What is the difference?
PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Practitioner are the two available levels of training concerning the PRINCE2® project management methodology. Here we will discuss the differences between the two certifications and bring some clarity as to which of the two certifications is suited to which type of student.
PRINCE2® Foundation
This is the first level of PRINCE2® qualification which teaches students the terminology, the 7 Themes, 7 Principles and 7 Processes of PRINCE2® as well as the division of a project into smaller, more manageable stages. It is perfect for those who are looking to start a career in project management or those that would like to know more about the PRINCE2 methodology. The PRINCE2® Foundation certification is a prerequisite to studying the PRINCE2® Practitioner course as it lays the foundation of knowledge needed to become a PRINCE2® Project Manager.
Exam
The first of the PRINCE2® exams, it consists of 75 questions in a multiple choice format. You will have 1 hour to answer as many questions as you can in order to gain a score out of 70 marks. The pass mark for the PRINCE2® Foundation exam is 50% and it is a closed book exam. The outcome of this exam will determine whether you have gained sufficient knowledge to be able to take on a project set in a PRINCE2® environment.
Career Options
Since the PRINCE2® Foundation level of PRINCE2® is an entry-level certification, it will be suited to individuals that are new to project management and will be perfect for the following roles:
- Project Team members
- Product Managers
- Project Support staff
- Junior Project Managers
- Project Planners
- Project administrative staff
PRINCE2® Practitioner
This is the second of the PRINCE2® courses and it will teach students how to use the knowledge they have gained from the PRINCE2® Foundation course in the managing of an actual PRINCE2® project. It will also show you how to tailor a project to its own specific needs and guide you in running a PRINCE2® project team. It will impart more in-depth and practical knowledge on the student in order to ensure that they are ready to start managing projects in the workplace.
Exam
The PRINCE2® Practitioner exam will last 2.5 hours and is set in an objective test format. There are 8 questions to answer and you will be scored out of 80 marks. In order to pass the PRINCE2® Practitioner exam, you will have to score 55% or higher. You will be allowed to use your PRINCE2® manual (but no other books) while writing the exam, as it is an open book exam.
Career Options
The PRINCE2® Practitioner exam will last 2.5 hours and is set in an objective test format. There are 8 questions to answer and you will be scored out of 80 marks. In order to pass the PRINCE2® Practitioner exam, you will have to score 55% or higher. You will be allowed to use your PRINCE2® manual (but no other books) while writing the exam, as it is an open book exam.
It is easy to see that gaining a PRINCE2® certification is the best way to get yourself started towards a rewarding and lucrative career in the fast-paced and captivating field of project management.