PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation credential artwork

PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation Exam Guide

Validates foundational knowledge of the PRINCE2 project management method, including its principles, people, practices and processes.

PRINCE2 Foundation tests whether you know the PRINCE2 terms, roles, practices and processes well enough to recognize them in short questions. Read the official manual once, then drill practice questions and timed 60-question mocks.

Understand the exam

Syllabus

1Key concepts3%
  1. 1.1Recall key concepts related to project management
  2. 1.2Describe key concepts related to project management

Example scenario: A three-person internal project is asked to produce every management product in full. How could the method be tailored?

2Principles8%
  1. 2.1Explain the PRINCE2 Project Management principles
  2. 2.2Explain how and why the principles provide the basis of applying PRINCE2 Project Management, which factors influence how the method is tailored and applied, who is responsible, and how tailoring decisions are documented

Example scenario: Midway through a project, the expected benefits fall below the costs. Which principle says the project should be reviewed, and who decides?

3People14%
  1. 3.1Define key concepts related to the people element
  2. 3.2Explain the difference between concepts related to the people element
  3. 3.3Explain key concepts related to the people element
  4. 3.4Explain the purpose of the management products required to support the people element of projects
  5. 3.5Explain how people aspects integrate with other PRINCE2 Project Management elements

Example scenario: The supplier wants an independent check that quality work is being done properly. Which role provides it, and who appoints it?

4Practices60%
  1. 4.1Explain the purpose of management products in PRINCE2 Project Management, including the PID and project log
  2. 4.1.1–4.1.6Business case: purpose of the practice, its relationship to the principles, its management products, key concepts, guidance and technique
  3. 4.2.1–4.2.6Organization: purpose of the practice, its relationship to the principles, its management products, key concepts, guidance and technique
  4. 4.3.1–4.3.6Plans: purpose of the practice, its relationship to the principles, its management products, key concepts, guidance and technique
  5. 4.4.1–4.4.6Quality: purpose of the practice, its relationship to the principles, its management products, key concepts, guidance and technique
  6. 4.5.1–4.5.6Risk: purpose of the practice, its relationship to the principles, its management products, key concepts, guidance and technique
  7. 4.6.1–4.6.6Issues: purpose of the practice, its relationship to the principles, its management products, key concepts, guidance and technique
  8. 4.7.1–4.7.6Progress: purpose of the practice, its relationship to the principles, its management products, key concepts, guidance and technique

Example scenario: A stage is forecast to finish two weeks late, beyond its agreed time tolerance. What should the project manager do next?

5Processes15%
  1. 5.1Explain the purpose of the PRINCE2 Project Management processes
  2. 5.2Explain the objectives of the PRINCE2 Project Management processes
  3. 5.3Explain the context of the PRINCE2 Project Management processes

Example scenario: The team has finished all products for the final stage. Which process confirms acceptance and hands over the products?

PRINCE2 Foundation (Version 7) learning areas · PRINCE2 7

Format

Questions
60
Duration
60 min
Passing score
60%
Delivery
Online
Languages
English, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Spanish

Question types

Multiple choice. Choose the single best answer from the options given.

CertUp example

A project manager forecasts that a stage will finish later than its agreed time tolerance allows. What should the project manager do?

  1. Carry on and report it at the end of the stage
  2. Raise an exception report to the project board
  3. Ask the team manager to close the project
  4. Change the business case without telling the board
Show answer

B. When a forecast goes beyond tolerance, the project manager escalates to the project board with an exception report rather than deciding alone.

Eligibility and booking

There are no prerequisites. Buy an exam bundle from PeopleCert or a course with a voucher from an accredited partner, redeem the voucher in your PeopleCert account and book an online time slot.

Buy PRINCE2 Foundation (Version 7)How to register for your exam

Make a study plan

Read the official manual once, or follow one course, then use practice questions to find gaps and return to the manual for each wrong answer.

Most candidates spend 20–35 hours. Plan for the low end if you already manage projects or know another method; plan for the high end if project management terms are new to you.

3 weeksto be ready
  1. 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.1 h
  2. 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.15 h
  3. 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.8 h
  4. 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.1 h

Learn the core concepts

The official eBook comes with every PeopleCert bundle. Add a course if you prefer guided lessons.

Best course with voucherPRINCE2 7 Foundation, online course and official examManagement Plaza (MPlaza) · $729 · 1 year access, exam voucher includedBest official bundlePRINCE2 Foundation (Version 7) Exam BundlePeopleCert · $701 · exam voucher, eBook and Learning Resource KitBest all-in-one coursePRINCE2 Foundation Project ManagementICS Learn · £699 · 6 months tutor support, exam voucher included
See all 4 PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation courses →

Practice with mock exams

Drill questions by topic, then take timed 60-question mocks. Read the explanation for every question you missed or guessed.

PRINCE2 7 Foundation Official Mock ExamPeopleCert · $109 · one attemptPRINCE2 Foundation Practice Exams (v7)TrustEd Institute · $29.95/month · 7-day free trialPRINCE2 7 Foundation Exam SimulatorManagement Plaza (MPlaza) · $139 · 1 year access
See all 3 PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation practice tests →

Are you ready?

  • You can name the seven principles, practices and processes and say what each is for.
  • You can say which role does what, including project assurance and project support.
  • You score well above 36 of 60 on timed mocks you have not seen before.

Prepare for exam day

You take the exam online with a live PeopleCert proctor.

  • Redeem your voucher in your PeopleCert account. Your profile name must match your ID, and you can only change it before your first booking.
  • Book a time slot and proctor language. Vouchers are valid for 12 months.
  • Run the compatibility check for the exam software before the day.
  • Rescheduling is free up to 48 hours before; fees may apply from 48 to 4 hours before.
  • Have a government photo ID showing your photo and date of birth in English characters. The proctor checks your desk and room on camera.
  • The exam is closed book. You see a preliminary result on screen; the official result and eCertificate follow within 2 business days.

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