If you're planning to become PRINCE2® certified, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is, "How long does it take to complete the PRINCE2® Foundation?"
The short answer is that most learners complete the certificate in as little as three days, while others prefer to take their own time and study at their own pace, which can extend for several weeks or even months.
What is PRINCE2®?
PRINCE2® (Projects in Controlled Environments) is a worldwide recognised methodology used to initiate, control and manage projects of different scales to ensure successful delivery.
Initially started to assist IT projects in UK, is now considered as the golden standard in the pm industry worldwide.
Why PRINCE2®?
As the world becomes complex, the requirements of services, products, and operations become complex as well. This expands the need for a proper way for organisations to initiate and deliver products successfully.
Therefore, a globally recognised project management qualification has turned out to be a universal need.
In this guide, we'll walk through:
- The different learning routes
- How much study time is needed
- How to choose the best option for you
If you also want a full breakdown for both certifications, read our guide:
Answers at a Glance
|
Method |
Completion Time |
|
3 Days |
|
|
Self Paced Online Learning |
1 to 3 months |
|
5 days |
The quickest way to earn a work-related Foundation qualification is through the 3-day Virtual Classroom course, which offers many benefits beyond the time required, as discussed below.
Why Does the Completion Time Change for Each Method?
This depends on a few reasons, such as,
- The method of learning
- Available study time
- Previous project management knowledge
- The preferred depth of understanding
Not everyone studies for the same reasons. Some of the learners simply need to pass the exam as it can provide them with work-related benefits, while others want to build a deeper understanding of PRINCE2® before applying it.
How to Start the PRINCE2® Foundation Certificate?
PRINCE2® Foundation certificate is the first step into the framework of PRINCE2®. It requires no experience or qualifications. It teaches you the basics of the framework, the principles, risk management, and responses.
If you're ready to earn the globally recognised qualification, Aspirex offers PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner bundles created for both beginners and experienced project managers.
Explore Aspirex PRINCE2® Courses
Do I Need Experience to Start PRINCE2® Foundation?
No experience is needed to take the PRINCE2® Foundation, as the course takes a learner all the way through the framework from the beginning.
Option 1: Complete PRINCE2® Foundation in Three Days
Enrolling in Virtual Classrooms is the fastest and most effective way to complete a qualification with a confirmed pass.
What is a Virtual Classroom?
The virtual classrooms are online sessions carried out by an experienced tutor. In just three days, the tutor will take you through the complete PRINCE2® Foundation syllabus during the sessions.
Instead of overwhelming the learners with all the information at once, the virtual classrooms take a strategic approach through the course of 3 days to help you understand and absorb concepts easily.
What is Unique About Virtual Classrooms?
The intensive exam focused preparation for learners on the last day of the virtual classrooms is a speciality.
During this training, our tutor will prepare learners through,
- Mock exams
- Special tips for exams
- Paper practice
- Revision techniques
This approach has helped Aspirex achieve a 98% pass rate among the learners.
Are Virtual Classrooms Worth It?
If you're comparing a self-paced course and a live virtual classroom, the price is not the only variable factor. It is also the learning experience that differs.
The self-paced classes are excellent options for those who like independent self-study. However, the Virtual Classrooms are more guided and targets the exam mainly. For many learners, it gives them more confidence to pass the exam.
The 3 Month Route to Completing the PRINCE2® Foundation
This is the self-paced learning pathway where you register to the course and learn the provided materials on your own. You can join additional free webinars to gain support if necessary.
This method can be suitable if you prefer to spend time and become familiar with the lessons beyond simply passing the exam.
Having a dedicated schedule of at least 2 hours of learning each day can help learners have a detailed understanding on the PRINCE2® Foundation syllabus.
Which is the Right Method for You?
|
Choose Virtual Classroom If |
Choose Self-Paced Learning If |
|
You want to finish quickly |
You need flexibility |
|
You learn better with tutors |
You prefer studying independently |
|
You have fixed availability |
You have an unpredictable schedule |
|
You want intensive exam preparation |
You want to learn gradually |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the PRINCE2® Foundation Exam?
The PRINCE2® Foundation exam takes 60 minutes to complete. It contains 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need to achieve at least 60% to pass the exam. The exam is closed book, so you cannot use your course materials or notes while answering the questions.
2. How long does the PRINCE2® Foundation Certificate Last?
The PRINCE2® Foundation certification is currently subject to a three-year renewal period. This means you should renew your certification every three years to keep it current. PeopleCert provides different renewal options, including taking another certification within the same product suite, retaking the certification exam, or using its CPD route where applicable.
It is therefore important to check the renewal date shown in your PeopleCert account after you receive your certification.
3. Can I Complete PRINCE2® Foundation in Three Days?
Yes. A three-day learning route is possible when you choose an intensive PRINCE2® Foundation Virtual Classroom course. Aspirex currently offers a live virtual classroom option designed to take learners through the Foundation training over three days.
However, completing the training in three days does not mean every learner will be ready to pass the exam immediately. You may need additional revision and practice depending on your understanding of the syllabus. Your preparation time can also vary based on your previous project management knowledge and how quickly you learn.
4. Can I Study PRINCE2® Foundation at My Own Pace?
Yes. Self-paced learning can be a good option if you have work, family or other commitments that make fixed study times difficult.
With self-paced learning, you can divide the syllabus into smaller sections and study when you have time. Some learners may complete their preparation quickly, while others may take several weeks or longer. The total time depends mainly on your available study hours, learning style and preparation needs.
Aspirex offers an e-learning option for learners who prefer to study independently, along with tutor support and mock exams as part of the Foundation course offering.
5. How Much Study Time Do I Need for PRINCE2® Foundation?
There is no single study time that applies to every learner. The time you need will depend on your previous knowledge, learning method and how comfortable you are with the PRINCE2® Project Management syllabus.
If you choose an intensive classroom-based route, you may complete the main training in a few days. If you choose self-paced learning, you can spread your study across several weeks or longer to fit your schedule.
The important thing is to allow enough time to understand the key PRINCE2® principles, practices, processes, roles and terminology and to complete practice questions before sitting the exam.
Ready to Become PRINCE2® Certified in Just 3 Days?
If you want to complete your PRINCE2® Foundation training without spending weeks studying, a 3-day Virtual Classroom is one of the quickest routes available. With Aspirex, you can work through the Foundation syllabus with a tutor, prepare for the exam and take the next step towards becoming PRINCE2® certified.
The 3-day format is ideal if you want a structured learning experience and have a limited amount of time available. You can focus on the key areas of PRINCE2®, practise for the exam and build your understanding across the three training days.
If you prefer to study around your existing commitments, self-paced learning is another option. The important thing is to choose the route that suits your schedule and gives you enough time to prepare for the exam.
Ready to get started? Explore the Aspirex PRINCE2® courses or find out more about the PRINCE2® Foundation Virtual Classroom and take the first step towards your PRINCE2® certification.
