The Most Effective Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation Certification Exam Preparation

16 hours of instructor led Training based on MSP 5th edition
Become a Certified Program Manager and Take Charge of Your Career with MSP Foundation Certification
Master Programme Management with MSP® Foundation: Deliver Enhanced Efficiency and Results
Boost Your MSP® Exam Performance with Replica Questions and Free Practice Tools
Test MSP® Exam Readiness with Free Practice Simulators and Replica Exam Questions
Ace MSP® Foundation Exam in 8 Weeks: Fast-Track Preparation for Success

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation Certification Among the Highest Paying Certifications

Annual Average Salaries In XAF
Program Lead
FCFA 155 K
FCFA 98 K
FCFA 130 K
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Average
Max
Program Manager
FCFA 120 K
FCFA 110 K
FCFA 150 K
Min
Average
Max
Program Director
FCFA 120 K
FCFA 180 K
FCFA 210 K
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Average
Max
Hiring Companies

The ScholarAcad Advantage

Proven Training Effectiveness
Quantify the value of your MSP® Foundation training with clear metrics for program ROI.
Growth Mindset Culture:
Cultivate an environment fostering continuous professional development in programme management.
Optimized Digital Delivery:
Employ cutting-edge platforms for efficient and accessible MSP® Foundation learning.
Premium Expert Collaboration:
Partner with leading industry authorities to access unparalleled MSP knowledge.
Sustained Skill Evolution
Inspire a commitment to ongoing mastery and adaptability within the MSP® framework.
Unleash Programme Leadership
Discover innate capacities and refine strategic oversight skills via MSP certification.
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Learn in Expert-Led Sessions

Solid Experiential Learning

16 hours of instructor led Training Master MSP® 5th Edition Principles Deep Dive into MSP® Governance Themes  Navigate the MSP® Transformational Flow ractical Application of MSP® Scenarios Ace Your MSP® Foundation Certification
#1 Corporate Training
Business Group Training
Learn in Expert-Led Sessions

Solid Experiential Learning

In-Person Training at Your Facility: Learn in a collaborative environment. Customized Training Solutions: Get training that aligns with your business goals. Engaging Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions with peers. Expert Support: Receive guidance from industry experts.
Curriculum

The first module of the MSP® Foundation course includes an introduction to the course and the exam. This will cover what programmes are, why programme management is necessary, common challenges, the programme environment and the three lenses.

This module reviews the seven principles that underpin MSP®. These seven principles are:

  • Lead with purpose
  • Collaborate with purpose
  • Deal with ambiguity
  • Align with priorities
  • Deploy diverse skills
  • Realise measurable benefits
  • Bring pace and value.

This module starts with a look at programme governance, the programme strategy, programme plans and the ‘Plan-Do-Check-Act’ cycle.

It will then start the review the seven MSP® themes:

  • Organisation
  • Design
  • Justification
  • Structure
  • Knowledge
  • Assurance
  • Decisions

This session will review MSP®’s design theme which will include a discussion of:

  • Key documents
  • Vision statement
  • Benefits, including: Types of benefits, benefits profile, and benefits map
  • Risk and risk prioritisation
  • Target operating model
  • Current and future state and gap analysis

In this module you will review MSP®’s justification theme which involves a discussion of key documents, the funding approach, the programme brief, and the business case. This module will also discuss investment appraisals, financial contingency, business case validation and financial plans.

Module six considers the structure theme of MSP® and will discuss:

  • The key documents
  • Establishing an appropriate pace
  • Delivery planning
  • Multimodal delivery
  • Dependencies
  • Benefits realisation planning
  • Resourcing approaches

Continuing with the MSP® themes, this session on the knowledge theme will review knowledge and information, the key documents, key concepts, and information management.

Considering the assurance theme, in this module you will discuss:

  • The key documents
  • The three lines of defence
  • Assurance planning
  • Success factors
  • The assurance steps

Module nine looks at the final MSP® theme, decisions. In this module, you will review:

  • The key documents
  • Decision points
  • Issue resolution
  • Risk management
  • Risk responses
  • Data gathering and reporting

The final session of the MSP® Foundation course will review the seven processes that are defined in Managing Successful Programmes. These processes are:

  • Identify the programme
  • Design the outcomes
  • Plan progressive delivery
  • Deliver the capabilities
  • Embed the outcomes
  • Evaluate new information
  • Close the programme

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Your Path to Acing Your Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation Certification Exam

Understand the MSP® Foundation Exam (5th Edition)
Familiarize yourself with the MSP® Foundation exam structure, content outline, and topics covered by PeopleCert.
Enroll in Accredited MSP® Foundation Training
Secure 16 hours of instructor-led training based on the MSP® 5th Edition manual.
Develop a Strategic Study Plan
Create a structured study plan that outlines your daily or weekly study schedule, key MSP® 5th Edition topics, and certification goals.
Join a Study Group
Collect essential MSP® study materials such as the official MSP® 5th Edition manual, your ATO's training manual, and reputable online resources.
Practice with Active Learning Techniques & Questions
Employ active learning techniques like flashcards, mind maps, and teaching concepts to others to enhance understanding and retention of MSP® principles and governance themes.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Practice taking the MSP® Foundation exam under simulated conditions using complimentary mock tests.
Final Review & Exam Scheduling
Receive dedicated After Training support for exam preparation from your provider.
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Understand the MSP® Foundation Exam (5th Edition)
Familiarize yourself with the MSP® Foundation exam structure, content outline, and topics covered by PeopleCert.
Enroll in Accredited MSP® Foundation Training
Secure 16 hours of instructor-led training based on the MSP® 5th Edition manual.
Develop a Strategic Study Plan
Create a structured study plan that outlines your daily or weekly study schedule, key MSP® 5th Edition topics, and certification goals.
Join a Study Group
Collect essential MSP® study materials such as the official MSP® 5th Edition manual, your ATO's training manual, and reputable online resources.
Practice with Active Learning Techniques & Questions
Employ active learning techniques like flashcards, mind maps, and teaching concepts to others to enhance understanding and retention of MSP® principles and governance themes.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Practice taking the MSP® Foundation exam under simulated conditions using complimentary mock tests.
Final Review & Exam Scheduling
Receive dedicated After Training support for exam preparation from your provider.

Learning Objectives

1
Become a Programme Management Pro
Master the core principles, governance themes, and transformational flow of the MSP® 5th Edition framework, enabling effective programme delivery and strategic change.
2
Conquer the Programme Landscape
Navigate the complexities of managing successful programmes, understanding key concepts, principles, and best practices for driving organizational benefits.
3
Unlock the Power of MSP® Elements
Become proficient in applying MSP®'s structured approach to benefits management, stakeholder engagement, and risk management at the programme level.
4
Master the Programme Management Processes
Gain expertise in the six processes of the MSP® Transformational Flow, from programme identification to closure, ensuring a systematic approach to achieving outcomes.
5
Navigate the Programme Lifecycle
Understand and manage all stages of the programme lifecycle, ensuring a holistic and controlled journey from initial vision to realized benefits.
6
Prepare for the MSP® Foundation Challenge
Develop effective study strategies, practice with 200+ replica questions, and utilize complimentary mock exams provided within 16 hours of instructor-led training to ace your PeopleCert MSP® Foundation exam.

Who This Course Is For

Project Managers
Delivery Managers
Sponsors
Directors
Executive
Senior Managers

Prerequisites and Eligibility

Accessible to all, no prior qualifications required
Ideal starting point for Program management skills
Course covers Managing Sucessful Program, Principles, and Governance Themes
Requires completion of an accredited course and passing the Foundation exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Career
Benefits
Duration
Certification
Resources
Training
Certification and Career Opportunities

The MSP® (Managing Successful Programmes) Foundation certification is an entry-level qualification that confirms an individual's understanding of the MSP framework for programme management. It demonstrates that you have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the MSP principles, governance themes, and transformational flow to be able to work effectively as an informed member of a programme management team.

To prepare for the MSP Foundation exam, it's recommended to:

Study the official MSP manual: This is the core reference.

Attend an accredited training course: While not mandatory, it significantly helps with understanding and applying the framework, and many find it the most effective way to prepare.

Utilize practice exams: Take sample papers to familiarize yourself with the question style and time constraints.

Understand the terminology: MSP has specific terms and definitions that are crucial to know.

Focus on the principles, governance themes, and transformational flow: These are the pillars of the framework.

The MSP Foundation exam has the following format:

Multiple-choice questions: All questions are multiple-choice.

Number of questions: 60 questions.

Passing score: 36 marks out of 60 (60% correct).

Duration: 60 minutes.

Open book/closed book: It is a closed-book exam; no reference materials are allowed.

Yes, you can often find free MSP Foundation sample papers or practice questions online. Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) that offer MSP courses often provide sample exams on their websites. Additionally, AXELOS (the owner of MSP) may offer official sample papers or guidance on their resources. A quick Google search for "MSP Foundation sample exam" or "MSP Foundation practice questions" will yield various options.

Key concepts and terminology in MSP Foundation include:

Programme: A temporary, flexible organization created to coordinate, direct, and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities in order to deliver outcomes and benefits related to an organization's strategic objectives.

Outcome: The result of change, normally expressed as new ways of working.

Benefit: The measurable improvement resulting from an outcome, perceived as an advantage by a stakeholder.

Stakeholder: Any individual, group, or organization that can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by, a programme.

Tranche: A group of projects and activities that provides a coherent set of outcomes and benefits, usually providing an increment of capability.

Blueprint: A detailed description of the new operational model, defining the capabilities required and how they will be delivered.

MSP Principles (always true, guiding obligations):

Remaining aligned with corporate strategy

Leading change

Envisioning and communicating a better future

Focusing on benefits and threats

Adding value

Designing and delivering a coherent capability

Learning from experience

MSP Governance Themes (areas where decisions are made and controlled):

Organization

Vision

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

Benefits Management

Blueprint Design and Delivery

Planning and Control

Risk and Issue Management

Quality Management

The MSP transformational flow describes the lifecycle of a programme, from conception to closure, through a series of integrated processes. These include:

Identifying a Programme: Defining the programme's purpose, vision, and initial scope.

Defining a Programme: Developing the detailed programme blueprint, plans, and business case.

Delivering the Capability: Managing the projects and tranches to produce the required outputs.

Realizing the Benefits: Ensuring that the outcomes from the capability lead to the expected benefits.

Closing a Programme: Formal closure of the programme, including lessons learned and transition of responsibilities.

Managing Tranches: Overseeing the delivery of distinct increments of capability.

Key roles in an MSP programme include:

Sponsoring Group (or SRO - Senior Responsible Owner): Accountable for the programme, securing funding, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Programme Board: Provides overall direction and decision-making for the programme.

Programme Manager: Manages the programme on a day-to-day basis, coordinating projects and activities.

Business Change Manager(s): Responsible for ensuring the successful adoption of new capabilities and the realization of benefits within the business.

Programme Management Office (PMO): Provides administrative support, standards, and assurance for the programme.

Project Managers: Manage individual projects within the programme.

For programme managers, the MSP Foundation certification is highly beneficial as it provides a robust framework for managing complex change initiatives that go beyond the scope of single projects. For project managers, it offers valuable insight into how their projects fit into a larger strategic context (a programme), enhancing their understanding of programme-level governance, benefits realization, and stakeholder management. It can enhance career prospects by demonstrating a commitment to professional development and a broader understanding of strategic delivery.

While it is technically possible to self-study for the MSP Foundation exam by purchasing the official manual, it is highly recommended to undertake an accredited training course. Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) provide structured learning, experienced trainers, and often include the exam fee. The complex nature of programme management and the nuances of the MSP framework are often best understood through guided instruction and real-world examples provided in a training environment. Additionally, some examination institutes might require proof of training from an ATO for taking the exam.

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