PRINCE2 Myths and Misconceptions

As more and more people undertake PRINCE2 training so the myths and misconceptions around it seem to grow. This article looks at five aspects of PRINCE2 to give you the clear, concise information you need if you're considering investing in this valuable training.

Myth 1: PRINCE is only suitable for Public Sector projectsPRINCE2 began life in the public sector and, as a result, many people perceive PRINCE as not being relevant to the private sector; or at best only to organisations providing services. PRINCE2 provides a structured project management method which can be applied to any project situation. This can then be scaled to suit projects ranging from office relocation to the building of a nuclear power plant.

Myth 2: PRINCE2 will be replaced by PRINCE3The move from PRINCE to PRINCE2 was to recognise the change from an IT Project Management method to a universal Project Management method. The new version of PRINCE2 continue to be universal. PRINCE2 has been updated a number of times most notably in 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2009 to keep the method relevant and reflect best practice. The last change in June 2009 revised the PRINCE2 manual with a number of changes.

Myth 3: Only project managers looking for a job study PRINCE2Because an increasing number of job advertisements specify the need for candidates to have successfully completed PRINCE2 training. As PRINCE is taken up by more organisations, a secondary result is that employers find it more efficient and convenient to recruit managers who are already PRINCE trained.

Myth 4: You’re not allowed to use PRINCE without completing accredited training
PRINCE2 methodology is freely available for anyone to study and adopt. One of the strengths of PRINCE is that it is open to all. It provides a common language that can be used between organisations collaborating on projects. It enables project managers new to a project or organisation to rapidly engage and contribute to the full with the minimum of bespoke training required.


Myth 5: PRINCE2 training involves a three day Foundation course and a two day Practitioner courseThe majority of people studying PRINCE2 undergo training in this format but it is not the only way.It is also possible to take the exams at independent examination centres following self study of the PRINCE2 via a distance based learning pack, as in http://www.selfstudy.org.uk

Myth 6: PRINCE2 training marks you out as a competent project managerTraining for these qualifications alone does not make you a competent project manager.
The PRINCE2 Foundation qualification marks you out as someone who has invested time in understanding the structure and terminology of a PRINCE2 project. You will be able to act as an informed member of a PRINCE2 project team.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification marks you out as someone able to apply the principles of PRINCE2 to practical real life scenarios.
In theory, the PRINCE2 training could be successfully completed by a student with zero project experience. However, it's the combination of theoretical understanding and years of practical experience across a range of projects that truly signifies a competent project manager.

Myth 7: You must re-sit the training course after 5 years to stay accredited
The PRINCE2 qualification is valid for 5 years after which the holder must demonstrate that they have retained and, where appropriate, upgraded their understanding of the methodology.

Rather than re-sit the full Practitioner exam it is possible to take a one hour re-registration paper. It is not essential to undertake a training course though most prefer to take advantage of a one day refresher course which incorporates the re-certification exam.

PRINCE2 Foundation + Practitioner Training & Exam Prep

You can know self study PRINCE2 on a shoestring, using http//www.selfstudy.org.uk
You get free access to a PRINCE2 introductory chapter and 10 free Foundation questions. If you pay £18 you get full access to PRINCE2 traiing course, hundreds of Foundation exam questions and at least 30 Practitioner questions.

The self Study Foundation, use self paced material and quiz’s to consolidate knowledge. When you are ready book the exam at an open centre. Most people who study a little and take the Foundation exam pass. If you had paid for a training course, you would have covered this material in 2.5 days, at home you have much longer, and so this should be achievable.
The self Study Practitioner will get you ready for the Practitioner exam; this exam is not about what you know about Prince2 but how to apply your knowledge. To overcome your lack of real world experience, you need detailed case studies of application of Prince2 and quiz’s to help you through. If you do this as a part of a 5 days course, you get 1 day with a Qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner to cover application of Prince2. When you are ready sit the examination Book An Exam via an open centre.