Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)
Key takeaways
MSP is a flexible framework for governing and delivering transformational change across multiple linked projects.
- Use MSP when change is complex, ambiguous, and benefits-led, especially in public or politically sensitive programmes.
- Break large transformations into manageable, inter-related projects while keeping alignment to outcomes and benefits.
- MSP is built on principles, governance themes, and a transformational flow that guides the full programme lifecycle.
- Specification-led programmes can still use MSP, but it may need scaling to fit clearer output definitions.
- Choose PRINCE2 or a PMO when you mainly need project delivery or resource coordination rather than transformation.


Specification-led programmes
There are also programmes which are more specification-led.
For example, large-scale engineering programme such as a city’s Olympic programme for the construction of stadiums and related infrastructure. These programmes are led by the specifications of the outputs.
Often on such programmes there is relatively little ambiguity about what the programme will deliver. However, this does not mean such programmes will be risk-free. They are often both risky and complex. On such programmes, Managing Successful Programmes can still be used but may need to be scaled down.
When to use MSP?
Managing Successful Programmes has been designed to accommodate high levels of complexity, ambiguity and risk. MSP is therefore highly suitable as a framework for transformational change. Managing Successful Programmes can be used to coordinate and plan across multiple projects.
If an organisation is simply delivering something new into its existing business as usual operational environment (e.g. developing a new product to bring to market) then the Managing Successful Programmes
Managing Successful Programmes certification
The demand for professionals with Managing Successful Programmes skills and MSP certification is growing. As more and more organisations invest in programmes to enable them to accomplish transformational changes, the demand for people holding Managing Successful Programmes Request a quote certification will continue to grow.
If you are seeking to move into a programme management role, or are currently working in such a role, then having training in the principles and best practices of Managing Successful Programmes[email protected] is vital to equip you with the skills and knowledge to help you to become effective in your role.
There are 3 levels of +44 (0)207 148 5985Managing Successful ProgrammesCourses certification – Foundation, Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner.PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Managing Successful Programmes FoundationPRINCE2
MSP Foundation certification® confirms you understand the MSP guidance sufficiently to work effectively with those involved in the management of a programme or to act as an informed member of a programme office, business change team or project delivery team working within an environment supporting MSP.Foundation
The Foundation certification is a prerequisite for the MSP Practitioner certification.Learn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 method.
Foundation trainingPractitioner
You can gain the MSP Foundation certification by attending an Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.MSP Foundation courseAssociation for Project Management (APM) and passing the 1-hour multiple-choice, closed-book MSP Foundation examProject Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
Who is it for?Start your APM project management career.
Attend this training if you are:Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
- A member of a Programme Office (PO); or,Advance your APM project management expertise.
- A business change team member; or,Project Risk Single Certificate Level 1
- A project delivery team member; or,Enhance your project risk management skills.
- Anyone needing to understand the terminology and concepts underpinning MSP; or,AgilePM
- Anyone wishing to pursue higher level certifications (e.g. programme managers, business change managers (BCMs) and senior responsible owners (SROs).®
Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner – Agile Project Management
MSP Practitioner certificationFoundation confirms you understand the MSP guidance sufficiently to apply it to your own work and can act as an informed member of a programme management team. This certification shows you can apply the MSP guidance in a relatively uncomplicated programme within an environment that uses MSP.Learn the key principles of Agile Project Management.
MSP Practitioner certification is a prerequisite of the MSP Advanced Practitioner certification.Practitioner
Practitioner trainingIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
You can gain the MSP Practitioner certification by attending an PRINCE2MSP Practitioner course® and passing the 2.5-hour multiple-choice, open-book MSP Practitioner exam. Many students gain their MSP Practitioner certification by attending a combined 5-day AgileMSP Foundation and Practitioner courseFoundation .Learn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 Agile method.
Who is it for?Practitioner
Attend this training if you are:Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
- A project manager; or,AI Project Governance Framework (AIPGF)
- A business change manager (BCM); or,Foundation
- A member of a Programme Office (PO); or,Learn the fundamentals of the governance framework.
- An expert or advisor working in a specialist/governance role involved in supporting programmes following the MSP guidance; or,Practitioner
- Anyone wishing to pursue higher level certifications (e.g. programme managers and senior responsible owners (SROs); or,Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
- Anyone wanting to perform one of the above roles in future.Better Business Cases
Managing Successful Programmes Advanced Practitioner™
MSP Practitioner certification confirms you can lead and manage a programme of transformational change. In particular, it shows whether you can apply the MSP guidance in a complex programme within an environment that uses MSP. You must pass the MSP Advanced Practitioner exam is a 3-hour essay-style, open-book examination.Foundation
Who is it for?Learn the fundamentals of Better Business cases.
Attend this training if you are:Practitioner
- A senior responsible owner (SRO); or,Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
- A business change manager (BCM); or,P3O
- A programme manager; or,®
- Leaders or members of a Portfolio or Programme Office.Foundation
