What are the main changes in the new 2009 PRINCE2®
version?
Well, to begin with, there are now two
publications - Managing Successful Projects using PRINCE2® which is
aimed at project managers, and Directing Successful Projects using
PRINCE2®, which as the name suggests, is aimed at Project Board
members. The ‘Managing’ publication will be the one around which
the exams are based, and you will see that there is much in there
you will recognise from the existing PRINCE2® manual. Some of
the headline changes are:
- There are 7 Processes making up the Process model (the existing
Planning process has been incorporated into other sections)
- The Process model has been re-worked to remove the
over-emphasis on sub-processes. Suggested activities have taken
their place
- The Components have been renamed Themes and there are also 7 of
these
- Principles have been introduced. Although PRINCE2® was
always based on principles, they are now overtly stated
- The number of management products has been trimmed down and
re-thought so that scaling can be easier and ‘nesting’ of products
is more explicit
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Why did we need to change the
PRINCE2® manual?
Best practice changes with time as people
identify improvements. PRINCE2® needed to evolve to continue
to reflect best practice. After extensive public consultation the
OGC issued a Project Mandate setting out what needed to change,
what should stay and what should go. PRINCE2®:2009 is a result of
that.
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Will there be new exams as
well?
The exams will change to reflect the new and
changed content in the manual. However, the exam formats will be
very similar to the existing Foundation and Practitioner formats.
There are some changes, although the pilot groups that tested these
reported back favourably.
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I have just passed my
PRINCE2® exams, is my qualification still valid?
Your certificate remains valid, as PRINCE2®
remains PRINCE2®. It is evolution not revolution.
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If I have passed my
Foundation exam with the 2005 version can I sit the Practitioner
exam of the 2009 PRINCE2® version?
Yes you can. A candidate who has passed the
2005 Foundation will not require a re-sit based on the new version
and will be able to sit the Practitioner exam.
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I am booked on a PRINCE2® course
between now and the launch date. Should I delay that for the new
manual?
There is no need to do this, for several
reasons:
- As we have said, PRINCE2® remains as PRINCE2®. The method you
will be taught this week is essentially the same as the one you
will be taught with the new manual
- The exam structure is undergoing a standards setting exercise,
which could result in the pass mark being increased from its
current level, so now might be a good time to take the exam!
- A delay in learning the best practice approach to project
management means a delay in implementing it and seeing the
benefits, plus a delay in “PRINCE2® Practitioner” being on your CV.
Why delay?
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For
how much longer will we be able to train in the 2005
version?
Manuals and examinations will be available
until the end of December 2009. However, you can always continue to
train people on the 2005 PRINCE2® manual beyond that - just without
the examinations.
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The manuals, one covering managing and one covering
directing successful projects using PRINCE2® will be launched on
the 16th June and will form the basis of all PRINCE2®
courses and exams delivered by Global Knowledge from 6th
July 2009 onwards.
PRINCE2® is a registered trade mark of the Office of Government
Commerce.
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