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The HERMES Foundation Certification is a professional qualification in the field of project management. This certification confirms an understanding of the HERMES project management method. Having prior project work experience is beneficial but not essential for participants.

HERMES Foundation Target Audience

• Project Managers
• Project Team Members
• Controllers
• Decision Makers
• PMO Staff
• Quality Management
• Governance/Steering Management

HERMES 5 Foundation Exam Format

• Language: German, English, French
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Questions: 40
• Objective test questions
• Materials: No reference materials allowed
• The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions from the following topic areas:
  • HERMES Fundamentals (including methodology structure, views, phases, deliverables, tasks, roles, modules, and scenarios)
  • Application area and structure of the standard scenario “Service – Product”
  • Modules of the “Service – Product” standard scenario
  • Project organisation (roles) of the “Service – Product” standard scenario

A prerequisite for passing the exam is foundational knowledge of HERMES and project management. It is recommended to attend a 2- to 3-day training course. Benefits include sustainable improvement in project quality, reduced risks during project execution, and the ability to create custom scenarios for your own projects.

HERMES Foundation Sample Questions

1. The exam includes 40 sample single-choice questions.
2. Only one answer is correct per question.
3. Correct answers are awarded 1 point.
4. Unanswered or incorrect answers receive 0 points.
5. No negative points can be earned for a question.

The exam covers the following topic areas:

• a) HERMES Fundamentals (e.g., methodology structure, views, phases, deliverables, tasks, roles, modules, and scenarios)
• b) Application area and structure of the standard scenario “Service – Product”
• c) Modules of the “Service – Product” standard scenario
• d) Project organisation (roles) of the “Service – Product” standard scenario

There are three types of questions: standard, negative, and completion (missing word).

Example of a “Standard” Question

Which statement about the "Organisation " module is correct? a) The "Organisation" module describes the implementation organization. b) The "Organisation" module describes the adaptation of the organization. c) The project organisation is defined in the "Organisation" module. d) The operational organization is defined in the "Organisation" module.

Example of a “Missing Word” Question

Complete correctly: Modules… a) …are building blocks for creating projects and scenarios. b) …are thematic groupings of deliverables, tasks, and roles that are not directly related to solution development and implementation. c) …do not consist of tasks and deliverables. d) …describe the lifecycle of projects with specific characteristics.

Example of a “Negative” Question

There are four fundamental ways to adapt an existing scenario or create your own individual scenario. Which is not one of them? a) Remove tasks and deliverables b) Add a project-specific role to a module c) Remove modules from an existing scenario d) Integrate an additional domain-specific module into the existing scenario

HERMES Foundation Learning Objectives

After completing the HERMES training , participants should:

• Understand the fundamentals of HERMES project management
• Have an overview of the application and structure of the two standard scenarios “Service/Product Development” and “Adaptation”
• Have gained in-depth insights into the modules “Project Steering, Project Management, Project Basics, Procurement, Organisation, Product, and Implementation Organisation” in the context of a complete project using the “Service/Product Development” or “Adaptation” scenarios
• Have explored project organisation (roles) and their responsibilities in depth within a project context based on the “Service/Product Development” or “Adaptation” scenarios
• Know how to create individual scenarios
• Pass the Foundation exam in order to receive the HERMES Certification

HERMES Foundation Certification

Participants who pass the exam receive a certificate. Those who do not pass will receive a certificate of participation indicating the exam attempt. The certification body that offers HERMES certification in Switzerland is TÜV SÜD Academy. The HERMES Foundation Certificate is valid for life and does not expire. TÜV SÜD provides comprehensive information on certification and recertification on its website. Visit our HERMES Foundation page or contact us to learn more!

QRP International is dedicated to developing professionals to facilitate changes, believing that transformation drives growth and societal improvement. This commitment extends beyond professional development to actively supporting charitable initiatives that enhance our communities. That is why, we are proud to announce our support for the Comitato Maria Letizia Verga.

The Comitato Maria Letizia Verga

Founded in 1979 by Giovanni Verga, the father of Maria Letizia, the Comitato Maria Letizia Verga is an association that unites parents, volunteers, friends, supporters, researchers, doctors, and healthcare professionals in an Alliance with a shared mission: to improve the overall quality of life of children and adolescents affected by hematological malignancies diseases, as well as complex therapeutic, metabolic, and genetic conditions. For over 45 years, the Comitato has led numerous initiatives to study and treat childhood leukemia, providing care and treatment to over 2,500 children and adolescents. Thanks to its efforts, the recovery rate has significantly increased — from 30% in 1979 to 85% today. In particular, the Comitato Maria Letizia Verga has:

• Invested over €120 million in research, treatment, and patient care;
• Established the Maria Letizia Verga Center, an integrated system designed to address the complex needs of children with leukemia and their families. Located within the IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori Foundation, it combines research, treatment, therapy, and support services;
• Built the Maria Letizia Verga Residence, providing accommodation for children and adolescents undergoing treatment at the Center, along with their families;
• Promoted the creation of the Tettamanti Research Center and the Monza and Brianza Foundation for Children and Mothers;
• Established the Stefano Verri Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory, a cell factory inaugurated in 2003 in collaboration with the Tettamanti Foundation and the Stefano Verri Committee.

Supporting the Comitato Maria Letizia Verga resonates deeply with QRP International, as many of our employees are parents who understand the critical importance of providing comprehensive support to children and their families during challenging health journeys. For one of our own employees, whose family has been directly affected by childhood leukemia, this cause is especially meaningful. Their personal experience has reinforced the significance of the work done by the Comitato Maria Letizia Verga, and QRP is proud to stand alongside them in support of this vital mission. At QRP International, we believe in the power of community and the importance of offering support during the most difficult times. If the mission and values of the Comitato Maria Letizia Verga align with yours, we encourage you to visit their website to learn more about their initiatives, stories, and achievements: Comitato Maria Letizia Verga.

QRP International has a core purpose, which is: developing professionals to facilitate changes. We believe in change as a tool for growth and improvement, not only professionally, but also in our society. This is the reason why we strongly believe in the importance of supporting charity projects with a cause that make our society a better place. Every year we stand by this principle of contributing our part as a company. This year we chose to support Fondazione ABIO Italia ETS. Since 1978, ABIO has cared for children and teenagers in hospitals and their families. Fondazione ABIO has been managing relations with healthcare facilities and local administrations in all Italy. It is focused on promoting the culture of volunteering as well as hospital rights of children, adolescents and parents. In order to do so, Fondazione ABIO organises and coordinates activities of volunteers locally, putting into practice the principles and values on which ABIO is built: care, humanity, attention to needs, respect for rights and support. Fondazione ABIO is committed to supporting children, adolescents and their families from the moment they enter hospital, offering emotional and practical support. This includes creating welcoming environments, promoting their rights and training volunteers to ensure an effective service tailored to hospital needs. ABIO promotes projects to improve hospital environments and ensure that children's rights are respected from the very beginning of hospitalisation. Supporting Fondazione ABIO is important to QRP International, as most of its employees have children and understand how crucial it is to ensure support for children and their families during difficult times in the hospital. Making a donation to Fondazione ABIO means supporting an organisation that works with 53 local voluntary associations, present in more than 200 paediatric centres throughout Italy. Thanks to this support ABIO can guarantee the presence of around 4,000 volunteers alongside sick children, adolescents and families during their hospital journey, offering comfort, emotional support and fun moments through games and a colourful environment. Each donation contributes to making the healing journey more comfortable and humanising for young patients and their families. Do you feel that Fondazione ABIO also is in line with your values? Then visit their website to know their mission, stories and beautiful achievements: Fondazione ABIO

The HERMES Advanced level is the certification aimed at project managers. HERMES knowledge equivalent to the Foundation level is required.

HERMES Target Audience

• Project Managers
• Project Team Members
• Controllers
• Decision Makers
• PMO Staff
• Quality Management
• Governance/Steering Management

HERMES Advanced Exam Format

• Languages: German, English, French
• Duration: 2 hours
• Each of the two parts lasts 60 minutes, with a break in between
• To pass the entire exam, at least 60% of the maximum score must be achieved in each part

PART 1: No reference materials allowed ("Closed Book") PART 2: Allowed materials include the reference manual and scenario overview BK ("Open Book")

The exam consists of a two-part written test: Part 1: Multiple Choice – 30 questions, one or more correct answers Part 2: Multiple Choice with practical scenarios – 15 questions, one or more correct answers

Exam topics include:

• Fundamentals of HERMES project management
• Application of the method, assessment of situations, and drawing conclusions in the “Initialization” and “Closure” phases
• Modules: “Project Steering” and “Project Leadership”
• “Organisation” module
• Use of the “Planning Use Case” and “Explanatory Notes”

HERMES  Advanced Exam Sample Questions

The exam consists of two parts:

• Part 1: Multiple Choice – 30 questions, one or more correct answers
• Part 2: Multiple Choice with practical scenarios – 15 questions, one or more correct answers

Sample Questions – HERMES Advanced, Part 1:

For each question, one or more answers may be correct.

• Correct answers = +1 point
• Incorrect answers = –1 point
• Unanswered = 0 points
• Minimum score per question is 0 points.

Questions types: Standard, List, Negative

Example – “Standard” Question

Which decisions are made by the “Steering” level in the “Service/Product Development” scenario?

a) Phase release decision b) Release approval decision c) Operational start decision d) Decision on further proceedings

Example – “List” Question

You are a project manager in a project to develop and implement a unified glossary software in a cantonal administration. The project is in the “Implementation” phase.

Evaluate the following statements:

A) The client is not necessarily required to make the “Release Approval” decision, BECAUSE B) The “Decision on Further Proceedings” determines whether “Release Approval” is mandatory.

• A) is true and B) is true
• A) is false and B) is true
• A) is true and B) is false
• A) is false and B) is false
• A) is true because B) is true

Example – “Negative” Question

Mark the correct statements regarding the following claim:

“The Implementation Structure Plan is not modeled as a result in HERMES.”

• The claim is correct, because the implementation structure plan is part of the project management plan.
• The claim is incorrect, because the implementation structure plan is a result of variant selection.
• The claim is correct, because the implementation structure plan is included in the study.
• The claim is correct. Creating the implementation structure plan is the basis for further elaborating the project management plan.

Sample Questions – HERMES Advanced, Part 2

For each question, one or more answers may be correct.

• Correct answers = +1 point
• Incorrect answers = –1 point
• Unanswered = 0 points

Minimum score per question is 0 points.

Note: All questions and answers refer exclusively to the HERMES project management method and the reference manual.

Question types: Standard, List, Negative

Your Role: As a project manager, you are responsible for redesigning the website of a railway company.

Practical Situation: The study with the selected solution variant “implementation of an external standard CMS solution” has been completed according to HERMES. You are now preparing the project management plan.

Which components will you include in the project management plan according to HERMES?

• The test plan. It will be conducted according to the test concept document X.
• The application for phase approval.
• The project organisation. It is defined up to the "Introduction" phase.
• The selected scenario with implementation structure plan.
• The change management section, which includes a list of all processed changes.

HERMES Advanced Learning Objectives

After completing the course, participants should:

• Have in-depth knowledge of how a project is initialized and closed, and how project foundations are developed
• Understand how to manage and lead a project, and practice implementing selected tasks from the related modules
• Know the execution-relevant modules for solution development, through detailed work with a case study. Participants will practice implementing tasks and assigning responsibilities to roles
• Understand the "Organisation" module using case studies based on any standard scenario, recognize its importance in all HERMES projects, and practice implementing selected tasks from the module

HERMES Advanced Certification

Participants who pass the exam receive a certificate. If registered early and the exam is passed, the certificate is issued immediately after the exam. For short-notice registrations, the certificate is issued approximately 2–3 weeks after the exam.

The certification body offering HERMES in Switzerland is TÜV SÜD Academy.

Certificates issued by TÜV SÜD Examination Institute are valid for five years (for certificates issued since 01.01.2020).

TÜV SÜD provides comprehensive information about certification and recertification on its website.

Visit our HERMES Advanced page or contact us to learn more!

PRINCE2®, the world’s leading project management method, has evolved to meet the needs of the future. The method has been updated to reflect the modern realities of managing successful projects in the 21st century, incorporating the latest processus, tools and technologies to stay ahead of the curve. All changes come together in the latest edition, PRINCE2 7. From April 2024, QRP International offers PRINCE2 7 training not only in English, but now also in French, German and Italian.

PRINCE2 has been the gold standard for global project management practices since 1996. It is a flexible and adaptable method that can be tailored to any project, regardless of size, purpose or industry. PRINCE2 7, the latest version, addresses the changes in the project management sector and adapts to evolving working practices and technologies.

PRINCE2® 7 enhances project management

With PRINCE2 7, project management is brought up to speed with the current business environment and it is enhanced in the following ways:

• Emphasising People: PRINCE2 7 recognizes the vital role of individuals in project success, incorporating a human element into its methodology.
• Sustainability in Project Performance: PRINCE2 7 introduces Sustainability as a critical aspect of project performance, aligning projects with environmental and social responsibility goals.
• Digital & Data Management: It incorporates a digital and data management framework to meet evolving project management needs.
• Enhanced Adaptability: PRINCE2 7 offers greater adaptability for customization to specific project contexts, empowering managers to align projects with strategic goals.
• Integration with Agile, Lean and ITIL: It provides guidance on not only integrating Agile and other Best Practices, but also on digital transformation projects, fostering collaboration and responsiveness.
• Designed for all professionals: including aspiring or experienced project managers, using simplified language and content which makes it more accessible to all.

PRINCE2 7 meets modern project demands, equipping managers and teams with refined tools for complexity management and excellence. Its significance is bridging the gap between structured project management and the dynamic demands of today’s business environment.

PRINCE2 7 training and certification

The new edition of the PRINCE2 method has been officially launched early September 2023. QRP International has been offering courses in English since that moment. As PeopleCert recently also launched the translations of the PRINCE2 7 method, QRP International will offer PRINCE2 7 Training also in French, German and Italian from April 2024 onwards.

QRP International has made sure all our trainers are certified in PRINCE2 7 and are ready to train you and your team too. We provide the PRINCE2 7 Foundation, Practitioner and Combi training both as classroom and virtual training in English, French, German and Italian. All planned training sessions from April onward shall use the PRINCE2 7 version. Our PRINCE2 E-Learning in English and French are based on PRINCE2 7.

Our PRINCE2 7 certification training courses also include complimentary Take2, which is one free exam resit should you fail on the first attempt at the examination.

For more information, feel free to contact us via email or call.

In collaboration with PeopleCert, QRP International organised a webinar to talk you through the latest update and explain why now is the best time to get PRINCE2 7 certified.

Today, we're thrilled to unveil our revamped logo. The changes to our logo design capture the essence of QRP’s core values, blending modern aesthetics with a touch of tradition. It reflects our dedication to continuous innovation and excellence.

A New Chapter for QRP International

This logo marks a new chapter for QRP International, and we're excited to embark on this journey with a refreshed visual identity. In 2023 QRP International celebrated its 20 Years in Business. The modernised logo should represent our promise of being a trustable partner in continuous learning to our clients.

Developing Professionals to Facilitate Changes

At QRP we work continuously to help professionals improve their skills and support both organisations as individuals throughout their learning journey. We want to improve your way of working. Our training courses can help unlock individual potential and achieve a higher level of structure and efficiency in the organisation, leading to an increased productivity.

Join QRP International in celebrating this exciting milestone.

Do you know who is behind QRP? Meet our team!