When the PRINCE2 accreditation body, APMG, designed the new PRINCE2 Professional qualification, it introduced a method of assessment that is very different to the way in which the other PRINCE2 qualifications are assessed.
In order to achieve the PRINCE2 Professional qualification, you need to pass an assessment that encompasses individual and group work, instead of a multiple choice exam. The PRINCE2 Professional assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your project management expertise in a realistic project environment. In this article we examine the process in detail, helping you to understand what to expect and how your performance will be assessed.
The assessment process for the PRINCE2 Professional qualification is a two and a half day event. It is based on a case study about a project and held at a PRINCE2 Assessment Centre. Throughout the assessment process, your ability to manage a non-complex PRINCE2 project across its lifecycle will be tested.
Although the qualification is not designed to measure your overall competence as a project manager (that is not possible outside a real project environment), its scope is nevertheless wide-ranging. The qualification moves beyond the PRINCE2 method and syllabus, encompassing internationally recognised project management competencies. You must show that you can use and apply your knowledge of PRINCE2 to the project case study, while also demonstrating the broader competencies required to work effectively as a project manager.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to discuss and solve problems related to the project case study with two or three other candidates. An Evaluator will gather evidence of your relevant knowledge and skills by observing your performance in the group activities and exercises. Further evidence will be gathered when you are interviewed on an individual basis by the Evaluator.
The Performance Criteria on which you will be assessed are listed below.
| 1 | Prepare the Project Product Description |
| 2 | Prepare the outline Business Case |
| 3 | Design the project management team structure |
| 4 | Tailor corporate strategies |
| 5 | Perform product-based planning |
| 6 | Apply the risk management procedure |
| 7 | Apply the communication management procedure |
| 8 | Plan the project |
| 9 | Refine the Business Case |
| 10 | Prepare the Benefits Review Plan |
| 11 | Prepare an End Stage Report |
| 12 | Capture lessons learned |
| 13 | Prepare a Work Package |
| 14 | Apply the issue and change control procedure |
| 15 | Plan and conduct the Closing a Project process |
| 16 | Prepare End Project Report (Incl Lessons Report) |
| 17 | Interpersonal Skills |
| 18 | Manage team performance |
| 19 | Manage own performance |
Based on the evidence gathered during the assessment process, the Evaluator will give you a rating for each of the Performance Criteria, according to the following rating scale.
- Level 0 – Failed to present any relevant evidence
- Level 1 – Basic evidence, with one or two directly relevant examples
- Level 2 – Good evidence, with three or more directly relevant examples
- Level 3 – Extensive evidence, with six or more directly relevant examples
If you receive a rating of 1 or more for each of the Performance Criteria, as well as an average rating of 1.6 or more across all of the Performance Criteria, the Evaluator can recommend that the accreditation body, APMG, awards you the PRINCE2 Professional qualification. The Evaluator’s decision is made in conjunction with the Moderator (who is appointed by APMG to manage the Assessment Centre). Together they judge whether or not you are capable of acting as the project manager on a non-complex PRINCE2 project of the kind found in the project case study.
If you pass the assessment process and are awarded the qualification, you reach PRINCE2 Professional status, the highest level of PRINCE2 qualification and therefore a valuable asset to your career in project management.