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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs regarding the Best Management Practice (BMP) portfolio in general can be viewed here.

MSP FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is MSP?

    MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) represents proven programme management good practice in the successful delivery of transformational change through the application of programme management. MSP defines programme management as "the action of carrying out the coordinated organization, direction and implementation of a dossier or projects and transformational activities to achieve outcomes and realize benefits of strategic importance to the business".

    MSP has been used and adopted within many organizations both within the public and private sectors. The experiences of those who have adopted programme management have provided invaluable inputs into the latest edition of the guide, which was published in 2007.

    Adopting a programme management approach such as MSP provides a structured framework that can help organizations avoid these pitfalls and achieve their goals.

    MSP defines the roles and responsibilities of all who need to form part of the leadership of a programme. Effective leadership of a programme is achieved through informed decision-making and a flexible management regime. The MSP framework is based on three core concepts:

    • MSP Principles - These are derived from positive and negative lessons learned from programme experiences. They are the common factors that underpin the success of any transformational change

    • MSP Governance Themes - These define an organization’s approach to programme management. They allow an organization to put in place the right leadership, delivery team, organization structures and controls, giving the best chance for success

    • MSP Transformational Flow - This provides a route through the lifecycle of a programme from its conception through to the delivery of the new capability, outcomes and benefits.

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  • How can I train for the MSP examinations?

    Training for MSP is available from the network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) who are assessed and certified by APMG-International. The full list of MSP ATOs can be found here.

    Only these organizations and registered partners/affiliates are authorized to deliver MSP training.

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  • Do I have to receive training to sit the exam?

    No, however this is recommended. In addition to receiving accredited training, individuals also have the option of self-study to prepare for the examinations. APMG-International administer public exam sessions around the world to accommodate those who self study.

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  • How do I sit the exams?

    The vast majority of MSP accredited training organizations include the examinations as part of the associated training course. Alternatively, and for individuals that have self-studied, APMG-International administer public exam sessions around the world. Sessions are run at certain APMG-International offices. There are four dedicated centers in the UK for public examinations, and in the United States we utilize the public library network to facilitate sessions. In countries where an APMG-International office is yet to be established, exam sessions are organized at British Council offices. Information on whether exams are offered in your area can be found at www.britishcouncil.org/new/about-us/who-we-are/our-locations-around-the-world/.

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  • How much does it cost to sit the MSP examinations?

    If you are sitting the examinations through an accredited training organization, the costs of the exams are generally included in the course fee. APMG-International use a global pricing structure, so for those sitting exams at a public exam centre, the cost is dependent on where the exams are being sat. To find out the cost in your region, please contact the MSP Service Desk on +44 (0)1494 458948 or at servicedesk@apmgroupltd.com.

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  • Are there any pre-requisites for the MSP examinations?

    There are no pre-requisites for the foundation examination. Candidates must achieve a pass at foundation level before completing the practitioner examination, and a pass at practitioner level before completing the advanced practitioner examination.

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  • What is the main publication for MSP and where can I purchase it?

    MSP has one main manual, published by The Stationary Office, called “Managing Successful Programmes - 2007 Edition”. This can be purchased from the Best Management Practice Publications Library.

    Most MSP accredited training organizations include the MSP manual as part of the course fee.

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  • Which languages are MSP examinations available in?

    MSP examinations are available in the following languages: English, Dutch, French & Polish. Further translations are in progress / under consideration.

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  • Which languages is the MSP manual available in?

    The “Managing Successful Programmes – 2007 Edition” manual is currently available in English, Polish & French. Further translations are in progress / under consideration.

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  • How long will it take to learn the MSP material?

    For individuals self-studying it is almost impossible to say. As all candidates have different experience and amount of time available for study, it varies from person to person. We suggest you buy the manual and have a look through for yourself before deciding how long you need to spend learning.

    For those studying with an accredited training organization, foundation courses are generally delivered over 3 days, while combined foundation and practitioner courses are generally delivered over 5 days. Advanced Practitioner training and exams are generally delivered over an additional 2-day period. It is well worth investigating with individual providers, as many will offer tailored and blended learning solutions.

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  • What is the structure of the MSP examinations?

    Summaries of the structure of the MSP Foundation, Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner examinations can be viewed here.

    A summary of the Re-Registration examination can be viewed here.

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  • How long are the MSP qualifications valid for?

    The foundation examination is not valid for a defined period and will not expire. Candidates who pass the practitioner exam are recognized as an “MSP Registered Practitioner”. Candidates who pass the advanced practitioner exam are recognized as an “MSP Registered Advanced Practitioner”. Registered status is valid for a period of 5 years. To maintain registered status, practitioners/advanced practitioners must complete and pass a practitioner re-registration/advanced practitioner re-registration examination 3-5 years following their initial/previous practitioner/advanced practitioner certification.

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  • Please can you give me more details on the MSP Re-Registration exams?

    A summary of the Re-Registration examination can be viewed here.

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  • How do I sit a re-registration exam?

    The examination can either be taken privately or through an accredited training organization. If you decide to take the exam through an ATO then they will offer you a refresher course on MSP and provide you with the examination at the end of this.

    You can also take the examination – without attending a course – at a public exam centre. To find out about exam dates and locations, please contact the MSP Service Desk on +44 (0)1494 458948 or at servicedesk@apmgroupltd.com.

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  • When can I expect the results of my MSP Examinations?

    The result turn around period for the Foundation examination is roughly 3-5 working days. The result turn around period for the Practitioner examination is roughly 2 weeks from receipt of the examination papers back into the APM Group Office. The result turn around period for the Advanced Practitioner examination is roughly 4 - 6 weeks from receipt of the examination papers back into the APM Group Office.

    If you have taken your exam via an ATO, results are sent by APMG to that particular ATO. Your ATO should notify you of your results so please contact them for further details regarding this. If you sat the foundation and practitioner exam in the same week, your results will not show on the Successful Candidate Register until two weeks after the results for the practitioner exam have been released. Certificate turn-around is usually two weeks after you have been notified of your result.

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  • When will I receive my certificate?

    A Foundation Certificate will be dispatched to you approximately 2 weeks after we have received your exam paper back into our offices if you only took the Foundation exam.

    A Practitioner Certificate will be dispatched 2 weeks after the Practitioner results have been released.

    An Advanced Practitioner Certificate will be dispatched 2 weeks after the Practitioner results have been released.

    Please note that if you have taken your examinations via an ATO; the certificates will be dispatched to the ATO. Therefore if you have not received your certificate in the above time frames please contact the ATO directly who can contact the APMG on your behalf for a replacement.

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  • What are the pass marks for the MSP examinations?

    Pass marks for the MSP examinations are as follows:

    • Foundation: You will need to score 30/50 to pass the Foundation exam.
    • Practitioner: You will need to score 90/180 to pass the Practitioner exam.
    • Advanced Practitioner: You will need to score 38/75 to pass the Advanced Practitioner exam.
    • Re-Registration: You will need to score 30/60 to pass the Practitioner Re-Registration exam.
    • Advanced Practitioner Re-Registration: You will need to score 38/75 to pass the Advanced Practitioner Re-Registration exam.

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  • How do I become an MSP approved trainer?

    All MSP approved trainers must be ‘sponsored’ by an MSP accredited training organization (ATO). Details of all MSP ATOs can be found here.

    A trainer application must be submitted by the sponsoring ATO to their relevant APMG-International office.

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  • How can I advertise myself as MSP qualified on my business card?

    Candidates who have passed the MSP Practitioner/Advanced Practitioner examination can put “MSP Practitioner/Advanced Practitioner” on their business cards. You can also include a web address on your business card (www.apmg-international.com/MSPQuery.asp) which takes you to an online list of all MSP Registered Practitioners/Advanced Practitioners.

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  • Can I use the MSP logo?

    Only organizations licensed to do so are allowed to use the MSP logo. Such organizations include MSP ATOs (Accredited Training Organizations) and MSP ACOs (Accredited Consulting Organizations) accredited by APMG-International. The MSP logo is a registered trademark of OGC and must not be used without their permission or appropriate license.

    Due to data protection laws, we are unable to quote organizations that use MSP without prior consent. However we can confirm that MSP is used by a wide variety of organizations in various industries, both public and private. The method is extremely popular amongst local and central UK government departments and is also adopted by a number of multi-national, blue-chip organizations.

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  • Are there any comparisons to alternative methods?

    Currently there are no official comparisons to alternative programme management methods.

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  • What pass mark is required to be eligible to become an MSP trainer?

    To be eligible to apply to become an MSP trainer, individuals must achieve a minimum score of 66% (49.5/75) in the advanced practitioner exam.

    To find out if you scored enough to be eligible as a trainer, please email servicedesk@apmgroupltd.com noting your interest. A representative of the Service Desk will be able to advise.

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  • How does my organization become an MSP Accredited Training Organization (ATO)?

    An organization wishing to become an MSP ATO must first submit an application form to either the APMG-International Service Desk or the relevant APMG-International office. Where appropriate, an invoice will be raised and the organization will then be subject to APMG-International’s ATO assessment process.

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  • How does my organization become an Accredited Consulting Organization (ACO)?

    An organization wishing to become an ACO must first submit an application form to either the APMG-International Service Desk or the relevant APMG-International office. The organization will then be subject to APMG-International’s ACO assessment process.

    Application forms can be obtained from the MSP Service Desk (+44 (0)1494 458948 / servicedesk@apmgroupltd.com) or from any regional APMG-International office (see www.apmg-international.com/home/offices/offices. asp).

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