Frequently Asked Questions

What's New with PRINCE2® 2009?

The key difference between PRINCE2:2009 and PRINCE2:2005 is that the methodology has been reworked to allow it to be tailored to the environment. Whether you are running short stand alone projects or multi-phase projects as part of a large programme, PRINCE2 can be tailored to your needs.

Other differences are:

• The methodology is now integrated with other OGC products (M_O_R®, MSP™, P30®)
• The 8 Components have been changed to 7 Themes (Change Control & Configuration Management have been merged).
• Now 7 Processes not 8 (Planning has merged into Plans Theme). Each process contains Activities.
• The 3 Techniques have merged into the respective themes. The 36 Management Products have shrunk to 27.
• The manual has shrunk slightly, to under 400 pages.
• There is a new emphasis on project management using the 7 Principles of PRINCE2. It is no longer simply working on completion of template documents.
• There is a stronger emphasis on achieving benefits and using lessons from best practice experience, with this method.

What does this mean for me?

• If you have a PRINCE2 foundation certificate, this will never expire. As you move to a new project using the 2009 version, we recommend attending another foundation course.
• If you have a PRINCE2 practitioner certificate, this expires after 5 years.
• If you passed your exam between 3 and 5 years ago, you can re-register. We recommend attending a bridging course, that focuses on the differences between the methodologies and enables you to pass the new examination.
• If you are new to PRINCE2, then attend a full 2009 version course. If you are new to project management, we recommend not attending a PRINCE2 course yet, but rather one of our introductions to project management courses.