What is the origin of the name PRINCE?

PRINCE is an acronym derived from Projects INControlled Environments.

What is PRINCE2?

It is a method for managing projects; there is no Hardware or Software (apart from supporting tools) just a best practice approach to running Projects in a consistent and referenceable framework. PRINCE2 is flexible and adaptable. PRINCE2 can understand, regardless of background and Industry.

How do I get recognised in PRINCE2?

It depends on if you are an individual or company. Individuals need to pass the exams at either Foundation or Practitioner level. If you are involved in Projects in a supporting role then Foundation level may suffice. However, if you are leading projects then Practitioner level is best suited for your needs.For companies wishing to adopt PRINCE2 then you need to plan an adoption strategy. The most common approach is to train an initial group of people and then run a PRINCE2 project.

Why do we need PRINCE2?

Individual:
The majority of people that consider PRINCE2 as a qualification do so for career and personal development reasons. In many advertised positions PRINCE2 has become a prerequisite, particularly in Public Sector jobs.
Company:
The majority of companies that implement PRINCE2 also encourage their employees to take the exams. If your staff has accredited PRINCE2 qualifications, then you can present your company as using PRINCE2. This works particularly well where you tender for or supply to any Public Sector companies, such as Police, NHS, local and central government.

What do PRINCE2 qualifications consist of?

The two levels of qualification are Foundation and Practitioner. Foundation confirms your understanding of what PRINCE2 is, Practitioner shows your knowledge in the application of PRINCE2.

Do I get my name on a list to prove I have done the exams?

The APMG run an online register to show candidates that have passed Foundation and/or Practitioner. This can be found at www.prince2.org.ukAs an employer you can also check the validity of peoples PRINCE2 certification, prior to contract or employment.

I am a PRINCE user, should I upgrade to PRINCE2?

If you are using PRINCE successfully, and it is well suited to your environment, which will mean you are almost certainly involved in IT-related projects – then there will be little or no merit in changing to PRINCE2. It is important to realise that PRINCE is not a piece of computer software, and the same sort of philosophy on “upgrading” does not apply. It is a method and if the method you are currently applying is working well, stay with it.

How big does a project have to be before PRINCE2 can be used?

PRINCE2 can be applied to all sorts of projects, from the very small (58 hours booked) to the verylarge (many years costing millions). Even projects lasting only a few days will benefit from selective application of PRINCE2 guidelines. The key to success with PRINCE2 is to remember it is highly configurable, and so can be adapted for all project types regardless of industry and marketplace.

Is PRINCE2 aimed at any particular type of project?

PRINCE2 has been designed to be commercially focused and can be applied to all types of project (construction, engineering, IT, business, financial or whatever). The original version of PRINCE was designed solely for application to IT projects.

Must I be using a computer based planning tool to implement PRINCE2?

No! PRINCE2 makes no recommendation on which tools you should use to assist you manage your projects but it does recognise that such tools are widely used. PRINCE2 will sit quite happily alongside a paper-based planning system or any other tool which you find to be effective in your environment.

Does PRINCE2 guarantee a successful outcome to projects?

No! no method can, but applied sensibly it will increase the chances of your projects being successful.

Who owns/sells PRINCE2?

The copyright of PRINCE2 belongs to the UK Office of Government and Commerce (OGC), the material itself is therefore Crown Copyright. The marketing of the manuals is carried out by The Stationery Office (formerly known as HMSO).