The Most Effective Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation 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 Among the Highest Paying Certifications

Annual Average Salaries In USD
Program Lead
$ 155 K
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Program Manager
$ 120 K
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Program Director
$ 120 K
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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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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

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Our Learners Love Us

Umesh Koli was my trainer for Scholaracad's CAPM weekend batch in February. As a recent college grad, project management felt like a whole other language. But Umesh used examples from the NYC finance scene that clicked, and those templates made planning my small projects at work so much easier. My understanding is way better, work's simpler, and I passed the CAPM on my first try! Feeling confident now.

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Rajiv P.
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Totally recommend Scholaracad's 1-to-1 CAPM coaching with James! He tailored everything to my production assistant gig in the film industry, even using local movie set examples. The customized time was a lifesaver. My work's way more organized, and my supervisor actually noticed! Passed the CAPM first time too - whoa!

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Chloe S.
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The CAPM weekend batch with Paula at Scholaracad in March was exactly what I needed right after graduation. She used examples from the manufacturing plants around Illinois, and those templates? Super helpful for my new role. My understanding of project management is solid now, work feels less overwhelming, and I passed the CAPM on my first attempt! Go Scholaracad!

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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 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
We also deliver Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation training across multiple locations
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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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Our Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation Instructors in United States

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Based in: Chicago, USA

Looking to understand and implement COBIT 2019 for effective IT governance and management? Meet Alistair Finch, a highly experienced and certified COBIT trainer based in Chicago. Alistair is dedicated to helping organizations leverage the COBIT 2019 framework to achieve their enterprise goals.

Professional Background:

Alistair has over 14 years of experience in IT governance, risk management, and compliance across various industries. He has a deep understanding of the COBIT framework and its practical application in enhancing enterprise IT value.

Certifications & Strong Knowledge:

  • COBIT® 2019 Foundation
  • COBIT® 2019 Design and Implementation
  • Strong Knowledge: IT Governance, Enterprise IT Management, IT Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance

Teaching Philosophy:

Alistair believes in a practical, case-study-driven approach to COBIT training, focusing on real-world implementation challenges and solutions. His teaching philosophy emphasizes:

  • Understanding COBIT 2019 Principles: Deeply exploring the key concepts, principles, and components of the COBIT 2019 framework.
  • Applying COBIT 2019 in Practice: Providing practical guidance on designing and implementing a tailored governance framework using COBIT 2019.
  • Connecting Governance with Business Goals: Demonstrating how effective IT governance contributes to achieving enterprise objectives.
  • Exam Success Focus: Providing comprehensive preparation for COBIT 2019 Foundation and Design and Implementation exams.

Course Offerings:

Alistair offers a range of COBIT 2019 training programs:

  • COBIT® 2019 Foundation Certification Courses (In-Person and Virtual).
  • COBIT® 2019 Design and Implementation Workshops.
  • Customized COBIT 2019 Training for Organizations.

Why Choose Alistair?

  • Local Expertise: Based in Chicago, Alistair understands the US business and regulatory environment.
  • COBIT 2019 Focus: Expertise specifically in the latest version of the COBIT framework.
  • Practical Implementation Experience: Extensive experience in helping organizations adopt COBIT.
  • Clear and Engaging Instructor: Known for his ability to explain complex governance concepts clearly.

Location:

Alistair is based in Chicago, USA, and offers training across the USA and virtually.

Alistair Finch


Experience: 14 years

COBIT 2019 Foundation

Based in: New York, USA

Looking to master Agile and Scrum methodologies with a focus on EXIN Agile Scrum Master in the USA? Meet Emily Carter, a highly experienced and certified Agile and Scrum trainer based in New York. Emily is dedicated to helping individuals and teams adopt and excel with Agile and Scrum practices.

Professional Background:

Emily has over 10 years of experience working with Agile and Scrum frameworks in various industries, including software development, finance, and e-commerce in the USA. She has a deep understanding of different Agile approaches and is passionate about fostering high-performing teams.

Certifications & Strong Knowledge:

  • EXIN Agile Scrum Master
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
  • Agile Fundamentals
  • Strong Knowledge: Project Management Professional (PMP)®, Six Sigma, DevOps

Teaching Philosophy:

Emily believes in a practical, hands-on approach to Agile and Scrum training, focusing on real-world application and team collaboration. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes:

  • Interactive Learning: Utilizing simulations, group activities, and discussions to ensure practical understanding.
  • Agile Principles and Values: Deeply exploring the core values and principles of Agile and Scrum.
  • EXIN Agile Scrum Master Focus: Providing specific guidance and preparation for the EXIN certification.
  • Continuous Improvement: Fostering a mindset of continuous improvement within teams.

Course Offerings:

Emily offers a range of Agile and Scrum training programs:

  • EXIN Agile Scrum Master Certification Workshops (In-Person and Virtual).
  • Scrum Master Certification Courses (CSM).
  • Agile Fundamentals and Practitioner Courses.
  • Customized Agile and Scrum Training for Organizations.

Why Choose Emily?

  • Local Expertise: Based in New York, Emily understands the US business environment.
  • EXIN Certified: Holds the EXIN Agile Scrum Master certification.
  • Practical Experience: Extensive experience implementing Agile and Scrum in diverse settings.
  • Strong Knowledge Background: Comprehensive understanding of PMP, Six Sigma, and DevOps.

Location:

Emily is based in New York, USA, and offers training across the USA and virtually.

Emily Carter


Experience: 10 years

EXIN Agile Scrum Master Scrum Master Certification

Based in: Austin, Texas, USA

Are you ready to take your project management career to the next level and achieve your PMP certification? Look no further than Sarah Chen, a highly experienced and passionate project management professional dedicated to helping you succeed. With a proven track record of guiding individuals through the PMP exam process, Sarah brings a practical, engaging, and results-oriented approach to training.

Professional Background:

Sarah has over 15 years of experience leading and managing complex projects across diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Her hands-on experience provides her with a deep understanding of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) and its real-world application. She has successfully navigated various project methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid, giving her a comprehensive perspective on effective project management practices.

Certifications:

  • **Project Management Professional (PMP)**®
  • **Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)**®
  • **Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)**®
  • ITIL Foundation Certified

Teaching Philosophy:

Sarah believes that effective PMP training goes beyond simply memorizing facts. Her teaching philosophy centers around:

  • Practical Application: Connecting PMBOK® concepts to real-world scenarios and case studies.
  • Interactive Learning: Utilizing engaging discussions, group activities, and practice exercises to reinforce learning.
  • Personalized Guidance: Providing individual support and addressing specific learning needs.
  • Exam Readiness: Equipping students with effective test-taking strategies and ample practice questions to build confidence.

Course Offerings:

Sarah offers a range of PMP training options to suit different learning preferences and schedules, including:

  • Intensive PMP Exam Prep Bootcamps (In-Person and Virtual): Focused, fast-paced programs designed to cover all essential PMBOK® Guide knowledge areas and process groups.
  • Flexible Online PMP Training Courses: Self-paced modules with interactive elements, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
  • Customized Corporate PMP Training: Tailored programs designed to meet the specific needs of organizations looking to upskill their project management teams.

Why Choose Sarah?

  • Local Expertise: Based in Austin, Texas, Sarah understands the local business landscape and can provide relevant examples and insights.
  • Experienced Instructor: Her extensive project management experience and proven teaching abilities ensure you receive high-quality instruction.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Her courses are aligned with the latest PMBOK® Guide and cover all the necessary material for exam success.
  • Supportive Learning Environment: Sarah fosters a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning from each other.

Location:

Sarah is based in Austin, Texas, USA, and offers in-person training sessions within the region. She also provides virtual training options for individuals and teams across the United States.

Sarah Chen


Experience: 15 years

PMP Certification

Earn The Coveted Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation Certification

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