PRINCE2:2009 FAQ

In a nutshell what's changing as a result of the launch of PRINCE2:2009?

The primary change is the publication of the latest 2009 edition of the TSO/OGC Manual "Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2".  This edition contains changes to the structure of the PRINCE2 method/framework.

As a result of this the exam syllabi and therefore our courseware has been updated to reflect these changes, and our PRINCE2:2009 courses available from 6 July 2009 use this courseware to prepare you for the latest exams.

A related change introduced at the same time but technically not directly related to the launch is the introduction of the new Standards that the qualifications represent.

What isn't changing regarding PRINCE2?

While it may appear many things are changing, it's also true that much remains the same:

• Principal issues about Best Practice in Project Management addressed by PRINCE2
• General qualification and exam structure for PRINCE2 is being maintained; Foundation, Practitioner and Re-accreditation. Additional qualifications may be introduced at a later stage.
• The ability to attend courses and sit exams based upon the 2005 Edition (until end December 2009)

What else is Computerworld Training doing to support this change?

PRINCE2 is a core skill set for Computerworld Training and as well as offering updated courses similar to our previous 2005 offering we will be rolling out a range of additional tools and services to help individuals and organisations to evolve their skills and implement process change.  Watch our PRINCE2 pages for details of these as we release them.

Organisational Impact

Our organisation currently uses PRINCE2 as described in the 2005 edition, should we switch directly to the 2009 edition?

There is nothing however to force organisations to adopt PRINCE2:2009 and you can continue to use PRINCE2:2005 for as long as you like, although qualifications supporting this edition will discontinue after the end of December 2009.

The new 2009 edition has been written as an evolution of the 2005 edition and one of the principles was that organisations would be able to easily migrate.   One way this has been achieved is by ensuring that the core principles are consistent and that 2009 is ‘backward compatible' with 2005; i.e. that an organisation can continue to follow a 2005 process, overlay 2009 and then adapt their process going forward.

While Computerworld Training is primarily an Accredited Training Provider our consultants have the experience to engage with your organisation to discuss and plan such a change including updating the skills of all those involved with PRINCE2.

Our organisation is in the middle of a significant training programme based on the 2005 edition and we are not ready to adopt PRINCE2:2009. What are our options?

There are obvious benefits to completing a training programme ensuring that all attendees study the same version and content.  Computerworld Training will continue to offer courses and qualifications based on the 2005 edition on both our public schedule and for delivery in-house until they are withdrawn by the Accreditor at the end of December 2009.
There will be a mechanism for large ongoing programmes to continue to use the 2005 content and exams beyond that date with the agreement of the Accreditor on a case-by-case basis.   If this is the case please talk to us as soon as possible so these arrangements can be made. New programmes and individual candidates will not have this option.

Individual Skills and Qualifications

Will there be different Foundation and Practitioner qualifications for the 2005 and 2009 edition exams?

No.  The qualifications will remain the same in name and validity.  The Successful Candidate Register does not distinguish which edition was studied, only the date the qualification was obtained.  Practitioner qualifications will need to be re-accredited within the 5 year period regardless. 
There will be two versions of the exams available in the overlap period (July-December 2009) covering each edition, both versions sharing the same qualification name.  The only distinguishing feature will be which PRINCE2 logo appears on your certificate (see below).

I don't have a qualification in PRINCE2 yet, what version should I go for?

Unless there is a compelling reason to obtain a 2005 edition qualification (e.g. your employer insists on it) then it would be sensible to study and gain qualifications in PRINCE2:2009.

I am an existing PRINCE2 Practitioner; do I need to ‘upgrade' my qualification to PRINCE2:2009?

Your PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification remains valid for its normal period of validity (usually 5 years from date gained) at which point you are required to have passed a re-accreditation exam to maintain it for a further period.  There is no requirement from an accreditation point of view to ‘upgrade' your practitioner status to the latest version.
It is possible that you may need to provide specific evidence of a PRINCE2:2009 Practitioner certificate as a requirement for a role in which case you may take the re-accreditation exam to obtain this.  See the answer below regarding preparing for the re-accreditation exam.

I previously gained my PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate against the 2005 edition and am due to gain re-accreditation over the next few months - what are my options?

You may sit the 2005 edition re-accreditation paper until the end of December 2009 (see other answers for the ongoing validity of this qualification) or you may re-accredit your status by sitting a PRINCE2:2009 re-accreditation paper after 6 July 2009. See the answer below regarding preparing for the re-accreditation exam.

I will be re-accrediting my PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification by sitting the PRINCE2:2009 version of the paper, how best should I prepare for this given that the core material has changed and I previously sat a written paper?

Sitting a re-accreditation exam requires preparation to ensure you have the best opportunity to pass.  There are several aspects to consider:

• The paper will use the latest method and associated terminology and definitions.  The syllabus also has increased focus on what were previously ‘peripheral' topics.  How will you update your knowledge and understanding of this content?
• The re-accreditation paper is now an "Objective Testing Exam" format and you may well have previously sat a written paper.   How will you practice this new exam style?

We have introduced a 1 day 'Skills Bridge Workshop" to help existing PRINCE2 qualification holders learn the important differences between the versions equivalent to Foundation level.  This can be followed by our "PRINCE2 [2009]: Practitioners Examination Workshop (inc re-accreditation)" to prepare for and sit the re-accreditation exam.

Talk to us about which courses suit your needs. We will also be launching a range of tools on this site and on our courses that assist with such preparation - call us now on 01454 278 741.