PRINCE2:2009 - A brief summary
This morning I learned of the update to PRINCE2 that was launched on 16th June 2009. I passed my PRINCE2 (2005) practitioner exam so my immediate concern was 'Will I have to re-sit the exam now?' followed shortly after by 'How will this affect us PM types at Technophobia?' I watched this presentation from earlier this year that gave an outline of what changes are to be made. I have summarised this below.
Changes to the course and examinations:
- There will be 3 new manuals: the new PRINCE2 manual (bible), a new handbook to accompany the manual, and an overview book aimed at providing a board-level summary of the methodology;
- Terminology updated to be more consistent throughout the manual;
- Testing the candidates on their evaluation as well as their application of the methodology;
- The foundation exam will now test all 15 areas of PRINCE2 in equal depth;
- The foundation exam will now consist of 80 questions (including 5 trial questions) rather than just asking candidates to memorise the content in the manual;
- The foundation exam pass mark is to remain at 50%;
- The practitioner exam is to remain in the same format (9 questions); and
- The practitioner exam pass mark is still under review and is expected to be raised. (I'll try and see if I can find out when this will be confirmed.)
Changes to the approach:
- Loosely aimed at assisting a more agile approach;
- An emphasis on educating the Project Board members to allow them to provide more unified direction to the Project Manager;
- More focus and guidance on how to learn and act upon lessons learned during a project;
- A focus on tailoring the process to different projects;
- An emphasis on product quality rather than the product breakdown of Product Based Planning;
- An emphasis on the benefits outlined in the business case;
- Fewer management products that will allow easier and quicker tailoring of the methodology (Lean, anyone?); and
- A revised approach to issues and changes, but still keeping the close relationship.
Changes to the methodology:
- There are now 7 processes rather than 8, with 'Planning' having been removed. This is covered in part in the other 7 processes, and completely in the 'Plans' theme;
- Sub-processes have been slimmed down and are now called 'activities', which in turn have a number of recommended actions;
- All codes have been removed (IP1, IP2, etc.); and
- A complete and integrated approach to the 6 tolerances: Cost, Time, Quality, Scope, Risk, and Benefits (rather than just the 3 of 2005).
The good news is that there is no need to take any 'Transition' or 'Bridging' exam, but anyone renewing their PRINCE2 after June 16th will be tested on the 2009 version.
In general it all looks good and as though PRINCE2 is evolving to accommodate a more agile approach which also fits with our own approach and recent projects.
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