Your Guide to PRINCE2® 7th Edition
The PeopleCert official textbook, “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition” is now available.
This essential tool for PRINCE2 implementation and understanding has been updated to reflect evolving changes in the environment in which projects are set up and managed.
Ask a QuestionThis article is our quick, 2-minute guide to the new PRINCE2® 7th Edition, “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition”- an essential tool for managing your projects.
We will answer some common questions and provide you with guidance on your next steps for your PRINCE2® 7 certification.
- What is PRINCE2® and Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2?
- Why the new edition of Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2?
- “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition“ – What is changing?
- Are there any changes to the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Exams and Accreditation?
- Is this a good time to go ahead with my PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications?
What is PRINCE2® 7 and “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2"?
PRINCE2® is a project management methodology practised and recognised on a worldwide scale.
In 1996, PRINCE2 was published as a project management methodology. Since then, it has been adopted worldwide, in both the public and private sectors.
During this time there has been seven releases each being updated in line with changes in project management requirements.
The latest edition of the PRINCE2® 7 manual, “Managing Successful Projects, Seventh Edition” was published in 2023 and replaces the 2017 version, referred to as the PRINCE2, Sixth Edition.
Why the new Edition of “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2"?
As project environments change over time, methodologies also need to change to better equip the project team to manage projects throughout their life cycle.
In the current 2023 edition of the manual, and to reflect changes in project management environments, some new concepts including sustainability, data management and commercial management are added.
People management is positioned as central to the method to reflect the importance of leadership, communication and interpersonal skills while managing project teams.
“Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition" – What is changing?
The overall structure and approach is clearly recognisable as PRINCE2. The manual has been streamlined, some diagrams are updated and certain changes in terminology are used.
The method has been updated to reflect the evolving needs of projects and the range of contexts in which they are managed.
The sixth edition of “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2” is structured around four core elements, Principles, Themes, Processes and Tailoring.
The seventh edition features five integrated elements Project Context, Principles, People, Practices (previously called Themes) and Processes.
These elements equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills to manage the project life cycle in a range of environments and sectors.
To reflect the importance of the project team and their relationships with stakeholders, people are now put at the very heart of the method.
In line with changes in project management environments, some new concepts including sustainability, digital data management as well as commercial management are added.
Four example scenarios spanning different sectors are used throughout and these serve to demonstrate how PRINCE2 can be applied for different types of projects.
Tailoring to suit the project and the organisational needs remains core to the approach and is examined at Foundation level, as well as at Practitioner level.
Traditional, (often known as waterfall or predictive), Agile and Hybrid project management methodologies are further embraced enabling enhanced flexibility.
Are there any changes to the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Exams and Accreditations?
PRINCE2® 7 Foundation Exam now consists of 60 Questions instead of 58 and the pass mark is 60%.
The duration remains one hour and the proctored exam is closed book.
You will continue to receive formal notification of your results and your certificate through PeopleCert, on behalf of AXELOS.
The PRINCE2® 7 Practitioner Exam remains a proctored open book.
You are allowed access to the official manual “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition” in hard copy and/or e-book format. You are not allowed photocopies, downloads or notes.
The exam duration remains at 2.5 hours. There are 70 scenario based questions and the pass mark is now 60% or higher. In the “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition” four project case studies are included. The Practitioner exam is based on one of those. This is a most welcome change as the sixth edition exam used a project scenario not previously seen.
Your PRINCE2 7 Foundation and Practitioner credential will continue to remain valid for 3 years.
After this time, you can choose one of the following in order to remain certified:
- Resit the relevant exam.
- Collect and log professional development points via PeopleCert’s MyAxelos membership platform.
- Take further PeopleCert certifications before your renewal date.
Is this a good time to go ahead with my PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certifications?
Yes, Absolutely!
“Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition” is the most current version of the method and has been updated to reflect the evolving changes in the environment in which projects are initiated and managed throughout their life cycle.
As a project manager, you’ll need a robust, versatile and scalable methodology that it easy to apply to any industry or project.
There has never been a better time to gain your PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification.
If you’re planning to gain this globally recognised qualification take a look at our intensive examination preparation course.
Key features include:
- Our course is fully aligned with “Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, Seventh Edition” - the most current version of the method.
- Your training is Quality Approved. We are a PeopleCert Accredited Training Organisation (ATO).
- Our trainers are authorised, qualified, and highly experienced in the PRINCE2 methodology and exam preparation.
- The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification you receive through our 5-day course is authentic and globally recognised.
