PRINCE2® FAQ
PRINCE2® is one of our most popular course and certification combinations.
We get a lot of enquiries about upcoming training dates, but also many questions about the methodology, certification, and training.
Here, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions we hear and we see cropping up online about this popular project management methodology.
Download a Complete Guide
In addition to the answers below, we also recommend downloading your own copy of our Guide to PRINCE2®.
This 16-page guide is a super research companion as you decide whether PRINCE2® is the right choice for your project management training and certification.
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Contents
About PRINCE2®
Questions about this project management methodology and how it works.
The Value of PRINCE2®
Find out why it’s worth considering PRINCE2® training and certification.
PRINCE2® Certification
Everything you need to know about the different PRINCE2® certifications available.
PRINCE2® Courses
Gain an understanding of what you can expect on a PRINCE2® course, how much it costs, and how you can get started.
More Resources
Further reading and opportunities to ask your own questions about anything PRINCE2®-related.
What is PRINCE2®?
PRINCE2® is one of the world’s most widely-used project management methodologies.
It has been in use since 1989 and is favoured by a wide scope of organisations, ranging from small local to large multinational around the globe.
What does PRINCE2® mean?
The name “PRINCE2®” often puzzles people. Here is why is it named this way:
- “PRINCE” stands for PRojects IN a Controlled Environment.
- The “2” in the name comes from PROMPT II, an older project management system from which PRINCE2® originated.
What are the 4 elements of PRINCE2®?
PRINCE2® is centred around 7 Principles, 7 Themes, 7 Processes, and Tailoring.
These are referred to as the 4 elements of PRINCE2® as they guide everything involved in planning and running a successful PRINCE2® project.
What are the 7 stages of PRINCE2®?
When people ask about the “stages” of PRINCE2®, they are usually referring to the Processes.
The Processes are the phases that guide a project from its beginning to its end. They are:
- Starting up a Project (SU)
- Initiating (IP)
- Directing (DP)
- Controlling a Stage (CS)
- Managing a Stage Boundary (SB)
- Managing Product Delivery (MP)
- Closing a Project (CP)
What is PRINCE2® used for?
Part of the reason that PRINCE2® is used by so many different project managers worldwide is that it is effective for running almost any kind of project.
It can be both scaled and tailored to fit the requirements of a project.
Is PRINCE2® worth doing?
Absolutely! If you are a project manager, or would like to become one, PRINCE2® is one of the most useful certifications you can have in your repertoire.
In our article, “Is PRINCE2® worth it?”, we outline 9 major benefits of achieving a PRINCE2® qualification.
Will PRINCE2® get me a job?
PRINCE2® is certainly an asset for any job-hunting project manager.
As it is so widely adopted in businesses of all kinds – in fact, its use is often mandated in government and larger organisations – understanding and being able to apply PRINCE2® to your project work can give your suitability for a role an added boost of credibility.
Why is PRINCE2® useful?
PRINCE2® is useful for many reasons. Here are 3 to get you started:
- It can be tailored and scaled to adapt to any project’s requirements.
- It’s a reliable project management framework that has been in practice for over 3 decades.
- As it is so widely used, most project managers understand how a PRINCE2® project works and can be useful within a PRINCE2® project team with minimum effort.
What is a PRINCE2® certification?
PRINCE2® certifications reflect your level of knowledge and capability in understanding the methodology.
There are two main certifications and a more recently introduced agile qualification:
PRINCE2® Foundation
This is the place to begin when learning about PRINCE2®. The Foundation level syllabus teaches you about 3 of the 4 elements of the framework: the 7 Principles, Themes, and Processes.
PRINCE2® Practitioner
A natural progression from PRINCE2® Foundation, Practitioner focuses on the 4th element of the framework: tailoring.
Achieve Both At Once
The majority of students choose to complete both Foundation and Practitioner at the same time. This is why our 5-day Foundation & Practitioner course is such a popular option.
PRINCE2® Agile
PRINCE2® already works very well alongside Agile. If you have Agile knowledge and experience, you will find it easy to combine it with your new PRINCE2® skills.
Due to the spreading popularity of Agile, the PRINCE2® Agile qualification was developed to specialise in combining PRINCE2® with Agile throughout.
Which certification should I choose?
Most people opt for a combined approach of gaining both the Foundation and Practitioner certification at the same time. This ensures that they have a fully-rounded knowledge of the 4 elements of PRINCE2®.
However, if you would prefer to begin with Foundation only, we offer a standalone Foundation course that is ideal for getting started.
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Who issues PRINCE2® certification?
Axelos were the owners of PRINCE2® from 2014 – 2021 when they were acquired by PeopleCert.
While Axelos continue to be a hub for PRINCE2® information, PeopleCert are now the official owners of PRINCE2®.
We are an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) with PeopleCert.
When you sit your PRINCE2® exams, you will do so directly through PeopleCert (although we include the cost of your exams and certification in your course fee). They will issue your certification.
How difficult is PRINCE2® certification?
Like all worthy project management methodologies, there is a lot to learn when it comes to PRINCE2®.
Those seeking to achieve certification will need to set aside time to focus and study in order to pass their exam(s).
Our exam preparation solution is designed to provide you with strong support in this endeavour. We see exceptionally high success rates in our students.
Which is better PRINCE2® or PMP®?
This is one of the most frequently asked of all questions about either certification. In fact, we wrote an article dedicated to answering this question: "PRINCE2® vs PMP®".
There is no “best” choice. The right choice will depend entirely on your priorities, where you are in your project management career, and where you work.
We recommend taking a quick read through the article for more insights.
Read the Article
How long does it take to get a PRINCE2® certification?
The timeframe can vary with different providers and your availability for study and exam preparation.
However, we see a high percentage of our students achieve both Foundation and Practitioner certification within 2 – 3 weeks of beginning training.
How can I get certified?
Here is how you can get certified using our approach to PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner:
Step 1: Attend Training
Our 5-day exam preparation course is spread over two weeks.
Days 1 – 3 take place on the first week, covering the Foundation syllabus. Days 4 & 5 take place the following week, focused on the Practitioner syllabus.
Step 2: Study and Exam Prep.
We will provide you with your exam vouchers, which are valid for 365 days from the date of issue.
This means that you can take your time studying so that you feel fully ready when you schedule your online exam.
Step 3: Online Exam & Certification
Many students choose to sit their Foundation exam in the gap between Days 1 – 3 and Days 4 & 5 of the course, while the knowledge is fresh in their mind.
However, you have plenty of time to prepare for and schedule your exam.
You will sit your online, proctored exam with PeopleCert when ready and they will provide you with your PRINCE2® Certification!
What is a PRINCE2® Course?
Our PRINCE2® course is a combination of equipping participants with knowledge and capability around the PRINCE2® methodology and beginning to prepare them to sit their PRINCE2® exam(s).
You will find detailed information on what to expect in our PDF course brochure.
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Can I do PRINCE2® without experience?
There are no official eligibility requirements for PRINCE2® certification. While some experience with projects can be very helpful, it is not essential.
We recommend PRINCE2® for anyone who is interested in gaining this project management knowledge and qualification.
How long is a PRINCE2® course?
The course length varies depending on the certification or certifications you choose:
- Foundation & Practitioner: 5 days
- Foundation only: 3 days
- Practitioner only: 2 days
How much is a PRINCE2® course?
As with the duration, the price depends on the certification or certifications you are working towards:
- Foundation & Practitioner - 5 days - €1, 425
- Foundation only - 3 days - €820
- Practitioner only - 2 days - €700
What is included in my course price?
We include everything you need to train, study, and get certified in your course fee:
- Live online training with an expert PRINCE2® tutor
- An e-book copy of the official manual, “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2®”.
- You exam voucher(s), valid for 365 days
- Certification costs
How can I get started?
Here are 3 easy ways you can learn more about our courses and get started on the path to PRINCE2® certification:
1. Visit the course pages
Take a few minutes to browse through the dedicated course web pages and read more about what you can expect during training.
PRINCE2® Courses
2. Ask Online
If you’re not sure which certification option is right for you or would like to ask us anything else about PRINCE2®, you can get in touch online, using the buttons below.
3. Talk to Us
If you would prefer to talk to us by phone, our training consultants will be delighted to hear from you.
Call us directly at Freephone 1800 910 810 or Dublin 01 861 0700.
Here are our recommendations for further reading about PRINCE2® training and certification:
