Managing Successful Programmes® Foundation and Practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions

Course overview

Duration: 5 days 

Our MSP® Foundation and Practitioner course is designed to teach the basic principles of good programme management in line with the Principles, Themes and Processes described in the MSP® approach.  It also prepares delegates for the Foundation and Practitioner examinations.

This course is designed for anyone who needs to understand programme management and the practical application of MSP® and to gain the MSP® Foundation and Practitioner qualifications.

Delegates should have an understanding of and preferably experience in the issues surrounding business change

The MSP® Foundation and Practitioner Course is based upon the “Managing Successful Programmes – 5^th Edition” which describes “best practice” guidance for handling all types of transformational change programmes.

These are intensive modules and require delegates to undertake some evening work in their own time.

Objectives 

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Describe the differences between programmes and projects

• Describe the Principles, Themes and Processes as described in the MSP® - 5^th Edition
• Practice the application of MSP®
• Prepare for both the MSP® Foundation and Practitioner Exam

Please note that examinations are administered online by PeopleCert. Delegates are provided with examination vouchers and book their exams via the PeopleCert candidate portal in line with the official examination process.

Content

Introduction

• Introduction – what is, and why use, Programme Management
• The Three Lenses of the MSP® Framework
  • MSP Principles
  • MSP Themes
  • MSP Processes

The Themes

• Overview – introduction to the seven Themes
• Organization – roles, accountabilities, responsibilities
• Design – Vision, Benefits, Risk, Target Operating Model
• Justification – Business case and financial planning
• Structure – Delivery approaches, Planning and control
• Knowledge – Knowledge and Information management
• Assurance – Assurance at multiple levels approach and planning
• Decisions – Decision-making, Issue and Risk resolution approaches, Data-gathering and options analysis

The Processes

• Overview – the seven processes
• Identify the Programme – initial justification
• Design the Outcomes - establishing solid foundations
• Plan Progressive Delivery – build on the programme design
• Deliver the Capabilities– oversee programme delivery
• Embed the Outcomes – adopting new ways of working and realize the benefits
• Evaluate new information – collecting, evaluating, analysing and presenting new information
• Close the Programme – final assessment and release resources

Practitioner Workshop and Examination

• MSP® Practitioner Examination Objectives and Guidance
• MSP® Review
• MSP® Practitioner Examination Workshops
• MSP® Practitioner Examination

MSP® Foundation and Practitioner Examinations

The MSP® Foundation Exam is of 1 hour duration and consists of 60 multiple choice questions. Pass mark is 39/60 (60%).

The MSP® Practitioner Exam is a written paper of 2.5 hours duration.  There are 70 Objective Test style questions to be answered in the 2.5 hours and the candidate may use an annotated manual. The candidate must score 42/70, 60%, to be successful.

Presented in association with aims4change, a PEOPLECERT Accredited Training Organisation.

MSP® is a registered trade mark of PeopleCert group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved.

Underscore Group delivers practical, instructor-led project management training that helps people plan, lead and deliver projects and complex change with confidence. Based in Sussex and supporting organisations across the UK, we focus on real-world tools and approaches that make project delivery clearer, more structured and more achievable for teams at all levels.

Every session is tailored to your organisation’s way of working, ensuring the methods and templates translate directly into day-to-day delivery. Our project management programmes are trusted by organisations across finance, aviation, healthcare, construction and professional services, helping teams in corporate environments improve planning discipline, strengthen stakeholder engagement and deliver successful outcomes more consistently.

• Trusted by leading UK organisations
• Expert trainers with real business experience
• Small-group sessions (6–8 people)
• Practical, hands-on learning approach
• Virtual & onsite delivery across the UK
• Six months of post-course support

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