What is this course about?

This intensive exam preparatory course offers a comprehensive introduction to PRINCE2^®, the standardised, proven project management method recognised as a leading best practice approach for managing all sizes and types of projects. Through practice exams and overnight study you gain the knowledge required to take the PRINCE2^® Foundation examination in order to achieve certification. Expert PRINCE2^®-accredited instructors provide the necessary guidance to prepare for the examination through a series of practice exam questions. You also take the PRINCE2 Foundation exam in class on the last day.

What background do I need?

No specific background is required. This course is relevant for anyone who wants to achieve PRINCE2^® Foundation certification or anyone who wants to understand the terminology and structure of the PRINCE2^® method. (If you are interested in achieving both the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner exams, please see Course 177.)

How is this course different from Course 177, PRINCE2^®: Achieving Practitioner Certification?

Course 1176, PRINCE2^®: Achieving Foundation Certification focuses solely on the Foundation certification exam which is comprised of a detailed conceptual look at the PRINCE2 method. Course 177, PRINCE2^®: Achieving Practitioner Certification prepares you for both the Foundation and Practitioner certification exams, with the Practitioner portion of the course focusing more on the actual implementation and application of the PRINCE2^® method. Course 177 gives you the opportunity to fulfill all of the requirements for the Practitioner certification (passing both the Foundation and Practitioner exams) within one course.

If you are only interested in achieving the PRINCE2^® 2009 Foundation certification and do not plan to take the Practitioner exam at this point, you should take Course 1176. However, Course 177 is ideal if you are seeking both the Foundation and Practitioner certifications.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is valuable for anyone who wants to acheive PRINCE2^® 2009 Foundation certification. This course is ideal for:

• Individuals interested in or considering a career in an environment that utilises the PRINCE2^® method
• Project team members or project support staff who want a better understanding of PRINCE2^®

(For more information on achieving the Practitioner certification, please see Course177)

Why should I use PRINCE2^®?

Organisations looking to improve their practices in managing projects have consistently found a structured method to be of immense benefit. PRINCE2^® is a well-established standard structured method for managing projects and reducing uncertainty in project delivery.

PRINCE2^® is now used by numerous private sector organisations both in the UK and worldwide and is mandatory on many €pean public sector projects. PRINCE2^® is provided license-fee free by the UK Government and is subject to a comprehensive review and update process to ensure quality standards.

Why is PRINCE2^® certification important?

Certification in project management skills is a growing expectation in many organisations. The PRINCE2^® Foundation certification increases your credibility and demonstrates an introductory understanding of project processes and the PRINCE2^® method. In addition, the PRINCE2^® Foundation certification is the first step in obtaining the PRINCE2^® Practitioner certification.

Which edition of the PRINCE2^® manual is used in the course?

This course is based on PRINCE2^® 2009 and the manual Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2^®. This is the latest version of PRINCE2^® released in June 2009 after a comprehensive refresh process that culminated in the release of the new manual. The primary approach of PRINCE2^® in unchanged; however, many of the details have been updated and the manual is now easier to read and use.

How much extra time am I expected to dedicate prior to and during the course?

The amount of time you devote to studying the PRINCE2^® method in the evenings varies by individual. Generally, two hours of evening study each night is required.

At least three weeks prior to the course, Learning Tree sends you preparatory material designed to give you every advantage in passing the examination, including:

• A copy of the official PRINCE2^® manual, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2^®
• A study guide to help structure your reading of the PRINCE2^® manual
• Practice Foundation exam questions

Prior to the course, we recommend 20 hours of study of these PRINCE2^® materials. By not completing the proper amount of pre-course study, you may find yourself at a significant disadvantage. This course has been designed with the assumption that each attendee has completed the pre-course study.

How much time is spent on each topic?

Times, including the workshops, are estimates; exact times may vary according to the needs of each class.

How much of this course is spent in workshops?

Approximately 40 percent of this course is spent performing exercises and sample paper exam questions. These exercises include:

• Practicing the different exam question types: standard, negative, missing word and list
• Testing your familiarity with the PRINCE2^® principles, themes, processes and products
• Speaking the PRINCE2^® language
• Taking a mock exam
• Taking the PRINCE2^® Foundation exam

Which PRINCE2^® exam should I take?

Ideally, you should take both exams. Two levels of certification are offered-Foundation and Practitioner. You cannot attain Practitioner level without first passing the Foundation exam. Both certifications are of value. The Foundation level gives an introductory view of PRINCE2^® principles and terminology. The Practitioner certification demonstrates a higher level of ability to apply PRINCE2^® techniques to real project situations. If you are interested in obtaining Practitioner certification you should consider Course 177, PRINCE2^®: Achieving Practitioner Certification.

How does the examination element of the course work?

The Foundation Exam is taken on the afternoon of Day 3. This is a one hour, multiple-choice paper with no reference material allowed.

Are exam fees included in the course price?

Yes, the price of the course includes the cost of the exam.

What happens if I fail the Foundation exam?

If you fail the Foundation Exam, a second exam will be made available immediately for you to attempt to pass the exam. If you then pass the Foundation exam, you will receive an APM Group Foundation Certificate from Learning Tree. However, if you fail the foundation exam after the second attempt, you will have the opportunity to re-sit the Foundation exam during a future course event. You do not have to retake this course. Additional cost is involved in retaking the Foundation exam.

How long does it take to receive results?

The course instructor will review your exam and provide the results immediately, usually within an hour after the exam is complete. This result is subject to ratification by the APMG. The APMG strive to deliver official results to Learning Tree within one week of receiving exams. However, with the growing popularity of PRINCE2^®, this time is occasionally longer. Learning Tree will mail your official APMG Foundation examination results to you upon receiving them from APMG.

Will I get my Foundation Exam score?

Yes. If you pass the exam, you will receive your score from the instructor immediately.

What is the relationship between Learning Tree and the APM Group (APMG)?

Learning Tree and specific courses have been accredited by the APMG. As an accredited training organisation (ATO), Learning Tree and its trainers have been approved to deliver PRINCE2^® courses and invigilate the PRINCE2^® Foundation exam. APMG is responsible for providing the exam papers, marking and notifying Learning Tree of the results.

Why should I take this course from Learning Tree?

Learning Tree is very successful at enabling a broad range of attendees to pass the exam on their first attempt. For over thirty years, Learning Tree has been dedicated to providing the finest management and technology training available. With this course, we continue our commitment to provide the highest course quality. Learning Tree delivers PRINCE2^® training using decades of classroom training experience, unique MagnaLearn? course delivery technology, and rigorous course design techniques.

Will I learn about project management tools on this course?

No. This course covers the PRINCE2^® method information needed to pass the exam. It does not cover application of the method, or any project management tools or software. For information on project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel, etc., please refer to separate Learning Tree courses (listed below).

How can I continue my professional development after I receive PRINCE2^® certification?

For further specialised training in project management, you may be interested in these courses:

• 177, PRINCE2®: Achieving Practitioner Certification
• 296, Project Management: Skills for Success
• 340, Project Management for Software Development
• 286, Project Risk Management
• 299, Microsoft® Project 2007: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction
• 315, Developing User Requirements: The Key to Project Success

For more information on these Learning Tree courses, please request the individual course Q&As.

Since PRINCE2^® does not cover the interpersonal skills of management, you may be interested in additional Learning Tree courses such as:

• 290, Management Skills, offers you the knowledge of the key aspects of management such as leadership, delegation, motivation and communication.
• 292, Communication Skills: Results through Collaboration, emphasises specific tools and techniques for improving listening skills, delivering effective messages and bridging gaps that create communication breakdowns.
• 294, Influence Skills: Getting Results without Direct Authority, focuses on the specific skills, behaviours and attitudes that enable you to achieve desired results.
• 902, IT Relationship Management: Aligning IT with the Business, provides the skills to build a strong alignment between IT and the business
• 904, Responding to Conflict: Creating Resolution and Cooperation, offers the knowledge and skills to effectively handle conflict using a powerful conflict resolution method
• 905, Facilitation Skills, provides the skills to facilitate goal-oriented results through planning, collaboration and consensus

For additional information on these Learning Tree courses, please request the Learning Tree Management and Key Business Skills Curriculum Q&A or individual course Q&As.

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