Unlocking the secrets to the PRINCE2^® Foundation exam

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How to pass your PRINCE2 Foundation exam

Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast, we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

Today we’re going to unlock the strategies for acing the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam. Whether you’re new to project management or looking to solidify your credentials, this episode is your ticket to ensuring you’re one of the successful candidates come exam day. Let’s set off down the track to success!

Achieving success in the PRINCE2 Foundation exam is about more than just understanding the methodology; it’s about a strategic approach to revision and preparation. So today, we’re going to break down how to approach your studies and maximise your chances of passing with flying colors.

You should know that in the UK, a striking 97% of individuals pass the PRINCE2 Foundation exam. That’s a number you’ll surely want to be a part of. The higher your score on the Foundation exam, not only do you demonstrate your proficiency, but you also set yourself up for success on the more challenging Practitioner exam. At Knowledge Train, we’re proud to say that our students have a pass rate of over 99% for both classroom and online courses. So aim high – we’re here to guide you to the top.

The Foundation exam gauges your knowledge and understanding of PRINCE2 to ensure you can work effectively within a PRINCE2 environment. You’ll need to be familiar with various topics such as principles, practices, themes, and processes, all of which are critical components of the PRINCE2 methodology. For a detailed syllabus, AXELOS offers a downloadable copy. To aid your studies, Knowledge Train offers free downloadable eBooks that serve as comprehensive study guides for each component of PRINCE2.

Now, the structure of the exam is 60 multiple-choice questions, all housed within a booklet, and you have 1 hour to complete them. It’s a closed-book exam, meaning no materials are allowed, and you’ll aim for at least 36 correct answers to pass. Questions come in four styles: standard, list, negative, and missing word. Each question has only one correct answer, and there are no tricks involved.

You’re likely already familiar with ‘standard’ style questions – they’re straightforward, asking you to identify the correct answer from one of the processes or themes within PRINCE2. If you understand the role of each process, these questions become much more manageable.

For ‘list’ style questions, the key is to focus on tasks or components within a method, such as the product-based planning method. Break down the options, understand each part, and eliminate those you know don’t fit.

When it comes to ‘negative’ style questions, attention to detail is vital. The word ‘NOT’ is emphasised for a reason—to remind you to look for the outlier, the option that does not fit within PRINCE2 roles, for example.

And with ‘missing word’ questions, consider the purpose of PRINCE2 themes and processes to find the answer. It’s about quick recall and sometimes smart elimination of the wrong options.

But knowing the question types is just part of your preparation. Effective revision is an essential part of your strategy. Practicing exam questions, using tools such as the sample papers provided by the PRINCE2 exam board, is invaluable. Knowledge Train also offers a mock exam to give you a feel for the real experience.

Practice makes perfect – it’s an old saying but it holds true, especially when it comes to exam preparation. Attempting sample questions will familiarise you with the exam format and help hone your test-taking skills.

An effective technique for retention is paraphrasing. Go through the PRINCE2 manual, understand the purpose of each management product, and then put it in your own words. This helps your brain engage more deeply with the content, leading to longer-lasting memory.

Visual learners, this one’s for you – create mind-maps for each PRINCE2 theme and process to better understand and remember the material. Compare your mind-maps with those in our eBooks to reinforce your knowledge.

Timing is crucial during the exam – 60 questions in 60 minutes means one minute per question. You’ll want to use the three-pass approach to ensure you’ve given each question attention without running out of time.

In the first pass, answer the easy questions. The second pass focuses on those that require a bit more thought. Finally, use the third pass for the questions you’re unsure about, applying the process of elimination where possible. Remember to answer every question, even if it’s a guess, as an unanswered question is definitely a wrong one.

When exam day arrives, you’ll need a photo ID, a computer with internet access, a webcam, and a microphone, plus a quiet space with an empty desk. Keep a glass of water handy too – staying hydrated can boost your performance!

Before the exam, your proctor will verify your ID and ensure the test-taking environment follows the rules. Take advantage of any extra time if English isn’t your first language or if you have a condition like dyslexia—but you’ll need to arrange this with PeopleCert beforehand.

Now, we hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to approach your PRINCE2 Foundation exam with confidence. Remember: study diligently, revise effectively, and practice thoroughly. These steps will not only enhance your understanding of PRINCE2 but will also vastly improve your chances of passing the exam.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored mastering the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!