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Exam Tips (Syllabus v3.3.0)
Official References
- Syllabus: IREB CPRE-FL Syllabus v3.3.0 (April 2026)
- Exam regulations: Examination Regulations v5.6.2
- Official practice exam: Set_Public_EN_v3.3.1 — free, 45 questions, available in 12 languages and as an online self-assessment
About the Exam
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Duration | 75 minutes (90 minutes for non-native speakers) |
| Questions | 45 |
| Total points | 70 |
| Passing score | 70% (49 of 70 points) |
| Question types | A-type (single-select), P-type (pick-two), K-type (true/false matrix) |
| Allowed aids | None (closed book) |
| Languages | 12+ (English, German, French, Chinese, Spanish, etc.) |
Question Types
A-type (Single-Select)
Pick 1 correct answer from 4 options. Worth 1 point.
P-type (Pick-Two)
Pick exactly 2 correct answers from 5 options. Worth 1-2 points. The number of correct answers is always stated in the question.
K-type (True/False Matrix)
Decide whether each of 4 statements is true or false. Worth 2 points. All 4 must be correct to earn any points — there is no partial credit.
Question Weighting by Educational Unit
| Educational Unit | Questions | Points | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU 1 — Introduction and Overview | 3 | 4 | 5.7% |
| EU 2 — Fundamental Principles | 4 | 6 | 8.6% |
| EU 3 — Work Products and Documentation | 18 | 30 | 42.9% |
| EU 4 — Practices for Elaboration | 10 | 14 | 20.0% |
| EU 5 — Process and Working Structure | 2 | 3 | 4.3% |
| EU 6 — Management Practices | 6 | 10 | 14.3% |
| EU 7 — Tool Support | 2 | 3 | 4.3% |
EU 3 (Work Products and Documentation) carries the most weight — focus your study there.
Key Strategies
Read the Question Carefully
- Watch for qualifiers like "always", "never", "can", "must", "NOT" — they change the meaning
- For P-type questions, the number of correct answers is stated (e.g., "select two")
- For K-type questions, read each statement independently
Know the IREB Definitions
The exam uses the syllabus definitions, which may differ from informal usage:
- Requirement = a condition or capability needed by a stakeholder, that must be met by a system
- Stakeholder = a person or organization that influences or is impacted by the system's requirements
- Work product = a recorded intermediate or final result generated in a work process
Distinguish Similar Concepts
Common traps:
- Validation vs. verification — validation checks against stakeholder intentions; verification checks against specification
- System context vs. system boundary — context is the relevant environment; boundary separates system from context
- Linear vs. iterative — process facets, not lifecycle models
- Gathering vs. design techniques — gathering elicits known requirements; design techniques generate innovative ideas
K-type Strategy
K-type questions are all-or-nothing (2 points). If you are unsure about one statement, you risk losing 2 points. Focus on the statements you are most confident about first, then reason through the uncertain ones.
Time Management
- 45 questions in 75 minutes = ~1 minute 40 seconds per question
- Flag difficult questions and return to them — do not get stuck
- K-type questions may take longer (4 sub-decisions each)
- A-type questions should be the fastest
The Nine Principles — Quick Reference
These are examined in EU 2 and often appear as context for questions in other EUs:
- Value orientation — requirements are a means to an end
- Stakeholders — RE is about satisfying their desires and needs
- Shared understanding — explicit and implicit forms
- Context — systems cannot be understood in isolation
- Problem – Requirement – Solution — an intertwined triple
- Validation — non-validated requirements are useless
- Evolution — changing requirements are normal
- Innovation — more of the same is not enough
- Systematic and disciplined work — adapt to the situation