What is MSP?

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a professional certification course that adopts programme management best practices for the delivery of successful programmes and change initiatives. MSP offers all types of organizations (large or small, private or public) guidance in order to achieve successful transformational change and excellence. It introduces a best practice framework that focuses on outcomes. Thus, challenges and risks are anticipated and address effectively.

MSP ensures that a strong leadership is established in an organization to manage programmes within a range of circumstances.

MSP accreditation

Harrybaker training Institute is fully accredited to train individuals and organizations on MSP by APMG, the licensed exam Institute. Harrybaker training Institute ensures that MSP training is delivered with high standards.

MSP qualifications

The MSP qualifications are designed to certify candidates in the management of successful programmes. Three (3) qualifications are available for MSP as follows:

    Foundation

    Practitioner

    Advanced Practitioner

Let’s take each of this qualification one after the other and examine them for more details:

MSP foundation qualification

This course provides fundamental knowledge of the MSP guidance for programme management. Candidates will learn:

    The difference between projects and programmes

    Types and characteristics of MSP programmes

    The benefits of applying the MSP guidance framework to programme management

    Definition of roles, and their purposes, area of focus

    The MSP principles, governance themes, and transformational flow processes

    The MSP programme information documents and their purpose

MSP Practitioner qualification

The MSP Practitioner qualification course has as a prerequisite the foundation certificate. It provides for the application of MSP guidance by project managers, programme managers, experts, and advisers. Candidates will learn:

    To create additional value from projects by the application of MSP principles

    How to apply the MSP principles, governance themes and transformational flow, and the relationship between these three concepts in programme management.

    How to create and assess samples of MSP programme information documents

MSP Advanced Practitioner qualification

The MSP advanced practitioner qualification course requires a foundation and practitioner certificate. This qualification provides knowledge on how to lead a programme using MSP guidance. Candidates will learn:

    How to create and assess samples of MSP programme information documents

    Determine the usefulness of MSP for specific business change initiatives

    Identify and justify MSP activities for specific programmes

    Evaluate the MSP principles, governance themes, and transformational flow processes

    Modify MSP principles to suit business programmes and benefit internal and external stakeholders

    Draw from experience to propose alternative approaches to the application of the MSP principles, governance themes, and transformational flow processes.

The history of MSP can be traced to 1999 when the MSP framework was created to aid organizations to achieve their long-term aims by ensuring that programmes have successful outcomes. With new versions released first in 2003, and then in 2007, MSP has progressed as a viable discipline which involves a set of tools and techniques as well as a progressive knowledge of successful programme management.

Where MSP has been used

MSP has been used and is available in the following regions and countries:

Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Zimbabwe.

MSP methodology/process model

The MSP process model and methodology is hinged on the MSP framework. This framework is based on 3 concepts: MSP principles, MSP governance themes, and MSP transformational flow.

The MSP principles are common factors to successful transformational change in organizations. They are gleaned from lessons and experiences, both positive and negative.

The MSP governance themes are subjects that reflect an organization’s approach to programme management. These allow for the right leadership, delivery team, organizational structures, control, and success.

The MSP transformational flow refers to the lifecycle path of a programme from its conception to the delivery of its outcome.

The MSP professional course is packed with benefits for individuals and organizations.

For Individuals

    Helps to develop the programme management skills of individuals

    Equips individuals to manage change initiatives within the organization

    It increases an individual’s  employment prospects

    Exposes individuals to the principles that ensure the successful management of programmes

    Helps individual programme managers to understand their roles and responsibilities, and carry them out efficiently to ensure success.

For Organizations

    It enables organizations to carry out successful programmes and improve productivity

    It gives an organization competitive advantage

    The effective adoption of the MSP framework results in more successful programmes and transformational changes.

    It ensures quality design of programmes to suit the organization’s blueprint

The MSP exam process begins with a successful registration for the MSP certification examination. After that, candidates are advised to pay attention to the exam sitting process, and the structure of the examination so as to acquaint themselves with the process and reduce exam apprehension.

Continuous credential requirement for MSP

The Foundation certification requires no re-registration. But the Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner courses require a re-registration exam within 3-5 years following the original certification. Candidates can only sit for a re-registration exam for the highest level of MSP qualification they have achieved- Practitioner or Advanced Practitioner.

The MSP Training is Creative Avenue where the best practices of program management, change initiatives, delivery of successful programs and lots more are taught to a group of individuals who are interested in becoming MSP certified.

In simpler terms, the MSP Training is a platform where all that pertains to the MSP certification is being taught by certified professionals and learned by a group of students who desires to gain the knowledge.

The training is conducted by an accredited training organization like the Harrybaker Training Institute. We conduct our training in a very conducive, learning-friendly classroom that is structured to support students’ comfort and help them have a great learning experience.

The training is led by a professional trainer with several years of both classroom and field experience acquired both locally and internationally. Therefore, prospective students can be sure they are in safe hands and will have an encounter that will transform their career and their approach to work.

Prospective students should note that the training does not have any requirements or eligibility criteria, unlike the certification exams.

The MSP Exam is the last step in the MSP certification journey every individual must take to get certified. Passing the exam is crucial to whether or not an individual can be regarded as certified or not.

The MSP exams have some requirements or eligibility criteria which we have highlighted below together with the examination format for each of the qualifications:

MSP exam prerequisites

The MSP foundation qualification has no specific requirement. The Practitioner requires the Foundation certificate, and the Advanced Practitioner requires the Foundation and Practitioner certificate.

MSP exam format

The MSP exam is formatted for different qualifications as follows:

Foundation

    Multiple choice

    75 questions per paper with 1 mark available per question

    5 questions to be trial and not counted in scores

    35 marks required to pass (out of 70 available) – 50%

    60 minutes duration

    Closed-book

Practitioner

    Objective testing

    8 questions per paper

    40 marks required to pass (out of 80 available) – 50%

    Two-and-a-half hours duration

    Open-book (only the MSP Guide is allowed)

Advanced Practitioner

    Essay based

    Up to 3 questions per paper, 75 marks available in total

    38 marks required to pass (out of 75 available) – 50%

    Three hours duration

    Open-book (other material in the form of course notes, examples, copies of presentations, etc. can be used during this examination but no electronic aids, such as laptops, may be used)

What is MSP course all about?

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) is a professional certification course that adopts programme management best practices for the delivery of successful programmes and change initiatives.

What qualifications are available for MSP?

There are three qualifications available for MSP: Foundation, Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner.

How do I register for the MSP certification exam?

You may register for the MSP certification exam online on the APMG by yourself or contact us for help.

How do I prepare or train for the MSP Certification exams?

Classroom training can be carried out at a reputable and Accredited Training Organization such as the Harrybaker Training Institute.

How do I register for the MSP Training?

You can register for the Classroom training with Harrybaker Training Institute by clicking here.

What study options are available?

Only one study option is available for all MSP qualification courses at Harrybaker Training Institute and this is Classroom training.

How and when are the MSP exams offered?

The exams are offered via paper-based tests available in the Accredited Training Organizations like the Harrybaker Training Institute. More exam details for specific courses can be found here

How much does the MSP training cost?

The MSP qualification courses are very affordable. Please click here to view our list according to the different qualifications.

Can I pay for the MSP course online?

Yes, you can pay the MSP training fee online via PayPal or credit cards or direct bank transfer.

Can I pay in installment?

Yes, you can pay in installment, but you are required to complete the payment on or before the training day.

How do I get my certificate?

Your electronic certificate will be available to download from the candidate portal and your name added the successful candidate database. Paper certificates are available on request.

What should I do next?

To become MSP certified,

    Locate an accredited training institute such as Harrybaker Training Institute that will offer you a great service in terms of training, support and ensure your comfort

    Identify and select your desired MSP qualification course

    Register appropriately

    Attend the training sessions

    Prepare adequately for the exams

    Prepare adequately for the exams

    Register for and take the exams and be successful at it

    Become MSP certified in the qualification course of your choice.