PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
What is the difference between the Starting Up a Project (SU) and Initiating a Project (IP) processes?
⚠ Common exam trap
PRINCE2F often tests the specific outputs of each process, and candidates confuse the Project Brief (SU output) with the PID (IP output) or mix up authorisation decision points.
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
✓
SU produces the Project Brief; IP produces the Project Initiation Documentation
In PRINCE2, Starting Up a Project (SU) is the pre-project process that produces the Project Brief and the Project Product Description, ensuring the project is worth initiating. Initiating a Project (IP) then builds on the Project Brief to produce the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), which includes the Business Case, plans, controls, and risk approach. The PID is the baseline against which the project is managed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SU is performed by the Project Board; IP is performed by the Project Manager
Why it's wrong here
The Project Board does not perform SU; the Project Manager runs both SU and IP, with the Board only authorising the project. SU's purpose is producing the Project Brief and assembling the project team before initiation, so the split described here misstates who executes each process.
- ✓
SU produces the Project Brief; IP produces the Project Initiation Documentation
Why this is correct
The axis is the baseline document produced: Starting Up a Project delivers the Project Brief, outlining the outline business case and approach, while Initiating a Project builds the fuller Project Initiation Documentation, including the detailed Business Case and plans.
- ✗
SU authorises the project; IP authorises the initiation stage
Why it's wrong here
The Project Board authorises the project at the end of IP, not SU; SU only prepares the project brief and requests initiation. SU ends with authorisation to initiate, while IP ends with authorisation to deliver. This option reverses those gates, misstating which process grants which approval.
- ✗
There is no difference; they are the same process
Why it's wrong here
SU and IP are distinct processes with separate products and purposes; SU produces the project brief and business case outline, IP produces the PID and project initiation documentation. Treating them as identical ignores the Project Board's authorisation gate between them. They would be the same only if PRINCE2 defined no pre-project work.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PeopleCert exam blueprint
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