What is PRINCE2?
Discover how PRINCE2 can help you achieve your goals and manage projects effectively. Use the quick links to scroll to a relevant section.
PRINCE2 DefinitionPRINCE2 Qualifications and TrainingPRINCE2 HistoryWhat Should I Do Next?How PRINCE2 Can Benefit You or Your Organisation?
PRINCE2 Definition
PRINCE2 (an acronym for PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a de facto process-based method for effective project management. Used extensively by the UK Government, PRINCE2 is also widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. The PRINCE2 method is in the public domain, and offers non-proprietorial best practice guidance on project management.
Key features of PRINCE2:
Focus on business justification
Defined organisation structure for the project management team
Product-based planning approach
Emphasis on dividing the project into manageable and controllable stages
Flexibility that can be applied at a level appropriate to the project.
PRINCE2 History
PRINCE was established in 1989 by CCTA (the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency), since renamed the OGC (the Office of Government Commerce). In June 2010, the Office of Government Commerce Best Practice Management functions moved into the Cabinet Office.
PRINCE was originally based on PROMPT, a project management method created by Simpact Systems Ltd in 1975, and adopted by CCTA in 1979 as the standard to be used for all Government information system projects.
When PRINCE was launched in 1989, it effectively superseded PROMPT within Government projects. PRINCE remains in the public domain and is retained by the Crown. PRINCE2 was published in 1996, having been contributed to by a consortium of some 150 European organisations.
How PRINCE2 Can Benefit You or Your Organisation?
Using PRINCE2 provides you with greater control of resources, and the ability to manage business and project risk more effectively. This will benefit:
Individuals seeking leading project management skills and greater employment prospects
Project managers
Directors/executives (senior responsible owners) of projects, and
Organisations.
For individuals, PRINCE2 certification is an invaluable asset to your career as it increases employment prospects and helps you to do your job more effectively.
For organisations, PRINCE2's formal recognition of responsibilities within a project, together with its focus on what a project is to deliver (the why, when and for whom) provides your organisation's projects with:
A common, consistent approach
A controlled and organised start, middle and end
Regular reviews of progress against plan
Assurance that the project continues to have a business justification
For further benefits, visit "Why PRINCE2?".
PRINCE2 Qualifications and Training
We offer the following PRINCE2 training : PRINCE2 Foundation, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PRINCE2 Re-Registration and PRINCE2 Agile.
PRINCE2 Foundation
A great place to start, the PRINCE2 Foundation qualification covers the basic methodology and terminology of PRINCE2, and can be achieved with either:
PRINCE2 Foundation online learning
PRINCE2 Foundation tutor-led classroom course
PRINCE2 Practitioner
The PRINCE2 Practitioner is suitable for those managing projects within a PRINCE2 environment, and can be achieved with the:
PRINCE2 Practitioner online learning
PRINCE2 Practitioner tutor-led classroom course.
PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner
Should you wish to undertake both the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner you can choose from the following paths:
PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner online learning
PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner tutor-led classroom course
PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner (Gold) blended package
PRINCE2 Re-Registration
The PRINCE2® Examination Board has determined that all Registered PRINCE2 Practitioners should be re-registered within 3-5 calendar years of their original certification (failure to pass the Re-Registration examination after five calendar years as a Registered Practitioner will result in withdrawal of your registered status). In order to achieve this you can undertake:
PRINCE2 Re-Registration package
PRINCE2 Agile
You can learn to integrate the flexibility and responsiveness of Agile methodologies into the PRINCE2 framework. PRINCE2 Practitioners can achieve this with the:
PRINCE2 Agile tutor-led classroom course
What Should I Do Next?
If you're keen to explore the benefits of PRINCE2 for yourself and your organisation, visit "Why PRINCE2?".
If you're planning to start your PRINCE2 training, either find out about our PRINCE2 training courses, discover your training options wherever you are in the world by simply request a quote.
Corporate and group training discounts
At ILX, we offer attractive discounts and packages for group and corporate PRINCE2 training.
If you require PRINCE2 training for more than one person, call us now to speak to an ILX training advisor about your requirements or
PRINCE2 Qualifications Explained
PRINCE2 Foundation
The PRINCE2 Foundation qualification will teach you the PRINCE2 principles, terminology and when qualified you will be able to act as an informed member of a project management team using the PRINCE2 methodology within a project environment supporting PRINCE2. PRINCE2 Foundation can be studied on its own or as a prerequisite for the PRINCE2 Practitioner course.
Read more about PRINCE2 Foundation
PRINCE2 Practitioner
The PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification will teach you to apply PRINCE2 to the running and managing of a project within an environment supporting PRINCE2. Once qualified you will be able to apply and tune PRINCE2 to address the needs and problems of a specific project scenario. You will have a comprehensive knowledge of the relationships between the PRINCE2 principles, themes and processes and PRINCE2 products and will understand these elements. In order to sit the PRINCE2 Practitioner examination you must provide proof of having passed one of the following:
PRINCE2 Foundation
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)
Only current certifications will qualify as a pre-requisite.
Individual IPMA chapters have local interpretations of these certificates, for example:
In the United Kingdom the Association for Project Management (APM) is the IPMA chapter; visit www.apm.org.uk. The APM Level D certification is their APM (P) certificate
In the USA the American Society for the Advancement of Project Management is the IPMA chapter; visit www.asapm.org. The ASAPM Level D certificate is their Certified Project Management Associate.
To read the full AXELOS pre-requisite terms and conditions click here.
Read more about PRINCE2 Practitioner
PRINCE2 Re-Registration
The PRINCE2 Re-Registration qualification is designed for those who have passed PRINCE2 to Practitioner level and wish to maintain their Registered Practitioner status. The PRINCE2 Examination Board has determined that all PRINCE2 Practitioners should be re-registered within 3-5 calendar years of their original certification (failure to pass the Re-Registration examination after five calendar years as a Registered Practitioner will result in withdrawal of your registered status).
Read more about PRINCE2 Re-Registration
PRINCE2 Agile™
The PRINCE2 Agile™ qualification is designed for those already certified in PRINCE2 to a Practitioner level. The course teaches the fundamentals and the purpose of combining PRINCE2 with agile methodology -- providing scalability and the ability to work with corporate management processes. Once qualified, you should be able to evaluate a project's focus areas, and understand the six aspects comprising a project. Ultimately, you will be capable of tailoring PRINCE2's principles, themes and processes to projects in an agile context.
Why should I study PRINCE2?
To Gain First Class Project Management Skills
PRINCE2 certification will give you the skills to feel confident in managing projects successfully within the workforce. Using PRINCE2 in your projects will give you common systems, procedures and language. It provides you with greater control of resources, and the ability to manage business and project risk more effectively,You will make fewer mistakes, learn from those that you do make, and ultimately save money and effort.
To Improve Employment Prospects
A PRINCE2 qualification is a great asset for your resume. PRINCE2 is recognised as a world-class international product and is the standard method for project management. Many companies across the world require staff to be PRINCE2 certified. A PRINCE2 Foundation qualification can be reached with ILX's renowned PRINCE2 Foundation online learning or a three day PRINCE2 Foundation tutor-led classroom course. A PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification can be reached with the ILX combined PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner blended package or our prestigious PRINCE2 Practitioner Plus online learning or a combined PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner five day tutor-led classroom course. Businesses are increasingly working in an agile manner. A PRINCE2 Agile certification improves your prospects by proving that you are able to tailor the PRINCE2 method to agile projects.
Why Implement PRINCE2 In Your Organisation?
PRINCE2 Is The International Standard Method for Project Management. It is recognised as a world-class international product, and is the standard method for project management, not least because it embodies many years of best practice in project management and provides a flexible and adaptable approach to suit all projects. It is a project management method designed to provide a framework covering the wide variety of disciplines and activities required within a project. PRINCE2's formal recognition of responsibilities within a project, together with its focus on what a project is to deliver (the why, when and for whom) provides your organisation's projects with:
A common, consistent approach
A controlled and organised start, middle and end
Regular reviews of progress against plan and against the Business case flexible decision points
Assurance that the project continues to have a business justification
Flexible decision points
Management control of any deviations from the plan
The involvement of management and stakeholders at the right time and place during the project
Good communication channels between the project, project management, and the rest of the organisation
A means of capturing and sharing lessons learned
A route to increasing the project management skills and competences of the organisation's staff at all levels.
Why Use a Project Management Methodology?
PRINCE2 provides benefits to the managers and directors of a project and to an organisation, through the controllable use of resources and the ability to manage business and project risk more effectively.
PRINCE2 embodies established and proven best practice in project management. It is widely recognised and understood, providing a common language for all participants in a project.
PRINCE2 encourages formal recognition of responsibilities within a project and focuses on what a project is to deliver, why, when and for whom.
PRINCE2 Agile allows you to add flexibility and improved communication to these projects by integrating agile methods.
