What are the MSP Certifications?

Managing Successful Programmes, or MSP, is a framework adopted by organisations all over the world. It helps to establish best practice to deliver transformational change, often in situations where there are large and complex structures to contend with.

For those looking to apply MSP principles to their work, they would first need to gain MSP certifications. There are two main MPS certifications, these are MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner.

In this article, we will look at the role MSP plays within the wider project management community. We will also look at who is best placed to embark on MSP training. And finally, we will look at some of the benefits this type of training can bring to your career. 

If you are interested in MSP training, Training Bytesize offers competitively priced courses which are rigorous and flexible. You can choose to take the course onsite or online. The online option is one of the most flexible available and will allow you to train around your existing commitments.

If you are interested in the MSP training programme, read on to discover how it could help transform your career.

What is the MSP organisation?

MSP is part of the Axelos organisation. was formed by two organisations, Capita plc and the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government. Both recognised the need to develop global best practice methodologies in project management.

MSP is just one of the qualifications offered by Axelos. Axelos is also responsible for Prince2 and ITIL qualifications. While Axelos sets the syllabus and the exams, the courses are delivered by a series of facilitators. 

What qualifications are available?

There are two main qualifications available under the MSP umbrella. These are the foundation and practitioner course. As is suggested by the names of the courses, the former offers an introduction to MSP principles while the latter offers a more in-depth examination.

MSP Foundation and Practitioner Course :

At Training Bytesize, we offer the MSP Foundation and Practitioner courses as one package. This allows you to start from the very beginning and gain a high level of MSP certification at the end. For those who need to fast-track their success, this can be a great option. By the end of the course, you will have developed a working knowledge of the following principles:

• Organisation and office management
• Developing vision and strategy
• Leadership
• Stakeholder engagement
• Benefits management
• Blueprint design and effective delivery
• Planning and controls methodologies
• Risk management
• An understanding of the business case
• Quality and assurance management
• Transformational methods and flow
• Reflective approaches

If you are a newly appointed programme manager and you wish to get up to speed with MSP principles, this course will offer everything you need to succeed. It is also an ideal addition to your CV if you are a business change manager, or a department manager, among others.

You will have to sit 2 exams to complete the course and gain your qualification. The first is the foundation exam. This is a 1 hour, closed book exam. You will need to answer 75 questions and gain a score of 65% or above to pass.

The second exam is the practitioner exam. This is a two-and-a-half-hour open book exam. You will have to answer 8 questions with 10 marks available per question. You need a score of 50% to pass.

MSP Foundation Course :

The foundation course will introduce the core principles of MSP and help to bring you up to speed. If you have just started working in programmes management or would like to pivot your career in this direction, this is a great place to start.

If you are dealing with any degree of change within your organisation, large or small, then the MPS programme can help you to identify areas of weakness and then implement successful strategies for change and growth.

As mentioned above, the exam at the end of the course is 1 hour long and a multiple-choice format. You will not be able to use your notes or your study guide.

What will I learn?

MSP is used in organisations both large and small to implement change. Change is an inevitable factor in modern business, and the MSP framework helps programme managers to implement best practice for business success.

Using the MSP training programme will teach you the following:

• Understand how projects fit into a complete system
• Develop a vocabulary that will allow you to communicate your thoughts to others within your organisation
• Develop a working knowledge of the principles and processes of programme management
• Develop a solution-based approach to many popular programme management issues
• How to proceed when putting in position to direct an organisation’s strategy

MSP will put you on a fast-track career path. It is a very advanced and technical qualification that will give you skills that are highly applicable to the modern workforce. This will help you to stand out in interviews and ensure that employers know you are committed to a career in programme management.

How long is MSP practitioner valid for?

The MSP Foundation qualification does not expire. This qualification is the only prerequisite to joining the MSP practitioner course. The MSP practitioner certificate is valid for 5 years. In order to maintain your Practitioner status, you will either need to resit the exam, or you can take the CPD route. The CPD route will require you to have an active My MSP subscription which costs £50+VAT per year. You will then be able to maintain your MSP certification through CPD points and a digital badge.

Why choose Training Bytesize?

When choosing a course provider, flexibility is key. With our online and distance learning options, you can take your career into your own hands and develop your skills from anywhere in the world. By fitting in your training around your career, you will ensure that the information and skills you learn during the course will be directly applicable to your work. This kind of learning helps to foster a lifelong commitment to continued professional development.