PRINCE2®

PRINCE2® is a globally recognized project management methodology that provides a clear, process-based approach to managing projects. Its flexibility and structured framework make it suitable for organizations and projects of any size or industry.

What is PRINCE2®?

PRINCE2® (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is one of the world’s most popular project management methodologies, successfully used since 1989. It was developed based on thousands of completed projects and the experience of British trainers, project managers, teams, consultants, and students.

The main goal of creating this methodology was to increase the chances of successfully delivering projects – initiatives that, by nature, always involve a degree of uncertainty.

PRINCE2® divides a project into processes that define the key management and administrative activities to be carried out. Its structured approach makes it effective for managing complex projects, while its flexibility ensures it can be adapted to projects of any size or industry.

Importantly, PRINCE2® works well in combination with modern Agile approaches – it is not limited to traditional “waterfall” project management, as many assume.

The history of PRINCE2®

PRINCE2® evolved from the PROMPT methodology (developed in the 1970s for IT projects). In 1989, the UK government acquired the rights and published PRINCE as a national project management standard.

In 1996, PRINCE2® was released, expanding the method beyond IT into all business areas. Subsequent updates were introduced in 2005, 2009, and 2017.

The 2017 version became known as PRINCE2® 6th Edition (from January 2020). The latest release is PRINCE2® 7th Edition, launched in 2023. [Read more on our blog about what changed in PRINCE2® 7th Edition.]

Why learn PRINCE2®?

Project management is essential for every organization. Unlike routine operational work, projects drive change and innovation. PRINCE2® is designed to make these initiatives more predictable, controlled, and successful.

Benefits of PRINCE2® methodology include:

• Clear planning and understanding of work to be done
• Eliminating projects without strong business justification early on
• Greater reliability of project plans and forecasts
• Enhanced control over project activities
• Reliable progress reporting
• Reduced number of issues and risks during delivery

As a result:

• More projects completed on time, within budget, and to scope and quality requirements
• Higher organizational efficiency and effectiveness

A key advantage of PRINCE2® is its universality – it can be applied in every industry, for projects of any size or complexity.

Where PRINCE2® is used – examples

PRINCE2® is successfully applied in:

• Public administration, government agencies, universities
• Commercial companies (courier services, marketing, automotive, IT)
• Research and development projects

It is often a requirement in tenders and procurement processes.

Why earn a PRINCE2® certification?

Completing accredited PRINCE2® training leads to internationally recognized certifications – PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Practitioner.

Benefits of certification include:

• Stronger project ownership and accountability
• Defined structure with clear roles, responsibilities, and authority
• Improved communication within project teams
• Greater confidence and comfort in project delivery

What you’ll learn during PRINCE2® training

Our PRINCE2® courses cover all the essential concepts of the methodology. At the Practitioner level, you will practice applying this knowledge in real-life project scenarios.

PRINCE2® consists of four integrated elements:

• Principles – seven guiding rules (e.g., continued business justification, manage by stages, focus on products)
• Practices – seven management themes (business case, organization, quality, plans, risk, change, progress)
• Processes – seven sets of project activities, from starting up a project to closing it
• Project environment – tailoring PRINCE2® to specific project contexts

Training and exam levels

There are two certification levels:

• PRINCE2® Foundation
• PRINCE2® Practitioner

Each level includes an accredited exam. At Inprogress, courses are available in different formats – weekday, evening, online live, or classroom.

Exams – mandatory with accredited training

According to PeopleCert (the accreditor), accredited PRINCE2® training must be purchased together with the exam package.

• Foundation: online exam + eBook + Official Training Materials (OTM)
• Practitioner: online exam + OTM

You may also add the Take2 Re-sit Option, which allows a free retake if you do not pass on your first attempt (within 6 months).

The owner and accreditor

PRINCE2® is owned by PeopleCert®, which is also responsible for accrediting organizations, materials, and trainers, as well as managing exams worldwide.