These FAQs were written by CC Learning. They may be reproduced in whole or part on other web sites or in printed form as long as the following credit is included:

Includes original content from
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What course should I attend to learn about the latest version of PRINCE2?

Please use the following table to learn about PRINCE2, this is a rough guide only we suggest that you contact us if you have any specific questions however this should act as good guidance to anyone unsure about what they should do.

I have my PRINCE2 Foundation but want to sit the new 2009 Practitioner exam

Your Foundation certificate does not expire - at any time you can upgrade to Practitioner. See below for our recommendations when upgrading to PRINCE2 2009.

I have PRINCE2 Practitioner but want to learn about the new version

When was the 2009 PRINCE2 manual released?

It was released on 16 June 2009, the first courses were delivered on 6 July 2009.

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What has changed?

All course material has been rewritten, exams have been rewritten and aligned with the new PRINCE2 manual. PRINCE2 manual terminology and concepts have changed. For details about what has changed in the PRINCE2 manual please read the information below.

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I sat the PRINCE2 exams prior to 16 June 2009, has my certificate become invalid?

Your Foundation and Practitioner certificates remains valid, although it will include the older 'cityscape' logo rather than the new 'twirl' logo.

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I already have a Practitioner certificate for the 2005 PRINCE2 manual - how do I upgrade to the 2009 version?

Although you are not obligated to 'upgrade' to the latest version of PRINCE2 we encourage it as there have been major changes. We are running a number of workshops where you have the option to do a re-registration exam. This has the added advantage of extending your certification as well as getting you up to speed with 2009 PRINCE2. See above for guidance

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What are the differences between the old and new PRINCE2 manual versions?

You can either read this summary of the differences or attend some of the events mentioned above.

The "Planning" Process has been incorporated into the plans chapter, Product based planning has been removed as a chapter, and including in the plans theme and as an appendix.

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Do courses cost more?

No, courses have largely remained the same price. Some have even decreased!

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Does my organisation need to upgrade?

The basics of PRINCE2 remain the same. If things are working well in your organisation for you you do not need to upgrade immediately, in fact it could be prudent to wait 6-9 months before undertaking any major method upgrade while the method, training materials and experiences settles down and gets the public litmus test. However advantages may out weigh this - such as being seen to forging ahead in the marketplace, meeting your customer's expectations or going for a method which will be a vast improvement over the earlier version of PRINCE2.

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Are the exams harder?

Yes, both the Foundation and the Practitioner exams are harder. The Foundation pass mark is still 50% but out of 70 rather than 75. The Practitioner pass mark has increased to 55% for both the 2005 and 2009 Practitioner exams to make them 'equal' in the eyes of delegates.

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If I have a Foundation certificate from the old version can I sit the Practitioner portion of the new PRINCE2 version?

Yes you can. A candidate who passes the old foundation will not require a re-sit based on the new version to be able to continue on to sit the practitioner exam. The method however is significantly different and requires a complete re-read and probably to sit on at least one day of refresh. See above for guidance

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Is there a Practitioner bridging course between the old and new versions of PRINCE2?

Yes there is - use our online database to find a bridging course in your location. See above for guidance

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How long will I be able to train my staff in the old, 2005 version?

Examinations will be available until 31 December 2009. After that the PRINCE2 manual for 2005 will not be available for purchase (put in on the shelf as a reflection of a bygone era).

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Why did we need to upgrade the PRINCE2 manual?

Basically to incorporate the latest thinking. As all good product developments things need improvements, thinking changes and errors or poor practises are identified that require modification. PRINCE2 is about continuous improvement, it should be expected that every 3-5 years a new version of PRINCE2 will be launched. This is the most major revision since it changed from PRINCE to PRINCE2. This is revolution and evolution.

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I heard that there are two PRINCE2 manuals now?

Yes that is correct:

• Managing a Successful Project - targeted at project managers
• Directing a Successful Project - targeted at project boards

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Will I be examined on both the managing and direction manuals?

For the PRINCE2 Practitioners exam there will be no need to use the Directing a Successful Project manual.

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Will there be another course for project boards?

Yes there will be it will be released in quarter 4 2009 by CC Learning.

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Is there no topic in the PRINCE2 Practitioner course about Directing a Project?

Yes there is, but it is reduced to that information which is important for the project managers, additional information (in more depth) is reserved for the Directing a Project publication.

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Will translations of the manual be available at the same time?

No, translations of the 2009 PRINCE2 manual will be released throughout 2009.

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