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MSP® FAQ’s

 

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 organisation, 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 organisations 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 organisations 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 organisation’s approach to programme management. They allow an organisation to put in place the right leadership, delivery team, organisation 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.

How can I train for the MSP® examinations?

Training for MSP® is available from the network of Accredited Training organisations (ATOs) who are assessed and certified by APMG-International.

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.

How do I sit the exams?

The vast majority of MSP® accredited training organisations include the examinations as part of the associated training course.

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

If you are sitting the examinations through an accredited training organisation, the costs of the exams are generally included in the course fee.

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.

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”. Most MSP® accredited training organisations include the MSP® manual as part of the course fee.

Which languages are MSP® examinations available in?

MSP® examinations are available in the following languages: English, Dutch, French & Polish.

Which languages is the MSP® manual available in?

The “Managing Successful Programmes – 2007 Edition” manual is currently available in English, Polish & French.

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 organisation, 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.

What is the structure of the MSP® examinations?

Summaries of the structure of the MSP®foundation, practitioner and advanced practitioner examinations are below:

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.

How do I sit a re-registration exam?

The examination can either be taken privately or through an accredited training organisation. 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.

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.

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.

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 40/80 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 exam.

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.

Can I use the MSP® logo?

Only organisations licensed to do so are allowed to use the MSP® logo. Such organisations include MSP® ATOs (Accredited Training organisations) and MSP® ACOs (Accredited Consulting organisations) 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 organisations that use MSP® without prior consent. However we can confirm that MSP® is used by a wide variety of organisations 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 organisations.

Are there any comparisons to alternative methods?

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

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