It is now time to think about taking your exam!
We are going explain the format of the question papers, and the different styles of question asked. There are also some suggestions on how to approach answering the various styles of question. We have helped many thousands of students take their Foundation exams, and there are some tips that we have learnt along the way.
When faced with the exam paper, do not panic or worry, just relax, and follow our suggested approach. Generally questions are divided into those that are easy, those that seem easy but raise a question mark in your mind, and those that are more difficult to do without some thought. Your first pass should be to go through the paper and mark all those questions that you know the answer to, any hesitation then move on to the next question.
Once you have completed the first pass, then concentrate on those questions that require a little more thought, and then finally the harder questions. This way you will ensure you should have a good start towards your exam score, if you should run out of time.
Keep an eye on the time, and even if you are unable to answer all the questions, then do your best to guess, as you shouldn’t leave any questions unanswered.
In our experience the first answer is usually the right one, beware if you finish before the time is completed, of changing some of your answers unless you are absolutely sure. We have seen many candidates go from a pass mark to a fail, because they changed their answers at the last minute.
If you asked the APMG about the objectives of the Foundation Exam, they would tell you the qualification is to confirm that you as a candidate have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the PRINCE2 method to be able to work effectively with, or as a member of, a project management team working within an environment supporting PRINCE2.
So as a candidate you are proving that you understand the structure and key terminology of the PRINCE2 method. You also need to show an understanding of the characteristics and context of a project and the benefits of adopting PRINCE2, the purpose of the PRINCE2 roles, management products and themes and the PRINCE2 principles.
Finally you need to demonstrate knowledge of the purpose, objectives and context of the PRINCE2 processes. It’s also worth confirming that the Foundation qualification is also a pre-requisite for the Practitioner qualification. In the following we are going explain the format of the question papers, and the different styles of question asked. There are also some suggestions on how to approach answering the various styles of question.
The examination paper itself consists of a Question Booklet, which contains 75 questions - 70 examination questions and 5 trial questions, which cover all 15 areas of the PRINCE2 Foundation syllabus. Each question covers a different syllabus topic and is worth 1 mark, but be aware the trial questions are not scored. The reason that trial questions exist is because it enables new questions to be trialled without affecting candidates’ marks.
The pass mark for the exam is 35 marks, and you are expected to answer all questions. It’s worth noting that there is no indication of which questions are examination questions and which are trial questions.
You will be supplied with an answer sheet on which your answers must be given. There will only ever be one answer to each question. If more than one answer is given in the answer sheet the response line will be void and will attract no marks, however Marks are not subtracted for incorrect answers.
There are a number of different test styles used within the paper and they are based on the selection of the correct answer from a choice of 4 options.
The test styles are
· Standard;
· Negative
· Missing Word
· And List
You will also find that certain words have different meanings within a question, so for example “should” - is used to express “obligation”: something that is good or important or recommended.
It is less strong than the word ‘must’ and is used to test whether something should occur because it is consistent with the principles and recommended practices of PRINCE2. “must” is used when talking about something that is “necessary” or “has” to occur, for example something that is mandatory.
The examination is 60 minutes in duration, and you must manage your time if you are to complete all the questions. All 75 questions should be attempted and If you wish to write your answers on the question paper first, you must be aware of the additional time needed to complete the answer sheet.
Don’t forget only answers submitted on the answer sheet provided will contribute to the result. It’s also worth mentioning that you’re not allowed to take any support material in the exam with you, this is a closed book exam.
If you have any other questions about the exam please feel free to email or call us directly.
Best Wishes,
Victoria Kinch
Training Bytesize
T: +44(0)1270 653111
PRINCE2 Training
