Validates the ability to apply and tailor PRINCE2 principles, themes and processes to manage projects in real scenarios.
PRINCE2 Practitioner tests whether you can apply and tailor PRINCE2 to a project scenario: choose the right role, management product or action for the situation. Learn where things are in the manual, study its sample scenarios and practise timed scenario questions.
1Understand the exam
Syllabus
Questions apply the PRINCE2 7 method to a project scenario.
1Principles10%
1.1Analyse the application of PRINCE2 principles in context
Example scenario: The project board in a scenario approves work package by work package with no stage plan. Which principles does this weaken?
2People9%
2.1Assess whether an approach to leadership and management of teams is appropriate
2.2Assess whether an approach to leadership and management of change within a project, and people affected by a project, is appropriate
2.3Apply the approach to communications and to people central to the method
2.4Apply the key management products required to support the people element of projects
Example scenario: The scenario lists a finance director, an IT manager and an external contractor. Who is the best senior supplier, and why?
3Practices51%
3.1.1–3.1.2Business case: apply the practice, and analyse whether an approach to it is effective and fit for purpose
3.2.1–3.2.2Organizing: apply the practice, and analyse whether an approach to it is effective and fit for purpose
3.3.1–3.3.2Plans: apply the practice, and analyse whether an approach to it is effective and fit for purpose
3.4.1–3.4.2Quality: apply the practice, and analyse whether an approach to it is effective and fit for purpose
3.5.1–3.5.2Risk: apply the practice, and analyse whether an approach to it is effective and fit for purpose
3.6.1–3.6.2Issues: apply the practice, and analyse whether an approach to it is effective and fit for purpose
3.7.1–3.7.2Progress: apply the practice, and analyse whether an approach to it is effective and fit for purpose
Example scenario: A user asks for a new feature after the stage plan is approved. Which management products would record and assess it?
4Processes30%
4.1.1–4.1.2Starting up a project: carry out the process, and analyse whether its activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose
4.2.1–4.2.2Directing a project: carry out the process, and analyse whether its activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose
4.3.1–4.3.2Initiating a project: carry out the process, and analyse whether its activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose
4.4.1–4.4.2Controlling a stage: carry out the process, and analyse whether its activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose
4.5.1–4.5.2Managing product delivery: carry out the process, and analyse whether its activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose
4.6.1–4.6.2Managing a stage boundary: carry out the process, and analyse whether its activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose
4.7.1–4.7.2Closing a project: carry out the process, and analyse whether its activities, roles and responsibilities are effective and fit for purpose
Example scenario: A team manager reports that a work package will exceed its tolerance. Which process handles this, and who is told first?
Objective testing. Read a project scenario, then answer questions by choosing, or matching, the option that fits; some items need more than one answer and carry several marks.
CertUp example
A small, low-risk internal project wants the lightest possible stage structure. What is the fewest management stages it can have?
One stage
Two stages
Three stages
Four stages
Show answer
B. Every project has an initiation stage and at least one further stage, however small it is.
Eligibility and booking
Certification required before you book the exam
PRINCE2 Foundation or an accepted certification
Required
You need one of these certifications before PeopleCert lets you take the Practitioner exam.
PRINCE2
Foundation (Version 7), or 6th or 5th edition Foundation or Practitioner
PMI
PMP or CAPM
APM
PPQ or PMQ
IPMA
Level A, B, C or D
CSPM
CSPM-2 or CSPM-3
Hold PRINCE2 Foundation or another accepted certification. Buy an exam bundle from PeopleCert or a course with a voucher from an accredited partner, redeem it in your PeopleCert account and book an online time slot.
This plan covers the Practitioner exam and assumes you already hold Foundation or another accepted certification. Learn the manual's layout first, then practise scenario questions with the book open.
Most candidates spend 30–60 hours. Plan for the low end if you passed Foundation recently or manage projects with PRINCE2; plan for the high end if Foundation was a while ago or you are new to the method.
1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.2 h
3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.27 h
4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.14 h
5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.2 h
3Learn the core concepts
You need the official manual to study from and to use in the exam. Add a course if you want guided lessons.
You can find the right table or management product description in the manual within a minute.
You can name the best person for each project role in each of the manual's sample scenarios.
You score well above 42 of 70 on a timed mock you have not seen before.
5Prepare 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.
An electronic manual is built into the exam. A printed official manual may be annotated and tabbed, but sticky notes and loose papers are not allowed, and the proctor checks the book on camera.
You see a preliminary result on screen; the official result and eCertificate follow within 2 business days.
Several candidates got an exam scenario from the four sample scenarios in the official manual, sometimes with mock questions moved onto a different scenario. They mapped each one's roles, risks and business justification beforehand.
The real exam can feel harder than the sample papers.
One candidate scored over 80% on the two sample papers a week before the exam, then passed with 66%. They found the PeopleCert mock much closer to the real exam in difficulty and format.
A candidate who scored 56 of 70 says many questions were about management products and responsibilities, and recommends the RACI tables and product descriptions. Another used the manual's tables and appendices for matching questions.
Best course with voucherPRINCE2 7 Practitioner, online course and official exam
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PRINCE2 7 Practitioner Practice Exams