Frequently Asked Questions: PRINCE2 2009
I see there are now 2 manuals. Will I need to learn them both for the exam?
No.
The official guide relevant for anyone taking the Foundation or Practitioner exam is the "Managing Projects" manual. This covers the full syllabus including the PRINCE2 Process "Directing a Project". This manual will usually be provided to delegates when they start their first PRINCE2 certification course.
The "Directing Projects" manual is focused on the role of senior managers and project board members.
My Foundation Certificate was 2005 version. Can I take the PRINCE2 2009 Practitioner?
Yes.
Foundation Certificates based on earlier versions of PRINCE2 are acceptable pre-requisites for the new Practitioner qualification.
However, you will need to be familiar with the new manual:
- you may need to buy a copy since the manual is not normally provided with Practitioner courses
- make sure you allow adequate pre-reading time
- choose a course which gives you maximum study time (a 3 day course or at least a 2 day course with exam held in afternoon)
Should I take my re-registration exam now?
In order to maintain Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner status you must sit the re-registration exam within 5 years of your original Practitioner exam. From January 2010 re-registration will demand familiarity with PRINCE2 2009.
There is no need for the PRINCE2 update to affect timing of your re-registration.
Bringing forward your re-registration could mean you avoid having to learn new PRINCE2 material. Conversely, if you are going to refresh your PRINCE2 knowledge why not take the opportunity to work with the latest version? Most re-registration courses after July 2009 are being based on the new release.
What's the difference between PRINCE2 2009 and the previous version?
There are incremental improvements rather than major changes. It now fits more neatly with other "best practice" methodologies such as MSP and ITIL, and there has been simplification in some areas. A second manual has been introduced to give more guidance to those responsible for directing PRINCE2 projects.
Follow the link below for more detail.
When's the last date I can take the old style exams?
The exams based on the PRINCE2 2009 manual will be launched in July 2009. The previous training and exams will continue to be available until 31 December 2009.
Many training companies are switching to the new syllabus from July 2009.
Why are they making the Prince2 Practitioner exam harder?
The intention is to ensure that Practitioner Certification really does identify those with the potential to apply PRINCE2 in practice.
Since the original essay style exam was replaced by multiple choice in 2007 the pass rates are reported to have increased significantly. Recent levels of over 90% contrast with average levels under 70% a few years ago.
The higher pass rate (55% compared to 50%) will apply to exams based on both the 2005 and 2009 manual.
It's in the interest of PRINCE2 Practitioners that their hard won qualification really means something.
Will my current PRINCE2 Certification remain valid?
Yes.
PRINCE2 2009 is a routine upgrade to the most widely adopted project management methodology.
Existing Certificates at both Foundation and Practitioner level will continue to be recognised by both professional organisations and by employers.
The only proviso is that to remain a Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner you will need to take the Re-registration exam within 5 years of your original Practitioner exam.
