Training: Prince2 advice

**lukemg** · 24 September 2009, 14:49

Found myself in a similar position at the end of 08 and decided to do the 5-day foundation then practitioner course. This was classroom based, had some pre-study and night work involved and I worked harder on it than I needed to or indeed ever have for any studying I have ever done. In the end I cruised it and I reckon it can be done without the classroom but it filled in a few weeks of bench time, felt like I was extending my skills a bit and I was chuffed with the results (paying for it yourself can be quite a motivator)
As an aside, virtually everyone else on the course was from some public sector place - NHS, local council etc. All got through the foundation (it's easy). Most did ok in the prac, with a couple just not getting it at all and failing.
Pretty sure it hasn't helped me get the current contract but I am experience 'heavy' and certs 'light' which I have been looking to address, even if it is just to help get through the agents filter. My problem has been getting to the interview stage - Got offered the last 5 I have sat down for but no use if you don't get past the clueless agency chimps !

**northernladuk** · 24 September 2009, 15:57

You can pass the foundation by revising around 5 past papers (or you used to be able to when I did it). Its about as much use as a fart in the wind and people know it. Anyone with foundation only are assumed to have learned it this way and paid 100 quid for the exam.

Practitioner is always useful and is well worth doing if your anywhere near a big project. It's not that it's going to ADD any value to you application but it will most definately be noticed if its missing. It's almost the defacto standard for anyone even remotely connected to a project.

I don't think you will ever be able to quantify how much work it got you but you will certainly be able to rue the number of times you were pipped to a job by someone with it.

Oh BTW it's an open book exam and your allowed to make as many notes as you want and need something stupid like 60% to pass... professional examination?? go figure

**0mega** · 24 September 2009, 18:01

I did much the same about a year ago and passed the PRINCE2 practitioner exam (it's a relatively easy three hour multiple choice exam), however feedback on submitting my CV for technical roles with PRINCE2 listed has been that I am at risk of being seen as a wannabee PM with lots of technical skills rather than a genuine techie with some added value PM skills.

Either way there's more benefit to having it than not, so good luck!

**zamzummim** · 24 September 2009, 18:19

I just passed PRINCE2 exams, did the 5 day course, as someone said paying for it yourself is a big motivator.

The practitioner exam is 2.5 hours now, its an open book, but you are only allowed to have the PRINCE2 manual, no other notes allowed (but you can highlight and write stuff on the manual pages)
You need 55% to pass.

The foundation exam tests your knowledge, the practitioner is the application of the knowledge you learnt.

**norrahe** · 24 September 2009, 21:13

I used Skillsolve last year and the course was really good and the pre course notes and prep even better.

I would recommend, lots of prep beforehand, read the book thoroughly and then use any study notes.

If you get given any practice exams, do loads.

Training: Prince2 advice