The history of PRINCE2

PRINCE was originally based on PROMPT, a project management method created by Simpact Systems Ltd in 1975. In 1989, PRINCE was established by the CCTA (the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency) to help them improve the way that government IT projects were managed. This Agency then changed its name to the OGC (the Office of Government Commerce), and PRINCE was solely used by the UK Government to manage projects from then on.

In 1996, the methodology was developed by contributions from a consortium of 150 European organisations to be more generic and applicable for a wider range of projects – resulting in PRINCE2®. Then in June 2010, the OGC Best Practice Management functions moved into the Cabinet Office.

In July 2013, AXELOS Limited was created as a joint venture between the Cabinet Office and Capita plc, and the Intellectual Property rights for PRINCE2 was transferred into its ownership. Then in June 2021, PeopleCert – the Accrediting Body for PRINCE2 – acquired AXELOS, and subsequently, ownership of PRINCE2 was transferred to them.

PRINCE2 has been through many iterations and impressions over the last 20+ years, and the latest 6th Edition was updated in 2017. On 10th July that year, 6th Edition exams aligned to the new syllabus and manual were released. We then had a transition period for a few months where exams were available for both the 5th Edition and 6th Edition syllabus, giving people a choice of which one to certify in. From 1st January 2018, only exams aligned to the 6th Edition have been available.

And now we’re moving forward into a new era for PRINCE2 – from September 2023, the 7th Edition, an evolution of this globally recognised methodology, will be released. 

To take a look at our current selection of PRINCE2® 7 courses, click here