PRINCE2®

PRINCE2 is the world’s most widely adopted project management method, used by people and organizations from wide-ranging industries and sectors.

It is a flexible method that guides you through the essentials for managing successful projects, regardless of type or scale. Built upon seven principles, themes and processes, PRINCE2 can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

PRINCE2 is comprised of:

• The PRINCE2 manual - Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition.
• A certification scheme which includes Foundation and Practitioner levels
• A supporting membership subscription service.

See our PRINCE2 section for more information.

PRINCE2^® training is available from AXELOS' Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs). ATOs offer a complete range of learning options from classroom-based training to various self-study options.

You can find a complete list of PRINCE2 ATOs through the training section of our website.

PRINCE2^® training is delivered by AXELOS' global network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs). ATOs offer a complete range of learning options from classroom-based training to various self-study options.

For more information, see the Training section of our website.

PRINCE2^® training is available via our Accredited Training Organizations or their approved partners in many formats, including face-to-face training in a physical or virtual classroom, or via distance learning which may be delivered via Learning Technologies or other methods. Some training solutions may be a combination of both.

For more information, see the Training section of our website.

Each Accredited Training Organization (ATO) sets their own price for a course, so this will vary from ATO to ATO. Contact an ATO to confirm the cost and course delivery details.

Candidates are able to self-study (i.e. take the examination directly from AXELOS' Examination Institute (PeopleCert)) without attending an accredited training course) for all of the PRINCE2 certifications, athough we would strongly recommend that you take accredited training before taking a PRINCE2 exam.

For more information, see our PRINCE2 Certifications section.

The PRINCE2^® courses and examinations are based on Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: 2017 Edition.

To purchase this book and browse other official PRINCE2 publications, visit our store.

AXELOS updated PRINCE2 in 2017 and released a new publication and new Foundation and Practitioner exams in English. This was prompted by changes since the last edition of the guidance in 2009, as well as expert feedback from PRINCE2 practitioners.

To find out more information about the 2017 update, see our PRINCE2 2017 Update page.

Currently the PRINCE2 2017 manual and exams are only available in English.

AXELOS will commence the translation of the guidance, Foundation and Practitioner examinations for the following seven languages at the end of 2017:

• Danish
• Dutch
• French
• German
• Italian
• Norwegian
• Polish

AXELOS will confirm the transition period for each translation in due course. Until this is confirmed, the 2009 editions are available and current in the below languages:

• Arabic
• Brazilian Portuguese
• Chinese
• Czech
• Danish
• Dutch
• Finnish
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Romanian
• Russian
• Slovak
• Spanish
• Swedish

The Foundation examination does not have an expiry period.

Candidates who pass the Practitioner exam are recognized as a "PRINCE2^® Registered Practitioner". Individuals will remain registered for a period of three calendar years. To maintain their registered status, Practitioners must:

• Retake the full Practitioner exam at the end of the three years
• Maintain their certification through PRINCE2 Membership.

To remain current membership a candidate must satisfy the following criteria within the three-year period:

1. Join membership within three months of passing your exam and remain in membership for the three-year period by renewing the subscription each year
2. Maintain the PRINCE2 digital badge which will be awarded as part of membership for the three-year period. Candidates will need to record 20 CPD points each year, in the prescribed categories, for the badge to be extended on renewal.

If a candidate has satisfied the above two criteria they will be considered current and issued a new certificate at the end of year three that is valid for a further three years. You will only receive a new certificate if your digital badge has been maintained for the three-year period.

To support candidates who wish to remain current, AXELOS will be including one year’s PRINCE2 Membership with every PRINCE2 2017 PRINCE2® 2009Update Practitioner exam. Once you successfully pass your exam AXELOS will contact you with details of how you can activate your membership and claim your digital badge. Thereafter your PRINCE2 Membership will be priced at £50 per annum.

Current PRINCE2 certifications (issued prior to release of the updated PRINCE2 guidance and exam in mid-2017) remain valid until the expiry date shown on the certificate. These candidates can maintain their current registration via AXELOS Membership and logging the required 20 CPD points each year to maintain their digital badge. However, these individuals will not be issued a new certificate at the end of three years, instead their digital badge is proof that they have maintained their professional expertise.

The changes to re-registration are only applicable to PRINCE2 Practitioners taking the English language version of the 2017 examination. Existing translated exams of 2009 PRINCE2 will still be available as will their re-registration exams.

For more information about these changes see the AXELOS PRINCE2 Update Membership FAQs

Candidates who have passed the PRINCE2^® Practitioner examination can state they are a “PRINCE2® Practitioner” on CVs, business cards and online profiles.

Candidates who have passed either of the Practitioner or Practitioner Re-Registration examinations within the last five calendar years can state they are a "PRINCE2^® Registered Practitioner".

Only certain organizations are permitted to use AXELOS logos. See the Licensing section of our website for more information.

As of January 2018, AXELOS' sole Examination Institute (EI) is PeopleCert, who offers ITIL^® accreditation services. Contact PeopleCert for details of their accreditation processes and for more information about becoming an AXELOS ATO or accredited trainer.

NOTE: Any training organization who wishes to offer PRINCE2 training and examination services to individuals or organizations must be accredited. Organizations offering PRINCE2 training who are not accredited by an approved Examination Institute may be in breach of Intellectual Property law.