What is PRINCE2 2009?

PRINCE2 2009 is an evolution of the method and will not result in sweeping changes. The main difference between the 2009 version and earlier versions is that there will be two manuals: 'Managing Projects Using PRINCE2' and 'Directing Projects Using PRINCE2'. The way the new manuals are laid out makes them easier to use and understand.

Both the Foundation and Practitioner Examinations will be based on the new 'Managing Projects' manual and will not include material from the new 'Directing Projects' book. Depending on demand, an examination based on the 'Directing' manual may be developed and launched towards the end of 2009.

The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner examinations will remain very much the same as they are now. All candidates who have taken their examination on the earlier edition of the method will find their qualification remains valid until they need to re-register. 

The lower level Foundation exam does not require re-registration. PRINCE2 Registered Practitioners need to take the re-registration exam within 5 years of their certification date as shown on their certificate. All certificates are valid for the registration period shown on them and exams do not have to be retaken outside of the normal re-registration cycle.

The 2009 exams will be available from June 2009. Re-registration exams will be based on this version and not previous versions.

There will be a cross over period for exams – the examination board has yet to agree the period but it will be a minimum of three months after the launch - where exams will be issued on either the 2005 or 2009 version of the manual. After this, exams will be based on the 2009 manual only – dates during which either examination version can be taken will be confirmed when the launch date is finalized, as will the date for the withdrawal of PRINCE2:2005 examinations.

Investment in training on previous PRINCE2 versions will not be lost as it is still a valid and productive methodology for the management of projects. The refresh of the manual updates and improves the method but it is not a major re-write. Users of the 2005 version are under no obligation to update to the 2009 version, though of course may do so if they wish to. If the system is working well for an individual or organization at the moment they are under no pressure to change this.

The PRINCE2:2009 examinations at foundation and practitioner level will be available in all the languages which the PRINCE2:2005 ones are; Chinese – Mandarin, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish – Castilian. All languages will be available at the launch of the PRINCE2:2009 examinations. All currently approved ATOs will be permitted to train PRINCE2 2009 provided they have updated their courseware.