We live in a fast-paced, dynamic, ever-changing world and by extension organisations’ priorities have changed too, therefore how projects are managed and run has also changed. The 7th Edition of PRINCE2®, the world's leading project management methodology is coming - here's our FAQ on what you need to know.
Ever since it was first created back in 1996, PRINCE2® has become the most widely used methodology for the managing and running of projects globally, enabling organisations to deliver change successfully within time, cost and quality requirements. Providing structure & control mechanisms addresses factors that can threaten these targets being achieved.
Over the years, the methodology has gone through numerous updates to respond to this. The current 6th edition was launched in July 2017. As the business world & the project industry changes, the guidance provided by PRINCE2® needs to adapt as well hence the launch of PRINCE2® 7th edition this autumn.
- People: The previous version was structured around what is known as the 4 integrated elements of Principles, Themes (now called Practices), Processes, and Tailoring to suit the project environment. In the 7th Edition a 5th integrated element has been added called People.
Because projects introduce change, this will affect people in their business as usual or normal operational activities - the success of any project is dependent on the capabilities of the project team, the strength of their relationships with the people who will be impacted by that change. This People integrated element therefore provides guidance on the management of those relationships.
- Sustainability: The 6th Edition talked about the 6 aspects of project performance that need to be managed for a project to be successful, the 6 being Time, Cost, Quality, Scope, Benefits & Risk. In the 7th Edition a 7th aspect of project performance has been added called Sustainability.
Sustainability is a major concern in the real world today, businesses are likely to have sustainability objectives and commitments that the project needs to adhere or contribute too. The 7th edition addresses this as one of the target areas that needs to be managed, and is included through the defining of role responsibilities, documentation such as plans & reports, it is incorporated into various Practices such as the Business Case practice, and some processes such as including activities to confirm sustainability requirements are been met.
- Digital & Data: To meet the evolving needs of Project Management Professionals a Digital & Data Management Approach has now been added. The purpose of this is to define –
- How digital technology will be used to support project management and project work.
- How data and information will be created used and managed across the project ecosystem, lifecycle, and beyond.
- Improved Flexibility: Rules within the methodology have been reduced and streamlined whilst maintaining the core elements and ethos of PRINCE2®.
- Language & Terminologies: PRINCE2® language and terminologies have been simplified throughout, making it easier to understand and more relatable to a wider market.
- Agile: The 5th Edition of PRINCE2® methodology was perfectly formed to be used to manage and run projects where Agile frameworks such as SCRUM, Kanban or XP are used by the teams. In the 7th Edition greater guidance is now given on tailoring the methodology to support these Agile environments including the provision of scenarios or examples to demonstrate this.
The duration has changed for this new 7th Edition as follows:
PRINCE2 Foundation course: 3 Days
PRINCE2 Practitioner course: 2 Days
- PRINCE2 Foundation: there are no pre-requisite requirements for attending the course or taking the exam. So, you can undertake the training irrespective of your previous experience levels.
- PRINCE2 Practitioner: delegates will need a good understanding of PRINCE2 for this course. To sit the exam you must be certified in one of the following:
- PRINCE2® 7th Edition Foundation
- PRINCE2® 6th Edition Foundation & / or Practitioner
- Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
- Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- IPMA Level A (Certified Projects Director)
- IPMA Level B (Certified Senior Project Manager)
- IPMA Level C (Certified Project Manager)
- IPMA Level D (Certified Project Management Associate)
The short answer is Yes.
However, as the 7th edition now includes new components (See “What are the key additions…” question above) you need the new version of the official PRINCE2 7th Edition book/eBook, and to familiarise yourself with the new components and language changes before taking the 7th Edition Practitioner exam. It may be more straightforward to take the 6th Edition Practitioner exam now, and in 3 years time when you must renew your registration as a PRINCE2® Practitioner then upskill to the 7th Edition.
Unfortunately no, you can’t.
The 5th Edition certification does NOT qualify as a pre-requisite for sitting the 7th Edition Practitioner exam due to changes to the methodology. You therefore have 2 options:
- You can still take the current 6th Edition (2017 version) Practitioner exam as your 5th Edition (2009 version) Foundation qualification meets the pre-requisite requirements for that exam.
- Undertake the new 7th Edition (2023) Foundation & Practitioner courses.
PRINCE2® certification is valid for 3 years from the date of passing the exam. This was back-dated to include previous editions of PRINCE2®.
You can renew your certification by:
- Re-take the same exam before the renewal date.
- Attend another course and take the associated exam within the same product suite before the renewal date.
- You must be subscribed to MyAxelos for the 3-year period while you collect and log CPD points (Continued Professional Development) before your renewal date. If you earn sufficient CPD points yearly your certification is automatically renewed.
Do you have more questions that you would like answered? Join us for an informational update webinar on Wednesday 20th September at 3pm.
