PRINCE2 Certification Guide

About the Certification

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is an international certification based on a structured project management methodology developed by the UK government. It is a globally used project management standard that provides methods for systematically managing projects through clear processes and role definitions.

This certification evaluates understanding and application of the PRINCE2 methodology. It teaches how to organize projects into 7 principles, 7 themes, and 7 processes for management. It provides methods to increase project success rates through clear approval systems, stage-by-stage management, and effective risk and change management.

Job Application Guide

The PRINCE2 certification is highly useful for project management-related positions.

Project Manager: Suitable for positions applying structured project management methodologies. Requires systematic project management skills.

Program Manager: Helpful for positions managing multiple integrated projects. Understanding standardized processes is important.

PMO Manager: Advantageous for positions operating project management offices. Requires project management methodology and process improvement skills.

Business Analyst: Suitable for positions analyzing and managing project requirements. Understanding structured approaches is important.

Consultant: Helpful for project management consulting positions. Requires ability to utilize internationally recognized methodologies.

Required Knowledge

PRINCE2 7 Principles

• Continued business justification
• Learn from experience
• Defined roles and responsibilities
• Manage by stages
• Manage by exception
• Focus on products
• Tailor to suit the project environment

PRINCE2 7 Themes

• Business case
• Organization
• Quality
• Plans
• Risk
• Change
• Progress

PRINCE2 7 Processes

• Starting up a project
• Directing a project
• Initiating a project
• Controlling a stage
• Managing product delivery
• Managing a stage boundary
• Closing a project

Project Team Structure

• Project board
• Project manager
• Team manager
• Project support
• Project assurance

Product-Based Planning

• Product description
• Product breakdown structure
• Product flow diagram
• Product checklist

Risk Management

• Risk identification
• Risk assessment
• Risk response planning
• Risk register

Change Management

• Change request assessment
• Change control process
• Issue management
• Configuration management

Preparation Methods

Stage 1: PRINCE2 Fundamentals (2-3 months)

Learn basic concepts of PRINCE2 methodology. Understand 7 principles, 7 themes, and 7 processes.

Stage 2: Official Textbook Study (2-3 months)

Thoroughly read AXELOS official PRINCE2 textbook. Master detailed content of each process and theme.

Stage 3: Official Training Course (1 week)

Complete official training from PRINCE2 authorized training providers. Recommended to complete both Foundation and Practitioner levels.

Stage 4: Practice Problems (1-2 months)

Solve PRINCE2 practice exam questions. Enhance understanding of situation-based problems.

Stage 5: Exam Preparation (1 month)

Foundation exam is multiple choice, Practitioner exam is scenario-based. Prepare according to each exam type.

Stage 6: Final Review (1 month)

Intensively review weak areas 1 month before exam. Clearly understand relationships between processes and themes.

Recent 5-Year Pass Rates

The average pass rate is approximately 60.7%. Having project management practical experience makes learning easier.

Practical Tips

Understand 7 Principles: PRINCE2 7 principles are the foundation of all processes. Clearly understand the meaning of each principle.

Grasp Process Relationships: Understanding how 7 processes are connected is important. Draw process flow diagrams.

Product-Focused Thinking: PRINCE2 uses a product-focused approach. Understand product descriptions and product breakdown structures.

Understand Exception Management: One of PRINCE2 core concepts is exception management. Master how to handle situations exceeding tolerance limits.

Link Practical Experience: Connect your project experience with PRINCE2 processes for understanding. Linking theory and practice is important.