What is PRINCE2® (Version 7) and what changed from 6th Edition?

PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 7), formerly referred to as PRINCE2 7, is the current version of the PRINCE2 method and was launched in September 2023. It retains the method's established principles while replacing themes with practices, introducing a dedicated people element and strengthening its treatment of sustainability alongside digital and data management. If you hold an earlier PRINCE2 certification, the introduction of Version 7 does not automatically invalidate it, although PeopleCert's current renewal requirements still apply.

H2: What is PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 7)?

PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 7) is an updated version of the established project management method rather than a replacement for its fundamental approach. The seven principles remain at its core, alongside seven processes that guide a project through its lifecycle.

The update was designed to reflect changes in the environments where projects now operate. It gives greater prominence to the people involved in delivery and recognises the growing importance of digital technology. Sustainability also has a more explicit role in how project performance is considered.

PeopleCert became the custodian of the PRINCE2 portfolio following its acquisition of AXELOS in 2021 and now maintains the method. In January 2026, the certification naming was updated so that PRINCE2 7 is now known as PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 7). The underlying certification achievement was unaffected by this naming change.

What changed from PRINCE2 (Version 6)?

The differences between PRINCE2 Versions 6 and 7 are intended to make the method easier to apply in contemporary projects while preserving the governance that existing practitioners will recognise.

In Version 7, the seven themes were reframed as seven practices: recurring aspects of project management that should be addressed continuously as the project progresses. Current PRINCE2 guidance defines seven of them, covering the business case, organising, plans, quality, risk, issues and progress.

The dedicated people element is a significant addition. PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 7) recognises that projects depend on relationships and effective collaboration, so guidance on the human side of project delivery is integrated into the method rather than being treated as peripheral to it.

Sustainability has also been added as a project performance target. This places it alongside the established measures used to manage project performance and encourages teams to consider sustainability both during delivery and across the life of the resulting product.

Digital and data management receive much greater attention too, reflecting the extent to which projects depend on reliable information and technology. The updated version also acknowledges commercial relationships within increasingly interconnected project environments, where delivery may involve several organisations rather than a single internal team.

The seven principles

The seven PRINCE2 principles remain central to Version 7. They are:

• Ensure continued business justification
• Learn from experience
• Define roles, responsibilities and relationships
• Manage by stages
• Manage by exception
• Focus on products
• Tailor to suit the project

These principles guide decisions about how the method is applied rather than prescribing exactly how every project should operate. The increased emphasis on tailoring in Version 7 reinforces this flexibility, allowing teams to apply an appropriate level of control to their unique project environment.

For a closer look at how these elements work together, see our guide to the seven principles, themes and processes of PRINCE2.

What does it mean if you are already certified

An existing PRINCE2 6^th Edition certification does not become invalid simply because the guidance has been updated. PeopleCert continues to include 5^th Edition, 6^th Edition and Version 7 certifications within its current certification renewal scheme.

Certifications within the scheme are subject to a three-year renewal cycle. PeopleCert currently provides different routes for keeping them current, including logging the required Continuous Professional Development points through PeopleCert Plus or passing another relevant exam within the same product suite before the renewal date.

If a Version 6 certification has passed its renewal date, PeopleCert states that it can be renewed by successfully completing PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 7) Practitioner or PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner. CPD is another available route.

There is therefore no general requirement for every Version 6 certificate holder to immediately retake their original exam simply because the method has been updated. However, anyone planning their renewal should check the date attached to their own certification and the current PeopleCert requirements.

PRINCE2® Project Management (Version 7) Practitioner training is also an option for professionals who want to update their knowledge of the current method while developing their ability to apply it in practice.

Training and exams

The current certification route retains Foundation and Practitioner levels.

PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation (Version 7) builds an understanding of the method and is suitable at any career stage. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, lasts 60 minutes and is closed book. Candidates need 60% to pass.

PRINCE2 Project Management Practitioner (Version 7) focuses on applying and tailoring the methodology within different project situations. The open book exam contains 70 objective test questions, the pass mark is 60% and candidates have 150 minutes .

Learners can choose from different study options: eLearning, classroom, live virtual classroom and blended learning, depending on the course selected. Someone starting from the beginning can also take Foundation and Practitioner as a combined learning route.

FAQs

Is my PRINCE2 6^th Edition certification still valid?

Yes, the introduction of Version 7 did not automatically invalidate existing certifications. Your 6^th Edition certification remains within PeopleCert's certification renewal scheme, but  you should check your individual renewal date and follow the current requirements for renewing your certification.

Do I need to retake the exam for PRINCE2® Project Management (Version 7)?

No, you do not automatically have to retake your exam because PRINCE2 has moved to Version 7. When renewal becomes due, PeopleCert provides routes for keeping certifications current that include relevant exams within the same product suite or CPD through PeopleCert Plus.

What replaced the PRINCE2 themes?

The seven themes used in the previous edition became seven practices in PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 7). The practices cover recurring areas of project management that need attention throughout delivery. The updated terminology reinforces the idea that these areas should be actively applied rather than treated as a one-off exercise.

What resources are available?

ILX provides all the learning resources needed to support you throughout your course, with the materials available depending on the study option you choose. These can include official course content, an official eBook, practice materials and exam preparation support, helping you build your understanding of the method and prepare for the exam.

PRINCE2 Project Management (Version 2) retains the structure that existing practitioners will recognise while bringing the methodology closer to the realities of current project delivery. PRINCE2® Project Management Foundation & Practitioner training provides a route to learning the updated method from the beginning or developing your existing knowledge.

Explore our range of project, programme, portfolio management courses on PRINCE2.com..