run. A course that appears to save you a lot of money may be depriving you of a valuable learning experience in terms of the quality of trainers and training materials. All of the above are essential aspects to be carefully considered for a fulfilling and effective training experience.

There is no fixed time to self-study for the PRINCE2 online exam. Different people have different learning speeds. Some people can absorb all the information in just one sitting and pass the exam in their first attempt. Others need extra stimulation and more time to prepare properly for the exam. However, if you want to pass the foundation and practitioner exam with convincing marks, you need to give yourself at least 3 to 6 months of self-study time.

The other option that you have is signing up for an online course that will include training and exams. With KnowledgeHut, you will have access to study materials, interactive sessions, exam tools, practice questions, etc. that will help you clear the exam.

To book the PRINCE2 Foundation, you must use the web program known as ‘Remote Web Proctor Solution’. It will allow you to take the exam online with the help of a microphone, webcam, and a stable internet connection. You can schedule the exam at a date and time that suits you the best. For invigilating the exam, a proctor will be present. There are two ways to book the exam:

• Study by yourself and then book the exam with PeopleCert. 
• Take the training course with an ATO or Accredited Training Organization like KnowledgeHut and sit for the exam at the end of the course. 

Yes, PRINCE2 is the globally recognized standard methodology for project management. The reason why it is a world-class international product is that it embodies years of best practices of project management. Through this, you get an adaptable and flexible approach for all projects.

PRINCE2® Foundation Training can be taken up by:

1. New or experienced project managers or professionals who manage projects
2. Consultants/contract staff operating in a PRINCE2® environment
3. Key staff involved in the design, development, and delivery of projects
4. Project Board Members, e.g, Senior Responsible Owners
5. Program Managers
6. Team Managers, e.g, Product Delivery Managers
7. Project Assurance, e.g, Business Change Analysts
8. Operational line managers or staff
9. Project support, e.g, Project and Programme Office Personnel
10. Staff who will have a defined role within a project team operating in a PRINCE2® environment.

Planning to take up a PRINCE2® Foundation Training? The process of preparation becomes easy when you try to seek help from the experts to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to crack your PRINCE2® Foundation Exam at one go.

You can either enroll for classroom training with an ATO like KnowledgeHut and sit for your exams directly at the end of it. The classroom trainings usually last for two and a half days. You can also take up the training in distance learning mode. However, the prices might vary based on the ATO that you choose.

You don’t have to meet any prerequisites in order to take the PRINCE2® Foundation Certification exam. However, having some prior understanding of Project Management might prove to be an added advantage for you.

Equip yourself with sufficient knowledge and understanding of PRINCE2® method in order to work with or as a member of a project management team working within a PRINCE2® supporting environment by clearing PRINCE2® Foundation Exam. This one-hour long exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, out of which you need to score 35 or more to pass the exam.

This Prince2® Foundation certification intends to validate your understanding of the   terminology of PRINCE2® method and how its elements work. The question styles of the PRINCE2® Foundation Exam are of three types, namely, Classic, List, and Missing word.

This foundation exam clears your way towards PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification. It further helps you to meet the eligibility requirements for PRINCE2® Agile Certification.

Here is the exam format for PRINCE2® Foundation Certification Exam:

1. There are two routes to PRINCE2® Foundation, sit the exams at the end of a training course with an Accredited Training Organization (ATO), or study privately and then book the exam without a training course with PeopleCert, our PRINCE2® Examination Institute.
2. Ensure that you fulfill all the prerequisites required, there is no prerequisite for PRINCE2® Foundation.
3. Identify the ATO Like knowledgehut and Register for PRINCE2® Foundation Course to get training.
4. Checkout our PRINCE2® Foundation Schedules & Dates to find a suitable session that meets your requirements.
5. Schedule your Exam through Peoplecert if you have decided to study privately and then book the exam without a training course.
6. Study Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 Edition as it is a reference book.
7. Practice for your PRINCE2® Foundation exams by testing yourself with our PRINCE2® Sample Papers until you score 80%.
8. Appear for the exam with the required documents and do your best!
9.  You will receive your exam result after 5 business days of completion of the exam. You will be able to view the results on your PeopleCert profile which can also be downloaded from there.
10. Once you successfully pass your exam, AXELOS will contact you with details of how you can activate your membership.
11. Subscribe to My PRINCE2®, digital badge will be issued if  you meet the 20 CPD to show your highest achievement.

The PRINCE2® Foundation program duration is 2 days and the exam is held at the end of the 2ndday. 

If you have opted for the PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner combined program then your exam will be held at the end of the 2nd day or the beginning of the 3rd day (as decided by your instructor).

• Your training provider will book the exam for you. 
• Once the training provider books the exam, candidates will receive a Welcome Email from Peoplecert with instructions to:
  • Create their profile on the Peoplecert website 
  • Register for the exam.
• The candidate must “register” for the exam before the Exam time or this option will no longer be available to the candidate.
• In case the candidate has missed the window for registration, there is a provision for the training provider to coordinate with Peoplecert and get the candidate registered after the exam is over. This also applies to any candidate who decided to take up the exam at the last minute.
•  Once the candidate has registered for the exam, the training provider would be able to retrieve a 3-digit Registration Number (unique to each candidate) from the Peoplecert website. 
• The trainer/invigilator will share the 3-digit Registration Number with the candidate on the day of the exam, and the candidate could enter that on the Answer Sheet.
• Again, in the absence of the 3-digit Registration Number, the candidate could still go ahead and submit the answer sheet and the 3-digit number would later be mapped by Peoplecert. 
• It would take up to 5 business days after the exam completion for the results to be released.
• The results can be viewed under the Candidate’s profile and the Certificate downloaded from there as well.

Exam Process for Virtual Training:

• Once the candidate is ready for the exam, he or she is required to put in a request to the training provider to order an exam voucher. (In the event that the Certification cost is not part of the training fee, the training provider would first require the candidate to pay up the exam fee before ordering the voucher).
• Once your training provider orders the voucher, the candidate would receive a Welcome Email from Peoplecert with instructions to:
  • Create their profile on the Peoplecert website 
  • Schedule the exam.
• The candidate is required to follow the instructions in the email to schedule the exam at the time and date convenient for the candidate. 
• For any support queries, the candidate may write to customerservice@peoplecert.org.
• The results can be viewed under the Candidate’s profile and the Certificate downloaded from there as well.

Still confused about how to begin your preparation for the PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Exam? These are the ways in which you can prepare well for your PRINCE2® Foundation Certification Exam:

• Syllabus: It is always wise on your part to know the direction of your journey before you begin. The PRINCE2® Exam Syllabus provided by AXELOS exposes you to a summary of the concepts that are tested in the exam. 
  
  
• Sample Paper Questions: Get access to a series of exam question papers produced by AXELOS that can help you to pace up your exam preparation process. You can use these sample  questions to test your understanding as well as knowledge on concepts around PRINCE2®. 

So, how can you get access to these PRINCE2® Sample Exam Papers? You can download these sample exam papers by logging in or creating a user profile. 

• Exam Training: Preparing for your PRINCE2® Foundation Certification Exam is a complicated as well as a tedious process. So, what should you do to ease your preparation process? It is always suggested to enroll for training with an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) of AXELOS like KnowledgeHut in order to smoothen the process of preparing for your PRINCE2® Foundation Certification Exam.
  
  
• Reading Materials: Old is Gold! The old practice of preparing for your exam by reading printed materials always comes handy. You can find various reading materials on online platforms like Amazon that can prove to be valuable during your exam preparation process. This further helps you to mark out the topics on which you need more clarity from a tutor as well. You can also make a note of any important topics which you need to review later.
  

Have a revision plan by your side to avoid the chances of skipping anything important while  preparing for your PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Exam. Check out this revision checklist that can guide you towards the successful completion of your PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Certification:  

• Understanding the exam:

It is an essential requirement for you to understand the structure of the PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Certification Exam. You should possess good knowledge of the content of the question paper as well as the types of questions that you should be ready for, while sitting for the exam.

• Revising the Processes 

You must have surely gone through the 7 processes involved in PRINCE2®, as this is a key to cracking your PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Certification Exam. So, ensure that you revise each of the processes thoroughly before sitting for your exam.

• Revising the Themes

Completed revising the processes? Well, there are 7 themes of PRINCE2® which have equal importance for your successful attainment of PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation Certification. You need to go through each of these themes and check your understanding of the same.

• Revising the Method as a whole

It might be hard for you to find how everything fits together when you try to learn PRINCE2®. But you should learn to connect everything before you sit for the exam as the questions are based on that integration. Update yourself on all the concepts as well as methods surrounding PRINCE2®, for example, the way themes and processes support each of the 7 PRINCE2® principles.

If you hold a PRINCE2® 2009 Practitioner Certification then you need to get it renewed within 3-5 calendar years of its date of issue. You just need to take a re-registration examination which is set at the same standard as the Practitioner exam. It is a 60 minutes exam, which is based on the 2009 PRINCE2® Manual.

The re-registration certificate enables you to demonstrate your commitment towards continuing professional development and the value of your PRINCE2® knowledge to peers, employers, and colleagues.

Note: The PRINCE2® 2009 Foundation, Practitioner, and Re-registration exams are no longer available in English since January 1st, 2018. Also, the PRINCE2® 2009 re-registration exam in Dutch, German, and Polish was available until 31st of March 2019. 

No, if you have 2009 certificate (existing or higher), you don’t have to retake the exam in 2017 format. However, as the update was done to make the existing content more useful by adding best practices, it is best to have an understanding of the revised material. You can do this by-

1. Becoming a member of the AXELOS community account
2. Going through FAQs on AXELOS website
3. Getting an AXELOS membership
4. Buying 2017 PRINCE2® manual

Being an advanced level of PRINCE2® certification, you need to produce the proof of one of these certifications as a part of prerequisites for PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification exam:

1. PRINCE2® Foundation or higher
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)®
3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
4. IPMA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)
5. IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
6. IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
7. IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)

Planning to pursue your Agile career with PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification? Prior to that, you need to check the requirements that you need to meet in order to sit for this certification examination.

1. You don’t need to fulfill any prerequisites for taking the PRINCE2® Foundation Certification, however, having some prior knowledge on project management might prove to be an added advantage.

Unlike PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification, the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification is an advanced level of certification. Therefore, you need to produce the proof of holding one of the following certifications:

1. PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)
2. PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)®
4. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
5. IPMA Levels A,B,C, and D® (Certified Projects Director)

 PRINCE2® Practitioner Training can be taken up by:

• Current or aspiring project managers
• Key staff involved in the design, development, and delivery of projects
• Project Board members, e.g., Senior Responsible Owners
• Team Managers, e.g., Product Delivery Managers
• Project Assurance, e.g., Business Change Analysts
• Project Support, e.g., Project and Programme Office personnel
• Operational line managers/staff 

Got your PRINCE2® Foundation Certification? So, what next? It’s time for you to learn how to apply PRINCE2® in order to run and manage a project within an environment supporting PRINCE2® by equipping yourself with a PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification. 

The purpose of this certification is to confirm that you have sufficient understanding of applying as well as tailoring the methods in a range of different project environments and scenarios. Equipping yourself with this certification will further enable you to apply and tune PRINCE2® in order to address the needs as well as the problems of a specific project scenario. The learning outcomes of this certification are:

• You will be able to produce detailed explanations of all the themes, principles, and processes of PRINCE2®, and tailor them to address the particular circumstances of a given project scenario.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the relationships between these principles, themes, and processes and PRINCE2® products.
• Also, you’ll learn to demonstrate your understanding of the reasoning behind the principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2®.
• You’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to fine-tune PRINCE2® to different project circumstances.

Yes, you will need to fulfill a few prerequisites in order to meet the eligibility requirements for PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification. You must provide the proof of having passed any of the following exams prior to taking up your PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Exam:

• PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher) - this only applies to certificates obtained after 1st, January, 2009
• Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
• IPMA Level A® (Certified Project Director)
• IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
• IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
• IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)

PRINCE2® Practitioner 2017 is the second level of the examination and certification. Practitioners have sufficient knowledge and understanding to implement and tailor the methodology in a range of different project environments and scenarios.

Being the next level of PRINCE2® 2017 certification, the exam format of PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner exam is as follows:

The pass rate for PRINCE2® Practitioner exam is 55%. There are 9 questions on each paper and each question carries 12 marks. To get the required 55%, you need to get 59 out of 108 marks in 21/2 hours i.e. 150-minute exam duration. The exam is also an open book exam i.e. you are allowed to use the official PRINCE2® manual. If you want to pass the exam, aim to get 100% of the 108 marks. It is possible! All you need is to devote more time to studies.

The following guide will assist you in finding the answer to all your queries regarding getting certified with PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Exam:

Step 1: Begin your PRINCE2® certification journey by checking the prerequisites and ensure that you fulfill the same. The PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification is an advanced level of certification and so, it demands any one of prior certifications like:

• PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher) - this only applies to certificates obtained after 1st January, 2009
• Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
• IPMA Level A® (Certified Project Director)
• IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
• IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
• IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate) 

Step 2: In the next step, you need to begin your preparation by choosing between two routes of PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner. Either you can choose to sit for the exam at the end of a training course with an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO), or you can choose to do self-study and then book the exam without taking up a training course.The exam can be booked online with PeopleCert, the examination institute of PRINCE2®

Step 3: Enroll for a PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification Training with a reputed ATO like KnowledgeHut.

Step 4: Look out for a suitable session that meets your requirements by checking the PRINCE2® Practitioner Schedules and Dates.

Step 5: In case, you have chosen to self-study without any training support, then schedule your exam through PeopleCert.

Step 6: Get thorough with the PRINCE2® concepts and methods by reading the study materials. ‘Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 Edition’ which is one of the reference materials to support your exam preparation.

Step 7: Practice the PRINCE2® Sample Papers till you get a hold on all the segments of the exam paper and score at least 80%.

Step 8: Carry the required documents to the exam center and appear for the exam. 

Step 9: Once you finish the exam, you will receive the result within 5 business days. The result will reflect on your PeopleCert profile and can also be downloaded.

Step 10: As soon as you pass your exam, you will receive a notification from AXELOS letting you know about MyAxelos and how you can activate your membership through it.

Step 11: Meet the 20 CPD requirements to reflect your achievement through a digital badge by subscribing to My PRINCE2® 

Step 12: Renew your certification after 3 years by resitting for the PRINCE2® Practitioner exam or by fulfilling the 20 CPD requirements. 

The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam can be taken in two ways:

• If a candidate registers for a Classroom Training, the exam is conducted at the end of training.

OR

• If a candidate registers for a LIVE Virtual Training (online training through a tool like Gotomeeting or Zoom) the candidate could take up a web-proctored exam from his/her office/home at their own convenience.

Exam Process for Classroom Training:

The  PRINCE2® Practitioner program duration is 2 days and the exam is held at the end of the 2ndday. 

If you have opted for the PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner combined program then your exam will be held at the end of the 4th/last day of the training.

• Your training provider will book the exam for you. 
• Once the training provider books the exam, candidates will receive a Welcome Email from Peoplecert with instructions to:
• Create their profile on the Peoplecert website 
• Register for the exam.
• The candidate must “register” for the exam before the Exam time or this option will no longer be available to the candidate.
• In case the candidate has missed the window for registration, there is a provision for the training provider to coordinate with Peoplecert and get the candidate registered after the exam is over. This also applies to any candidate who decided to take up the exam at the last minute.
•  Once the candidate has registered for the exam, the training provider would be able to retrieve a 3-digit Registration Number (unique to each candidate) from the Peoplecert website. 
• The trainer/invigilator will share the 3-digit Registration Number with the candidate on the day of the exam, and the candidate could enter that on the Answer Sheet.
• Again, in the absence of the 3-digit Registration Number, the candidate could still go ahead and submit the answer sheet and the 3-digit number would later be mapped by Peoplecert. 
• It would take up to 5 business days after the exam completion for the results to be released.
• The results can be viewed under the Candidate’s profile and the Certificate downloaded from there as well.

Exam Process for Virtual Training:

• Once the candidate is ready for the exam, he or she is required to put in a request to the training provider to order an exam voucher. (In the event that the Certification cost is not part of the training fee, the training provider would first require the candidate to pay up the exam fee before ordering the voucher).
• Once your training provider orders the voucher, the candidate would receive a Welcome Email from Peoplecert with instructions to:
• Create their profile on the Peoplecert website 
• Schedule the exam.
• The candidate is required to follow the instructions in the email to schedule the exam at the time and date convenient for the candidate. 
• For any support queries, the candidate may write to customerservice@peoplecert.org.
• The results can be viewed under the Candidate’s profile and the Certificate downloaded from there as well.

Finding it difficult to prepare for your PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Exam? You can make the process easier by developing a strategy to prepare for the exam. Here are a few tips on how you can begin:

Tip 1: Build a firm foundation for the Practitioner level

Planning to get PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Certified? In order to do that, you need to understand that there’s a strong correlation between good Foundation marks and success at the Practitioner level. To pass the Practitioner exam, you need to be fluent with the basics taught in the Foundation level, and should also be well versed with the manual. 

Tip 2: Leave a gap between training and sitting for the Practitioner exam

Many candidates like to sit for the PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner exam immediately post-training. But are you taking both the Foundation and Practitioner exams back to back on completion of your PRINCE2® training? It’s always practical to leave a gap between the two exams and these three reasons will clarify this statement:

• You might be a quick learner, but it is always better to onboard the journey at a slow pace. This gap allows you to absorb PRINCE2® concepts completely rather than failing the exam due to being in a hurry.
• With the intensive training regimen being followed by training providers, the pass rate for the PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner has risen. Unfortunately, the exam is also getting more intensive and the whole examination process has become even more complex. So, it is suggested that in order to ensure a first time pass of both exams, you should leave a gap between the two. 
• Scoring below 50 means that you are not fluent enough with PRINCE2® although it is a decent score for the Foundation exam. The gap helps you to brush up your knowledge of methods and tools before you attempt the Practitioner exam.

Tip 3: Judging the gap between the course and the exam

This brings us to the next question, as to what is the ideal gap to have between PRINCE2® course and the PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner exam? Ideally, you can give a gap of 1 week to 1 month, depending on the time you need for adequate preparation. But a gap of a couple of months might prove to be hazardous. Too long a gap might diminish your capacity to recall all the information, although you get a lot of time to revise and practice.

Finding the PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner exam preparation nerve-wracking? You can ease the process by creating a revision checklist to prepare well for your PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner exam to clear it at one go.

1. Understand the structure of the exam 

To begin with your revision for PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Exam, you need to first understand the structure of the exam question paper. The PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Exam paper is divided into eight sections, out of which six sections are based on one theme and the remaining two sections are based on one set of process groups. The groups are-

•  Starting up a Project with Initiating a Project
• Managing a Stage Boundary with Closing a Project and Directing a Project
• Controlling a Stage with Managing Product Delivery

During the exam, you are provided with the details of a particular project and the questions are based on that project scenario. While appearing for the PRINCE2® Practitioner Exam, you might come across certain strange terminologies that are used to describe the sections.  

2. Referring to the scenario 

The next point of your revision checklist refers to the relevant scenario. You’ll find the scenario at a separate section of the paper that you can keep opened alongside the question paper. The best part is that you need to have your head around only one project and not several.

3. Managing time

 The most crucial element that leads you to success in any exam is time management. The PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Exam is structured in a way that you can plan accordingly. It consists of 9 sections where each section contains 12 marks, so, you just need to distribute the time within these 9 sections evenly to avoid any rush during the final exam. 

4. Control your feelings

It’s always challenging to prepare yourself for an exam that is tough and challenging at the same time. But you should prepare for your PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Exam with a positive outlook and avoid getting stressed. 

After all the rigorous preparation and hard work, you must be excited about the success of your PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner Certification exam. But, do you know that your certification expires in three years? Don’t panic! You can restore your well-deserved credentials by sitting for a re-registration exam after three to five calendar years of the issue date of your certification. 

This exam is set at the same standard as the Practitioner exam and is delivered by AXELOS’ ATOs who set their own rates. You can also enroll for training with a reputed ATO like KnowledgeHut in order to refresh your knowledge of the methodology.

You can also renew your credentials by maintaining your digital badge through My PRINCE2®. The membership costs you £50 + VAT every year. Once you become a member, you need to maintain your digital badges by earning 20 CPD points and each time you renew it, your credentials get extended for 12 months.

No, if you have 2009 certificate (existing or higher), you don’t have to retake the exam in 2017 format. However, it would be helpful to have an understanding of the revised material since the update was made to add best practices or to fine tune the existing material. You can do this by-

1. Buying 2017 PRINCE2® manual
2. Availing an AXELOS membership
3. Go through FAQs on AXELOS website
4. Becoming a part of the AXELOS community account

Upgrade yourself with the knowledge and skills to act as an informed member of an agile project management team as well as understand the way PRINCE2® works with agile concepts by enrolling for a PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification. Further, this certification will help you to:

• Get a clear and comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2® governance requirements
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of agile concepts and techniques such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean Start-up, and Cynefin
• Moreover, you get an opportunity to explore the interface between PRINCE2® and agile working methods.

The purpose of this certification is to further help you deliver agile projects by tailoring PRINCE2® management controls involving a broad toolset of agile delivery techniques as well as frameworks.

The PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Exam Format includes:

Being an introductory course, you do not require any prior qualification in order to take up the PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification.

Develop the ability to apply agile methods in order to run and manage PRINCE2® projects by passing the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Exam. This exam further validates your ability to apply and tailor their knowledge of the PRINCE2® method to projects in an agile context. Moreover, at the end of the exam, you’ll be able to:

• Showcase your understanding of the basic concepts of common agile ways of working
• You’ll also be able to show your understanding of the purpose and context for combining PRINCE2® and agile ways of working.
• Demonstrate your ability to fix as well as flex the six aspects of a project in an agile context
• Show your ability to tailor the PRINCE2® principles, themes, processes, and managing products to a project in an agile context.

The questions in this exam are divided into three categories, 5% of the questions are based on basic topics, 20% of the topics are based on ‘focus areas’, and the rest of the questions are based on tailoring the concepts to suit a certain scenario.

The PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Exam Format consists of:

When you are planning to take an advanced level of certification like the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification, it is expected that you meet certain eligibility requirements. You should have completed at least one or more of the following:

• PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)
• PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
• Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
• IPMA Levels A, B, C, and D® (Certified Projects Director).

Both these certifications operate at different levels. While a PRINCE2® Practitioner is geared towards project management level, Scrum Master leans more towards Agile product delivery level. They are not related. However, if your intention is to focus on project management, then focus on the PRINCE2® Practitioner.

If ScrumMaster is related to your job role, go for it. The choice depends on your present and future career prospects. If you are planning to join a Scrum team in the future, you can add the certification to your plans. Scrum certifications are related to the Agile methodology of project management, while the PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner are based on the waterfall method. Axelos has now introduced PRINCE2® Agile, that combines the flexibility and responsiveness of agile with the governance of PRINCE2®.

PRINCE2® is a very valuable qualification just as many of the others are. In fact, it is considered to be an asset in the project management industry. PRINCE2® is one of the few proven methods of delivering a project Successfully, on time and within budget and to high-quality standards. 

There is a lot to gain from getting a PRINCE2® certification, and some of the benefits include: 

1. It develops the framework of the project. 
2. It provides an almost accurate checklist of what needs to happen on a project and when. 
3. PRINCE2® will guide the project manager on when to execute a particular task.

Planning to begin your PRINCE2® 2017 certification journey? The PRINCE2® 2017 certification is divided into two major levels, namely:

1. PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation 
2. PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner. 

Further, PRINCE2® has got its Agile certification scheme which is also divided into two qualifications, namely:

1. PRINCE2® Agile Foundation 
2. PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner.

There are no prerequisites if one wishes to attend the workshop but in order to appear for the Practitioner certification, candidates must have one of several credentials, mentioned above. The Foundation Level examination has no such prerequisites.

The value of the PRINCE2® Foundation is in the advantage it gives students who want to learn about project management. It also allows people with the PRINCE2® Foundation certification to become informed members of project teams who understand the basics, project management terms and can handle critical matters and responsibilities in their various organizations.

The PRINCE2® Foundation certification is also the best for developing the right skills in project management that are important for career growth and great job prospects. It is easy to pass once a student is well prepared for it.

Yes, it is in the interest of someone with little or no work experience to get the PRINCE2® credential. The PRINCE2® certification requires no experience and the training is designed to supply such a person with the requisite knowledge of project management. This knowledge helps such a person become a competent project team member.

All an individual needs to get the PRINCE2® is subscribing for the certification starting with the Foundation and then the Practitioner. By completing both, a professional can manage and lead project teams successfully and make sure projects and processes are properly executed.

Not necessarily. You can get into the project management industry without the PRINCE2® certification. However, it is advisable you get it for the following reasons: 

1. It is one Project Management certification that can be acquired without committing all of your time and resources. This means you can actually do your paid job and also attend training at your convenience.  
2. It is easy to get the certificate in hand immediately as soon as the training and exam have been completed as there is no strenuous registration process required to get your certification. 
3. It helps you easily develop the main project management skill-set needed to be a professional.

ITIL, the acronym for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is the most renowned framework for IT service management in the world. ITIL is similar to PRINCE2® as it is also process-based and is also managed by AXELOS Ltd. It provides the ability to improve how IT is delivered and managed within an organization.

With ITIL, efficiency can continually be improved. It also promotes effectiveness, quality and cost management. ITIL has been used for IT but organizations are using it in a variety of settings for different purposes. Though similar, they both have different scopes. While knowledge of PRINCE2® is needed for ITIL, knowledge of ITIL is not necessary for PRINCE2®.

PRINCE2® Foundation exam costs $365. You are expected to sit the exam at a recognized ATO (Accredited Training Organization) or a specified center where you can conveniently write and pass the exam. Regarding the requirements for the Foundation certification, there are little to nothing as the conditions are not so strict. There are actually no conditions for sitting the exam at this level but some centers might require a basic understanding of project management. Since the Foundation level tests basic knowledge, it is not compulsory to have any project management skills.

No, the PRINCE2® Manual is not included in the course fee.

(You may purchase it here:  https://www.axelos.com/store/book/managing-successful-projects-with-prince2-2017

The cheapest way to do the PRINCE2® exam in the UK is through self-study and online course training. If you have the ability to read on your own and understand basic concepts, then go for it but if you need assistance, it may cost more because it will involve a tutor and classroom training. There are various websites on which you can register at a minimal cost and get access to a whole lot of videos and online materials. A lot of people have used online studying methods and they have passed the exam at their first attempt.

A my PRINCE2® subscription will cost about £50 +VAT. If you subscribe for another year, the cost of the second subscription will be £30 (+VAT) and for a third subscription, the price will be £20 (+VAT) per annum. 

Once you reach the end of your subscription after 12 months, you will receive a reminder for subscription renewal before the expiry date. Failure to renew your subscription will lead to the removal of access from the latest publications, digital badges, CPD activities, and best practices available as a part of the product subscription. If you renew your subscription after the expiry date has passed and your subscription has lapsed, just log back in and pay the new subscription fee.

PRINCE2® is a subscription model that can be tailor-made to meet the requirements of any project regardless of type and scale.

The membership cost for AXELOS is £59 per year.VAT charges are extra as applicable.

Yes, there is an online exam for PRINCE2®. There is a web program called the remote web proctor solution which will give access to take your exams online, using a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. Exams can be scheduled in advance, at a convenient date and time. A proctor will be available to invigilate the exam live. Exams can be taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The list of exams available via this service is: 

1. PRINCE2® Foundation 
2. PRINCE2® Practitioner 
3. ITIL Intermediate 
4. MoP Foundation.

Yes, you can take the PRINCE2® exam online as long as you’re able to connect through the internet and other requirements like webcam, microphone etc. Even though it is online, provisions will be made for an invigilator after scheduling the date. Exams can also be taken offline through accredited training centers around the world. Since they are not written every day but on certain days, centers are overbooked. You may need to plan your booking ahead since many people will be kept on the waiting list. Depending on your final decision, there is provision for both online and offline examinations.

You can take your PRINCE2® certification exam online through a remote web proctor solution. For this, you can schedule your exam in advance by choosing a suitable date and time. 

Be ready with a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection at the agreed time to connect with a proctor who will invigilate your exam live.You should also ensure that you meet the required technical requirements to continue with the exam smoothly.

You can take the PRINCE2® exam online with Peoplecert. With this globally recognized institute, you can sit your exam at your own preferred location provided your system has a webcam and internet facility. Peoplecert has developed an exam shield where candidates can be invigilated online through virtual proctoring. Besides being well equipped with the latest technology and tools, Peoplecert is flexible and easily accessible.

The PRINCE2® Practitioner exam lasts for 2 hours 30 minutes. To pass the PRINCE2® Practitioner exam (case study based), you must score 38 or more (out of 68 available) and get the required 55% score. Employers look forward to hiring practitioners as the certificate is well recognized by major industries.

For a classroom course, the practitioner exam is 2 days including the duration of training and the exam. The exam, just like other professional exams, is usually difficult but if you’re able to harness all available resources and practice well, you will pass.

The PRINCE2® Foundation certification exam is easy,  it takes about 3-4 hours of study every day for 10-12 days or 1-2 hours daily for 3 weeks. However, be committed and focused to the study hours. The PRINCE2® Practitioner certification exam takes 3-4 hours a day for about 3-4 months or 1-2 hours daily for 4-6 months of study to pass the examination. Ensure that you understand the content and the concepts so you can pass the exam at the first attempt.

No. It is a closed book exam. It is the PRINCE2® Practitioner that is an open book exam, where candidates are allowed to take their manuals into the examination room and make use of key points and other useful processes. There is usually no penalty for taking it into the examination as no one cares what it is being used for.

The exam format for the Foundation exam is 60 multiple choice questions. If you are able to pass 33 questions correctly, you have made the 55% pass mark requirement. Candidates are given 60 minutes to attempt all questions.

You need to have the following system requirements to take up the PRINCE2® certification exam online:

• Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP 2 or higher, Windows 8 (in the latest, scenario cannot be printed) and Mac OS
• Dual core 2.4 GHz CPU or faster with 2 GB of RAM (recommended)
• You should also have an active full time/broadband internet connection of at least 4 Mbps
• 16 bit monitor (at least 15”) with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher
• Keyboard and mouse or other pointing device
• A single web camera (embedded or external) you can rotate
• Speakers and microphone (you are not allowed to use headsets)

You will receive your final results in your PeopleCert profile and you can download the certification from there as well.

Your result is announced within 2 business days of your answers being submitted by the exam supervisor to PeopleCert. The entire process takes around 5 business days.

In case, you have taken your exam via Pearson Vue, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from PeopleCert within 7 working days along with a link to your e-certificate. Further, you will be asked to activate your PeopleCert Account where you will be able to manage your certificates as well as purchase the hard copy.

It is possible that you can fail the PRINCE2® certification exams. However, the pass rate for the PRINCE2® course is higher than the failure rate. A minimum of 33/60 is needed to pass the Foundation exam which is about 55 % passing rate. For the Practitioner level, you must score 38/68 or 55% to pass. Some of the reasons for failure are misappropriation of time during exams and lack of adequate preparation. When there is adequate understanding of the themes, appendices, and glossary then you are sure to achieve success.

You must be aware of the fact that your PRINCE2® Practitioner certification needs to be renewed within 3 to 5 years. But how do you do that? As a practitioner, you need to take a re-registration exam that is set at the same standard as the PRINCE2® Practitioner exam. The following preparation tips will guide you to prepare well for this exam:

1. Enroll for a training with an ATO

Although you can prepare for your PRINCE2® re-registration exam on your own, enrolling for a training course helps you speed up the preparation process. It also helps you upgrade and understand any new changes that may have been added since your last attempt. You will be able to easily identify the changes or updates that have been made after the previous edition of the manual.

2. Dedicate sufficient preparation time

One of the most common but precious exam preparation tips for your PRINCE2® re-registration exam is that you need to dedicate sufficient time for it. It is really important for you to be fluent with the manual to pass your re-registration exam successfully. 

3. Revision is the key to success

You shouldn’t forget that this exam is to maintain your PRINCE2® Practitioner certification. So, you need to brush up on all the concepts and revise the method which you studied in the first place to earn this certification. It is suggested that you take a few days off from your work to revise and study for the exam rather than trying to find some time in the midst of your ongoing project.

No, there is no mandatory requirement that a student must have or must use the PRINCE2® manual to pass the exams. Course lessons and the manual are considered adequate for tutoring as well as a study using accredited PRINCE2® course study guides. Of course, the PRINCE2® manual contains the necessary information and guidelines that are required to pass the examination. As a plus for anyone looking to self-study, this is the right tool that can be used to ensure preparation.

A PRINCE2® exam shield is a software installed in your system to help you write your exams online.  It is a solution known as remote web proctor that comes with the opportunity of writing exams online. With it installed in your system, you can sit the exam without any challenge. You need to check the compatibility of your system with the exam shield by visiting the Peoplecert website. You must also have your identity photos and other credentials like passport and driving license ready. Any software in your system that might affect the smooth functioning of the exam shield should be deactivated or disabled for the period of the exam.

Peoplecert is a globally recognized assessment/certification institute for all professional exams. It also partners with other organizations as well as government agencies for professional delivery and development of professional exams that are flawless and of high standards. Countless numbers of exams are delivered to different categories of people worldwide using different languages and unbeatable assessment technology tools.

With the use of proctors, individuals can now write their professional exams online using exam shield and can be invigilated via the internet. Peoplecert delivers several certification programs on behalf of Axelos and other similar organizations. It is now the only recognized institute that delivers Axelos examination globally.

You must have come across the terms Exam Code and Exam Voucher in the process of applying for your PRINCE2® Certification Exam. But how are these different from each other? Let’s try to understand their difference:

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. Axelos requires that PRINCE2® certified professionals must keep their project management knowledge up-to-date through the acquisition of CPD points. You can earn CPD points through Professional Experience, Training, Community Participation, and Self Study.

Once you have passed the PRINCE2® exam, you can join for Axelos membership. Then, you can keep your Axelos membership for the following three years by submitting 20 CPDs per year.  At the end of the third year, you would have completed 60 CPDs and can apply for PRINCE2® renewal.

My PRINCE2® subscription is for the project management professionals who want to advance their project management career through professional endorsement, practical help, and easy-access support. Getting a My PRINCE2® subscription will give you access to:

1. PRINCE2® 2017 templates
2. PRINCE2® Agile and PRINCE2® 2017 official online guidance
3. Discounts to selected AXELOS and some best practice publications
4. Exclusive white papers

If you hold a PRINCE2® 2009 Practitioner Certification then you need to get it renewed within 3-5 calendar years of its date of issue. You just need to take a re-registration examination which is set at the same standard as the Practitioner exam. It is a 60 minutes exam, which is based on the 2009 PRINCE2® Manual.

The re-registration certificate enables you to demonstrate your commitment towards continuing professional development and the value of your PRINCE2® knowledge to peers, employers, and colleagues.

Note: The PRINCE2® 2009 Foundation, Practitioner, and Re-registration exams are no longer available in English since January 1st, 2018. Also, the PRINCE2® 2009 re-registration exam in Dutch, German, and Polish was available until 31st of March 2019. 

Some of you might wonder if renewing your PRINCE2® Practitioner qualification is really worth the trouble. Here are some reasons that will help you become sure of that decision:

1. It is different: The new version is more flexible and less prescriptive. It emphasizes on the importance of social skills. Some of the old areas have been slashed and some new ones have been enlarged.
2. Staying registered: Your PRINCE2® certification is not going to last forever. Without renewal, you won’t be able to claim that you are a registered practitioner.
3. Refresh your skills: You will be able to revise important techniques and learn something new. It will reduce your chances of failure by providing a new rigour to your management skills.
4. Job safety: Renewing your PRINCE2® qualification will show your boss how dedicated you are to improving your skill set. It is a way to future-proof your career.
5. New job: Employers want people who will fit in well with their organization and develop with the team. There is an increasing number of job advertisements in the market that want PRINCE2® qualified candidates and they will prefer the newer version over the older one.
6. Working together: If the whole team uses PRINCE2®, there is less risk of conflict over the approaches a team can use.
7. Other standards: Renewing your PRINCE2® qualification will help you manage portfolio, projects, and programs.

Each level of PRINCE2® certification demands a unique set of requirements to be fulfilled by you based on the level of each exam. You need to meet these requirements in order to pursue your PRINCE2® certification:

PRINCE2® Foundation Certification

Here are the requirements for the PRINCE2® Foundation certification:

1. You need not fulfill any prior requirements in order to sit for the PRINCE2® Foundation certification exam.
2. Although there are no prerequisites for this course, it is an added advantage for you to have basic knowledge of managing projects.

PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification

Being an advanced level of PRINCE2® certification, you need to produce the proof of one of these certifications as a part of prerequisites for PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification exam:

1. PRINCE2® Foundation or higher
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)®
3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
4. IPMA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)
5. IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
6. IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
7. IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)

Planning to pursue your Agile career with PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification? Prior to that, you need to check the requirements that you need to meet in order to sit for this certification examination.

1. You don’t need to fulfill any prerequisites for taking the PRINCE2® Foundation Certification, however, having some prior knowledge on project management might prove to be an added advantage.

Unlike PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification, the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification is an advanced level of certification. Therefore, you need to produce the proof of holding one of the following certifications:

1. PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)
2. PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)®
4. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
5. IPMA Levels A,B,C, and D® (Certified Projects Director)

PRINCE2® Foundation certification does not expire. It is only the status as a Registered PRINCE2® Practitioner that has an expiry date. It expires after 5 years of your certification. It is renewable by taking the re-registration exam 3 years after you passed the Practitioner exam. The expiry date is written on the Practitioner certificate. If you fail to write the re-registration exam when due, you will not be allowed to portray yourself as a Registered PRINCE2® Practitioner.

Yes, it is valid for only 3 years after which you have to retake the exam or become a PRINCE2® member. As soon as you pass the PRINCE2® Practitioner exam, you must become a registered member within 3 months and continue to become a member by renewing your membership through a yearly subscription. You must also maintain the digital badge that will be awarded to you upon becoming a member for 3 years. The badge will be extended for renewal on the condition of recording 20 CPD points every year. If these conditions are met, you will be given a new certificate that will last for another 3 years.

You can renew your PRINCE2® Practitioner certification in 2 ways: re-registration for the exam and renewal through membership. For the first option, after 3 years of sitting and passing the Practitioner exam, you can re-register for the exam to re-sit it. The exam is similar to the normal one.

The second option is becoming a member of Axelos, and this is far easier. After passing the PRINCE2® exam, you register to become a member of Axelos and renew the membership status every year for 3 years. Each year, you must accumulate 20 CPDs which will give you 60 CPDs at the end of 3 years.

You will get 32 PDUs on completing the PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner training.

PDUs are credits awarded by the Project Management Institute(PMI). They recognize your dedication to the Project Management world through the award of credits for every educational effort you make throughout your career.  Every PMI certification, except the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), requires you to earn a specific number of PDUs per three-year certification cycle.

Trainer plays a pivotal role in achieving your learning goals for PRINCE2® certification. Keep these points in mind when you search for the best PRINCE2® trainer for yourself:

1. Check the credentials of the trainer

Only a well-experienced trainer can introduce you to the PRINCE2® concepts and methods with practical examples. So, before you begin your search for the best PRINCE2® Certified trainer, you should check the work experience as well as the credentials of the trainer.

2. Offline interactions and support

When you choose to get trained through online training mode, you might need some extra guidance and support from the trainer. Hence, you need to find out if the trainer offers offline interactions and support.

3. Flexible study schedule

Another factor which contributes towards choosing the best PRINCE2® certified trainer is a flexible study schedule. You will be able to better balance your work-life commitments, if you have the flexibility of scheduling classes at your own convenience.

4. Study aids

The next important thing on your checklist should be to check for the availability of study aids with the trainer. These study aids help you to clear your doubts surrounding PRINCE2® concepts and methods.

5. E-learning

Have a busy schedule because of which you can’t enroll for a classroom training? Your trainer can fulfill your training needs through E-learning. 

6. Study assistance

Your preparation doesn’t stop at the end of the training. Therefore, you need to check with the trainer if you are provided with an in-course or post-course study assistance.

7. Your training institute should be an ATO

AXELOS doesn’t provide any training directly but it has got Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs) that cater to your PRINCE2® training requirements. So, while searching for the best PRINCE2® certified trainer, you need to confirm if the trainer is an ATO.

Yes! PRINCE2® is valid in India and all over the world. However, due to the region of origin of PRINCE2® and PMP®, there will be a preference in what certification is commonly used. As PMP is US based and widely accepted in US, Canada, Middle East, and Asia, PRINCE2® which is of UK origin is popular and more acceptable in the UK, Europe & Australia. So regardless of the fact that PMP is commonly used in the India region, PRINCE2® is still very much valid.

Before making any investment in the project, the likelihood of the successful and delivery and the return on Investment (ROI) is predicted. Providing an e-learning program is like any other project. The Kirkpatrick/Phillips model can be used to measure the benefit of training over the following five levels:

1. The reaction of the participant
2. Trainee’s learning of what they are taught
3. Application of the learning in real-world
4. Impact on the business of training
5. Return on Investment

You will receive the certification from our accrediting body, Axelos.

When you are trying to find a PRINCE2® 2017 Certification Training, you should know that AXELOS doesn’t provide any training courses directly. There are numerous Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs) of AXELOS who cater to your training needs. KnowledgeHut is one such ATO which delivers training for PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation, PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner certification in three different learning modes, namely:

1. Classroom: Interact with the trainer directly in this face-to-face learning mode. It also helps you to clear your doubts easily. 
2. Online Classroom: This is a virtual mode of learning where you can have live interactions with the trainers.
3. E-learning: Take your learning beyond the traditional classroom through electronic technologies in order to explore the educational curriculum.

While there are no specific figures showing the numbers of people in India that are PRINCE2® certified, a 2016 survey carried out by AXELOS-PRINCE2® shows that the region with the fastest growing numbers of PRINCE2® professionals in Central Asia is India, as the percentage of growth has shot up by 14% as compared to the UK. More people in India have submitted in a recent study that they found PRINCE2® to be of great value to their careers. This shows the importance of the certification and as such many, more people are planning to or have obtained the PRINCE2® certification.

Need guidance on how to begin your preparations for PRINCE2® certification exam? The best resource to seek guidance on it is to read the PRINCE2® Guide that is available in PDF format. This Guide is approved by Axelos as a learning resource for the PRINCE2® Practitioner as well as PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner qualifications.

You can also test your learning by practicing the series of sample papers produced by AXELOS. These papers are the perfect guide to show you how the questions are typically presented in the real exam. You can download these sample exam papers by logging in or creating a user profile at AXELOS.

Certifications for project management are qualifications that help in adding value to the credentials of Project Managers and make them certified. Examples of these are: Mastering Digital Project Management (MDPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), CompTIA Project+, PRINCE2® Foundation & PRINCE2® Practitioner, Associate in Project Management (APM), Certified Project Director (CPD), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Professional Scrum Master I, II & III.There are also many other project management certifications apart from those mentioned above.

The PRINCE2® accreditation program is done in various countries around the world and the cost varies according to the region where the training and the examination will be taken. However, the country with the cheapest accreditation program is India. In all its regions from Delhi to other parts, the cost starts from $350 depending on the type of PRINCE2® training and certification as well as if it is focused towards an individual or corporate organization. Other countries have costs that range from $400-$1450 for the different cadres of the certification.

As a Project Management methodology, PRINCE2® has better job prospects and is not affiliated to a specific industry sector or organization. It can be used in any industry, organization or in projects of any scale. The practical application of the methods and processes for project management helps a PRINCE2® professional expands his or her possible areas of work and appeal to a larger offering of employers and organizations.

As a credential that is highly sought after, PRINCE2® gives better compensation packages for certified project managers because its tested skills increase the effectiveness of project teams.

Trying to choose between PMP® and PRINCE2® to begin your project management career? Obviously, both the certifications are important but one might get more preference than the other based on the location. So, let’s check out which certification is preferred in various regions across the globe:

The answer to this question is, there’s no one best certification. Yes, both PMP® and PRINCE2® deploy different approaches and methods for project management and are best in their own way. The PMBOK® Guide in PMP® certification focuses more on the perspective aspect of knowledge, whereas PRINCE2® focuses more on vivid techniques. 

Once you go deeper and prepare for the questions, you will realise that PRINCE2® is more concerned about questions based on when, whom, and what, whereas the PMBOK® Guide focuses more on the ‘How’ questions.

According to PMI’s® March 2018 update, there are around 833,025 PMP® certified professionals across 286 chartered chapters across 210 countries and territories worldwide. Although we can’t find any such specific data to specify the number of PRINCE2® professionals across the globe, PRINCE2® is a globally accepted project management certification with a large number of certified professionals.

Both PMP® and PRINCE2® have a niche demand based on the necessity of the aspirants. But it’s obvious that you should check the benefits of any course prior to enrolling for it. Find the below listed 10 benefits of PRINCE2® and PMP® certification in order to choose the best for yourself:

Benefits of PMP® certification

1. One of the major benefits of PMP® that makes it a popular certification course is that it is accepted across various industries like IT, healthcare, aerospace, defense, government, etc.
2. Teamwork is a crucial factor in the success or failure of any project. You can equip yourself with the best knowledge and skills in the industry, to communicate and manage others who are working together on the project, by becoming a PMP® certified professional.
3. Learn to avoid and manage risks to enhance and protect the requirements of your organisation by gaining the required skills through this certification.
4. It is essential to continue learning to cope up with the development of the working environment. PMP® certification equips you with project management experience and adds to your knowledge on different approaches, technology, and skills.
5. You also work as a problem solver for your team and organisation as a project manager. The PMP® certification validates your expertise on project management.
6. Moreover, this certification help you to gain the necessary insights to foresee the upcoming requirements from the very beginning. This helps you to avoid any unnecessary hindrances in the successful completion of a project.
7. Equip yourself with various leadership styles as a PMP® certified professional in order to apply them according to the project needs or requirements.
8. As PMP® is acknowledged as the gold standard of project management certifications within the project management and the IT community, you are assumed to be equipped with an advanced set of skills for ensuring a successful project. This gives you an extra edge over your non-certified counterparts in the job market.
9. You can work anywhere in the world as a PMP® certified professional, as it is a globally acknowledged credential. Moreover, you are equipped with the knowledge of a common language that is used and accepted across all industries around the world.
10. Finally, it helps you to increase your salary by at least 20%. PMP®s are a niche group of individuals and their skills are highly valued across domains.

Benefits of PRINCE2® Certification

1. Equipping yourself with a PRINCE2® certification enables you to don a much-improved Project Management skill set. Moreover, you will learn to work with a methodology that is an alternative to PMP® along with terminology, framework, common systems, and procedures that are implemented by a large number of project managers in order to plan, initiate, monitor, manage, and execute projects.
2. Acquire the knowledge and skill to tailor all your PRINCE2® projects in order to suit your needs and oversee all the projects managed by you with a PRINCE2® certification. It is not an instruction manual, rather, it’s more of a methodology which ensures that you really understand all project principles as well as processes and the ways to manage them.
3. Now, here’s a unique advantage of PRINCE2® certification! You can start preparing for it from the foundation level. You can do a Project Management Certification by avoiding a huge amount of training time and high costs. Moreover, PRINCE2® Foundation certification enables you to get a full overview of what lies ahead when you decide to take up the PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification.
4. You can take the PRINCE2® certification exam upon completion of your training with an accredited ATO like KnowledgeHut. 

Now let’s come to the best part of this certification. With a PRINCE2® certification by your side, you can become one among the most prized professionals in Europe by earning an annual average salary of £50,000.

What can be better than having a certification that’s globally recognized! PRINCE2® certification is acknowledged as the de facto standard for Project Management across various countries around the globe.

The roles and responsibilities in PRINCE2® projects are clearly defined and shared within the project organisation. Although you play a pivotal role as a Project Manager, within a PRINCE2® project you’re not the only one to be blamed if things go wrong in the project. 

And obviously, the exposure. You can go beyond a specific industry or organisation type with PRINCE2® certification. PRINCE2® methods can be used in any organisation, any industry, and any project of any scale, expanding your possible areas of project work.

Your PRINCE2® certification comes with a proof for your employers. As a PRINCE2® certification holder, your profile is entered in the PRINCE2® Successful Candidate Register from the certification body AXELOS.

Reap the benefits of using PRINCE2® by engaging with networks of groups as well as organisations that offer support from the experts who have delivered hundreds of successful projects. 

Salary is always a driving factor for every professional while choosing a certification course. Here’s a comparison between PMP® certified professionals and PRINCE2® certified professionals based out of India and the US:

It is important for you to check the eligibility requirement for any certification before you decide to take it up. Being owned or managed by two separate bodies and having their origins in two different countries, both the certifications have certain specific eligibility requirements that you need to fulfill in order to onboard your certification journey. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

Eligibility requirements for PMP®:

The eligibility requirements for PMP® certification vary based on your educational qualification.

If you hold a secondary degree in the form of a high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent:

1. You should have unique non-overlapping professional project management experience of minimum of 5 years or 60 months.
2. At least 7,500 hours spent leading and directing projects
3. 35 contact hours of formal education.

If you hold a four-year degree in the form of bachelor’s degree or global equivalent:

1. You should hold a minimum of 3 years or 36 months of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience
2. At least 4,500 hours spent in leading and directing projects
3. 35 contact hours of formal education.

Eligibility requirements for PRINCE2® Certification:

PRINCE2® certification comprises of two certifications and also offers you a certification path for Agile. Each of the certification levels has its own unique eligibility requirements which you need to fulfill. 

PRINCE2® Foundation:

Being an introductory course of PRINCE2® certification, AXELOS doesn’t recommend any prerequisites for PRINCE2® Foundation certification. But yes, having some prior knowledge of project management can prove to be an added advantage.

PRINCE2® Practitioner:

It is an advanced certification of PRINCE2® and you should possess certain prior knowledge and skills for which you need to produce proof of clearing one of the following certifications:

1. PRINCE2® Foundation or higher
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)®
3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
4. IPMA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)
5. IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
6. IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
7. IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)

PRINCE2® Agile Foundation

Similar to PRINCE2® Foundation, there are no recommended prerequisites from AXELOS, however, it would be an added advantage for you to have some prior project management knowledge.

PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner

You can open the door for a promising career in Agile by equipping yourself with a PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner certification. For the same you need to prove your eligibility by showing that you have accomplished at least one of the following certifications:

1. PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)
2. PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)®
4. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
5. IPMA Levels A,B,C, and D® (Certified Projects Director)

Although both PMP® and PRINCE2® are project management certifications, the certification costs involved in both the certifications differ due to various factors. Let’s discuss the cost individually in terms of the certification:

PMP® certification cost

The certification cost involved in PMP® can be listed down as:

PRINCE2® Certification cost

Unlike PMP®, PRINCE2® certification is segregated into two parts, namely, PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Practitioner. Further, PRINCE2® Agile gives you a well-defined path to begin your Agile journey. The following chart gives you a clear understanding of cost involved in each of the certifications:

Although both PMP® and PRINCE2® validate your knowledge and skills of project management both are comprised of different exam structures. Here’s the comparison between the exam structures of both the examinations:

PMP® exam structure:

Want to know about the exam structure of PMP® exam? You need to answer 200 multiple-choice questions within 4 hours. 25 questions out of these are considered as pretest questions and do not affect the score. Going deeper, the 200 questions are broken down into:

1. 13% of these questions test on initiating
2. 24% tests on planning
3. 31% tests on executing
4. 25% tests on monitoring
5. 7% of them test on closing.

PRINCE2® exam structure:

The exam structures for PRINCE2® certifications are as follows

Although PRINCE2® is considered easier than PMP®, you need to prioritize your necessity over the level of difficulty of the exams. These differences might be helpful for you to understand which certification you need to do:

These basic differences will help you to go beyond the quest of simplicity or complexity and identify the certification that fits your requirements while helping you to get better ROI.

Let’s begin with PMP®. The passing score for PMP® exam differs for each aspirant. Your exam score is based on the difficulty level of the set of PMP® exam questions answered by you. PMI® deploys a scientific approach while determining the eligibility of a PMP® candidate for PMP® certification. Even the report card reflects the result in terms of the target level, i.e., above target, target, below target, and needs improvement.

Now, coming to the passing score for PRINCE2® certification, the passing score for each of the certifications have been clearly specified. The passing score for all the PRINCE2® certifications are as follows:

Got certified? But your certification might come with a validity. Yes, the validity of your PMP® or PRINCE2® certification might expire after a certain period. Check the validity of these certifications to learn when you should renew the same:

PMP® Certification Validity

The validity of your PMP® certification expires every 3 years. You can continue with your credentials by earning 60 PDUs within 3 years.

PRINCE2® Certification Validity

The terms of validity for PRINCE2® certification is based on the certification that you hold. The foundation level certifications come with a lifelong validity whereas the practitioner-level certifications expire in 3 years. It can be explained in the form of this chart:

You need to maintain a certain amount of credits which are also known as PDUs and CPDs to maintain your PMP® and PRINCE2® certifications respectively.  

Earning PDU’s for PMP®

Once you get PMP® certified, your certification remains valid for a tenure of 3 years. This means, you need to renew it within 3 years by earning 60 PDUs. These PDUs can be earned through two modes:

Education includes taking part in courses or training, organisation meetings, training through online or digital media, reading, and informal learning. Whereas, you can earn PDUs by giving back to the community by creating content, working as a Practitioner, giving presentations, sharing knowledge, and volunteering.

Earning CPD’s for PRINCE2® 

According to the standards of AXELOS, you need to earn 20 CPDs before your certification expires after 12 months. Here, you earn 5 CPDs from the Professional Experience category whereas, you need to earn the rest of the 15 points from activities like training and qualifications, community participation, and self-study categories.

Yes. The PRINCE2® exam is easier to study for than CAPM because of the difference in study hours. PRINCE2® has both Foundation and Practitioner qualifications. To study for the PRINCE2® Foundation, you need roughly 16 hours of classroom training while the Practitioner will also take 16 hours of classroom training. If you are able to discover an institute that can combine both studies, you will spend around 32 hours studying in a face-to-face or online classroom.

CAPM training requires 23 hours of training. For all the exams you will have to undertake self-study in addition to the training in order to grasp the content well, and the duration of self-study depends on your ability to grasp the subject matter and remember it.

Both PMP® and PRINCE2® certification share their own importance based on geographical distributions. They have even been tested for years in terms of project success. Therefore, you can go ahead with opting for both the certifications as PMP® is knowledge-based while PRINCE2® enables you to uncover the best-proven practices in project management through its process-based methodology.

If you are wondering about why PRINCE2® Agile is in high demand, then here are a few benefits that will give an answer to all your questions:  

• The PRINCE2® Agile enables you to focus on both management and delivery
• It works with any established agile approach
• It enhances your consistency by helping you to hit deadlines on time
• It is a corporate-friendly and collaboratively built approach
• It leads to increased stakeholder confidence
• It consists of tools to manage as well as react to changing requirements.

Planning to get certified in PRINCE2® Agile? But before that you need to understand what the certification is and the two levels involved in it. The PRINCE2® Agile certification is a blend of the flexibility and responsiveness of agile with the defined governance of PRINCE2®. 

How does it help you? Designed to help project managers to tailor management controls when working in an agile environment, this certification gives an in-depth understanding of PRINCE2® governance requirements, agile concepts, and techniques as well as the interface between them. The certification levels involved in the scheme are:

• PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
• PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner.

 It can be taken up by:

• Anyone who delivers large or small projects in an agile context
• Those working within an agile project environment
• Project Managers
• Project Support team
• Members of the wider project team.

Upgrade yourself with the knowledge and skills to act as an informed member of an agile project management team as well as understand the way PRINCE2® works with agile concepts by enrolling for a PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification. Further, this certification will help you to:

• Get a clear and comprehensive understanding of the PRINCE2® governance requirements
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of agile concepts and techniques such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean Start-up, and Cynefin
• Moreover, you get an opportunity to explore the interface between PRINCE2® and agile working methods.

The purpose of this certification is to further help you deliver agile projects by tailoring PRINCE2® management controls involving a broad toolset of agile delivery techniques as well as frameworks.

Trying to find training for PRINCE2® Agile Foundation? AXELOS has got a number of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) who are their approved partners in delivering training through various formats. For example, KnowledgeHut is a reputed ATO of AXELOS that delivers PRINCE2® certification training through face-to-face mode in a physical or virtual classroom, or through distance learning which is delivered through Learning Technologies or other methods. At times, some of the training solutions can be a combination of both.

Professionals who can take up the certification -

• Project Managers
• Project Support
• Anyone working in an Agile project environment

For scheduling the PRINCE2® Agile Foundation 2017 exam, visit the official website. The exam cost in India is £236.00.

Wondering about how to get certified in PRINCE2® Agile Foundation? Well here lies the path that will guide you for the same:

• Step 1:  To initiate your PRINCE2® Agile Foundation journey, you need to choose from two routes. You either need to take up a training course with an AXELOS accredited ATO and appear for the exam at the end, or you can self-study and apply for the exam through PeopleCert.
• Step 2: In either of the above choices, you need to fulfill the required prerequisites for the course. However, you don’t need to meet any prerequisites for PRINCE2® Agile Foundation exam.
• Step 3: In case, you choose to get trained with a reputed ATO of AXELOS, enroll for a PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification Training with a reputed ATO like KnowledgeHut.
• Step 4: Check for the suitable time and date in the PRINCE2® Agile Foundation schedules and dates offered by the ATO.
• Step 5: Log in to PeopleCert in order to schedule your exam, in case, you chose to self-study and appear for the exam without any training support.
• Step 6: Equip yourself with more insight into the concepts surrounding PRINCE2® Agile Foundation by reading recommended study materials like ‘ Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 Edition’.
• Step 7: Practice makes you perfect! Keep practicing the sample papers until you score 80%.
• Step 8: Sit for the exam and give your best. Also, don’t forget to carry your important documents.
• Step 9: Once you submit your test, the exam results will appear in your PeopleCert profile and you can download the same for your later reference.
• Step 10: On passing the exam, AXELOS will send across a communication to you regarding how to activate your membership.
• Step 11: Subscribe to MyPRINCE2® to receive your digital badge on meeting 20 CPD requirements. You can use the same to showcase your highest achievement.
  

Yes, it is worth it for professionals who desire to deliver agile projects, upgrade their knowledge of agile concepts and techniques which includes Scrum, Kanban, Lean Start-up and Cynefin. The rationale behind the PRINCE2® Agile Foundation certification is Axelos’s desire to develop a system that can compete with the already existing system of PMI. It will guide you on how to deliver, manage or work in the confines of agile projects and project teams without necessarily having prior experience of PRINCE2®.

No, if you have 2009 certificate (existing or higher), you don’t have to retake the exam in 2017 format. But it’s best to have an understanding of the revised material since the update was made keeping best practices in mind. You can do this by-

1. Buying 2017 PRINCE2® manual
2. Availing an AXELOS membership
3. Going through the FAQs published on AXELOS website
4. Becoming a part of the AXELOS community account

This certification was introduced to emphasize the fact that its methods are unique and unbeatable by any other method. It combines both the PRINCE2® method of structure/governance with the benefits of how agile works. Without having prior knowledge of PRINCE2®, this certification can help you work effectively with agile project teams and get the full benefit in terms of the PRINCE2®quality guidance and management. Some of the notable benefits include accessibility to easily deliver agile related projects.

As the certification is globally recognized and incorporates other agile concepts/techniques like Scrum, Cynefin, and Kanban, just like other PRINCE2® certifications, it is fast growing and much sought after.

Being an introductory course, you do not require any prior qualification in order to take up the PRINCE2® Agile Foundation Certification.

Want to move to the next stage of PRINCE2® Agile Certification? Master the knowledge and skills to apply the PRINCE2® Agile methods in practice through real-world project management examples with PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner certification. 

Further, this certification combines agile concepts with the world’s most popular approach to project management. It is developed in response to user demand and teaches you to blend structure, governance, and control with agile methods, techniques, and approaches. Moreover, this course will enable you to:

• Showcase your understanding of the basic concepts of common agile ways of working
• You will be able to understand the purpose and context for combining PRINCE2® and the agile way of working
• Demonstrate your ability to fix and flex the six aspects of a project in an agile context
• Acquire the ability to tailor the PRINCE2® principles, themes, processes, and manage products to a project in an agile context.

Want to streamline your exam preparation process for the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner exam? You can join a PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner training course with one of the reputed AXELOS approved ATOs like KnowledgeHut. Enrolling for a training course gives you in-depth knowledge about the concepts of PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner through numerous training modes like, face-to-face training in a physical or virtual classroom, or through distance learning that is delivered through Learning Technologies or other methods. Some ATOs might even deliver the training by mixing both the modes.

The PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification can be taken up by:

• Those working within a project environment 
• Key staff involved with integrating project management with product delivery
• Professionals with governance responsibilities for projects using agile delivery approaches
• Those involved with program and project support functions.

For scheduling the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner 2017 exam, visit the official website. The exam cost in India is £389.00

Want to take your agile skills to the next level with a PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification? Here’s how you can go about it:

Step 1: In the beginning, you need to ensure that you meet all the prerequisites to sit for the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification exam. This exam demands that you hold at least one or more of prior certifications like:

• PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)
• PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
• Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
• IPMA Levels A, B, C, and D® (Certified Projects Director).

Step 2: Choose between taking up training with a reputed AXELOS’ ATO or self-study. Getting trained with an ATO will allow you to sit for the exam at the end of the course, or you can book your exam with PeopleCert if you choose to self-study. PeopleCert is the exam conducting body for AXELOS.

Step 3: Identify and enroll for a PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification Training with a reputed ATO like KnowledgeHut.

Step 4: Find a suitable date and time for the training by checking the Schedules and training dates of the ATO.

Step 5: If you have decided to prepare on your own without any training support, then you should book your exam through PeopleCert.

Step 6: Refer the recommended study material to get an insight on all the relevant topics under PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification. You can read ‘Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 Edition’.

Step 7: Sample papers are a good way to test your knowledge and understand about time management. It is suggested that you keep practicing the sample papers until you score 80%.

Step 8: Finally, appear for the exam with the required documents and give it your best shot!

Step 9: Once you submit your test, you will receive your results within 5 business days. The results will be available on your PeopleCert profile and you can download the same from there.

Step 10: You will receive a detailed communication from AXELOS on passing the exam successfully. This communication basically consists of information about how to activate your membership.

Step 11: Meet 20 CPD requirements by subscribing to My PRINCE2®. You will also receive a digital badge that you can use to showcase your highest achievement.

Step 12: Your PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification is valid for only 3 years. In order to maintain the same, you need to retake the exam or meet the CPD requirements to maintain your digital badge.

No, if you have 2009 certificate (existing or higher), you don’t have to retake the exam in 2017 format. But it’s best to have an understanding of the revised material since the update was made keeping best practices in mind. You can do this by-

1. Buying 2017 PRINCE2® manual
2. Availing an AXELOS membership
3. Going through the FAQs published on AXELOS website
4. Becoming a part of the AXELOS community account

When you are planning to take an advanced level of certification like the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner Certification, it is expected that you meet certain eligibility requirements. You should have completed at least one or more of the following:

• PRINCE2® Foundation (or higher)
• PRINCE2® Agile Foundation
• Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
• IPMA Levels A, B, C, and D® (Certified Projects Director).

Yes, there is. PRINCE2® Agile is the world’s most complete agile project management solution, combining the flexibility and responsiveness of agile with the governance of PRINCE2®. It is intended for people working in an Agile project management environment. It’s useful to project teams using Agile who also want a bit of structure and project management practice. PRINCE2® Agile provides structure, governance, and controls when working with agile concepts, methods, and techniques. It is designed to help professionals tailor management controls when working in an agile environment.

In 1989, the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA)in the UK  adopted a method called PROMPT II as a UK Government standard for information systems (IT) project management. It was called 'PRINCE', an acronym that originally stood for PROMPT II IN the CCTA Environment. The acronym PRINCE was later attributed to PRojects IN Controlled Environments and was used outside the IT environment, both in the UK and around the world.

PRINCE2® was released in 1996 as a generic project management method.  It contains several themes and processes, which project managers and some industries have preferred above others as a result of it practicality and methodology. Though more popular in the UK and some countries of the world, it is a globally recognized management system that has been effective for users and project managers.

PRINCE2® is a specialized framework that helps both aspiring and practicing managers carry out their projects within the allotted time and a given budget. It helps managers in dividing given tasks and projects into clear stages from start to finish focusing especially on product delivery rather than mere activities.

It contains 4 main elements; 7 principles, 7 themes, 7 processes and adaptation to the environment of the project. It suits different categories of projects. The goal of the business and the requirements serve as guiding principles for the entire project from the beginning to the end. Above all, the progress of projects is well evaluated.

PRINCE2® is a popular project management methodology that was instituted by the UK government as the de facto standard for information systems projects. It is used in different countries of the world in both private and public sector projects. PRINCE2® was started to curb the occurrence of project failure. It makes it easy to spot problems right on time. It helps project managers to keep projects on track and deliver them within the stipulated budget and time. It divides projects into three stages i.e. the beginning, middle and the closing.

Axelos is the body that governs PRINCE2®. It is an accredited training organization that has complete authority in conducting trainings and awarding certification examinations. As a result of this, Axelos has all the authority to conduct trainings in PRINCE2® and also award candidates the Practitioner exam certificate. This is why most PRINCE2® candidates have the logo of Axelos on  their PRINCE2® Practitioner certificate.

Axelos was created in 2013 in the UK with the aim of managing, developing and growing globally recognized project management portfolios. The methodologies that are part of the portfolio of Axelos are embraced and used globally by project managers and other programmers.

This question doesn’t have a specific answer as the number of project managers across the globe is perpetually on the rise. However, a statistics showed that The PMI claims 450,000 members, and over 650,000 certified Project Management Professionals (PMP). The Project Management Institute's quotes: Through 2020, 1.57 million new project management jobs will be created each year around the world, according to our Project Management Talent Gap report. The number will continue to increase because of the demand for the profession.

PRINCE2® methodology is a widely known standard put in place by the UK Government for effective project management. It is recognized and used in the private sector in the UK and internationally. The PRINCE2® framework stipulates that a project should have an organized and controlled beginning, middle and closing. This signifies that a project must have a plan before the execution.  It must be controlled as it is ongoing and when the project ends, all loose ends must be tidy.

The PRINCE2® framework is composed of four integrated elements which are Principles, Themes, Processes, and adaptation to the project environment. The framework is built on 7 principles, 7 themes, 7 processes and is tailored to the project environment. These principles are the foundations of the framework.

The themes concern aspects of project management that must be continuously addressed throughout the project and the processes describe who is responsible for performing the themes at different points of the project. Since every project is different; so the themes and processes must be tailored to suit the needs of the environment.

The PRINCE2® themes are divided into 7 categories. They are business case, organization, quality, plans, risk, change, and progress. They give the needed insights into how any project should be carried out in order for it to be result-oriented.

The first theme examines whether a given project is worth venturing into. The second breaks the project into manageable units. The next theme ensures the consistency of projects with high standards. The fourth theme ensures all stages are well covered without any loophole. The fifth stage calculates all possible risks and how to handle them when they arise and so on.

The 7 Themes of the PRINCE2® methodology include Business Case, Organisation, Quality, Plans, Risk, Change, Progress.

PRINCE2® is made up of structured tasks to achieve specific goals and to complete projects successfully. 

The 7 processes of PRINCE2® are :

1. Starting Up a project (SU) 
2. Initiating a project (IP) 
3. Directing a project (DP) 
4. Controlling a Stage (CS)  
5. Managing Product Delivery (MP) 
6. Managing Stage Boundaries(SB)  
7. Closing a project (CP)

These processes enable projects to be thoroughly managed in a scalable way. They are the machinery that drives projects to completion.

PRINCE2® (Projects In Controlled Environments) is a widely recognized project management method. It stipulates that projects should be divided into manageable and controllable parts. A project must be well planned before the commencement, it must be controlled and then when it ends, it must be tidied up.

PRINCE2® has seven principles, seven themes, and seven processes. It was created by the UK Government as a standard for information systems projects. However, it is acceptable and recognized in different parts of the world.

The PRINCE2® certification is recognized all over the world and the numbers of certified individuals increase every year. Its methodology and flexibility solves project management issues by identifying any risks, opportunities, and threats in projects while determining the best response to these challenges.

The PRINCE2® employs best practices in initiating, managing and completing projects in the public and private sector companies globally. Therefore, projects will be delivered successfully irrespective of schedule, cost or quality constraints while minimizing the chances of project failure. Its highly adaptable and flexible application makes it the best fit for any industry sector or project type.

AXELOS introduced the latest and the most updated version of the PRINCE2® in May 2017. This is the first update received since its first launch in 2009. Let’s take a look at the major changes - 

• To meet the requirements of organizations and project environments
• Great importance has been given to the principles that underpin PRINCE2®.
• Illuminating the connection within the themes and principles
• The reconstruction of the ‘Themes’ guidance to assist particular models of tailoring
• The rational utilization of the process and administration, with various examples, suggestions, and warnings
• Renewing your certification through My PRINCE2®.
• Covers every aspect of project management through its reference and approach.
• Major focus on membership for foundation and practitioner level certification holders. This allows them to stay updated and have their certification and skills maintain current relevance.

One of the most prominent reasons behind the update of PRINCE2® was the constant and collective feedback from experts which were collected over a period of 8 years. These feedbacks and suggestions are based on applied methods and practical application in the field which is exactly the approach of the learning which PRINCE2® offers - Process-based. Moreover, the business has evolved at a rapid pace due to the advancement in technology. 

PRINCE2® has been designed to teach the learners on how to use the technology of today and tomorrow to serve the customers and stakeholders. AXELOS has thoroughly designed and revised the learning offered under the PRINCE2® so that anyone who wants to learn project management can join and learn about it and achieve success in their professional field.

Are you a working or are an aspiring project manager? Then you are going to be in demand for many years to come. According to PMI®, employers will have a requirement of 87.7 million project management-oriented roles by the year 2027. Also, if we follow the recent trends, Project Management has been one of the most lucrative and in-demand career options for the last few years.

The PMI® Report, Pulse of the Profession: 2018 clearly states that ‘72% of PMO leaders feel certification is very relevant for mid-career project managers’. 

It is possible to undertake self-study for both PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner exams if you are very disciplined and work according to planned schedules. It is not enough to be diligent, you must add time management to it. A lot of people stick to a particular timetable that will enable them to cover up what the exam entails. If you are able to read for a certain number of hours per day, you should be able to get yourself ready for the exam within a few weeks. Make sure you have the needed materials or manual for the exam. Also, try and practice past questions and other prep courses.

PRINCE2® Foundation qualification is the first level for beginners and those new to the project management field. If you have heard about project management and you are looking forward to gaining some insights into it or wish to develop yourself in that career, you have to begin with this level. Also, in order to have a better understanding of the PRINCE2® system and methodology at advanced levels, you need to start with the PRINCE2® Foundation.

The PRINCE2® Practitioner is an advanced level of qualification for those who want to apply the principles of PRINCE2® to a given project. If you are a current or an aspiring project manager, you need the PRINCE2® Practitioner.

A project of any size or complexity can be successfully delivered with the help of PRINCE2® Project Management. PRINCE2® provides the essentials for managing any project from a treasure of knowledge and experience.

Follow the below mentioned steps to subscribe to AXELOS:

1. Visit the website www.AXELOS.com/professional-development. Select the subscription that you want.
2. Log in to your AXELOS user account to finish the purchase. If you don’t have one, you will need an online form to create your account.
3. Click on the cart button to complete your purchase. You will be redirected to a payment page, where you can enter a discount code if you have any. Follow the steps to finish the order.
4. Once you have finished the order, you will receive an automated confirmation email.

You will be awarded with the PRINCE2® practitioner digital badge once you achieve the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. The validity of the badge is from the date of your acceptance till the date of your subscription.

After completing two years as PRINCE2® Practitioner you will be required to log 20 CPD points in which 5 points are from professional experience category. The renewal is for 1 year once you accept your PRINCE2® Digital Badge.

Following are the highlights of subscribing to My PRINCE2®:

• You get subscription access to various AXELOS ITSM® templates and publications online, which will help you advance in your PRINCE® drive.
• You also get access to exclusive whitepapers.
• CPD tools help you map out professional development channels.
• You become a professional with an endorsement of a digital badge that’s in line with your PRINCE2® certificate.Your badge will reflect the highest certification that you hold.

My AXELOS allows you to subscribe to content online enabling you with all the necessary tools, resources and endorsements to succeed in your career. It is a one-stop-shop aligned to ITIL®, PRINCE2® OR MSP® providing access to the latest publications, best practice templates, CPD activities and digital badges to verify your certification and develop your skills and knowledge.

Subscribing to My AXELOS has the following benefits:

1. Just with a few clicks, you have access to all the tools, resources, templates and content to apply best practices, which are reliable.
2. Be up-to-date with the latest thought leadership and keep pace with the industry developments by subscribing to My AXELOS.
3. With AXELOS subscription, you will have access to the most sought-after subject matter experts from the industry and learn from them through knowledge sharing, debate opinions and engage with the next generation of best practices.
4. Earn a digital badge in alignment with your certification by completing CPD – Continuing Professional Development activities every year and demonstrate your commitment to best practices.

Continuing Professional Development or CPD is a primary feature of your subscription plan. It is designed to support you in your professional development activities. There is a three-stage cycle program offered by the AXELOS that allows you to reach your target annual points requirements easily. These steps include:

1. The first step involves the complete assessment of your capabilities and skills. It is important to understand your development needs in order to identify the correct activities for you and then measure your growth against the obtained data.
2. Once you understand your development goals, you will be able to better undertake the activities that will help you achieve those goals. So, you must select the activities that are relevant to your goals.
3. The last step is to focus on the result of the activity and realizing how it has helped you achieve your development goals. You will have to explain your outcome’s evaluation by either selecting the skills developed by you or providing a description of your learning. 

My PRINCE2® can help you enhance your skill and also make you stand apart from from your peers and competitors. Here are the benefits of subscribing to My PRINCE2®:

1. Endorsement

You will get an opportunity to earn a digital badge using out CPD tool. This digital badge will be aligned to your PRINCE2® or PRINCE2® Agile certification. 

2. Development

You will have access to PPM best practice publications, white papers, and reports that will help you develop your skills and keep you informed about industry trends. 

3. Support

We believe in providing the best tools to our candidates for better learning. We have PRINCE2® and PRINCE2® Agile exam resources to support you with the preparation. Also, we provide toolkits to apply whatever you have learned.

4. Connection

Subscribing to My PRINCE2® will connect you to a community of like-minded project management professionals.

To claim a digital badge after getting the PRINCE2® practitioner certification, you need to earn a total of 20 CPD points. 5 points can be earned by the practical application of PRINCE2® Practitioner knowledge. They will test your skills in a  professional capacity. This can be achieved through professional practice, mentoring, or coaching.

The remaining 15 points have to be earned through a series of selected activities that are fitting to the professional development need of the individual. The candidate can select the activities from training, qualifications, self-study and even community participation.

Digital badges are tokens that are awarded to My AXELOS subscriber to award their learning achievements. These badges are available for ITIL®, PRINCE2® and MSP Certification. These digital badges can be easily shared and verified online. The digital badge will contain information about the issue date, the expiry date, and the professional development activity. 

All this information is validated by AXELOS. It cannot be altered because the information is delivered using metadata. The employers can use the badges to verify the credentials of the candidate.

This badge is only issued after you have met the CPD requirements. It will be valid until the expiry date of your subscription. After you have accepted your badge, it is mandatory to log an extra 20 CDP points to extend the validity of the badge for a further 12 months after renewal. 

A candidate with both, a PRINCE2® Foundation and a PRINCE2® Practitioner certification, will receive a PRINCE2® Practitioner badge. An individual with this badge demonstrates their skills and abilities in the activities related to the PRINCE2® Practitioner qualification. A PRINCE2® Practitioner badge holder stays committed to being relevant in the industry of project management. They apply the teachings of PRINCE2® and tailor them to strengthen their position in a scenario. This badge proves that you can apply your knowledge in a professional capacity.