Project Management
PRINCE2®

PRINCE2® courses and certifications

Is PRINCE2® right for me? How do I get started with a PRINCE2® certification and course? Learn more about PRINCE2® and find the right course for you.

What is PRINCE2®?

Studies have revealed the common reasons why projects fail, which, sad to say, happens all too often. PRINCE2® (or ‘Projects in Controlled Environments’) is a method that addresses these causes and so increases the chance of project success. Read about the 7 principles and 7 themes that are the foundation of PRINCE2®.

PRINCE2® is an internationally recognised project management model that is based on best practice and can be used in all types of projects. Certification in the PRINCE2® method provides strong proof of your skills.

Who is PRINCE2® for?

Both public and private organisations as well as NGO’s recognise and use PRINCE2® as their method for managing projects. And there are several reasons for that.

First and foremost, PRINCE2® provides a common language for the entire project management organisation. The model provides clarity about roles and the distribution of responsibilities in the project and reduces the risk of tasks not being handled.

Another advantage of familiarity with the method is that it can be adapted to the specific circumstances of the organisation and scaled in size and complexity depending on the projects.

Is PRINCE2® relevant for me?

PRINCE2® is relevant for all participants working with projects managed by the PRINCE2® method. You start with PRINCE2® Foundation, which is mandatory. The focus here is to understand the concept and principles. The next step is PRINCE2® Practitioner. Here you learn how to apply and master the principles. After this module, you will be able the use the principles on your own.

If your company uses agile methods, you should consider PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner.

Purchase these courses individually or, if you already know your needs and which principles your company works with, you can buy Prince2 Certification packages and get a discount. Read more

PRINCE2® courses with Mannaz

Do you have any questions?

Do you have any questions about our PRINCE2® courses?

Let me give you a call for personal sparring.

Lotte Foged Lindström
Commercial & Product Manager

lfo@mannaz.com
+45 4517 6235

Meet our facilitators

Here, you can meet some of our accredited facilitators that teach classes in PRINCE2®.

Associated Consultant
Associated Consultant
Associated Consultant
Associated Consultant

PRINCE2® - a unique model for project management

PRINCE2® (projects in controlled environments) is a project management method that can be used in all types of projects, environments, and industries. The method is based on best practice.

PRINCE2® focuses on the management of a project itself, rather than the development of a project’s products. It contains a complete set of concepts and project management processes that are the minimum requirements for the correct implementation and management of a project.

Process with business impact
PRINCE2® method focuses on scaling processes to a particular project. Processes are the management activities carried out during the project.

The PRINCE2® process model ensures that project management is guided through all the processes necessary to ensure that the project delivers the result that provides the expected business outcome.

So, the cornerstone of the method is the business benefit. Without a business benefit, there is no reason to start or continue a project.

PRINCE2® describes a range of themes and principles used in these processes.

These components of the project environment ensure that the right aspects are taken care of at the right time. For example, the project risks and quality must be managed from the start to the end of a project. Other components include business case, organisation, plans, controls, configuration management, and change control.

PRINCE2® principles

PRINCE2® provides project managers with a range of concrete tools to structure and manage a process based on 7 specific principles, which can be applied to projects, large and small:

  1. Continue business justification – the project must deliver benefits that justify its costs and resources.
  2. Learn from experience –the project team should learn from previous projects and apply that knowledge to the current project.
  3. Define roles and responsibilities – the roles and responsibilities of the project team members should be clearly defined.
  4. Manage by stages – the project should be divided into manageable stages, with defined objectives and deliverables for each stage.
  5. Manage by exception – the project should be monitored and controlled at a high level, with decision-making delegated to the appropriate level of the project team.
  6. Focus on products – the project should focus on delivering defined products, rather than just activities and tasks.
  7. Tailor to suit the project environment – the Prince2® methodology should be tailored to fit the specific needs and constraints of the project.

PRINCE2-projekt

The 7 practices of PRINCE2®

Last, but not least, PRINCE2® consists of 7 overall practices:

  1. Business case: Why?
    • Focuses on the justification for the project, including its benefits and costs
  1. Organisation: Who?
    • Focuses on the structure and roles within the project team, as well as how the team will interact with stakeholders
  1. Quality: What?
    • Outlines how quality will be managed and controlled throughout the project
  1. Plans: How? How much? When?
    • Focuses on the development and maintenance of plans at all levels of the project

  1. Risk: What if?
    • Covers the identification, analysis, and management of risks throughout the project
  1. Change: What is the consequence?
    • Deals with how changes to the project will be planned, managed, and controlled
  1. Progress: Where are we now? Where are we headed?
    • Focuses on how the project’s progress will be monitored and controlled, including the use of milestones and other measures of success

PRINCE2® - now updated to version 7

In September 2023, PeopleCert launched PRINCE2® version 7 to meet future needs for professional project management.

What's new?

More human: Recognising the importance of human capital in project success, people management is now integrated into the PRINCE2 method..

More sustainable: Sustainability has been added as a seventh aspect of project performance, aligning projects with environmental and social responsibility goals.

More innovative: Embracing Digital and Data Management, equipping you with the right tools to keep your projects up to date in the digital era.

What's improved?

More flexible: Enhanced flexibility and customisation with reduced rules and streamlined chapters while maintaining core elements of PRINCE2, showcasing the true value of the method to all projects, across all sectors.

More inclusive: Using simplified language and content throughout the official book, PRINCE2 7 is more accessible to all, including aspiring or experienced project managers.

More compatible: Increased compatibility with Agile, Lean, and ITIL, to boost overall project performance.

PRINCE2® and PRINCE2 Agile® are registered trade marks of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below you can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the PRINCE2® methode and our PRINCE2® courses.

You can also download PeopleCert’s FAQ on PRINCE2® version 7 .

What is the focus of the PRINCE2® method?

PRINCE2 focuses on what needs to be done and when, but not on how. The general techniques and tools in the project manager’s toolbox, such as estimation techniques, are thus not part of the method.

It is not intended for PRINCE2® to encompass all topics relevant to project management. Therefore, PRINCE2® offers very few techniques because the user of the method should choose the technique that best suits the circumstances of a project. However, the method includes three techniques, which are techniques for Change Control, Quality Review, and Product-Based Planning, with the latter being a prerequisite for running a PRINCE2® project.

PRINCE2® is a management method that ensures the project’s organization is in place from the start so that roles and responsibilities in management are agreed upon and visible. The project management in PRINCE2® consists of the steering committee, the project manager, and any team leaders. The method thus ensures active and effective involvement of decision-makers from the beginning of the project.

The method also includes a managerial control of third-party suppliers, ensuring on-time delivery, at an agreed price and quality.

There are other aspects of project management that are outside the scope of PRINCE2®, such as:

  • Techniques for personnel management, motivation, delegation, and team leadership
  • General planning techniques, such as Gantt charts and critical path analysis
  • Risk management techniques
  • Establishment and management of the company’s quality systems and mechanisms for quality assurance
  • Budget control and techniques for Cost-Benefit analysis

What do I gain from using the PRINCE2® method?

Enhance your skills and your business with an internationally recognized project management training such as PRINCE2®. A certification that is not recognized in the market may not be very useful – and customers increasingly demand internationally recognized certifications.

With a PRINCE2® certification, you ensure that you meet both your employer’s and partners’ requirements – also in the future.

2,400 PRINCE2® Practitioner examiners were asked about the benefits of the PRINCE2® method:

  • 86% believe that the PRINCE2® method has helped them in their current role
  • 87% believe that PRINCE2® has been relevant and impactful in their career
  • 74% can see the value of combining PRINCE2® with agile methods

What certifications are available within PRINCE2®?

A person can demonstrate their knowledge of the PRINCE2® method by passing an official certification exam at 2 levels – Foundation and Practitioner/Agile Practitioner.

There is no formal requirement for project management experience, but it is assumed that you have a basic understanding of project management elements, as the courses do not focus on specific tools but on PRINCE2®.

PRINCE2 Foundation®
A Foundation exam is aimed at those who want insight into the method. Typically, you are involved in projects conducted using the PRINCE2® method, or you collaborate with clients or suppliers who use the method.

PRINCE2® Practitioner or PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner
A Practitioner/Agile Practitioner exam is for those who have passed their Foundation certification exam and wish to become a “Registered PRINCE2® Practitioner” or “Registered PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner.” Typically, you are a project manager in projects conducted using the PRINCE2® method and possibly agile methods, or you work closely with clients or suppliers who use the method.

Bliv PRINCE2® certificeret projektleder hos Mannaz

Can I take PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner version 7 in Danish?

No, unfortunately not.

So far, PRINCE2® 7 has only been released in English, meaning that the manual, instructional materials, mock exams, and the exam for version 7 are only available in English.

If you prefer to take your PRINCE2® course entirely in Danish, you can still do so in version 6.

We expect PRINCE2® 7 in Danish to become available by the end of 2024.

Can I build a Practitioner version 7 on top of my Foundation 6th edition?

Yes, it is possible to take a PRINCE2 Practitioner course in version 7, even if you have completed your Foundation in version 6.

By taking a PRINCE2® Practitioner course in version 7, you will obtain a Practitioner certification in version 7 while at the same time upgrade your Foundation certification to version 7.

However, it requires you to purchase a new manual for version 7, as it is not included in the Practitioner course (which naturally builds upon your Foundation course and thus upon the corresponding manual). Additionally, you may need some extra time for preparation, as you will need to read the new version 7 manual.

How do I obtain a PRINCE2® Foundation certification?

To obtain a Foundation certification, you must pass the official PRINCE2® Foundation certification exam.

The exam lasts for 1 hour and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to answer 33 questions (55%) correctly.

Learn more about the PRINCE2® Foundation certification.

How do I obtain a PRINCE2® Practitioner certification?

It is a prerequisite that you have passed the Foundation exam (unless you are IPMA® A, B, C, D certified or PMI® PMP or CAPM certified) before you can take the official PRINCE2® Practitioner certification exam.

The exam lasts for 2½ hours and consists of 68 multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 point. To pass, you need to answer 38 questions (55%) correctly.

Learn more about the PRINCE2® Practitioner certification.

How do I obtain a PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner certification?

If you would like to combine PRINCE2’s structured approach with agile methods, you can choose to supplement your Foundation certification with a certification such as PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner. Here too, it is a prerequisite that you have passed your Foundation exam (unless you are IPMA® A, B, C, D certified or PMI® PMP or CAPM certified) before you can take the official PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner certification exam.

The exam, like the materials, is in English and lasts for 2½ hours if English is your native language, and 3 hours and 8 minutes if you have a different native language than Danish. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 point. To pass, you need to answer 30 questions (60%) correctly.

Learn more about the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner certification.

Are all course providers allowed to offer PRINCE2® courses?

No. Only companies that are PRINCE2® Accredited Training Organizations (ATO) are allowed to offer PRINCE2® courses.

Mannaz is an ATO, accredited by PeopleCert, who administer PRINCE2®. Our instructors and materials are also accredited by PeopleCert.

As an ATO, one is also not allowed to offer a PRINCE2® course without the accompanying certification.

What other project management certifications does Mannaz offer?

In addition to PRINCE2®, we also offer certifications in PMI® and IPMA®, which you can learn more about. It is important, both for you and your company, to choose the right certification with a focus that aligns with your goals.

When selecting your certification, it’s also relevant to consider which market you are targeting. There are differences between whether you are oriented towards the American or European market.

You can gain more insights into which certification is best for you here.

What is not covered by the PRINCE2® method?

PeopleCert, who administers PRINCE2®, mentions areas that the method does not cover:

Leadership
Leadership, motivation skills, and other social competencies are important elements of your project management, but impossible to formalize within a method. Leadership styles can vary greatly, and a style that works in one situation may be entirely unsuitable in another. One can easily think of successful leaders who have used widely different leadership styles. Therefore, PRINCE2® cannot directly encompass this part of project management. There are several leadership models and courses that address social competencies to meet this need. For example, consider Mannaz Project Manager Training, Introduction to leadership or Communication and dialogue.

Industries
The method aims for broad applicability, and therefore, industry-specific activities are not included in the method. Models for engineering work, project lifecycles, or specific techniques (such as organizational change management or procurement management) can be used in conjunction with PRINCE2®. You can read more about change management courses, for example.

Detailed Techniques
There are many proven techniques for planning and control that can be used to support PRINCE2®’s themes. For example, critical path analysis (planning) and earned value analysis (progress control). Such techniques are included in PRINCE2® only when they contribute to PRINCE2®’s specific handling of a theme, such as the product-based planning technique.

The potential is people