What is the PRINCE2® Foundation course syllabus?

Posted by Sarah Grace Del Rosario on March 26th, 2020

The PRINCE2 Foundation course is aimed to teach students the basic principles of PRINCE2 project management. With this in mind, the syllabus will cover a broad range of topics related to the PRINCE2 principles, PRINCE2 project management and how the various parts of PRINCE2 interact with one another.
 
You'll cover all this and more if you sign up for a PRINCE2 Foundation course, but it pays to know exactly what you'll be asked when it comes to the final examination. Listed below are the various assessment criteria and learning outcomes of each of the PRINCE2 Foundation modules.

 1. Overview of PRINCE2 themes 

In this module, you'll learn the 6 aspects of project planning, from eliciting project requirements to executing projects. You'll learn about PRINCE2 principles, themes, processes and the PRINCE2 project environment.
Finally, you'll understand what makes a PRINCE2 project unique and be able to explain what exactly a PRINCE2 project is.

2. Understanding PRINCE2 Principles 

This module will go into a deeper analysis of PRINCE2 principles, including:
 
• Business justification
• How learning from experience
• PRINCE2 roles and responsibilities
• The stages of project management
• How to manage by exception
• How to focus on products
• How to tailor PRINCE2 to suit the project
 
In your final exam, you'll be expected to explain which aspects of a project can be tailored, who is responsible for this process, and how to document the entire process.

3. Applying PRINCE2 themes to a project 

This module will teach you what a project requires in order to successfully apply PRINCE2 themes and methods. You'll be able to define key ideas related to outputs, outcomes, benefits & dis-benefits, and explain the difference between them.
 
This is arguably the most important module of the PRINCE2 Foundation course syllabus, as the knowledge gained here will later be used in the PRINCE2 Practitioner course and will serve as a good base of knowledge to help you understand the more complex topic covered later in the syllabus.
 
The final exam will require you to explain the roles and responsibilities of each role involved throughout project management, from team members to middle and upper management. You will also be required to have a solid understanding of how different inquiries into the project management scheme produce different types of information and how these are then incorporated into the project, for example: quality control, risk management, budgeting and more.

4. Apply the PRINCE2 process to projects 

This final module will focus on the 6 steps of project management, from project initiation to closing and reviewing finished projects.
 
This module will account for a good chunk of points on the final exam. You'll need to understand what is required in each stage of project management, from people, to roles, skill and software.

5. Exam practice 

We've mentioned several times what kinds of information you'll need to know to successfully pass your PRINCE2 Foundation course exam.
 
Most training course providers will also include a free PRINCE2 Foundation course practice exam. We strongly recommend you take the time to complete it to familiarize yourself with the exam format and the kinds of questions that might be asked in the real thing.

PRINCE2® is a (registered) Trade Mark of AXELOS Limited. Used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.