What topics are on the MSPF exam?

MSP Principles 20%

1.1

The Seven MSP Principles

7 subtopics

1.1.1Remaining aligned with corporate strategy

1.1.2Leading change

1.1.3Envisioning and communicating a better future

1.1.4Focusing on benefits and threats

1.1.5Adding value

1.1.6Designing and delivering a coherent capability

1.1.7Learning from experience

Learning Objectives

Understand and apply the seven MSP principles
Recognize how principles guide programme management
Identify when each principle should be emphasized

Domain Hands-on Skills

Applying principles to real scenariosPrinciple-based decision making

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating principles as optional
Not maintaining strategic alignment
Focusing on outputs rather than outcomes

MSP Governance Themes 35%

MSP Transformational Flow 30%

Tailoring and Application 15%

How do I earn the MSP Foundation - Managing Successful Programmes certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Programme Management

Prerequisites

NoneNo formal prerequisitesOptional
Recommended 2+ years project management experience

Next Steps

MSP-PMSP Practitioner
MSP-APMSP Advanced Practitioner

Current Level

MSPFMSP FoundationFoundation

Alternative Paths

PRINCE2-FPRINCE2 Foundation
MoP-FManagement of Portfolios Foundation
MoV-FManagement of Value Foundation
MoR-FManagement of Risk Foundation
MB-FManaging Benefits Foundation
P3O-FP3O Foundation

Career Progression

Entry Roles

Junior Programme Coordinator
Project Manager
Programme Analyst

Mid Level Roles

Programme Manager
Senior Project Manager
Benefits Manager
Business Change Manager

Senior Roles

Senior Programme Manager
Portfolio Manager
Programme Director
Head of Programme Office

Executive Roles

Chief Programme Officer
Director of Strategic Programmes
VP of Transformation

Complementary Skills

Technical

Benefits mapping and trackingStakeholder managementRisk and issue managementBusiness case development

Soft Skills

LeadershipStrategic thinkingCommunicationChange managementNegotiation

Tools

Microsoft ProjectProgramme management softwareBenefits tracking toolsRisk registers

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Pass MSP Practitioner exam before expiryPass MSP Re-Registration examEarn 60 CPD points via PeopleCert Plus membershipPass any other exam from MSP suite

How do I study for the MSPF Exam?

Practice the MSP Foundation - Managing Successful Programmes with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Official Resources

Study Tips

Focus heavily on the 7 principles - they appear frequently
Memorize the 9 governance themes and their purposes
Understand the 6 processes in transformational flow
Know the key roles and responsibilities
Practice time management - 1 minute per question
Use official AXELOS sample papers for realistic practice
Join study groups or forums for peer learning
Create flashcards for key terms and definitions

What's changed on this exam?

Upcoming Events

2025-03-15

AXELOS Global Best Practice Conference 2025

MSP case studies and future directions

2025-05-20

Programme Management Summit 2025

MSP practitioner experiences and innovations

Technology Coverage

AI and Machine Learning in Programme Management

Future editions may include AI-assisted programme management

Cloud-Based Programme Management Tools

Tool-agnostic principles remain core focus

Industry Trends

Increased focus on benefits realization and value delivery
Integration of MSP with Agile at scale frameworks
Growing emphasis on stakeholder experience and engagement
Sustainability and ESG programmes becoming mainstream
Remote programme management becoming standard practice
AI-assisted programme planning and monitoring emerging

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

Basic understanding of project management
2+ years experience in project or programme environment
Familiarity with organizational change initiatives
Understanding of benefits management concepts

Target Audience

Project Managers
Senior Project Managers
Programme Managers
Portfolio Managers
Business Change Managers
Benefits Managers
Project Delivery team members
Senior Responsible Owners
Business Analysts
Programme Office staff

Experience Level: Intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$[object Object] USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE, PeopleCert Online, EXIN Anywhere
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	3 years
Recertification	Take MSP Practitioner exam Take MSP Re-Registration exam Earn 60 CPD points through PeopleCert Plus membership Complete another certification from the same product suite

What jobs can I get with this?

Career Benefits

Globally recognized programme management certification
Foundation for advanced MSP certifications
Demonstrates understanding of programme management best practices
Enhances career prospects in programme and portfolio management
Compatible with PRINCE2 and other project management methods

MSP Foundation - Managing Successful Programmes

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details