PRINCE2 2009
The Impact on Training Courses & Certification
As with the changes to the methodology itself, the changes to the training and qualification structure affect detail rather than the bigger picture. The hierarchy of Foundation and Practitioner Certificates remains.
The new exams will be based on only one of the 2 new official manuals - "Managing Projects Using PRINCE2". If there is demand then it is possible that an additional qualification based on "Directing Projects Using PRINCE2" will be introduced.
The new exams will start to be available in July 2009 though there will be a transition period until 31st December 2009 before exams based on the 2005 version of PRINCE2 are withdrawn.
Perhaps the most important point for those contemplating PRINCE2 certification is that the Practitioner exam is perceived to have become too easy and this has been addressed by increasing the passmark for 50 to 55%.
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Qualification Structure
1. Foundation Certificate
This level is aiming to measure whether a candidate would be able to act as an informed member of a project management team using the PRINCE2 method within a project environment supporting PRINCE2.
The Foundation exam is a one hour, closed book, multiple choice paper. There are 70 questions (and an additional 5 unmarked questions for trial purposes). The pass mark is 35 correct answers.
2. Practitioner Certificate
This level is aiming to measure whether a candidate could apply PRINCE2 to the running and managing of a non-complex project within an environment supporting PRINCE2.
The Practitioner exam is a 2.5 hour exam (currently 3 hour) with graduated multiple choice questions based on a project scenario (candidates are allowed access to the PRINCE2 manual). There will be 9 questions per paper each worth 12 marks. The pass mark will be 55% rather than the current 50% (this will apply to exams based on both the 2005 and 2009 syllabus).
3. Re-Registration
In order to retain certification as a registered PRINCE2 Practitioner it will remain a requirement to sit a re-registration exam 3 to 5 years from the date of your Practitioner exam. The introduction of PRINCE2 2009 does not accelerate the requirement for re-registration but the exam will be based on the new manual.
Validity of Qualifications
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. Users of the 2005 version are under no obligation to update - other than when it comes to re-registration.
Definitive Information
You are advised to visit the official PRINCE2 website to ensure that you have access to the latest information from the organisation responsible for PRINCE2 certification.
