PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is one of the most widely recognized project management methodologies worldwide. With the release of version 7, significant changes have been introduced to modernize and make the methodology more flexible, adapting it to current organizational needs and today’s business challenges. Below, we explore the main differences between PRINCE2 version 6 and the new version 7, highlighting the improvements, additions, and the individual and organizational benefits of adopting this methodology.
Key Differences Between PRINCE2 Version 6 and Version 7
Focus on Adaptability and Flexibility:
- Version 6: Focused on implementing a defined and relatively rigid project management structure, which could sometimes make it difficult to adapt to projects of different sizes and contexts.
- Version 7: Significantly improves its focus on adaptability, allowing project managers to tailor the methodology to the specific needs of each project. This flexibility includes the ability to integrate PRINCE2 with other agile methodologies or management approaches.
Greater Emphasis on Sustainability:
- Version 6: Sustainability was not a core topic within the PRINCE2 framework.
- Version 7: Introduces a stronger focus on sustainability, highlighting the importance of considering the long-term environmental, social, and economic impacts of projects.
Integration of Organizational Change Management:
- Version 6: While PRINCE2 addressed certain aspects of change management, it was not a central component.
- Version 7: Organizational change management is now more deeply integrated, recognizing that projects must not only deliver products, but also enable transition and adaptation within the organization.
Stronger Integration of Agile Culture
- Version 6: PRINCE2 and Agile were viewed as separate, though complementary, approaches.
- Version 7: PRINCE2 version 7 now includes guidance and best practices on how to integrate agile principles and practices within the PRINCE2 framework, enabling smoother collaboration between traditional and agile teams.
Improvements in the New Version
- Customization and Relevance: PRINCE2 version 7 enables deeper customization, ensuring the methodology remains relevant across a wide range of projects and industries, from IT to construction and beyond.
- Version 7: It has introduced new focus areas such as data management and digitalization, which are essential in today’s project environments.
- Prince2 v7 also introduces a new element. In v6, the framework focused on the project context, principles, processes, and themes. Version7 adds a fifth, central element that acts as the axis connecting all others: People. Projects depend on people, both those working on the project and those affected by it in some way. Understanding the needs, capabilities, motivations, and relationships of the people involved is critical to how a project is set up and managed.
- Focus on Outcomes and Benefits: The emphasis has been strengthened to ensure that projects are not only delivered on time and within budget, but that they also generate real value and tangible benefits for the organization.
- Greater Collaboration and Communication: Version 7 promotes stronger collaboration between project teams and stakeholders, ensuring that decisions are well informed and that everyone remains aligned with project objectives.
Individual Benefits of Using PRINCE2
- Professional Development: Mastering PRINCE2, especially the new version 7, significantly enhances project management skills, making professionals more competitive in the job market.
- Flexibility in Application: With the ability to adapt PRINCE2 to different types of projects, project managers can apply its principles effectively regardless of industry or project size.
- Informed Decision Making: PRINCE2 version 7 places greater emphasis on continuous analysis and evaluation, enabling more informed, data-driven decision-making.
Benefits for Day-to-Day Work and for the Organization
- Improvement in Operational Efficiency: By adopting PRINCE2 version 7, organizations can improve operational efficiency, ensuring projects are delivered more effectively, with reduced waste and better outcomes.
- Risk Mitigation: With a more robust approach to risk management, PRINCE2 version 7 helps organizations proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks, reducing the likelihood of project failure.
- Growth and Competitiveness: Organizations that adopt PRINCE2 version 7 can remain competitive by ensuring projects not only meet immediate requirements, but also support long-term innovation and growth.
How to Stay Up to Date and Maintain PeopleCert Certifications
PeopleCert and PRINCE2 Version 7 CPDs
PeopleCert, the certification body, has implemented an updated system for maintaining certifications through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. This system is essential to ensure that certified professionals remain up to date with the latest practices and approaches in project management.
How Do PeopleCert CPDs Work?
CPDs are points that professionals can earn by participating in a variety of professional development activities, such as courses, seminars, conferences, and other forms of continuous learning. Each PeopleCert certification requires holders to accumulate a specific number of CPDs over a defined period to maintain certification validity.
With PRINCE2 version 7, PeopleCert has aligned CPD requirements with the new content and practices introduced in this version. Certified professionals can earn CPDs by progressing to the next certification level (for example, if you hold PRINCE2 Foundation v6, you may progress to PRINCE2 Practitioner v7).
We also offer update services for professionals holding version 6, with training focused on the new topics and areas of emphasis in PRINCE2 version 7, such as sustainability, change management, and integration with agile methodologies.
Benefits of CPDs in the New Version of PRINCE2
- Continuous Update: Maintaining your certification through CPDs ensures you stay current with the latest trends and best practices in project management, which is critical in a dynamic work environment.
- Ongoing Professional Development: Accumulating CPDs fosters a culture of continuous learning, enhancing skills and keeping professionals competitive in the job market.
- Organizational Value: For organizations, having employees who maintain active certifications through CPDs means teams that are consistently up to date, leading to better outcomes and greater capability to address modern challenges.
How Can We Help You?
Netmind is an official partner of PeopleCert and Axelos, and we already offer training associated withthe 7th edition of PRINCE2 for both Foundation and Practitioner levels. We also provide training for Prince 2 Agile – Foundation.
The Foundation level has no prerequisites. Below are the requirements for the new PRACTITIONER level. Participants must meet at least one of the following:
PRINCE 2 Practitioner
(Requires holding a Foundation certification from at least version 6)
- PRINCE2® 7 Foundation Certificate in Project Management
- PRINCE2® 6th Edition Foundation
- PRINCE2® 6th Edition Practitioner
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- IPMA Level A® (Certified Project Manager)
- IPMA Level B® (Certified Senior Project Manager)
- IPMA Level C® (Certified Project Manager)
- IPMA Level D® (Certified Project Management Associate)
- Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
- Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
