Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Combined

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Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Combined

What is MSP®?

Programme management helps deal with complex change by breaking it down into programmes of manageable, inter-related projects.

The MSP framework is a set of principles and processes for managing programmes of transformational change. The guidance is founded on best practice and yet can be tailored to organisational needs. MSP is equally suited to large and small organisations, in both the private and public sectors. The framework has been developed to help organisations achieve excellence by improving practices, offering better services and preparing more effectively for the future.

Is this course for you?

This course is suitable for project managers, programme managers, members of business change teams or programme offices and anyone wishing to understand the concepts underpinning the MSP framework.

The Practitioner level will also be suitable for senior responsible owners (SROs) and anyone targeting the implementation of the framework in addition to developing an understanding of its fundamental principles.

Accreditation / Qualification(s) offered

Successful completion of the 3 day Foundation level, including passing the exam, will result in candidates being awarded the MSP Foundation certification.

An additional 2 days will cover the Practitioner level of this training course. Candidates passing the Practitioner exam will be awarded the MSP Practitioner certification – this requires re-accreditation after 5 years.

Awarding organisation

AXELOS’ certifications are globally recognised and highly sought after by potential employers.

What this course includes

This price includes course and exam registration, the official ‘Managing Successful Programmes’ manual (which will be posted to you before commencement of a virtual training course) and, on passing the exam, appropriate MSP certificates from the examining body, PeopleCert.

MSP® is a (registered) Trade Mark of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.

Delivery methods:

  • Virtual LearningVirtual Learning
    Duration: 5 days
    This virtual course includes interaction and group-work to embed learning. We encourage use of cameras, and have regular breaks to maintain freshness and engagement.
  • Register your interest
  • Check mark icon5 Days
  • Check mark iconPeopleCert Certificate
  • Check mark icon5 Year Certification
Course Logo

At Foundation level, this course will include:

  • The difference between projects and programmes
  • Identifying the MSP defined types of programme and their characteristics
  • Explaining the benefits of applying the MSP guidance to the management of a programme of transformational change
  • The purpose and areas of focus for the MSP defined roles
  • The purpose of the 7 MSP principles, the 9 governance themes and the 6 transformational flow processes
  • MSP documentation and its purpose


    • The Foundation exam comprises:

  • 75 multiple choice questions per paper with one mark available per question
  • 35 marks required to pass (out of 70 marks available) – 50%
  • 60 minutes’ duration
  • Closed book (no reference material is allowed)


    • At Practitioner level, this course will include:

  • Identifying additional value as a result of managing the described change as an MSP programme
  • Explaining and applying each of the MSP principles, the governance themes and the transformational flow processes and their activities
  • Explaining the relationship between the MSP principles, governance themes, the transformational flow, programme information (documents) and the MSP defined programme management roles
  • Producing and evaluating examples of MSP programme information (documents).


    • The Practitioner exam comprises:

  • Objective testing
  • 8 questions per paper, 80 marks available in total
  • 40 marks required to pass – 50%
  • 2½ hours’ duration
  • Open book exam. (Candidates may use the official printed hard copy of the Managing Successful Programmes Guide. The manual may be annotated and tabulated but no sticky notes and loose leaf papers containing additional notes will be allowed.)


    • Due to the impact of the coronavirus, from 13 April to 30 September 2020 individuals are now permitted to print PDFs for exams and use PDFs or official e-books on a second e-device (portable digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops) during open book exams.

    To take the MSP Practitioner examination, you must hold a current MSP Foundation certification.

    The 3 day Foundation level of this course will enable you to:

    • Confidently communicate and interact with everyone involved in the management of a programme
    • Effectively execute your role as an informed member of a programme office, business change team or project delivery team working within an environment supporting MSP
    • Successfully pass the Foundation exam and qualify to progress to the Practitioner certification


    The additional 2 day Practitioner level of this course will enable you to:

    • Begin to apply the MSP programme management framework to design and deliver a roadmap for transformational change
    • Understand how to manage risks and opportunities
    • Recognise the issues around stakeholder management
    • Manage, lead, support or advise on work within an MSP environment

    Upcoming courses

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