PRINCE2 2009 FAQ

Q: Has the content of the PRINCE2 2009 version altered materially?

A: Many people are concerned about how the method is going to change, but be assured that the method is not basically changing and the enhancements will make it better and easier to use, everyone is very positive about the PRINCE2 2009 edition.”

Q: What are the fundamental changes to the PRINCE2 2009 version?

A: Probably the most obvious change that the Practitioner will note is the size of the manual, which has been reduced in size from around 450 pages to nearer 300 pages. This has been achieved primarily by removing much of the duplication that existed between the Process and Component chapters in the 2005 edition.

Next, it will be noted that:

The two introductions in the 2005 edition have been replaced with a single introduction
A new chapter has been introduced to confirm the existing PRINCE2 “Principles”.
A new chapters that been introduced to describe “Tailoring PRINCE2 to the Project Environment”. The majority has been carried over from the “Scalability” sections
Components have been renamed as “Themes”, reduced to seven themes and moved to the front of the manual. Some themes have been renamed and Configuration Management component now forms part of the Change theme. Where components refer now refer to procedures where steps are involved.
The number of processes have been reduced from eight to seven, and one of the processes has had a slight name change (“Managing Stage Boundaries” has become “Managing a Stage Boundary”). The old Planning Process steps are now explained as part of the Plans theme.
The section on techniques has been removed, with the techniques now forming an integral part of the relevant theme
Appendices changes – Appendix A, Product Description outlines has been retained. The appendices that provided details of “Risk Categories”, “PRINCE2 Health-check”, and “Project Document Management” have all been removed. New appendices covering “Governance”, “Product based planning examples” and “Checklists” have been added.

Q: When will the 2009 version of PRINCE2 be launched?

A: The official launch date is the 16 June 2009

Q: What is the schedule status of translating the PRINCE2 manual into other languages?

A: Kick off of all translations that are currently available will begin as soon as it is confirmed there are no more changes to be made.

Q: In order to take the new Practitioner Exam – will the candidates need both the ‘Managing’ and ‘Director’ Manuals?

A: No, only the ‘Managing’ one.

Q: Will the Foundation and Practitioner Exams be based on the core book?

A: Yes, on the ‘Managing’ Manual. The ‘Directing’ book will relate to another qualification.

Q: Is there any suggested timescale for this new ‘Directing’ qualification?

A: No, undecided.

Q: Will the Foundation still be a multiple choice paper?

A: Yes

Q: Will the 2005 and 2009 Practitioner exams be aligned with the same status?

A: Yes

Q: Will the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification remain the highest be qualification?

A: There is no higher value in the 2009 Practitioner – it is just more up-to-date.

Q: Until when can students register for the PRINCE2 2005 examination?

A: Students may register for the PRINCE2 2005 version examination until the end of 2009. Students may enrol for the 2009 version from July 2009.

Q: Will the pricing of the new PRINCE2 manual be different?

A: Indications are that the ‘Managing’ Manual will be priced the same. No pricing decision has
been made about the ‘Director’ Manual.

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