Course updates

Course update — PRINCE2® 7th Edition

What does this mean for you? Our course expert explains.

Lyndsay Collins

07 November, 2023

PRINCE2® has recently updated to the 7th Edition. This impacts our popular courses, PRINCE2® Foundation and PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner.

Our course expert, Lyndsay Collins, explains what happened.

What is PRINCE2®?

PRINCE2® is one of the most widely used Project Management methodologies in the world — it helps organisations run projects that reach time, budget, and quality requirements.

The PRINCE2® framework has been through many iterations since its initial launch in 1996, with the 6th Edition launched in 2017. But, as the industry changes, the guidance needs to adapt too.

Why has PRINCE2® released its 7th Edition?

To ensure the framework remains in line with this fast-moving industry, PRINCE2® has revised its methodology.

Key updates include:

Adding Sustainability as a further aspect of project performance
Including a digital and data management approach
Simplifying elements of the content and language for increased accessibility
Including factors such as new technologies, the environment, climate change, ethics, changing consumer and corporate attitudes, new government, national, and local regulations, new working practices, remote/hybrid working
Integrating a focus on people throughout the methodology — the 'people integrated element' helps address an increasing need for individuals to develop soft skills, including leadership
Increasing collaboration with cross-functional project teams, improving communications, which help teams better understand stakeholder needs — all of which will help co-create an organisational culture where change is embedded and realised more effectively.

So, what is the difference between PRINCE2® 6th and 7th Editions?

Key differences include:

Updating the book from 6th to 7th Edition (release date September 4th, 2023), including a new layout
The exam pass rate for both Foundation and Practitioner has increased to 60% from 55%; no change in exam duration or format
The book now includes four Scenarios for the Practitioner exam; delegates will have the chance to familiarise themselves with them and will no longer face unfamiliar scenarios at exam time
The course includes a new dimension to the guidance, which adds value for organisations and individuals alike
Some of the language and content have been adapted and simplified to make the methodology more accessible and relevant
The first chapter now includes an introduction that defines projects and Project Management
An additional ‘people integrated element’ now sits at the heart of the other four integrated elements – the 7 principles, 7 practices (previously called the 7 themes), 7 processes and project context
Four new management approaches now form part of the PID (Project Initiation Documentation): the ‘change management approach’, the 'commercial management approach', the ‘data management approach,’ and the 'sustainability management approach'
There’s an additional performance target for ‘sustainability’, in addition to ‘benefits, costs, time, quality, scope and risk.’

Have PRINCE2® prerequisites changed too?

There are no prerequisites for the Foundation course, which means you can start training in PRINCE2®7 regardless of your experience level.

However, for the Practitioner course, you will need to be certified in one of the below before you can book training:

PRINCE2® Foundation or Practitioner 6th Edition*
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)

*Please note that, according to PeopleCert guidelines, PRINCE2® Foundation or Practitioner 6th Edition can be a pre-requisite for PRINCE2®7 Practitioner; however, due to the changes in terminology and additional new materials in the 7th Edition, it is still recommended that delegates start with the PRINCE2®7 Foundation Certification (7th Edition).

Why should you take PRINCE2®7?

PRINCE2® stands for rigorous certifications recognised worldwide.

Specifically, PRINCE2®, the 7th Edition has been updated to address current Project Management trends and challenges, including how to effectively tailor the methodology. It helps Project Managers develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully guide their team through any project, including integrating Agile practices. If you want to stay on top of the game as a PM, PRINCE2® is a must.

Achieve your PRINCE2® certification with Firebrand

For the past 14 years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World.

We specialise in accelerated training that helps you get certified and back to work at twice the speed.

Could PRINCE2® be right for you?

Find out more.