Our combined course provides you with a structured learning path from core programme management principles through to practical application. You’ll develop the skills to lead complex change, align programmes with strategic goals, and manage multiple related projects effectively. On completion, you’ll earn both Foundation and Practitioner certifications.
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MSP® Foundation & Practitioner
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Learn essential skills
MSP 5th Edition Foundation & Practitioner course outline
Take the lead in programme management and change
Delivered over five days, the MSP Foundation & Practitioner course strengthens your awareness of programme management principles and builds the practical skills needed to manage interrelated projects. It enhances understanding of how to align outcomes with strategy, while advancing your professional development and readiness to deliver meaningful organisational change.
Learning objectives
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Explain the key concepts of programmes and the MSP framework
- Apply the MSP principles and understand their role within the framework
- Describe the MSP themes and show how they are tailored within a programme
- Outline the MSP processes and their application throughout a programme lifecycle
- Tailor MSP processes to suit different organisational and programme contexts
What you'll learn
During this course, you’ll learn how to apply the MSP framework to manage strategic objectives, oversee complex programmes, and drive lasting impact. Alongside this, you’ll explore management techniques, risk controls, and methods for achieving sustainable benefits in even the most challenging environments.
The core concepts of MSP
Understand how MSP provides a structured approach to programme management through its three core elements: principles, themes, and processes. Principles embed good practice and consistency across programmes; themes ensure alignment with business priorities; and processes guide delivery from start to finish. Together, these components help you manage change confidently and deliver outcomes that support long-term strategic goals.
Progressive delivery techniques
Learn how to break a programme into clearly defined stages to manage risk and deliver benefits in a controlled, step-by-step way. This staged approach allows you to respond to evolving business needs, adjust priorities when needed, and maintain direction. It helps sustain momentum, builds trust with stakeholders, and keeps programme delivery aligned with measurable objectives.
Programme benefits
Explore how to define, track and realise the benefits that programmes are designed to deliver. You’ll learn techniques to ensure each project contributes tangible value and supports wider strategic outcomes. With this focus on benefits management, you’ll gain the tools to monitor progress, communicate success to stakeholders, and drive purposeful, results-focused programme delivery.
What's included
- Accredited MSP 5th Edition Foundation & Practitioner course
- MSP 5th Edition Foundation and Practitioner exams
- Official MSP 5th Edition manual
- MSP 5th Edition process map
- Ongoing tutor support
- Optional extras, such as Take2 exam insurance, available at checkout
Key facts
Certification
MSP 5th Edition Foundation & Practitioner
Ideal for
Programme managers, project managers and senior project managers, business change managers, portfolio specialists, programme operations staff, and anyone involved in project delivery.
Prerequisites
No prior qualifications are required for the MSP Foundation exam. Passing the Foundation level is a requirement before sitting the Practitioner exam.
Exam information
The Foundation and Practitioner exams are delivered in different formats. Full details are available in the FAQs on this page.
Optional extras
Printed copy of the official MSP manual, MSP process map, and Take2 exam insurance
Pre-course
Completion of an online pre-course study is required for classroom and live virtual classroom bookings.
FAQs
Studying our combined MSP Foundation & Practitioner course provides you with a complete introduction to the Managing Successful Programmes framework, including core principles and practical application. It is designed to strengthen your ability to manage and deliver programmes successfully.
What is the pass mark for the MSP Foundation & Practitioner course?
The Foundation exam is a closed-book, multiple-choice paper lasting 60 minutes. It contains 60 questions, and the pass mark is 60%, which means you must achieve at least 36 correct answers.
The Practitioner exam is open book, also in multiple-choice format. It has 70 questions, lasts 150 minutes, and the pass mark is 60%, so you need at least 47 correct answers.
Do I need to renew my MSP Foundation and Practitioner certificates?
Both certifications must be renewed within three years of the date awarded to remain valid. PeopleCert offers several recertification routes, which you can view on their website.
How long is the MSP Foundation and Practitioner course?
The course duration depends on your chosen study option:
- eLearning: Around 42 hours of study, with 12 months’ access to the online learning platform.
- Classroom: Five-day in-person training.
- Live virtual classroom: Five-day interactive course delivered online.
- Blended: Includes 12 months’ access to Foundation eLearning (approx. 18 hours) plus two days of classroom or virtual workshops for the Practitioner element.
You have 12 months from your purchase date to sit both exams, and the Foundation exam must be passed before you can attempt the Practitioner exam.
How many certificates will I receive for the combined Foundation and Practitoner course?
You will receive two certificates – one for Foundation and one for Practitioner, both issued by PeopleCert.
What our learners say
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