Preparing for the PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile Exams

Published: November 3, 2020
Share on:

PRINCE2, ‘PRojects IN Controlled Environments’, is the world’s most popular project management methodology. With a demonstrably effective process-based approach, it offers managers a firm level of control and organization throughout a project while at the same time helping teams maintain a focus on business goals, transparency, and continuous learning. PRINCE2 can also be adapted to suit individual projects and organizations, creating demand for practitioners in businesses all over the world.

PRINCE2 Agile combines PRINCE2 with Agile management. Originally a software development methodology, Agile has since been adapted to suit corporate projects that require a higher level of flexibility, along with more iterative benefits and team autonomy. In combining the two, AXELOS has created a methodology that capitalizes on two highly effective approaches to optimizing project returns.

Investing in training for PRINCE2/ PRINCE2 Agile, whether as an individual or part of a team, is an excellent way to incorporate world-class project management best practices into an organization. Becoming a practitioner can also help even experienced project managers to unlock more responsibilities and higher paying job roles.

Interested in getting certified in PRINCE2 6th Edition or PRINCE2 Agile? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to know about the exams.

  • PRINCE2 Foundation – This exam covers the basics of PRINCE2, including its key Principles, Processes, and Themes. Candidates will also require an understanding of ‘tailoring’ PRINCE2 to suit specific projects and organizations.
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner – This exam focuses on the practical application of the PRINCE2 methodology. This includes how to start, direct, initiate, control, manage, and close projects. It also takes a closer look at PRINCE2 Themes such as Organization, Risk, Change, and the ‘Business Case.’
  • PRINCE2 Agile Foundation – This exam covers the basics of the PRINCE2 Agile methodology, including the essentials of each individual project management approach and the logic behind combining them. Students will require a clear understanding of elements such as tailoring PRINCE2 Themes and Processes to suit Agile, fixing and flexing the PRINCE2 Agile model, and Agile focus areas.
  • PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner – This exam focuses on the practical application of PRINCE2 Agile, including many additional elements not covered at Foundation level. Students will require a clear understanding of PRINCE2 Agile’s Principles, Themes, and Processes, as well as the Tolerances and Targets of PRINCE2 Agile projects.
PRINCE2 Agile Banner

PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile Certification Exams: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for the PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile exams?

There are no prerequisites for the PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification exams.

To sit either the PRINCE2 Practitioner or PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exams, a student must hold one of the following qualifications:

  • PRINCE2 Foundation
  • PRINCE2 Agile Foundation
  • Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • IPMA Levels A, B, C, and D (Certified Projects Director)

What is AXELOS?

AXELOS is an organization created by the UK Cabinet Office on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) and Capita plc. Its goal is to develop, manage, and expand its portfolio of globally renowned best practice frameworks. These include PRINCE2, PRINCE2 Agile, ITIL 4, and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP).

How long does it take to study for the PRINCE2/ PRINCE2 Agile exams?

Exactly how long it takes to study for the PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile exams very much depends on the individual. Good e-Learning’s courses on each subject come with between 12 and 14 hours’ worth of course materials. GEL also offers course suites that combine individual certifications.

Students are advised to spend as much time as necessary to familiarize themselves with the syllabus of their chosen course before taking an exam. Good e-Learning’s courses also come with knowledge checks, practice exams, and other tools designed to help students prepare.

How difficult are the PRINCE2/ PRINCE2 Agile exams?

The certification exams for PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile are not particularly difficult. However, each exam requires a strong understanding of the associated syllabus, as well as how to apply it in practice.

Students are advised to spend a sensible amount of time not only familiarizing themselves with each module but also testing themselves with knowledge checks and practice exams. Reading through case studies, whitepapers, and other materials is also advised.

How do I prepare for the PRINCE2/ PRINCE2 Agile exams?

To give yourself the best chance possible of passing your certification exams, it will be important to go beyond the materials provided in your course. This is especially true at Practitioner level, as these exams require students to know how to apply PRINCE2/ PRINCE2 Agile in real-world projects.

Luckily, students can find numerous free resources on PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile online, as well as practitioner communities who will be happy to share their experiences with each framework.

It will be imperative for you to prepare by taking the practice exams provided with your course. You should also keep in mind that the Good e-Learning support team is fully qualified to answer questions on course content.

How do I take the PRINCE2/ PRINCE2 Agile exams?

The PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile certification exams are taken via the PeopleCert website. Candidates are advised to test the suitability of their devices via this online test before booking an exam.

Good e-Learning’s PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile courses also come with free certification exam vouchers and resits.

What do I need to know about the PRINCE2 Foundation exam?

  • This is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 60 questions
  • There is a time limit of 60 minutes to complete the exam
  • The exam is closed-book, with only the provided materials being permitted for use
  • The pass mark for the exam is 55%: you must get 33 out of 60 questions correct

What do I need to know about the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam?

  • Objective testing
  • Open book (only official hard copies of the Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 6th Edition Edition will be allowed. Printed PDF copies and digital copies stored on electronic devices will not be permitted in exam environments)
  • Students may use annotated or tabulated hard copies in the exam. However, these copies may not contain additional loose papers or notes
  • There are 68 questions per paper (each worth one mark)
  • 38 marks are required to pass (55%)
  • Candidates will have two and a half hours (150 minutes) to complete the exam, with no additional reading time

What do I need to know about the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation exam?

  • This is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 50 questions
  • There is a time limit of 60 minutes to complete the exam
  • The exam is closed-book, with only the provided materials being permitted for use
  • The pass mark for the exam is 55%

What do I need to know about the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner exam?

  • Objective testing
  • Open book (only official hard copies of the Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® Agile Guidance will be allowed. Printed PDF copies and digital copies stored on electronic devices will not be permitted in exam environments)
  • Students may use annotated or tabulated hard copies in the exam. However, these copies may not contain additional loose papers or notes
  • There are 50 questions per paper (each worth one mark)
  • 30 marks are required to pass (60%)
  • Candidates will have two and a half hours (150 minutes) to complete the exam, with no additional reading time
PRINCE2 Guide Banner

Why study for the PRINCE2/ PRINCE2 Agile exams with Good e-Learning?

Good e-Learning is an award-winning online training provider with a diverse portfolio of fully accredited certification courses. We work with highly experienced subject matter experts to deliver training that not only prepares students for their certification exams but also leaves them with a practical understanding of how to apply what they’ve learned.

Our courses come with a range of training assets, including instructor-led videos, knowledge checks, practice exams, and downloadable materials for studying offline. Students can access our courses via the FREE Go.Learn app, and our support team is fully qualified to answer questions on course content. When a student is ready, they can also contact us to receive a FREE certification exam voucher – as well as FREE resits via Exam Pledge.

Visit the Good e-Learning website or contact a member of our team today to find out more!