PRINCE2F Overview of PRINCE2 and Principles Practice Question
A project manager is reviewing the PRINCE2 principles with the project team. The team is struggling to understand how the principles are applied in practice. Which TWO of the following statements correctly describe the application of PRINCE2 principles? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse tailoring with the ability to omit principles, or thinking that manage by stages means the board approves every task, which would undermine delegation.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The 'focus on products' principle requires that product descriptions are agreed before work begins on each product.
The principles of 'learn from experience' and 'focus on products' are correctly described. Learning from experience requires ongoing capture and use of lessons, while focusing on products ensures that product descriptions are agreed before work begins. The other statements misrepresent the principles by suggesting omission of principles, micromanagement, or over-centralization of roles.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The 'focus on products' principle requires that product descriptions are agreed before work begins on each product.
Why this is correct
Focus on products means that the project is driven by the delivery of products, and their descriptions are agreed upon before development. This ensures clarity on what is to be delivered, quality criteria, and acceptance criteria. Product descriptions are baselined and used to manage scope and quality, so this statement is correct.
- ✓
The 'learn from experience' principle requires that lessons are captured throughout the project and used to inform future stages.
Why this is correct
This principle emphasizes that lessons should be sought, recorded, and acted upon at all stages. It is not just a post-project review; it involves ongoing learning during the project, such as in end stage reports and lessons logs, to improve performance and inform decision-making. This statement correctly describes its application.
- ✗
The 'manage by stages' principle means that the project board must approve every task before it is started.
Why it's wrong here
Manage by stages involves dividing the project into manageable stages, with the project board authorizing each stage. It does not require the board to approve every task; that would be micromanagement. The project manager has authority to manage tasks within the stage, and the board focuses on stage boundaries and exceptions.
- ✗
The 'tailor to suit the project environment' principle allows the project manager to omit certain PRINCE2 themes and processes if they are not relevant.
Why it's wrong here
Tailoring does not permit omission of principles; it allows the method to be adapted to the project's size, complexity, and environment. All seven principles must be applied, but the themes and processes can be tailored. Omitting themes or processes entirely may be acceptable if justified, but the principles themselves are mandatory and cannot be omitted.
- ✗
The 'defined roles and responsibilities' principle means that the project manager must perform all management activities.
Why it's wrong here
This principle is about ensuring that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities, not that the project manager does everything. It requires a clear organizational structure with defined roles such as project board, project manager, team manager, and project assurance. Delegation is essential, and the project manager should not perform all activities.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PeopleCert exam blueprint
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