The P3O Foundation qualification is an accredited course that introduces the Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices model. It shows how Project Management Offices (PMOs) can be designed and managed to support projects, programmes and portfolios across organisations of any size.
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P3O® Foundation
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Learn how P3O strengthens project, programme and portfolio success
The P3O Foundation course gives you the knowledge needed to design and support effective project, programme and portfolio offices. It explains the value of P3O in aligning change initiatives with business strategy and introduces the key principles, terminology and practices that underpin this best practice framework.
Learning objectives
- Explain the purpose and benefits of a P3O model within an organisation
- Distinguish between project, programme and portfolio management approaches
- Understand the environments in which P3O operates
- Explore the core principles that drive successful PMOs
- Identify methods for implementing and sustaining a P3O framework
- Learn the roles, responsibilities and functions that support governance and delivery
- Recognise the main processes, documents and techniques used across portfolio management
- Understand how P3O supports decision-making, prioritisation and resource allocation
What you'll learn
The P3O Foundation course introduces a framework for establishing and managing portfolio, programme and project offices. You’ll explore the services they provide, the models available, how to run them effectively, and how to justify their value. This knowledge helps you support better decision-making and delivery.
P3O roles and responsibilities
Gain a clear understanding of the people who make a P3O work. From senior leaders who champion change to analysts and support staff who manage data and reporting, you’ll see how responsibilities differ at project, programme and portfolio levels. This course also highlights how clearly defined roles contribute to stronger governance, more reliable assurance, and greater alignment between strategy and delivery.
Designing P3O models
Explore the different ways P3Os can be structured, whether as a temporary office supporting a single project or a permanent function serving an entire organisation. You’ll compare various design options, weigh up their benefits and limitations, and learn how to choose a model that reflects organisational needs. Practical guidance on scalability, integration with existing governance, and tailoring to specific contexts is also included.
Running a P3O
Learn what’s required to keep a P3O functioning day-to-day. This includes using dashboards, portals and reporting systems to provide decision makers with accurate insights in real time. You’ll also look at methods for prioritising initiatives, tracking benefits, monitoring risks, and allocating resources effectively. Real-world tools such as knowledge management systems and workflow mapping techniques are introduced, showing how they support efficiency and continuous improvement.
Business case development
Understand why a strong business case is essential for securing support for a P3O. You’ll explore how to define scope, benefits, expected outcomes and costs, as well as techniques for presenting the case persuasively to senior stakeholders. This part of the course also explains how business cases should be maintained, ensuring they reflect ongoing performance, value and changing organisational priorities.
What's included
- Accredited P3O Foundation training
- P3O Foundation exam
- Official P3O manual
- Expert tutor support throughout your course
- Access to resources and learning materials for 12 months
- Optional Take2 exam resit service
Key facts
Certification
P3O Foundation
Ideal for
Senior Responsible Owners, Programme Directors, Portfolio, Programme and Project Managers, and PMO professionals
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this certification
Exam information
75 minutes, multiple choice, closed book, 50% pass, online remote proctoring
Optional extras
Hard copy of the P3O manual, Take2 exam insurance
Pre-course
Mandatory online preparation for classroom or live virtual classroom learning
FAQs
The P3O Foundation course is designed for anyone looking to understand how portfolio, programme and project offices work. It covers the principles, functions and services of a P3O model.
What does the P3O Foundation qualification involve?
The P3O Foundation course introduces you to the Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices framework. You’ll learn the terminology, principles, roles and model structures that help organisations run PMOs effectively. It also prepares you for the PeopleCert-accredited exam, ensuring you have the essential knowledge needed to contribute to the setup and operation of P3Os in practice.
How long does it take to complete the training?
The length of the course depends on your chosen study option. Classroom and live virtual classroom formats are delivered over three consecutive days with an accredited trainer. The eLearning option is self-paced, taking around 18 hours to complete, and you’ll have access to the learning materials for 12 months. All formats include the official exam.
What format is the P3O Foundation exam?
The exam is a 75-minute, online, multiple-choice test delivered under remote proctoring. You’ll answer 75 questions, of which 70 count towards your score and 5 are trial questions. To pass, you’ll need to achieve at least 35 marks (50%). The exam is closed book, meaning no reference materials are allowed.
Do I need experience before taking the P3O Foundation course?
While no prior project management qualifications or experience are required, we would recommend you be experienced working in project, programme, or portfolio management before starting this course. A familiarity with project management concepts will be helpful in understanding the material more quickly.
What our learners say
"Quick to book and gain access to the course. The online material is well put together and prepares you well.”
Benjamin Daniell, PRINCE2.com learner
"The eLearning course was very clearly structured, and the various tasks well laid out."
Aurelie Castinel, PRINCE2.com learner
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