PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
Which statement best describes the difference between Starting Up a Project (SU) and Initiating a Project (IP)?
⚠ Common exam trap
PRINCE2 often tests the confusion between the outputs of SU and IP, specifically that SU appoints roles and produces the Project Brief, while IP produces the PID and detailed plans, not the other way around.
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 appoints the Project Board and Project Manager, while IP develops the PID
Starting Up a Project (SU) is the process that ensures the prerequisites for initiating a project are in place, including appointing the Project Board and Project Manager. Initiating a Project (IP) then develops the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), which formalizes the project's scope, plans, and controls. Thus, D correctly distinguishes the key outputs of these two processes.
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 produces the Stage Plan for the initiation stage, while IP produces the Project Plan
Why it's wrong here
Both statements are true but not the best distinguishing description.
- ✗
SU is performed by the Project Board, while IP is performed by the Project Manager
Why it's wrong here
SU is led by the Executive/PM; IP is led by the PM.
- ✗
SU selects the project mandate, while IP develops the project brief
Why it's wrong here
The project mandate is an input; SU produces the Project Brief.
- ✓
SU appoints the Project Board and Project Manager, while IP develops the PID
Why this is correct
SU appoints key roles and creates the Project Brief; IP creates the PID and detailed plans.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on PRINCE2F
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. What is the main difference between the Starting Up a Project process and the Initiating a Project process?
medium- A.SU is done by the Project Manager; IP is done by the Project Board
- B.SU includes risk management; IP does not
- ✓ C.SU creates the Project Brief; IP creates the Project Initiation Documentation
- D.SU is optional; IP is mandatory
Why C: SU is a pre-project process to determine if the project is viable and worth initiating, while IP formally establishes the project foundation with detailed plans.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PRINCE2F practice question is part of Courseiva's free PeopleCert certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PRINCE2F exam.