PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam: How to Study and Succeed in 2025

Passing the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam is similar to mastering a complex chess game. Just as a skilled chess player thoughtfully plans their moves, anticipating their opponent's strategies, the Practitioner Exam requires a comprehensive understanding of Project Management principles and the ability to apply them effectively. In this blog, we will equip you with the insights and techniques needed to approach the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam with confidence, ensuring you pass the exam with flying colours.

Table of Contents

1) Purpose of PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification

2) Who is PRINCE2® Practitioner for?

3) PRINCE2® Practitioner Training

4) Pre- requisites

5) Booking an exam where pre-requisites apply

6) Objective evaluation

7) Certification expiry date

8) Conclusion

Purpose of PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification 

The PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments) Practitioner Certification is a final milestone for the Project Management professionals who are willing to prove their level of professionalism in the PRINCE2® methodology. This level was developed not only to assess understanding of the method but also to check its practical application and customisation in the assignment scenario effectively.

The true goal of obtaining the status of PRINCE2® Practitioner is to prove that one has understood the broad scope of these applications and can manage projects effectively within a planned and controlled project environment. This certification helps professionals:

a) Improved Project Management skills: PRINCE2® provides a strong framework for Practitioners to effectively manage their projects in accordance with established processes and methodologies.

b) Increase employability: This Certification is a significant differentiator in employment opportunities, as it is an indication to the future employer that the candidate has a good level of knowledge and practical capabilities in the widely practiced method for Project Management - PRINCE2®.

c) International recognition: PRINCE2® is an internationally recognised Project Management brand, so holding the Practitioner Certification testifies to the fact that the holder is able to manage projects at an international standard.

d) Increased earning potential: Certification often results in better jobs and salary increments due to the validated skill set and ability to competently handle complex projects.
 

Who is PRINCE2® Practitioner for?

The PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification is ideal for individuals who are already familiar with the PRINCE2® foundations and are looking to deepen their understanding and practical application of the framework in their day-to-day Project Management activities. It is particularly beneficial for:

a) Project Managers: Individuals who are responsible for managing projects and looking for a methodology that provides step-by-step guidance on what to do at each stage of the project.

b) Project team members: People who work in project teams who need to understand the workflow and their role within a PRINCE2® managed project environment.

c) Project Executives or Project Board Members: Senior management who will make strategic decisions about project initiation and continuation and who must understand the principles behind PRINCE2® to support effective decision-making.

d) Organisation heads who oversee projects: Directors or Senior Managers responsible for projects in their portfolio, who require a deep understanding of the PRINCE2® methodology to ensure its effective implementation and success.  

e) Consultants/Contractors: Individuals looking to provide high-level Project Management services to various businesses or industries could benefit from the universal applicability of the PRINCE2® methods.

For anyone who aims to become a seasoned project manager, achieving a PRINCE2® Practitioner Certification could indeed mark a pivotal point in their professional development. This Certification not only elevates one's theoretical knowledge of Project Management but also sharpens practical skills in applying the PRINCE2® principles to real-world project scenarios, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently, successfully, and within scope.

Interested to know more about how PRINCE2 works? Check out our PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Training now!     

PRINCE2® Practitioner training  

The training for PRINCE2 Practitioner in the classroom typically lasts one and a half days. After finishing the course, an exam is also given; the length of time to pass will depend on the training provider. 

You can study for the PRINCE2 exam on your own, or you can choose another mode of delivery of training, such as distance learning. The prices differ because the training is delivered at the Axelos-accredited Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs), which have their respective price structures. 

Key benefits

1) Learn more core skills: Acquire a Project Management certificate that will help advance your career and which is in very highly demanded.  

2) Apply and tailor PRINCE2®: Learn the PRINCE2® methodology and get to know how to use and tailor it to a wide range of project contexts and scenarios.

3) Boost your career: Your Project Management career will gain a competitive advantage from the PRINCE2® Practitioner.

Tips for the PRINCE2® Practitioner Exam

1) Identify and understand the layout of each section of the manual. 

2) Do at least four sample exams. 

3) Manage your time.

4) Answer the question after reading the choices and the question. 

5) Read the project documentation of PRINCE2. 

6) Recognise the various formats of questions.  

Pre- requisites

You must be able to demonstrate that you have passed one of the following before you can take the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam:

1) PRINCE2 5th Edition (Foundation and Practitioner)

2) PRINCE2 6th Edition (Foundation)

3) Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

4) Project Management Professional (PMP)

5) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

6) IMPA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)

7) IMPA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)

8) IMPA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)

9) IMPA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)

Additionally:

a) The following trademarks are owned, registered, and licensed by the Association for Project Management: "PMQ" and "PPQ." 

b)The "PMQ" mark is registered by the Association for Project Management. 

c) "PMP" and "CAPM" are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. d) Registered trademark terms for the International Project Management Association: "IPMA Level A/B/C/D." 

e) Axelos is not affiliated with APM, PMI, or IPMA, and none of these organisations support any Axelos certifications.  

Booking an exam where pre- requisites apply

Always ensure you have verifiable documented evidence available that you have successfully completed any prerequisites before you make any booking for any examination that requires evidence of prerequisites (for example, a letter or certificate from Axelos or a former Examination Institute stating you hold a current certification). 

You will not be able to access the results from the higher-level exam until the prerequisite is successfully completed.   

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Examination format   

The aim of the PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification 6th Edition course is to offer theoretical and practical applications for PRINCE2, including basic best practices in Project Management for Project Management success. 

You will also learn how to tailor and apply the PRINCE2 method in real-life projects. You also learn the four major components of PRINCE2—the procedures, themes, principles, and project environment—and how all of them are connected to each other. The format of the exam is as follows:  

Objective evaluation

Every set of papers has 68 questions. 

For the 68 total marks, the candidate must achieve a minimum of 38 to pass, or around 55 percent. 

Time Allowed: 2.5 hours (150 minutes), no reading time Candidates may use the official published hard copy of Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 Edition. Candidates are not permitted to take written notes in the examination room; the official manual can only be annotated and tabulated.

Certification expiry date   

The PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification is valid for only 3 years. A candidate, having achieved a Practitioner qualification, is required to re-register within 3 years from the date of certification. Another way is that you can resist your PRINCE2 Exam within the expiration date so that your qualification stays current and there aren't any lapses in your Practitioner status. 

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Conclusion 

The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam is a valuable certification for Project Management professionals who aim to enhance their skills and career prospects. With a strong framework and comprehensive training, this certification equips you with the knowledge and confidence needed to manage projects effectively. Stay prepared, understand the prerequisites, and keep your certification current to ensure ongoing success in your Project Management career.