Introduction Deanne EarleInstructor-ledI’m Deanne Earle, a Project Consultant specializing in delivering business technology projects, Director of Unlike Before Ltd and a founding member of The Glass Breakers. What advice do you have for women in project management? Don’t be scared – you won’t know until you ask or you try. Think about and understand the wider picture of your project and encourage the team you’re working with to do the same. Everyone has a job to do and when people understand where and how their piece fits into the bigger picture they gain a different perspective and it adds greater meaning to their contribution. Be visible, believe your contribution counts, speak up, make yourself heard, put yourself forward, and, as Sheryl Sandberg says, sit at the table. Ask for what you need and get involved in different activities to see what you do and don’t like. Read, read a lot: books, articles, whitepapers, industry publications and recreational material. Write your own materials and publish it on your own or others’ blogs or websites. Attend conferences and if you’re interested get involved in presenting.Self-pacedThink about your own work and project management career . Where do you want to go? What do you want to achieve? Develop yourself in your organisation and as an individual. The best piece of business advice I ever received was from the Chairman of a company I used to work for. We had a great rapport and one day he said to me “Deanne, I know you don’t ‘do’ politics and that’s OK but every now and again raise your head up to observe what’s going on around you. You don’t have to participate but you’ll stay informed and be better able to adjust what you’re doing.” It has served me well. What positive aspects can women take from, and give back to, project management?

Advance your career with MSP PractitionerBeing organized and having heightened awareness. Those leading projects know what’s happening now and what’s coming up in the future. Role models in the profession show others how to lead and manage but most importantly how to recognize when more of one than the other is needed.

Gain MSP Practitioner certification with either Practitioner-only or combined Foundation & Practitioner training.There are many opportunities to learn and make a difference and feedback is important to that learning process. Positive feedback and encouragement is important but constructive feedback is imperative. It’s through constructive feedback that we really learn and are inspired to improve.

What is The Glass Breakers group? Like many other Stiletto Networks, The Glass Breakers is a group that’s focused on more than just meeting more people, swapping business cards and expanding a non-productive contact list. It’s a powerfully strong mastermind group where everyone’s ready and willing to make an introduction, answer questions, share a laugh and cheer you on. The Glass Breakers is a diverse group of professionals serious about collaboration and contributing to each other as colleagues, peers and friends. It’s like mentoring on steroids.

project management course

.4.9/5 average rating On the job performance and project success speaks volumes. Ask those you’ve worked with for testimonials as these give others insight into your capabilities and builds your profile. Start a blog and write regularly. Write some articles for other websites or share your thoughts and opinions as comments on others.

Get involved in Social Media. Twitter has a very active project management group under the hashtag #pmchat (project management chat) and #pmot (project managers on twitter). Have an excellent head and shoulder picture of yourself. It doesn’t have to be taken by a professional so long as it represents you in a professional way. Is there any industry sector more likely to be male dominated?PeopleCert accreditedMy work is focused on the business end of technology projects. While it’s quite male dominated it’s less so now than say 20 years ago. Women have been steadily rising through organization hierarchies and females are being actively encouraged to study technology after school. Construction, the Oil industry, Motor Racing and Heavy Industries such as mining, steel and heavy machinery are still likely to be predominantly male.

That said women are forever pushing forward into sectors they would have been redirected or actively discouraged from doing a generation ago. How has the leadership style of your peers and colleagues influenced you?25,000+ professionals trainedOn reflection my approach and leadership style has been shaped by the people I work with rather than by a particular industry. Over the past 25+ years I’ve worked with a diverse range of people across many different countries and cultures. It’s this experience that has a profound effect on how you work with others. One of the biggest lessons anyone can learn very early on in their working life is that one approach or style of

leadership Enrol now and management does not fit all. We must constantly adapt and adjust to situations and people. I’ve learned this myself and see it successfully applied on a daily basis by my peers and colleagues.

Deanne Earle More details is Director of Unlike Before Ltd, a founding member of The Glass Breakers global women’s network, a published author, and a sought-after international

consultant

and expert in the areas of project delivery, management, change and leadership.

Enhance your skills with our expert-led courses

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Invoice/PO option available in checkout.Instructor-led

Do you think there’s a “glass ceiling” for women in project management? The way that it can manifest itself in the project management industry is for example; women who choose to take a career break to bring up a family, invariably lose a few years of experience which does put them behind males of a similar age. I guess with this kind of situation, the woman is at a disadvantage but then again it is personal choice. From your experience of project management recruitment, do you think men and women are given an equal chance with employment? As mentioned before I think the over 50 and male thing could be true but it is difficult to tell sometimes. What I mean by that is often the over 50 and male candidate has convinced themselves that they are not going to get the job and that they’re being discriminated against before they’ve even applied. It’s a reason or excuse. Actually, a negative or ‘hard done by’ attitude is just as likely to cost you the job as your age.Contact usThe only place where I see – mainly women – having problems is the route back into work as a working mother. The industry as a whole does not really have many part-time PM roles, making it difficult in the early days back to work where getting the balance between work and family life is tricky. It’s funny because I don’t see why project management

Enrol on this course and some of the roles still being seen as a secretarial role and therefore something that is more naturally suited to a female. In all honesty, these kinds of out-of-date bigoted views just seem archaic to me and it’s only a matter of time before these types of people will be retiring! Bring on the next generation!

Please use the Lindsay Scottregion selector is Director of Arras People, the programme and project management recruitment specialists and a member of The Glassbreakers. at the top of the website if you are purchasing from outside the UK.Enhance your skills with our expert-led courses
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Choose how you want to study

Choose delivery format: Instructor-led

Introduction to Project Management course

Overview

Build on your MSP Foundation knowledge and learn how to apply the framework to real programmes. This course helps you tailor MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) principles, themes, and processes so you can lead successful strategic change across multiple projects.

What you will gain

Confidence applying MSP to real programmes
Skills to tailor MSP principles and themes
Ability to plan and govern complex change
Techniques to manage stakeholders and benefits
Preparation to pass the MSP Practitioner exam

Who this course is for

Programme managers and aspiring programme managers
Senior project managers moving into programme roles
Business change managers and transformation leads
PMO and assurance professionals in programme teams
Senior managers sponsoring or governing programmes

Benefits

Apply MSP in practice

Turn MSP theory into practical techniques you can use immediately on live programmes.

Lead strategic change

Learn how to align programmes with organisational strategy and deliver measurable benefits.

Boost your career prospects

Practitioner status demonstrates advanced programme management capability to employers.

Expert MSP trainers

Learn from accredited MSP practitioners with real-world programme leadership experience.

Flexible study options

Choose live online classes or self-paced study to fit your schedule and learning style.

All-inclusive training package

Course, exam, digital materials, and tutor support included – with no hidden extras.

Delivery

Compare learning options to find the format that suits you best.

Delivery

Duration

Trainer interaction

Start date

Exam

Materials

Membership

Access

Best for

Learning experience

Instructor-led

Live sessions (online)

2 days (4 days for combined option)

Live Q&A with accredited trainer

Fixed scheduled dates

Included with a free resit

Mock exams (official manual included in combined option)

1-year PeopleCert Plus (worth £120+)

1 year post-course resources

Learners who prefer structure & guidance

Live interactive sessions with accredited trainers

Self-paced

Interactive online modules

22 hours (36 hours for combined option)

Tutor and technical support via email and phone

Start anytime

Included with a free resit

Interactive content & mock exams (official manual included in combined option)

1-year PeopleCert Plus (worth £120+)

12-month access

Learners who prefer flexibility & self-study

Engaging, interactive e-learning

Course

This MSP Practitioner course focuses on applying and tailoring MSP 5th Edition. You will work with realistic programme scenarios so you can use MSP confidently in your own organisation.

Apply MSP principles in context

Practise using the seven MSP principles to guide decisions and behaviours across a programme.

Tailor MSP themes

Learn how to adapt organisation, design, justification, structure, knowledge, assurance, and decisions themes to different environments.

Design effective programme strategies

Develop strategies for governance, stakeholder engagement, benefits, risk, and information that support successful delivery.

Plan and govern progressive delivery

Use MSP approaches for tranches, delivery planning, dependencies, and benefits realisation.

Manage programme-level risks and issues

Apply MSP techniques for decision-making, risk responses, assurance, and issue resolution.

Use MSP processes to run programmes

Practise the MSP lifecycle from identifying and designing the programme through to delivering capabilities and embedding outcomes.

MSP Practitioner training courses - learning outcomes

Curriculum

The MSP Practitioner course follows the official syllabus and focuses on applying and tailoring MSP principles, themes, and processes in realistic scenarios.

Applying MSP principles in programmes
Applying and tailoring MSP organisation theme
Applying and tailoring MSP design and justification themes
Applying and tailoring MSP structure and knowledge themes
Applying MSP assurance and decisions themes
Applying MSP processes to define and design the programme
Applying MSP processes to deliver and embed outcomes

Full curriculum details

Applying MSP principles in programmes

Analyse how each MSP principle guides programme decisions and behaviours
Use the principles to align programmes with organisational strategy
Apply principles such as leading with purpose, dealing with ambiguity, and realizing benefits

Applying and tailoring MSP organisation theme

Design appropriate programme governance structures and roles
Develop governance and stakeholder engagement approaches
Create stakeholder engagement and communications plans
Tailor organisation structures for different programme environments

Applying and tailoring MSP design and justification themes

Develop a clear vision statement and target operating model
Use benefits maps and benefit profiles to plan benefits realisation
Build and maintain the business case and financial plan
Assess programme risks and justify investment using financial and non-financial measures

Applying and tailoring MSP structure and knowledge themes

Plan tranches, landing points, and delivery approaches
Create delivery and benefits realisation plans with appropriate resourcing
Apply multimodal delivery and dependency management
Establish knowledge, learning, and information management approaches

Applying MSP assurance and decisions themes

Plan assurance activities at programme, project, and business-as-usual levels
Develop assurance plans and schedules aligned with risk and governance
Design decision-making, escalation, and issue resolution approaches
Use options analysis, data-gathering, and reporting to support informed decisions

Applying MSP processes to define and design the programme

Carry out the “identify the programme” process and produce key outputs
Use the “design the outcomes” process to define benefits, capabilities, and target operating model
Ensure processes reflect the principles and relevant MSP themes

Applying MSP processes to deliver and embed outcomes

Plan progressive delivery using tranches and incremental change
Use the “deliver the capabilities” process to coordinate projects and suppliers
Apply the “embed the outcomes” process to realise benefits and sustain change
Evaluate new information and adapt the programme when needed
Close the programme in a controlled way, confirming benefits and lessons learned

Exam & certification

What to expect from the MSP Practitioner exam and how we help you pass.

Format: Multiple choice (objective test)
Questions: 70
Pass mark: 60% (42/70)
Duration: 150 minutes
Materials: Open book
Prerequisites: MSP 5th Foundation or MSP 4th Practitioner
Results: 2 business days
Exam access: Online

Your path to success

Learn

Build advanced MSP skills through structured lessons and tutor guidance.

Practice

Rehearse with sample exam questions and scenario-based exercises.

Pass

Enter the exam confident, backed by high pass rates and free-resit support.

Reviews & success stories

Mock exams and detailed walk-throughs of the answers were incredibly useful. I felt confident going into the real exam and passed comfortably.

Marcus L., Programme Director

Having a free resit as a safety net made the investment easier to justify to my organisation, even though the training quality meant I passed first time.

Ian B., Strategic Programme Lead

The ability to choose between self-paced modules and scheduled live classes gave me the flexibility I needed during a busy programme launch.

Natalie G., Delegate

The trainer challenged us to think critically about tailoring themes, roles, and governance to fit different organisational cultures.

Alison K., Delegate

We worked through scenarios that mirrored the complexity of my organisation. It made the theory feel relevant rather than abstract.

Dan J., Senior Programme Manager

Knowledge Train by numbers

25,000+

learners trained across the UK and beyond

20+

years delivering accredited project management training

4.9/5

average rating based on thousands of verified reviews

95%

of customers recommend our courses

15+

years of e-learning design expertise

30+

accredited trainers with 450+ years of combined experience

FAQs

Do I need any previous experience or prerequisites to study the MSP Practitioner course?

To study the MSP Practitioner course, you must already hold an MSP 5th Edition Foundation certificate or an MSP 4th Edition Practitioner certificate – no other prior experience is formally required by PeopleCert, the awarding body.

This prerequisite exists because the Practitioner course builds directly on the principles, themes, and processes introduced at Foundation level. Without that grounding, the application-focused content of the Practitioner course would be difficult to follow.

What this means in practice

If you do not yet hold an MSP Foundation certificate, you will need to complete the MSP Foundation course first, or choose the MSP Practitioner and Foundation combined course, which covers both Foundation and Practitioner in a single programme.
If you hold an older MSP 4th Edition Practitioner certificate and wish to update to the 5th Edition, you can sit the MSP Practitioner course directly without repeating Foundation.
Practical programme management experience is not a formal requirement, but the Practitioner course is best suited to programme managers, senior project managers, business change managers, and PMO professionals who are working in or moving into programme roles.

PeopleCert verifies that candidates hold the required prerequisite before releasing MSP Practitioner exam results, so it is important to ensure your Foundation certificate is confirmed in your PeopleCert account before booking.

Should I choose instructor-led or self-paced MSP Practitioner training?

The right format depends on how you learn best and how much scheduling flexibility you need – both options include the same exam, free resit, and one-year PeopleCert Plus membership.

Use the comparison below to decide:

Instructor-led (live online, 2 days): Fixed scheduled dates with live sessions delivered by an accredited MSP trainer. Real-time Q&A is included throughout. Best suited to learners who benefit from structure, prefer to ask questions as they arise, and want to complete their MSP Practitioner training quickly over a defined period.
Self-paced (online modules, 22 hours): Interactive e-learning with 12-month access. Tutor support is available by email and phone. Best suited to learners who need flexibility around work or travel commitments, or who prefer to revisit material at their own pace.

Both formats prepare you fully for the MSP Practitioner exam – a 150-minute, open-book multiple-choice paper requiring 60% to pass. The official MSP manual is not included in the standalone Practitioner option under either format, but is included if you take the combined Foundation and Practitioner course.

If you are unsure which format suits your learning style, Knowledge Train offers both instructor-led and self-paced delivery, so you can choose based on your schedule rather than compromising on content or exam preparation quality.

How do I take the MSP Practitioner exam?

The MSP Practitioner exam is taken online through your PeopleCert account, and it is included as part of the Knowledge Train MSP Practitioner course.

Here is what to expect from the exam format and process:

Format: Multiple choice (objective test)
Questions: 70
Pass mark: 60% (42 out of 70 correct answers)
Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
Open book: Yes – you may refer to permitted materials during the exam
Access: Online via your PeopleCert account
Results: Confirmed within 2 business days

Prerequisites: You must hold either an MSP 5th Edition Foundation certificate or an MSP 4th Edition Practitioner certificate before sitting the MSP Practitioner exam. PeopleCert verifies that the prerequisite is in place before releasing your results.

Free resit included: The Knowledge Train course includes a free exam resit (known as Take2 through PeopleCert), so if you do not pass on your first attempt, you have one additional attempt at no extra cost. The resit must be used within six months of your original exam date.

Once you pass, your MSP Practitioner certificate and digital badge are issued through your PeopleCert account. The certification is valid for three years and requires renewal to remain current.

When will I receive my MSP Practitioner exam results and certificate?

MSP Practitioner exam results are released within 2 business days of sitting the exam, after which your certificate and digital badge are issued through your PeopleCert account.

Because the MSP Practitioner qualification has a prerequisite – you must hold an MSP 5th Edition Foundation certificate or an MSP 4th Edition Practitioner certificate – PeopleCert verifies that this requirement is met before releasing your results. This verification step is built into the standard 2-business-day turnaround, so no separate action is needed from you.

Once results are confirmed, you can access the following through your PeopleCert account:

Your official MSP Practitioner certificate
A digital badge you can share on LinkedIn or other professional profiles
Your entry on PeopleCert’s Successful Candidates Register, which allows employers to verify your qualification

The MSP Practitioner exam is taken online, so there is no requirement to attend a test centre. Your PeopleCert account – which is free to create – is also where you can track your certification renewal status, as the MSP Practitioner certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed before it becomes outdated.

If you do not pass first time, a free resit is included as part of the Knowledge Train MSP Practitioner course, via PeopleCert’s Take2 resit facility, which must be used within six months of your original exam date.

Is MSP Practitioner hard to pass?

The MSP Practitioner exam is more challenging than the MSP Foundation exam, but it is manageable with the right preparation and a solid understanding of how to apply the MSP framework in practice.

The MSP Practitioner exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, with a pass mark of 60% (42 out of 70). Candidates have 150 minutes to complete it, and it is open book, meaning you can refer to your MSP materials during the exam. The open-book format rewards genuine understanding of how to apply MSP rather than rote memorisation of definitions.

The key difference from Foundation level is that Practitioner questions test application and analysis – for example, how you would tailor MSP themes to a specific programme scenario, or which process steps apply in a given context. This requires more than surface-level knowledge.

Factors that influence difficulty include:

Prior experience – programme managers and senior project managers with real-world programme experience typically find application-style questions more intuitive.
Familiarity with MSP concepts – candidates who hold MSP 5th Edition Foundation (a prerequisite) are better placed than those upgrading from an older version.
Exam preparation – completing mock exams and practising scenario-based questions significantly improves readiness.

Knowledge Train reports an 83% pass rate for MSP Practitioner learners, which is notably above average, reflecting the value of structured preparation through an accredited training provider.

Can I retake the MSP Practitioner exam if I fail, and does it cost extra?

A free MSP Practitioner exam resit is included with every Knowledge Train course, so you will not pay extra if you need a second attempt.

Knowledge Train includes a free resit (Take2) with both its instructor-led and self-paced MSP Practitioner courses. Take2 is PeopleCert’s official re-sit product, which gives you one additional attempt at the same exam if your first attempt is unsuccessful.

Key details to be aware of

The free resit applies to both the instructor-led (live online) and self-paced delivery options.
A Take2 resit is tied to the specific exam it was granted for and must be used within six months of your original exam date.
The MSP Practitioner exam pass mark is 60% (42 out of 70 questions), with a 150-minute time allowance and an open-book format, which gives you a reasonable opportunity to pass at the first attempt.
Knowledge Train’s MSP Practitioner courses also include a 1-year PeopleCert Plus membership, which itself includes a free Take2 resit as a membership benefit.

If you are concerned about exam readiness, Knowledge Train provides mock exams and tutor support – available by email within one business day – both during the course and for up to three months afterwards, giving you additional preparation time before committing to your resit.

Still have questions? Contact us by phone on 0207 148 5985, via live chat, email, or by completing the form below.

How to find us

Knowledge Train
20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN,
England, United Kingdom.

Call +44 (0)207 148 5985

Opening hours

Monday to Friday – 09:00 to 17:15

Choose how you want to study

Not ready to book?

Overview

What you will gain

Who this course is for

Benefits

Apply MSP in practice

Lead strategic change

Boost your career prospects

Expert MSP trainers

Flexible study options

All-inclusive training package

Delivery

About our e-learning design

Course

Apply MSP principles in context

Tailor MSP themes

Design effective programme strategies

Plan and govern progressive delivery

Manage programme-level risks and issues

Use MSP processes to run programmes

Curriculum

Full curriculum details

Exam & certification

Your path to success

83% pass rate

Reviews & success stories

Knowledge Train by numbers

FAQs

Do I need any previous experience or prerequisites to study the MSP Practitioner course?

What this means in practice

Should I choose instructor-led or self-paced MSP Practitioner training?

How do I take the MSP Practitioner exam?

When will I receive my MSP Practitioner exam results and certificate?

Is MSP Practitioner hard to pass?

Can I retake the MSP Practitioner exam if I fail, and does it cost extra?

Key details to be aware of

How to find us

Opening hours

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