What Is PRINCE2?
PRINCE2 is a structured, process-driven project management methodology that provides a clear framework for organizing, managing, and controlling projects. Unlike the PMP (which validates competency across methodologies), PRINCE2 teaches a specific methodology with defined roles, processes, and principles. The 7th Edition introduces a 'People' focus and sustainability as a seventh performance target.
PRINCE2 answers the question: 'How do we run projects with clear governance, defined roles, and controlled stages?'
What's New in PRINCE2 7th Edition
The 7th Edition, released in 2023, represents a significant evolution from PRINCE2 6, adapting to modern project realities:
Key Changes from 6th Edition
People-Centric Focus
The 'People' element is now central to the methodology, acknowledging that human dynamics are as vital as process controls.
Sustainability Added
Sustainability is now the 7th performance target, alongside cost, time, quality, scope, risk, and benefit.
Digital & Data Integration
Updated guidance on managing digital projects and leveraging data-driven decision making.
Agile Integration
Improved integration with Agile approaches, building on the PRINCE2 Agile certification.
Certification Levels
PRINCE2 offers a progressive certification path:
PRINCE2 Foundation
Entry-level certification proving you understand the methodology's terminology, principles, and processes.
PRINCE2 Practitioner
Advanced certification demonstrating you can apply and tailor PRINCE2 to a specific project scenario.
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation & Practitioner
Combines PRINCE2 governance with Agile flexibility for hybrid environments.
Foundation Exam Details
The 7 PRINCE2 Principles
PRINCE2 is built on seven principles that guide all project decisions:
- Continued Business Justification — Projects must remain viable throughout their lifecycle
- Learn from Experience — Teams should seek, record, and apply lessons learned
- Defined Roles and Responsibilities — Everyone knows who is accountable for what
- Manage by Stages — Projects are planned and controlled stage by stage
- Manage by Exception — Delegated authority with defined tolerances
- Focus on Products — Emphasis on delivering defined outputs with quality criteria
- Tailor to Suit the Project — Adapt the methodology to fit project size and complexity
Official Resource
PRINCE2 certifications are administered by PeopleCert on behalf of Axelos.
PeopleCert PRINCE2 Certifications →Key Takeaways
- 1PRINCE2 is a methodology-specific certification (unlike competency-based PMP).
- 2The 7th Edition adds People-centricity and Sustainability as key focuses.
- 3Foundation certification has no prerequisites; Practitioner builds on Foundation.
- 4Dominant in UK, Europe, and Australia; increasingly recognized globally.
- 5Built on 7 principles emphasizing governance, stages, and defined roles.
