Managing Successful Programmes Foundation & Practitioner (MSP®) 5th Edition (PRINCE2® Programme Management)
Level: Advanced, Intermediate
Train with Wales’ Leading MSP® Training Provider
Lead Complex Transformational Programmes with Confidence
Gain Both MSP® Foundation & Practitioner Certifications
Official MSP® Manual & Both Exams Included
Exam Pass Guarantee Included*
Welsh Government Funding Accepted
Course Overview
Duration:
5 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
Course Overview
Duration:
5 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
The accredited Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation and Practitioner course gives delegates a comprehensive understanding of the MSP framework and the practical knowledge needed to apply it in real-world programme environments.
PeopleCert now presents MSP as PRINCE2® Programme Management. The updated name brings MSP within the wider PRINCE2 portfolio while retaining the established MSP principles, practices and processes for successful programme management.
Based on the latest Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition guidance, the framework provides a proven and adaptable approach to managing transformational change. It helps organisations coordinate related projects and activities so they can deliver new capabilities, measurable outcomes, and strategic benefits successfully.
This combined course introduces the principles, themes and processes of MSP before developing the practical skills required to apply and tailor the framework. Delegates will learn how to integrate MSP with their organisation's existing governance arrangements, structures, and processes.
The course has been designed to help delegates understand and apply MSP, rather than simply prepare them to pass the examinations. It prepares learners for both the MSP Foundation and Practitioner examinations while providing practical guidance they can apply to their own programmes and organisations.
Please note: Delegates must complete pre-course study using the learning materials provided before attending the course. Additional self-study is also expected during the evenings of each training day.
Target Audience
• Programme Managers and aspiring Programme Managers
• Project Managers working within larger programmes
• Programme Office and Project Management Office professionals
• Business Change Managers
• Transformation and Change Professionals
• Programme Sponsors and Senior Responsible Owners
• Business Analysts
• Portfolio Managers
• Operational Managers involved in transformational change
• Consultants supporting programmes and organisational change
• Professionals responsible for programme governance, assurance or benefits management
• Anyone seeking a recognised qualification in programme management
By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able To:
• Understand the purpose, structure and key concepts of MSP
• Explain the MSP principles, themes and processes
• Understand the differences between projects, programmes and portfolios
• Establish effective governance and accountability within a programme
• Develop and communicate a compelling programme vision
• Align programmes with organisational strategy and objectives
• Identify, plan and manage programme benefits
• Engage stakeholders and support effective communication throughout a programme
• Manage programme risks, issues, dependencies and decisions
• Coordinate projects and other activities within a programme
• Apply and tailor MSP guidance to different programme environments and scenarios
• Support the successful delivery of transformational change
• Prepare confidently for the MSP Foundation and Practitioner examinations
Please note: the following MSP examination process will apply to every course:
- All MSP examinations are arranged and administered online directly by PeopleCert.
- Delegates will be provided with a PeopleCert examination voucher for each examination. The voucher for the Foundation examination includes access to the Official 5th Edition Managing Successful Programmes Manual e-book.
- On receipt of the voucher code, the delegate should create or log in to their candidate profile on the PeopleCert website to “redeem” the voucher and get access to the Managing Successful Programmes Manual e-book.
This accredited Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) training course includes the official e-manual and benefits from our Exam Pass Guarantee*.
The Managing Successful Programmes Foundation and Practitioner (MSP®) 5th Edition course is provided by Aims4change, an ATO/Affiliate of PeopleCert. MSP® is a registered trade mark of PeopleCert Group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved.
The accredited Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®) Foundation and Practitioner course gives delegates a comprehensive understanding of the MSP framework and the practical knowledge needed to apply it in real-world programme environments.
PeopleCert now presents MSP as PRINCE2® Programme Management. The updated name brings MSP within the wider PRINCE2 portfolio while retaining the established MSP principles, practices and processes for successful programme management.
Based on the latest Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition guidance, the framework provides a proven and adaptable approach to managing transformational change. It helps organisations coordinate related projects and activities so they can deliver new capabilities, measurable outcomes, and strategic benefits successfully.
This combined course introduces the principles, themes and processes of MSP before developing the practical skills required to apply and tailor the framework. Delegates will learn how to integrate MSP with their organisation's existing governance arrangements, structures, and processes.
The course has been designed to help delegates understand and apply MSP, rather than simply prepare them to pass the examinations. It prepares learners for both the MSP Foundation and Practitioner examinations while providing practical guidance they can apply to their own programmes and organisations.
Please note: Delegates must complete pre-course study using the learning materials provided before attending the course. Additional self-study is also expected during the evenings of each training day.
Target Audience
• Programme Managers and aspiring Programme Managers
• Project Managers working within larger programmes
• Programme Office and Project Management Office professionals
• Business Change Managers
• Transformation and Change Professionals
• Programme Sponsors and Senior Responsible Owners
• Business Analysts
• Portfolio Managers
• Operational Managers involved in transformational change
• Consultants supporting programmes and organisational change
• Professionals responsible for programme governance, assurance or benefits management
• Anyone seeking a recognised qualification in programme management
By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able To:
• Understand the purpose, structure and key concepts of MSP
• Explain the MSP principles, themes and processes
• Understand the differences between projects, programmes and portfolios
• Establish effective governance and accountability within a programme
• Develop and communicate a compelling programme vision
• Align programmes with organisational strategy and objectives
• Identify, plan and manage programme benefits
• Engage stakeholders and support effective communication throughout a programme
• Manage programme risks, issues, dependencies and decisions
• Coordinate projects and other activities within a programme
• Apply and tailor MSP guidance to different programme environments and scenarios
• Support the successful delivery of transformational change
• Prepare confidently for the MSP Foundation and Practitioner examinations
Please note: the following MSP examination process will apply to every course:
- All MSP examinations are arranged and administered online directly by PeopleCert.
- Delegates will be provided with a PeopleCert examination voucher for each examination. The voucher for the Foundation examination includes access to the Official 5th Edition Managing Successful Programmes Manual e-book.
- On receipt of the voucher code, the delegate should create or log in to their candidate profile on the PeopleCert website to “redeem” the voucher and get access to the Managing Successful Programmes Manual e-book.
This accredited Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) training course includes the official e-manual and benefits from our Exam Pass Guarantee*.
The Managing Successful Programmes Foundation and Practitioner (MSP®) 5th Edition course is provided by Aims4change, an ATO/Affiliate of PeopleCert. MSP® is a registered trade mark of PeopleCert Group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved.
Day 1
- Introduction to Programmes, Programme Management and MSP®
- The Three Lenses of the MSP® Framework
- MSP Principles
- MSP Themes
- MSP Processes
- Principles
- Organization Theme
- Design Theme
- Justification Theme
Day 2
- Structure Theme
- Knowledge Theme
- Assurance Theme
- Decisions Theme
Day 3
- MSP Processes
- Identify the Programme
- Design the Outcomes
- Plan Progressive Delivery
- Deliver the Capabilities
- Embed the Outcomes
- Evaluate new Information
- Close the Programme
- Online Foundation Examination – arranged through Peoplecert suggested timeslot 3pm onwards
Day 4
- The MSP® Practitioner examination explained
- Review of the MSP® programme management method
- Practitioner examination hints and tips
- MSP® Practitioner examination workshops
Day 5
- Practitioner examination preparation
- Online Practitioner Examination – arranged through Peoplecert suggested timeslot 12pm onwards
Please note if you are attending a classroom based MSP course, due to the exam process now being held online, delegates are NOT expected to travel to the venue on Day 5 in order to minimise travel times. Instead your course trainer will organise a virtual session to run in the morning of Day 5 for any delegates which require any pre-examination support.
Day 1
- Introduction to Programmes, Programme Management and MSP®
- The Three Lenses of the MSP® Framework
- MSP Principles
- MSP Themes
- MSP Processes
- Principles
- Organization Theme
- Design Theme
- Justification Theme
Day 2
- Structure Theme
- Knowledge Theme
- Assurance Theme
- Decisions Theme
Day 3
- MSP Processes
- Identify the Programme
- Design the Outcomes
- Plan Progressive Delivery
- Deliver the Capabilities
- Embed the Outcomes
- Evaluate new Information
- Close the Programme
- Online Foundation Examination – arranged through Peoplecert suggested timeslot 3pm onwards
Day 4
- The MSP® Practitioner examination explained
- Review of the MSP® programme management method
- Practitioner examination hints and tips
- MSP® Practitioner examination workshops
Day 5
- Practitioner examination preparation
- Online Practitioner Examination – arranged through Peoplecert suggested timeslot 12pm onwards
Please note if you are attending a classroom based MSP course, due to the exam process now being held online, delegates are NOT expected to travel to the venue on Day 5 in order to minimise travel times. Instead your course trainer will organise a virtual session to run in the morning of Day 5 for any delegates which require any pre-examination support.
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Foundation
- Exam time: 60 minutes
- Multiple-choice style: 60 questions
- Pass mark: (39/60) 60% or more
- Closed-book exam (i.e. no reference materials are allowed during the exam)
- Peoplecert emails your official results and e-certificate approximately 2 business days after completing the exam
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner
- Exam time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Multiple-choice style: 70 questions
- Pass mark: (42/70) 60% or more
- Open-book exam (i.e. you are allowed to have your own annotated copy of the Managing Successful Programmes 5th edition manual during the exam)
- Peoplecert emails your official results and e-certificate approximately 2 business days after completing the exam
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Foundation
- Exam time: 60 minutes
- Multiple-choice style: 60 questions
- Pass mark: (39/60) 60% or more
- Closed-book exam (i.e. no reference materials are allowed during the exam)
- Peoplecert emails your official results and e-certificate approximately 2 business days after completing the exam
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner
- Exam time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Multiple-choice style: 70 questions
- Pass mark: (42/70) 60% or more
- Open-book exam (i.e. you are allowed to have your own annotated copy of the Managing Successful Programmes 5th edition manual during the exam)
- Peoplecert emails your official results and e-certificate approximately 2 business days after completing the exam
- Five days training and examination preparation delivered by NILC’s accredited MSP trainer
- Comprehensive course notes, presentation slides and supporting learning materials
- Official MSP Foundation examination voucher
- Official MSP Practitioner examination voucher
- Official PRINCE2 Programme Management digital manual, based on the MSP 5th Edition guidance
- Exam Pass Guarantee – if you do not pass an examination after attending the course, you can retake the relevant training with NILC at no additional cost. You will only need to pay the examination fee charged by the examination institute.
- NILC course completion certificate
- Official MSP Foundation and Practitioner certifications upon successful completion of the respective examinations
- Five days training and examination preparation delivered by NILC’s accredited MSP trainer
- Comprehensive course notes, presentation slides and supporting learning materials
- Official MSP Foundation examination voucher
- Official MSP Practitioner examination voucher
- Official PRINCE2 Programme Management digital manual, based on the MSP 5th Edition guidance
- Exam Pass Guarantee – if you do not pass an examination after attending the course, you can retake the relevant training with NILC at no additional cost. You will only need to pay the examination fee charged by the examination institute.
- NILC course completion certificate
- Official MSP Foundation and Practitioner certifications upon successful completion of the respective examinations
There are no formal prerequisites for attending the MSP Foundation element of this course. However, delegates will benefit from some experience working on projects, programmes, organisational change, or business transformation.
Delegates must successfully complete the MSP Foundation examination before they can sit the MSP Practitioner examination.
Participants must complete preliminary study using the pre-course learning resources provided. Additional self-study and examination preparation will also be expected during the evenings of each course day.
There are no formal prerequisites for attending the MSP Foundation element of this course. However, delegates will benefit from some experience working on projects, programmes, organisational change, or business transformation.
Delegates must successfully complete the MSP Foundation examination before they can sit the MSP Practitioner examination.
Participants must complete preliminary study using the pre-course learning resources provided. Additional self-study and examination preparation will also be expected during the evenings of each course day.
How does the Exam Pass Guarantee work?
With our Exam Pass Guarantee, if you do not pass an examination after attending this training course with us, you will be eligible to attend the relevant training again free of charge.
You will need to pay the examination fee charged by the examination board when resitting an exam. Learners retaking the course must also reuse any materials or books supplied during their original course. Replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
Who is the MSP Foundation and Practitioner course suitable for?
The course is suitable for programme managers, project managers, business change managers, programme office professionals and anyone involved in directing, managing or supporting organisational change.
It is particularly valuable for professionals responsible for coordinating multiple related projects, delivering strategic change or ensuring that new capabilities result in measurable organisational benefits.
Are there any prerequisites for the combined MSP course?
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the MSP Foundation stage. However, learners will benefit from previous experience of working on projects, programmes or organisational change initiatives.
We also recommend completing a recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, before attending MSP. This provides a useful understanding of project delivery before progressing to programme management.
You must successfully complete MSP Foundation before taking the MSP Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
How does the Exam Pass Guarantee work?
With our Exam Pass Guarantee, if you do not pass an examination after attending this training course with us, you will be eligible to attend the relevant training again free of charge.
You will need to pay the examination fee charged by the examination board when resitting an exam. Learners retaking the course must also reuse any materials or books supplied during their original course. Replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
Who is the MSP Foundation and Practitioner course suitable for?
The course is suitable for programme managers, project managers, business change managers, programme office professionals and anyone involved in directing, managing or supporting organisational change.
It is particularly valuable for professionals responsible for coordinating multiple related projects, delivering strategic change or ensuring that new capabilities result in measurable organisational benefits.
Are there any prerequisites for the combined MSP course?
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the MSP Foundation stage. However, learners will benefit from previous experience of working on projects, programmes or organisational change initiatives.
We also recommend completing a recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, before attending MSP. This provides a useful understanding of project delivery before progressing to programme management.
You must successfully complete MSP Foundation before taking the MSP Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
Dates & Prices
Upcoming Courses
Live Instructor-Led Virtual
Spaces: Available
Start Date: Mon 23 November 2026
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How we deliver our courses
Virtual
Our virtual courses allow you to access live instructor-led training from the same expert instructors that deliver our classroom courses, without leaving the comfort of your home or office. All virtual courses are fully interactive, and learners can communicate with their trainer and peers at any time.
Many of our virtual courses are also recorded, so you can recap over the content you learnt as many time as you wish.
Classroom
Our classroom courses allow you to learn and interact face-to-face with our expert instructors in a comfortable and modern training environment. All of our classroom based courses take place at NILC centers, or high quality training facilities, and include all required IT and physical equipment.
We also limit our class sizes to help promote better discussions and to ensure your learning experience is comfortable as possible.
Onsite
Save time and hassle by arranging for one of our expert instructors to come to you. Our onsite courses allow you to learn in a location of your choosing, and you can train as many or as few people as you want – from a single person or team to whole departments. We can also fully customize the course content to the specific requirements of your business or project.
We offer onsite courses throughout the UK and it can be a great team building opportunity for colleagues to come together, bond and discuss.
Online
Our Online Self Paced courses allow you to learn new skills from our expert instructors, in your own time and at your own pace. Our flexible online learning platform allows you to access content on your computer, tablet or mobile device, whether you’re on the move or at home. All our online courses come with immediate access and you can start learning straight away, from any internet enabled compatible device.
We also offer online email support from our expert instructors, so they’re always on hand and happy to help you with any questions which may arise.
Why choose NILC for your training?
Award-Winning Training with Industry-Leading Customer Satisfaction
Trusted Training Partner by Colleges, Government Organisations and Businesses
UK-Based Trainers with Real-World Industry Experience
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Frequently Asked Questions
With our Exam Pass Guarantee, if you do not pass an examination after attending this training course with us, you will be eligible to attend the relevant training again free of charge.
You will need to pay the examination fee charged by the examination board when resitting an exam. Learners retaking the course must also reuse any materials or books supplied during their original course. Replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
The course is suitable for programme managers, project managers, business change managers, programme office professionals and anyone involved in directing, managing or supporting organisational change.
It is particularly valuable for professionals responsible for coordinating multiple related projects, delivering strategic change or ensuring that new capabilities result in measurable organisational benefits.
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the MSP Foundation stage. However, learners will benefit from previous experience of working on projects, programmes or organisational change initiatives.
We also recommend completing a recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, before attending MSP. This provides a useful understanding of project delivery before progressing to programme management.
You must successfully complete MSP Foundation before taking the MSP Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
Project management focuses on delivering defined outputs within an agreed scope, budget and timescale. Programme management coordinates related projects and change activities to deliver strategic outcomes and long-term organisational benefits.
MSP provides a structured framework for managing this broader transformation while staying aligned with an organisation’s strategy and objectives.
You will learn about the MSP principles, themes and processes and how they work together through the framework’s three lenses. Topics include programme organisation, programme design, justification, structure, knowledge, assurance and decision-making.
You will also explore how to identify a programme, design outcomes, plan progressive delivery, deliver capabilities, embed outcomes, evaluate new information and close a programme.
Foundation develops your understanding of MSP terminology, principles, themes, processes and programme-management concepts.
Practitioner develops your ability to apply and tailor MSP within realistic programme scenarios. It focuses on using the framework to make appropriate decisions and manage complex transformational change.
The Foundation examination consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and lasts 60 minutes. It is a closed-book exam, so reference materials cannot be used.
You must achieve at least 60%, equivalent to 36 correct answers out of 60, to pass.
The Practitioner examination contains 58 questions with sub-questions worth a total of 70 marks. It lasts two hours and 30 minutes and uses an objective-testing, scenario-based format.
The examination is open book, allowing you to use your annotated copy of the official Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition manual. You must achieve at least 42 marks out of 70, equivalent to 60%, to pass.
Yes. The course includes PeopleCert examination vouchers for both the MSP Foundation and Practitioner exams, each valid for 12 months. You will also receive the official Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition manual as an e-book, together with course notes, slides, diagrams and sample examination papers.
Pre-course study is required, and you will receive an MSP workbook to complete before the training begins. Further evening study may also be necessary during the course.
Yes. NILC can deliver the course through classroom, live instructor-led virtual and onsite training. Virtual courses are live and interactive, while classroom courses provide face-to-face tuition. Onsite delivery can also be arranged for organisations wishing to train employees at their own premises.
Recordings of each training day are included with live virtual courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
With our Exam Pass Guarantee, if you do not pass an examination after attending this training course with us, you will be eligible to attend the relevant training again free of charge.
You will need to pay the examination fee charged by the examination board when resitting an exam. Learners retaking the course must also reuse any materials or books supplied during their original course. Replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
The course is suitable for programme managers, project managers, business change managers, programme office professionals and anyone involved in directing, managing or supporting organisational change.
It is particularly valuable for professionals responsible for coordinating multiple related projects, delivering strategic change or ensuring that new capabilities result in measurable organisational benefits.
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the MSP Foundation stage. However, learners will benefit from previous experience of working on projects, programmes or organisational change initiatives.
We also recommend completing a recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, before attending MSP. This provides a useful understanding of project delivery before progressing to programme management.
You must successfully complete MSP Foundation before taking the MSP Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
Project management focuses on delivering defined outputs within an agreed scope, budget and timescale. Programme management coordinates related projects and change activities to deliver strategic outcomes and long-term organisational benefits.
MSP provides a structured framework for managing this broader transformation while staying aligned with an organisation’s strategy and objectives.
You will learn about the MSP principles, themes and processes and how they work together through the framework’s three lenses. Topics include programme organisation, programme design, justification, structure, knowledge, assurance and decision-making.
You will also explore how to identify a programme, design outcomes, plan progressive delivery, deliver capabilities, embed outcomes, evaluate new information and close a programme.
Foundation develops your understanding of MSP terminology, principles, themes, processes and programme-management concepts.
Practitioner develops your ability to apply and tailor MSP within realistic programme scenarios. It focuses on using the framework to make appropriate decisions and manage complex transformational change.
The Foundation examination consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and lasts 60 minutes. It is a closed-book exam, so reference materials cannot be used.
You must achieve at least 60%, equivalent to 36 correct answers out of 60, to pass.
The Practitioner examination contains 58 questions with sub-questions worth a total of 70 marks. It lasts two hours and 30 minutes and uses an objective-testing, scenario-based format.
The examination is open book, allowing you to use your annotated copy of the official Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition manual. You must achieve at least 42 marks out of 70, equivalent to 60%, to pass.
Yes. The course includes PeopleCert examination vouchers for both the MSP Foundation and Practitioner exams, each valid for 12 months. You will also receive the official Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition manual as an e-book, together with course notes, slides, diagrams and sample examination papers.
Pre-course study is required, and you will receive an MSP workbook to complete before the training begins. Further evening study may also be necessary during the course.
Yes. NILC can deliver the course through classroom, live instructor-led virtual and onsite training. Virtual courses are live and interactive, while classroom courses provide face-to-face tuition. Onsite delivery can also be arranged for organisations wishing to train employees at their own premises.
Recordings of each training day are included with live virtual courses.
Trusted By
Related Courses
Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner (MSP®) 5th Edition (PRINCE2® Programme Management)
Level: Advanced
2 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited: Yes
Funding: ReAct
Managing Successful Programmes Foundation (MSP®) 5th Edition (PRINCE2® Programme Management)
Level: Intermediate
3 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited: Yes
Funding: ReAct