P3O Foundation and Practitioner training

Build the Foundation knowledge of what P3O is and why organisations use it, then apply that understanding to governance, strategic value, stakeholders and business-case decisions.

• P3O purpose, elements, functions and services
• Portfolio, programme and project governance context
• Strategic value and stakeholder needs
• Vision, blueprint, costs, benefits and risks
• Developing and assessing the P3O business case

Understand the available P3O models at Foundation level, then use Practitioner-level analysis to select, design and tailor an appropriate model for an organisational situation.

• Permanent and temporary office structures
• Portfolio, programme and project office components
• Centralised and distributed models
• Tailoring to maturity, culture and organisational need
• Selecting and justifying an appropriate target model

Learn the lifecycle for establishing and refreshing a P3O, then apply it to realistic implementation choices, transition planning and organisational constraints.

• Identify and define the need for P3O
• Develop the vision and implementation blueprint
• Plan transition and stakeholder engagement
• Integrate the P3O with existing governance
• Review, sustain and re-energise the model

Understand the tools and techniques used to run a P3O and develop the ability to select and apply them in support of governance, assurance and decision-making.

• Prioritisation and decision support
• Reporting and management information
• Assurance and health-check activities
• Resource and capacity support
• Selecting and tailoring tools for the situation

Understand the roles and competencies needed in a P3O and apply that knowledge when defining responsibilities, team structures and suitable appointments.

• Management, generic and functional roles
• Role purposes and responsibilities
• Skills and competency requirements
• Resource and team structure decisions
• Matching responsibilities to the chosen P3O model

Foundation tests knowledge and understanding across the P3O syllabus. Practitioner builds on the same subject areas and tests application and analysis in a realistic case-study context, including model, business-case, implementation, role and operating decisions.

Use the taught sessions and official digital manual to build your Foundation knowledge first, then practise applying that guidance to scenarios for Practitioner. Exam preparation and practice activities are built into both stages of the programme.

Foundation results are available the same day. Practitioner results can take up to three working days. Results and certificates are managed through your PeopleCert account, with a digital badge issued after successful completion.

P3O Foundation and Practitioner certifications are current for three years from the date they are awarded. PeopleCert provides renewal routes if you want to keep your certifications shown as current.

A free PeopleCert Take2 resit is included. If you do not pass an exam on the first attempt, Take2 provides one additional attempt at no extra cost, to be used within six months of the original exam date.

If you are not sure whether you need both levels, compare the available routes before booking. Foundation can be taken on its own, while Practitioner is for candidates who already hold Foundation.

Compare all P3O courses before choosing your route.