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Managing Successful Programmes courses

Master the MSP framework to enhance your programme management skills. Our courses combine theory with practical applications for real-world effectiveness.

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How MSP training can help you…

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Start a career in programme management
Plan your programme management career by learning about MSP. Get into programme management by gaining MSP certification.
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Learn to manage programmes effectively
Improve as a programme manager by learning a range of new tools and techniques. Learn to apply the MSP principles and processes on your programmes.
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Advance your career with an MSP certification
Demonstrate your abilities as an experienced programme manager. Show your commitment to professional development with an MSP certification.
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) certification

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) certification

What is Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)?

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) was developed by AXELOS (the owners of the PRINCE2 method). MSP is a best-practice program management framework. It was designed to help align programmes and their constituent projects with organisational strategy.

MSP focuses on the delivery of beneficial outcomes. It mitigates much of the risk inherent to large, complex programmes by turning large enterprise-wide initiatives into a series of more manageable inter-related projects.

The MSP framework is incredibly flexible and can be tailored to suit any programme context.

What is MSP made up of?

MSP is composed of 5 different elements:

MSP Principles

  • MSP Principles are the thoughts and ideas which help keep MSP programmes consistent and productive. They are derived from lessons learned from previous programme experiences and underpin the success of any transformational change. When making decisions using the MSP framework, you can be confident that your choices are supported by decades of experience.
MSP Governance Themes
  • The MSP Governance Themes helps organisations pick the right leadership team and help ensure that all required controls and in place, mitigating risks and giving you the best chance of success. They are used to guide decision-making and planning.
MSP Transformational Flow
  • The MSP Transformational Flow describes what must be done at every step in the programme management lifecycle, guiding programme managers from conception through to the delivery of benefits.
MSP official guidance
  • Managing Successful Programmes (5th ed.)
MSP certification
  • A comprehensive certification scheme, including MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner certifications.

When do organisations need to use MSP?

A programme is designed as a temporary, flexible structure created to coordinate a set of related projects. While small projects might be completed in a single day, programmes are likely to have a lifespan of several years.

To treat an initiative as a programme there must be a justification for introducing a layer of management between corporate portfolio management and project management.

Programmes often have the following characteristics:

  • They meet an important strategic need, and as such, require high-level leadership and direction.
  • They rely on the output of multiple smaller projects, each requiring a unique set of personnel, skills, and tools.

The need for an enterprise-wide initiative or change programme is often driven by:

  • A new policy initiative or change in organisational culture
  • The need to ensure compliance with new legislation, laws, and regulations
  • An effort to adapt to new, industry-changing technologies.
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Is MSP certification popular?

Is MSP certification popular?

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) qualification is one of the leading programme management methods in the world.

MSP was developed using feedback gathered from leading programme managers to create an accessible, applicable framework based on learned experience and practical tools.

In the UK, the certification of choice for programme managers is MSP.

How can MSP help my organisation?

MSP, like PRINCE and other AXELOS products, is based upon proven best practices and is updated regularly to reflect modern thinking and approaches to programme management. The latest version of MSP was updated in 2020 (Managing Successful Programmes – 5th ed).

MSP offers the following benefits for organisations:

  • MSP provides step-by-step guidance for managing complexity and resources.
  • MSP aligns projects and programmes to organisational strategy.
  • MSP delivers strategic programmes and multiple projects to realise benefits.
  • MSP offers a proven, reliable, and repeatable approach to programme management.
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What is MSP certification?

What is MSP certification?

In addition to being a best-practice programme management framework, MSP is also a certification scheme. There are 2 levels of MSP certification: MSP Foundation certification and MSP Practitioner certification.

MSP Foundation certification

MSP Foundation certification candidates demonstrate their understanding of the MSP framework and MSP terminology. Successful candidates demonstrate their understanding of the guidance sufficiently to work in a team to deliver or manage a programme.

Who is it for?

MSP Foundation certification is for individuals interested to learn how to manage multiple projects and programmes successfully. This certification is designed to help the following people gain sufficient understanding of MSP to work effectively in large scale project or programme environments:

  • Programme managers
  • Project managers
  • Programme office staff
  • Business change managers
  • Programme and project delivery team members.
MSP Foundation exam
  • Style: Multiple-choice
  • Questions: 60
  • Pass mark: 60% (36/60)
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Materials allowed: Closed-book
  • Prerequisites: None.

MSP Practitioner certification

MSP Practitioner certification builds on the Foundation level. Successful candidates demonstrate their ability to apply the MSP framework to real-life scenarios.

Who is it for?

MSP Practitioner certification is for these managers who are interested to learn how to apply MSP to real-life programme scenarios:

  • Programme managers
  • Project managers
  • Business change managers.
MSP Practitioner exam
  • Style: Multiple-choice
  • Questions: 70
  • Pass mark: 60% (42/70)
  • Duration: 150 minutes
  • Materials allowed: Open-book
  • Prerequisites: MSP Foundation.

How to earn your MSP certification

To can earn your MSP certification by enrolling on an instructor-led MSP course. Our instructor-led courses take place in one of 2 ways:

  • As a traditional physical classroom course – you must travel to the training venue, or
  • As a virtual classroom course – you participate over the internet using a computer and headset (and optional video camera) using our advanced virtual learning technology.

In both types of instructor-led course you receive face-to-face tuition from one of our experienced programme management trainers.

Instructor-led courses

All instructor-led courses are taught by experienced MSP trainers and offer the benefits of face-to-face learning with an experienced tutor. To participate in an instructor-led MSP course, you must be able to commit to a fixed classroom schedule.

To check whether there is a classroom instructor-led MSP course in your area, or a virtual instructor-led course hosted on the internet, please check the dates on the MSP Foundation page or MSP Practitioner page.

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Self-paced learning

Self-paced learning

Self-paced learning has had many different names over the years, including distance learning, computer-based training (CBT), and e-Learning (or elearning). We prefer to use the term ‘self-paced’ because you can stop and start your MSP learning whenever, and wherever you want.

Read the benefits of self-paced learning below to learn more about why self-paced learning is a great way to learn about and gain your MSP qualification.

Self-paced training benefits

Self-paced training benefits

Saves you time
  • Especially if you are a busy professional, you often cannot afford the time to attend fixed-schedule MSP training course.
Saves you money
  • If you are a freelancer or contractor, you lose money if you take time off work to attend a fixed-schedule MSP classroom course.
Learn at your own pace
  • You can study MSP whenever and wherever you want and use any device (desktop, tablet, or mobile) on any platform (Windows, Mac, IOS, Android) with an internet connection.
Support provided
  • As a student on our self-paced MSP online courses, you have access to an expert trainer who aims to answer all questions within 1 business day.
Best practice design
  • Our online MSP courses are designed to engage your brain, with the aim to promote longer lasting and deeper understanding of core MSP concepts.
Long validity
  • You have access to our self-paced MSP online courses for 12 months and can take your MSP certification exam any time within this period.
Online exam
  • Your self-paced online course includes the MSP exams taken online so you can gain your MSP qualification from home.
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About self-paced training

About self-paced training

Learning technology

These self-paced online MSP courses have been designed with the latest web technologies. The courses are fully responsive and fit any device and screen size. No browser plugins or installation files are required.

Best practice design

Our self-paced online MSP courses are highly interactive, and exercises have been designed to aid a deeper understanding, leading to longer-lasting learning.

These self-paced online MSP courses have been designed using the latest best practices in instructional design, including:

Micro-learning

These are short chunks of content taking just a few minutes to complete.

Gamification

Selective use of gamified elements to promote playful elements into the learning process.

Learning Management System (LMS)

A modern LMS which remembers where you are and allows you easy access to all your learning content.

Quizzes

Lots of quizzes to check your knowledge at the end of each topic.

Audio

Selective use of audio to enhance, which avoids ‘overloading’ the student with ‘too much information’.

Accessibility standards

Meeting many of the recommended accessibility standards from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Many companies develop online training cheaply just by filming a trainer in a classroom. We do not think that’s a good way to help students learn, nor does it engage learners.

We are confident that our interactive MSP elearning will help you gain an understanding of programme management so that you can sit your MSP exams with confidence.

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MSP Foundation course details

Course format

  • Instructor-led or self-paced online training.

Course includes

  • Accredited instructor-led tuition from an experienced MSP trainer, or accredited self-paced MSP Foundation online course
  • MSP manual – Managing Successful Programmes (5th ed.) digital copy
  • Sample MSP Foundation exams
  • MSP Foundation exam.
  • 1-month free AXELOS membership with every used Foundation exam voucher.

Course times

  • Instructor-led classroom MSP Foundation courses are held over 2 days from 9 am to 5 pm.
  • 1-year access to self-paced online MSP course.

Learning outcomes

  • This MSP Foundation training teaches students sufficient understanding of the MSP framework and MSP terminology to work in a team to deliver or manage a programme.

Course content

This MSP Foundation course covers the following topics:

  • MSP terminology
  • Key concepts relating to programmes and MSP
  • How the MSP principles underpin the MSP framework
  • The MSP themes and how they are applied
  • The MSP processes and how they are carried out.

Prerequisites

  • None.
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MSP Practitioner course details

Course format

  • Instructor-led or self-paced online training.

Course includes

  • Accredited instructor-led tuition from an experienced MSP trainer, or accredited self-paced MSP Practitioner online course
  • Sample MSP Practitioner exams
  • MSP Practitioner exam.
  • 1-month free AXELOS membership with every used Practitioner exam voucher.

Course times

  • Instructor-led classroom MSP Practitioner courses are held over 2 days from 9 am to 5 pm.
  • 1-year access to self-paced online MSP course.

Learning outcomes

  • MSP Practitioner training teaches students how to apply the MSP framework to real-life programme scenarios.

Course content

This MSP Practitioner training covers the following topics:

  • How to apply the MSP principles in context
  • How to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP themes in context
  • How to apply and tailor relevant aspects of the MSP processes in context.

Prerequisites

  • MSP Foundation.
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Enhance your skills with our expert-led courses

Michelle Rowland

Knowledge Train | Consultants Trainers | Michelle Rowland

Jumoke Ogunbekun

Knowledge Train | Consultants Trainers | Jumoke Ogunbekun

MSP training – frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is Knowledge Train accredited for MSP training?

Yes. Knowledge Train is an AXELOS Accredited Training Organisation for MSP.

Why choose Knowledge Train over other course providers?

Knowledge Train only hires the most experienced programme management professionals and AXELOS-certified MSP trainers to help deliver our world-class training.

Our instructor-led classroom classes are taught by the best programme management trainers in the UK. Each is a training expert with years of applied experience working as a programme manager. They help deliver a high quality of training you won’t find elsewhere!

If you’d like to try our instructor-led training and learn how we run our virtual classroom courses, give our team a call on +44 (0)207 148 5985 and we’ll find you a place on our next available course.

Should I take an instructor-led or self-paced course?

We’ve designed our instructor-led training to give you the best possible chance to learn about MSP and pass your MSP exams. Simply choose the MSP course format that best suits your needs.

You should take instructor-led MSP classroom training if any of the following apply:

  • You can commit to a fixed classroom schedule
  • You’d like to earn your MSP certification as quickly as possible
  • You prefer face-to-face learning with a trainer
  • You enjoy learning in a social environment with other students.

You should take a self-paced MSP online course if any of the following apply:

  • You cannot commit to a fixed classroom schedule
  • You cannot travel to a classroom training venue
  • You prefer to learn at your own pace.

Should I take an MSP Foundation or MSP Practitioner course?

Instructor-led MSP Foundation training is best suited to the following people who want to learn to manage multiple projects and programmes successfully:

  • Programme managers
  • Project managers
  • Business change managers
  • Programme and project delivery team members
  • Programme management office personnel.

Instructor-led MSP Practitioner training is best suited to the following people who want to learn to apply the MSP framework to real-life programme scenarios:

  • Programme managers
  • Project managers
  • Business change managers
  • Programme and project delivery team members
  • Portfolio management staff
  • Specialist programme staff.

Does my MSP certification expire?

You will need to renew your MSP Foundation and Practitioner certifications after 3 years. All Foundation and Practitioner certifications issued on or before 30 June 2020 will have a renew by date of 1 July 2023.

Foundation certifications that have passed their renew by date will still be accepted as pre-requisites for further certification.

To keep your MSP certification up to date, you can choose any one of 3 ways provided by PeopleCert and AXELOS.

  1. Retake the same exam before the renewal date.
  2. Take further courses and certifications by attending another course and taking an exam within the same product suite before the renewal date.
  3. From March 2023, renew your certification by collecting and logging Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. See AXELOS for more details.
    There is also free membership for one month when you use your exam voucher.

When do I receive my MSP certificate?

All exam results and certifications are administered by PeopleCert.

MSP Foundation official exam results and digital certificate are issued within 1 working day of submitting your exam.

MSP Practitioner official exam results and digital certificate are issued within 3 working days of submitting your exam.

When do I receive my MSP handbook?

Instructor-led students

If you live in the United Kingdom, you will receive your handbook via courier in a timely manner before the start of your MSP course.

If you live outside the UK, you will receive a digital copy of the MSP Handbook via email. You can still elect to receive a hard copy of the MSP handbook, but you must pay an additional postage fee.

How can I prepare for the course?

If you’ve enrolled in our instructor-led MSP course, we’ll provide introductory reading to help you familiarise yourself with basic terms and concepts of MSP before the course begins.

This reading should take no more than 2-3 hours and provides a basic overview of some of the topics you’ll encounter on the first day of your MSP course.

When can I take my MSP exam?

As a student learning on an instructor-led MSP course, your instructor may set aside time during training hours within which to take the exams.

You are not obligated to sit the exams at this time however and can book your MSP exams whenever is most convenient for you.

As a student learning using a self-paced MSP online course, you can choose to sit your exam(s) whenever you feel ready. The only requirement is that you sit your MSP online exam(s) within 12 months of purchase of the self-paced course.

Do I receive any support to help me pass my MSP exams?

Our instructor-led MSP training courses are taught by experienced MSP trainers and will teach you everything you need to know to pass the MSP exams.

In addition, you’ll receive official sample exams that match the style, form, and content of questions you will be asked in your MSP exams.

Student of our instructor-led virtual classroom MSP training can also watch recordings of all training sessions for later review.

Your self-paced MSP online course is designed to help you learn fast and retain information longer, making it an ideal preparation for sitting your exam(s).

The online self-paced training also contains official sample exams that match the style, form, and content of questions you will be asked in your MSP online exams.

Students also benefit from having access to a dedicated expert trainer who is available to answer your questions via email. Our trainers will try to respond to any queries you may have within 1 working day.

How long do I have to complete my MSP online training?

As a student of our self-paced MSP online course, you will have access to the online materials for 12 months after purchase.

Can my company use your MSP self-paced courses on its LMS?

Yes. For organisations wanting to train lots of staff members, our MSP training courses are available for hosting on your organisation’s Learning Management System (LMS).

Our self-paced MSP training courses use industry standard SCORM and TinCan API formats that are used by modern Learning Management Systems.

Please call our team on +44 (0)207 148 5985 for more details about hosting our MSP online courses on your own LMS.

Is there any homework?

If studying through an instructor-led MSP training course, our trainers will assign you homework of approximately 1-2 hours of homework at the end of each day.

Homework may include reading assignments, pop-quizzes, and other beneficial revision exercises.

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