Managing Successful Programmes: 5th Edition (MSP®) Foundation

Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition, also known as MSP 5th Edition, was released by AXELOS in 2020. It is a flexible, principle-based framework for transformational change, built around key principles, governance themes and programme processes.

The 5th Edition places greater emphasis on incremental delivery, continuous stakeholder engagement and adaptability. It also includes tailoring guidance, allowing organisations to apply the framework in a way that suits their context.

It supports programmes that include Agile, Waterfall and hybrid project delivery. The former Blueprint concept was renamed the Target Operating Model, which describes the future state the programme aims to achieve.

Yes. PRINCE2® Programme Management Foundation is the updated name for what was previously known as MSP Foundation.

You may still see Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Foundation and the MSP framework used when referring to this course family. The current course retains the focus on governance, benefits, outcomes, stakeholders and structured programme delivery.

Yes. MSP has long been used as an internationally recognised and respected framework for programme management. The current PRINCE2 Programme Management certification continues to help professionals demonstrate knowledge of structured programme governance, strategic alignment and benefits delivery.

This recognition can support professionals working across industries and organisations that need to coordinate complex change.

PRINCE2 is centred on project management and the delivery of individual projects. PRINCE2 Programme Management focuses on coordinating multiple projects and related change activity to achieve wider strategic outcomes.

The two frameworks can work together. Project Managers may use PRINCE2 within individual projects, while Programme Managers use the programme framework to align work, manage dependencies and support programme success.

The MSP 5th Edition introduced a more flexible, principle-based approach to transformational change. It strengthened the focus on adaptability, incremental delivery, ongoing stakeholder engagement and benefits realisation as a continuous activity across the programme lifecycle.

The Edition also supports different project delivery methods, including Agile and Waterfall. Its tailoring guidance helps organisations adapt governance, controls and delivery practices to the programme context, including programmes that support modern organisational transformation and digital change.

One notable terminology change was the replacement of Blueprint with Target Operating Model. This term describes the future operational state required to achieve the intended outcomes and benefits.

The framework combines principles, themes and processes to help teams set direction, define roles and maintain control. It supports programme governance, risk awareness, benefits tracking and clear decision-making.

These elements help organisations achieve programme objectives, strengthen stakeholder engagement and work towards successful organisational outcomes. They also help teams coordinate programme deliverables without treating a programme as one large project.

Yes. MSP 5th Edition can support programmes containing projects delivered through Agile, Waterfall or hybrid methods. Its focus is programme-level direction and governance rather than prescribing one project delivery method.

This flexibility helps Programme Managers coordinate different delivery approaches while maintaining alignment with outcomes, benefits and strategic priorities.

Yes. The syllabus explains how communication, collaboration and transparency support programme delivery. It also shows you how to effectively manage diverse stakeholders through clear roles, shared goals and active engagement.

This knowledge can help you strengthen relationship-building skills and understand how advanced communication supports trust, alignment and business change.

Yes. You will learn how governance, control and assurance support decisions throughout a programme. The syllabus also introduces risk and issue management, quality, reporting and tailoring.

This helps you understand how governance structures, assurance processes and defined quality standards contribute to consistent programme delivery and accountability.

The course is suitable for Programme Managers, aspiring Programme Managers, Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, Business Change Managers, programme office professionals and team members involved in project delivery.

It is also relevant if you work in portfolio management, programme operations or a specialist programme role and want a recognised Foundation qualification.

There are no formal prerequisites for the PRINCE2® Programme Management Foundation (formerly MSP®) exam.

Some awareness of project or programme environments may help, but the course is designed to establish the core knowledge needed for further study.

The live virtual classroom course takes three days to complete.

You will attend trainer-led online sessions and complete a mandatory online pre-course before the main training.

The course includes accredited PRINCE2 Programme Management Foundation training, the Foundation exam, the official PRINCE2 Programme Management manual, the process map and tutor support.

Optional extras, such as a hard copy manual, hard copy process map and Take² exam insurance, may also be available at checkout. Learners searching for an MSP manual should note that the official material now uses the PRINCE2 Programme Management name.

The exam is taken online through remote proctoring.

You must check that your device and exam environment meet the official requirements before booking or sitting the exam.

The Foundation exam lasts 60 minutes and includes 60 multiple-choice questions.

You need at least 36 marks out of 60, or 60%, to pass.

No. The PRINCE2® Programme Management Foundation (formerly MSP®) exam is closed book.

You cannot use the official manual or other study materials during the exam.

Yes. You need to renew your certification within three years of the award date to keep it current.

You can check the available renewal options through PeopleCert when planning your next step.

After passing Foundation, you can progress to the MSP Practitioner course, now called PRINCE2 Programme Management Practitioner. You must pass Foundation before taking the Practitioner exam.

The Practitioner level focuses on applying and tailoring the framework in context. It helps you develop the advanced knowledge needed to address scenarios and work towards practitioner certification.

The MSP Practitioner exam lasts two hours and 30 minutes. It contains 70 questions, and you need 42 marks out of 70, or 60%, to pass. It is open-book, so you may use the official PRINCE2 Programme Management manual.

The objective-testing exam includes Standard Classic and Matching question formats. Questions may use a brief scenario description to assess how you apply the framework in context.

A certified MSP Practitioner can demonstrate a deeper ability to apply and tailor the framework to programme scenarios. Practitioner study builds on Foundation knowledge and focuses on practical decision-making across principles, themes and processes.

It can strengthen your approach to stakeholder engagement, governance, benefits, risk and change. For some professionals, it becomes a practical go-to certification when they need to demonstrate applied programme management knowledge.

MSP helps organisations coordinate projects and change activity around shared outcomes. It supports benefits measurement, governance and the alignment of programme activity with strategic priorities.

By connecting projects, outcomes and benefits, organisations can use the framework to deliver programme success and manage change with clearer accountability.

Yes. The framework is designed to be adapted to the programme context rather than applied without judgement. Tailoring helps teams focus on the relevant aspects of the principles, themes and processes.

This allows organisations to use governance and delivery controls that suit their scale, complexity and internal standards while retaining a clear programme structure.

You will learn through live virtual classroom sessions led by experienced trainers who explain the framework clearly and help you prepare for the exam.

The course includes accredited training, the Foundation exam, official learning materials, the process map, tutor support, flexible payment options and a structured route to certification.