The PRINCE2® methodology consists of two certifications: the Foundation and the Practitioner. In this article, I will be covering all the details you need to know about the PRINCE2® Foundation certification.

This certification is for anyone who is either already managing projects or who is new to the project management role. There are no experience requirements in order to earn your PRINCE2® Foundation Certification. Even team members who want to be more effective by having the common language of project management are pursuing PRINCE2® certification is growing in numbers.

What does having PRINCE2® certifications say about you?

  • You have a working knowledge of the PRINCE2® methodology.
  • Your knowledge of the PRINCE2® method has been validated through an official examiner.
  • You can work effectively in a PRINCE2® environment and speak the PRINCE2® ‘language.’
  • You take your professional development seriously by seeking a recognised accreditation.
  • You care about the outcomes of projects and want to use the best practices to establish this.

What will you learn in the process of becoming certified?

  • Describe the objectives and context of the PRINCE2® method.
  • Describe and understand the principles, themes, and processes of PRINCE2®.
  • Identify the various management products that are typically created during a project.
  • Understand the relationships and interactions between the different levels of management.
  • How to set up a structure that leads to maximum success for your project.

What is the fastest and most effective way to get certified?
Most individuals studying for the Foundation level certificate choose to attend a 3-day classroom training workshop through an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) such as New Horizons Learning Centres. The benefit is that on the third day of class, your ATO will administer the actual PRINCE2® examination while your knowledge is fresh and without weeks of extra study.

What is the exam like?
The Foundation exam is a 60 minutes multiple choice questionnaire. This is a closed book examination.

Your exam will contain a total of 75 questions, however 5 of those questions are trial questions and do not count towards your results (but you don’t know which ones they’ll be). You need to get 35 correct (50%) in order to pass.

Does one have to re-sit that exam or earn certification units to maintain the certification?
No, the PRINCE2® Foundation level does not have a re-certification requirement. Once you are certified at the PRINCE2® Foundation level, you get to keep the certification without any other maintenance requirements and it does not expire. Of course, the certification body can change the rules at any time; however this is the current structure.