PMP and PRINCE2: two different bodies of knowledge
The PMP (Project Management Professional), awarded by PMI, builds on the PMBOK, a body of knowledge and best practices organized into performance domains and principles. PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments), widespread across Europe, offers a more structured method with defined themes, principles and processes.
The choice between the two often depends on industry and region: the PMP is more common in North America and international environments, PRINCE2 in European public administrations and large enterprises. Some professionals prepare for both over the course of their career.
What flashcards bring — and what they don't
Flashcards are particularly effective at anchoring dense, precise vocabulary: the PMBOK's 12 principles and 8 performance domains, or PRINCE2's 7 principles, 7 themes and 7 processes. This kind of structured content, with exact definitions expected on the exam, lends itself well to spaced repetition.
What they don't do is simulate the scenario-based questions typical of these exams, which often require applying a principle to a complex situation rather than reciting a definition. That scenario-based work remains the job of official practice questions and accredited training.
No memia deck contains an official PMP or PRINCE2 exam question, reproduces proprietary content from PMI or AXELOS, or guarantees exam success. The decks consolidate vocabulary; they don't replace complete preparation.
Prerequisites not to overlook for the PMP
Contrary to a common assumption, you can't register for the PMP exam based on self-study alone: PMI requires a number of hours of project management education (typically 35 hours via accredited training) as well as minimum professional experience in project management, the volume of which depends on the candidate's education level.
Flashcards don't replace this mandatory step — they're used alongside accredited training, to consolidate vocabulary as you go rather than in a single cram session right before the exam.
A review method spread out over time
The best practice is to start flashcards as soon as training begins, not just in the final weeks before the exam. This lets spaced repetition play its full role: each notion is reviewed several times at growing intervals, building lasting memorization rather than last-minute cramming, which is generally less effective for this type of exam.
- Start flashcards alongside training, not after it
- Review 15 to 20 minutes a day rather than big one-off sessions
- Add official practice questions in the weeks before the exam
- Reserve the last few days for scenario practice, not new vocabulary
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Frequently asked questions
Do memia decks contain PMP or PRINCE2 exam questions?
No. These decks contain no official exam questions and reproduce no proprietary content from PMI or AXELOS. They help memorize the vocabulary and concepts of the corresponding bodies of knowledge.
Do flashcards guarantee I'll pass the exam?
No, no memorization tool can guarantee success on a certification exam. Flashcards complement a complete preparation plan (accredited training, official practice questions, case studies) — they're not a substitute for one.
How long should I plan to prepare for the PMP or PRINCE2?
This varies by prior experience, but a 2-to-4-month preparation combining training, flashcards and practice questions is a common order of magnitude for a candidate new to the body of knowledge.
Should I choose between PMP and PRINCE2, or prepare for both?
Both can be prepared over the course of a career, but it's recommended to consolidate one before starting the other, to avoid mixing up two close but non-identical vocabularies.
Does PRINCE2 have several certification levels?
Yes, PRINCE2 typically offers a Foundation level (basic knowledge of the framework) followed by a Practitioner level (ability to apply the method to a real project context), the latter being more demanding.
Are flashcards enough for the PMP without accredited training?
No. PMI requires accredited training to register for the PMP exam — flashcards can't replace that eligibility requirement, however good the preparation is otherwise.
What should I do if I forget a notion the day before the exam?
That's a sign to slow down on new cards in the final days and focus on consolidating what's already been introduced, rather than continuing to add unanchored vocabulary right before the exam.
Does PRINCE2 also require mandatory training?
Requirements vary by examining body and change over time — unlike the PMP, PRINCE2 hasn't always required accredited training for the Foundation level. It's worth checking the current registration requirements directly with the certifying body before planning your preparation.
Can flashcards help with the case-study component of these exams?
Indirectly. A solid vocabulary foundation makes it easier to read and interpret scenario-based questions quickly, but the case-study skill itself — applying the right principle to a specific situation — is best built through official practice questions and simulated exam conditions.