What is PRINCE2?

Looking to advance your communication, leadership, planning, and risk management skills? If so, PRINCE2 may be for you.

So, what is PRINCE2? PRINCE2 started as a methodology used for effective project management. It is now a family of methodologies that are used not just for effective project management but also for effective portfolio, programme and risk management.

In this blog, we will go through all the information you need to know prior to enrolling in one of our PRINCE2 Courses.

A Brief History Of Prince2

In 1989 the CCTA adopted a method called PROMPT II (Project Resource Organisation Management Planning Techniques) as a UK Government standard for IT project management. They gave it the name 'PRINCE', which originally stood for "PROMPT II IN the CCTA Environment", then changed the definition to "PRojects IN Controlled Environments". The second edition, released in 1996 as a generic project management method, was named PRINCE2.

Although there have been five subsequent releases, all have maintained the PRINCE2 title.

PeopleCert gained ownership of PRINCE2 with its purchase of AXELOS in 2021.

In 2025, PeopleCert elevated PRINCE2 to a portfolio brand, which includes:

• PRINCE2 Project Management

• PRINCE2 Agile

• PRINCE2 Portfolio Management (previously MoP)

• PRINCE2 Programme Management (previously MSP)

• PRINCE2 Risk Management (previously M_o_R)

• PRINCE2 PMO (previously P3O)

What Are The Different Branches Of PRINCE2?

PRINCE2 Project Management Version 7

PRINCE2 Project Management V7 is split into two certifications: Foundation and Practitioner.

Each of the above provides a different level of depth, based on your prior knowledge and certifications. They are designed to enhance your communication and leadership skills, amongst others, to prepare you for project management career successfully.

PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation

The Foundation course provides an introduction to beginners of the PRINCE2 methodology, such as developing your ability to:

• Deliver projects consistently on time

• Stick to a budget

• Mitigate problems proactively

• Manage the risk of projects

Book your PRINCE2 Foundation course today, with Zindiak.

PRINCE2 Project Management Practitioner

The specifics. Develop knowledge learned on the Foundation course and put it into practice by learning how to adapt PRINCE2 based on the scenario you are working with.

Book now

PRINCE2 Agile Version 2

This course focuses on prioritisation of work according to value. Maintaining quality of work is also an essential in this course.

PRINCE2 Agile V2 is fully aligned to PRINCE2 Project Management V7.

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation V2

Learn methods for applying agile management to projects and BAU.

PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner V2

Learn to lead teams and use agile tools and techniques effectively across your organisation.

The PRINCE2 Agile courses have recently been updated, and version 1 will be discontinued as follows:

• Last Day to Purchase voucher: December 31, 2025

• Last Day of Exams (incl. Take2): June 30, 2026

PRINCE2 Programme Management (MSP)

You need to pass both the foundation and practitioner examinations to achieve the PRINCE2 Programme Manager designation.

Help your organisation achieve its objectives by learning transformational techniques. Change and benefit your organisation with PRINCE2 Programme Management courses, such as the following:

PRINCE2 Programme Management  Foundation

Understand the holistic methodology of programme management, focusing on alignment of programmes in your organisation, with no prerequisites.

PRINCE2 Programme Management Practitioner

Advance your knowledge and apply programme management principles to your organisation, ensuring value.

PRINCE2 Portfolio Management (MoP)

In your PRINCE2 Portfolio Management course, you will learn the totality of change that an organisation requires to achieve its objectives.

PRINCE2 Portfolio Management Foundation

In the MoP foundation course, you can expect to learn portfolio definitions (the selection of change) and portfolio delivery (the control of change to ensure beneficial outcomes).

PRINCE2 Portfolio Management Practitioner

Learn how to apply and tailor techniques learned in the foundation course to your organisation.

PRINCE2 Risk Management Version 4(M_o_R)

PRINCE2 Risk Management provides you with a framework for risk management in your organisation and takes into account all aspects of the company, from strategy to operation. Discover principles, approaches and processes, and how they can be implemented to better your organisation.

The M_o_R V4 Practitioner course has no prerequisites, so there's no need to take the foundation course and exam first. M_o_R V3 is due to be discontinued at the end of 2025.

PRINCE2 Risk Management V4 Practitioner

Our accredited practitioner training course teaches you how to maximise value by managing risk effectively.

M_o_R V3 Foundation

If you prefer a slightly simpler method and only require a foundation qualification, our accredited foundation training course covers M_o_R V3.

If you are unsure which course is the best fit for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact our team to find out more about PRINCE2 Risk Management courses.

PRINCE2 PMO (P3O)

Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices, often referred to as PMOs, support the effective selection and delivery of projects and programmes within a portfolio.

When released, PRINCE2 PMO will be a practitioner-only qualification. Until then, P3O is still available in both foundation and practitioner qualifications.

P30 Foundation

Understand the P30 guidance to work effectively in your P30 office. 

P3O Practitioner

Understand the guidance to design and implement work within your P30 office.

Unsure which PRINCE2 certification is for you? Contact one of our helpful team members today to learn more!

Why Choose Zindiak?

Zindiak is your premier destination for professional development and certification courses.

We are also a GOLD Accredited Training Organisation by PeopleCert: PeopleCert Registry ID: 3557

Here are some more reasons why you should choose Zindiak for all of your PRINCE2 certification needs:

 

How Are PRINCE2 Modules Assessed?

Each branch of PRINCE2 has a slightly different assessment, especially practitioner certifications, compared to the foundation.

Find out more below:

PRINCE2 Foundation Assessment

PRINCE2 Practitioner Assessment

The prerequisites to the practitioner exams include proof of passing one of the following, respectively, for each certification:

PRINCE2 Project Management V7

• PRINCE2® 6th Edition (Foundation or Practitioner)

• PRINCE2®7 Foundation

• Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

• Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)®

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

• IPMA Level A® (Certified Projects Director)

• IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)

• IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)

• IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)

PRINCE2 Agile V2

• PRINCE2 Agile Foundation (Version 2)

• PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner (Version 1)

• PRINCE2 Agile Foundation (Version 1)

PRINCE2 Programme Management (MSP)

• MSP Foundation

PRINCE2 Portfolio Management (MoP)

• MoP Foundation

PRINCE2 Risk Management V4 (M_o_R)

• No Prerequisites

PRINCE2 PMO (P30)

• No Prerequisites

Ready to book one of our PRINCE2 courses? Find out more.

What Certifications Do I Get From PRINCE2?

Each PRINCE2 examination comes with its respective certification (Foundation and Practitioner)

Do They Expire?

Both PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner certifications have a suggested renewal date of three years.

The best way to renew is to pass another exam within the PRINCE2 portfolio. This will update all your PRINCE2 certifications for another 3 years.

Benefits Of PRINCE2

So, now we can answer the question of “What is PRINCE2?” Read on to discover a few of the key areas that a PRINCE2 certification can benefit:

1. Career

Boosts job prospects

2. Confidence

Understand the vocabulary and key methodologies of successful project management.

3. Skills

Solidifies project management technique

4. Prospects

PRINCE2 is recognised worldwide

FAQs

Is PRINCE2 Hard To Pass?

The pass rate of the foundation exams in the UK is over 80%.

How Long Does PRINCE2 Take?

The Foundation level course involves 270 mins of video with an 8-hour total duration, whereas the Practitioner level course involves 150 mins of video and a 9-hour total duration.