MSP Certification Overview in Akron, OH

Your MSP Isn't a Certificate. It's Your Non-Negotiable Pass to Senior Roles

You're already a PMP. You're good. You manage complex projects, hit deadlines, and control budgets. But you've hit a ceiling. You're managing multiple projects, but you're still just called a "Senior Project Manager." You're the one desperately trying to coordinate five different project teams, fighting for resources, and explaining to VPs why their "pet project" doesn't align with the company's actual strategy. You deliver your project "outputs" perfectly, but the overall business benefit still fails to materialize. Meanwhile, MSP-certified Programme Managers are given strategic authority, dedicated programme budgets, and command salaries 30-50% higher for applying the structured governance framework you're trying to invent on the fly. Your resume gets filtered out for "Programme Director," "Head of PMO," or "Head of Transformation" because you don't have "MSP." That stops now. This isn't another course designed to make you memorize the MSP 5th Edition guide. Our MSP Training Program is designed by battle-tested Programme Directors who have run large-scale business transformations in Indian IT, banking, and telecom - environments with conflicting executive priorities, resistant stakeholders, and profoundly unclear strategic goals. They've built this program to teach you the MSP framework while showing you how to actually use it to control chaos when ten different projects are all on fire and claiming to be "Priority 1." Unlike certification mills that teach you only how to pass the exam, we build strategic leadership capability. You'll learn how to build a Programme Business Case that gets executive buy-in, create a Benefits Realization Plan that proves actual ROI (not just "on-time delivery"), and proactively manage inter-project dependencies instead of just reacting to them. The exams are just the proof - the real value is walking into your next steering committee meeting and confidently recommending you shut down a project that's out of alignment, presenting a clear benefits map for the next tranche of work, and leading a team of project managers with unshakeable authority. We've built this for working professionals who can't afford to stop their careers to get certified. Weekday evening and weekend batches, fully interactive with live Q&A. Every session recorded. Beyond the MSP training, you get business case templates, benefits map examples, 24/7 expert support, and end-to-end assistance with the entire PeopleCert exam process - where most aspiring candidates fail before they even understand the scenario-based Practitioner exam.

MSP Training Course Highlights in Akron, OH

More Than a Course - It's Your Career Accelerator

PeopleCert Accredited Training Organization

Learn with confidence knowing your training program is fully accredited and aligns with the official MSP 5th Edition global standards.

Taught by top-tier instructors

Unlock your potential with expert teachers who are MSP-certified Programme Directors guiding you to success.

Flexible Schedule

Aim for the MSP certification and choose a training schedule that fits your time - we offer weekday-evening, weekend only, or a full 4-day bootcamp.

Performance-focused Training

Master the concepts fast with 32-hours hands-on and individualized performance feedback through 10+ Foundation & Practitioner exam simulators.

Exhaustive Practice Materials

Get on top of your weaknesses with 1000+ tailor-made practice questions and mock tests.

24x7 Expert Guidance & Support

Be worry-free as industry experts are available 24x7 to solve your doubts and assist you at every turn.

Corporate Training

Tailored programs for teams with enterprise support

Learning Models

Choose from digital or instructor-led training for a customized learning experience.

LMS Platform

Access an enterprise-grade Learning Management System built for scalability and security.

Pricing Options

Pick from flexible pricing plans that fit your team size and learning goals.

Performance Dashboards

Track progress with intuitive dashboards for individuals and teams.

24x7 Support

Get round-the-clock learner assistance whenever you need help.

Account Manager

Work with a dedicated account manager who ensures smooth delivery and support.

Ready to transform your team?

Get a custom quote for your organization's training needs.

Upcoming Schedule

Join the next batch that fits your timezone

Skills You Will Gain In Our MSP Training Program

From Knowledge to Actionable Intelligence

Strategic Benefit Management

Stop delivering "projects" and start delivering "value." Learn to identify, define, track, and realize tangible business benefits.

Programme Governance & Control

Master the frameworks that PMPs don't know. Learn to establish a Programme Board, define roles (SRO, BCM), and build a governance structure that works.

Blueprint Design & Delivery

Learn to design the "future state." Master the creation of a detailed operational model (the Blueprint) that defines what the programme will deliver.

Cross-Project Dependency Management

Get a grip on the complex web of inter-dependencies. Stop projects from blaming each other and create a master plan that controls the flow of delivery.

Executive Stakeholder Engagement

Learn to manage VPs, CXOs, and resistant business units. Master communication and influence strategies for the executive level, not the team level.

Tranche-Based Planning & Delivery

Stop "big bang" failures. Learn to group projects into "tranches" that deliver measurable capabilities and benefits at regular intervals.

Who This Program Is For

Ideal Candidates for MSP Certification

Senior Project Managers

Program Managers

PMO Leads & PMO Directors

Business Change Managers

Digital Transformation Leads

Senior Consultants & Portfolio Managers

If you lead complex, multi-project transformations and want to break out of the "project manager" box, this program is engineered to get you certified.

MSP Certification Training Program Roadmap in Akron, OH

The Step-by-Step System for First-Attempt Success

Step 1: Secure Your Path

Choose your training modality & commit to the process.

Step 2: Master the Framework

Absorb the expert-led, 4-day MSP Training study plan.

Step 3: Pass the Foundation Exam

Get the core knowledge locked in and pass the first mandatory exam.

Step 4: Master the Practitioner Scenarios

Pinpoint weaknesses with our 1000+ question bank.

Step 5: Conquer the Clock

Master exam pressure with full-length Practitioner simulators.

Step 6: Execute & Pass

Walk in prepared and pass the MSP Practitioner on your first attempt.

Step 7: Leverage Your Credential

Unlock Programme Director roles and a higher salary band.

1/7

Why get MSP-certified?

The Credential That Ends the Gatekeeping

Stop getting filtered out by HR bots.

Get the executive-level interviews your experience already deserves.

Unlock the higher salary bands and bonus structures

That are reserved for certified programme leaders.

Transition from tactical project execution to strategic transformation leadership

And gain a seat at the decision-making table.

Eligibility and Pre-requisites

For MSP Certification

MSP is globally respected because it's a two-stage validation of your knowledge and your ability to apply it. The path is straightforward and designed to build capability, not just test memory.

Eligibility Criteria:

Accredited Training (Mandatory): You must complete an accredited MSP training program from a PeopleCert ATO (Accredited Training Organization) like us. This is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

MSP 5th Edition Foundation Exam: This is the first hurdle. It's a closed-book, multiple-choice exam that validates your understanding of the MSP framework's principles, themes, and processes.5 Our training fully prepares you for this, and the voucher is included.

MSP 5th Edition Practitioner Exam: This is the real test. To sit for this exam, you must have passed the Foundation exam. The Practitioner exam is an open-book, scenario-based test that challenges your ability to apply the MSP framework to a real-world programme.6

No Experience Hours: Unlike PMP, MSP does not require you to log and prove thousands of experience hours. The prerequisite is completing the accredited training and passing the Foundation exam.

Meet the Instructors

Learn from certified experts with 15+ years of experience

Kathy Rogers

Director at Resolve It, Inc.

I am a Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt with extensive experience in Change Management and fundraising.

Zahn Patin

Project Manager, PMP, MBA

PMP Certified, MBA professional who is passionate about education and serving the community.

Rufus Alexander, M.B.A., PM

Corporate Trainer

I am an energetic Project Management Corporate Trainer with a passion for teaching project management.

Tim McDermott, PMP

Business Consultant, Trainer

Small businesses are constantly searching for new sources of revenue to increase business profits.

Norman Wilson, PMP, PMI-ACP

President Elect at Project Management Institute

Program Manager in charge of supporting PMO for Global Financial Service: Americas, Asia, and Europe.

Kathy Rogers

Director at Resolve It, Inc.

I am a Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt with extensive experience in Change Management and fundraising.

Zahn Patin

Project Manager, PMP, MBA

PMP Certified, MBA professional who is passionate about education and serving the community.

Rufus Alexander, M.B.A., PM

Corporate Trainer

I am an energetic Project Management Corporate Trainer with a passion for teaching project management.

Tim McDermott, PMP

Business Consultant, Trainer

Small businesses are constantly searching for new sources of revenue to increase business profits.

Norman Wilson, PMP, PMI-ACP

President Elect at Project Management Institute

Program Manager in charge of supporting PMO for Global Financial Service: Americas, Asia, and Europe.

Kathy Rogers

Director at Resolve It, Inc.

I am a Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt with extensive experience in Change Management and fundraising.

Zahn Patin

Project Manager, PMP, MBA

PMP Certified, MBA professional who is passionate about education and serving the community.

Rufus Alexander, M.B.A., PM

Corporate Trainer

I am an energetic Project Management Corporate Trainer with a passion for teaching project management.

Tim McDermott, PMP

Business Consultant, Trainer

Small businesses are constantly searching for new sources of revenue to increase business profits.

Norman Wilson, PMP, PMI-ACP

President Elect at Project Management Institute

Program Manager in charge of supporting PMO for Global Financial Service: Americas, Asia, and Europe.

Course Modules & Curriculum

Comprehensive modules covering all knowledge areas

Module 1 MSP Foundations & Principles ▾

Lesson 1: Programme Management Mastery Framework

Master the MSP 5th Edition structure. Learn the critical difference between a project, a programme, and a portfolio. This lesson establishes why PMP isn't enough for strategic leadership.

Lesson 2: The 7 MSP Principles

Internalize the 7 core principles that guide all decisions: Lead with purpose, Collaborate across boundaries, Deal with ambiguity, Align with priorities, Deploy in stages, Learn and adapt, and Be resilient.

Lesson 3: MSP Governance: Organization & Leadership

Stop running a "super project." Learn to establish real programme governance, defining the key roles of the Sponsoring Group, Programme Board, Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), and Business Change Manager (BCM).7

Module 2 MSP Governance Themes (Part 1) ▾

Lesson 1: The Business Case & Benefits

This is the heart of your MSP training. Learn to build, manage, and validate a strategic Business Case that focuses on benefits, not just costs.

Lesson 2: Risk & Issue Management

Move beyond project-level risks. Master the identification and management of programme-level risks (e.g., strategic, environmental, or benefit-related) and how to handle cross-project issues.

Lesson 3: Stakeholder Engagement & Vision

Learn to manage VPs, directors, and entire departments. Master stakeholder analysis at the executive level and how to create a compelling Vision Statement that aligns everyone to the programme's goals.

Module 3 MSP Governance Themes (Part 2) ▾

Lesson 1: Quality & Assurance Management

Build quality into the transformation, not just the projects. Learn to define programme-level quality standards and implement an assurance strategy that validates project outputs against the Blueprint.

Lesson 2: Blueprint Design & Delivery

This is a core MSP certification topic. Learn to design the "future state" (the Blueprint) by defining the Processes, Organization, Technology, and Information (POTI) model of the new, changed organization.

Lesson 3: Planning & Control

Master the Programme Plan. Learn to group projects into "Tranches" to manage delivery in stages. You'll master exception-based control, not day-to-day micromanagement.

Module 4 The MSP Transformational Flow ▾

Lesson 1: Identifying a Programme

Learn where programmes come from. Master the process of taking a high-level strategic objective (the "Programme Mandate") and shaping it into a formal programme.

Lesson 2: Defining a Programme

Build the machine. This is where you create the full Business Case, the Programme Plan, and all governance strategies. This is the most critical process in the MSP certification syllabus.

Lesson 3: Managing the Tranches

Control the delivery. Learn how to authorize and manage each "Tranche" (group of projects), ensuring they deliver the capabilities defined in the Blueprint.

Module 5 Flow, Closure & Exam Preparation ▾

Lesson 1: Delivering Capability & Realizing Benefits

Master the core loop of MSP. Learn how to manage the transition of new capabilities into live operations and, most importantly, how to track that the intended benefits are actually being realized.

Lesson 2: Closing a Programme

Shut it down gracefully. Learn the formal process for closing a programme, demobilizing the team, and transitioning all ongoing benefit realization to the business-as-usual operations.

Lesson 3: Foundation & Practitioner Exam Strategy

Develop test-taking strategies. We'll cover time management for the Foundation exam and, crucially, how to dissect and answer the complex scenario-based questions in the open-book MSP Practitioner exam.

MSP Certification & Exam FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our course and certification

What is MSP (Managing Successful Programmes)? ▾

MSP is a globally recognized framework for programme management. It provides a structured approach for managing complex business transformations that involve multiple related projects.9 While PMP focuses on one project, MSP focuses on coordinating multiple projects to achieve a strategic business benefit.

What is the difference between MSP Foundation and MSP Practitioner? ▾

Foundation: This is the first level. It's a closed-book, multiple-choice exam that proves you understand the MSP framework, terminology, and principles. Practitioner: This is the advanced level. It's an open-book, scenario-based exam that proves you can apply the MSP framework to a complex programme. You must pass Foundation to sit for the Practitioner. This MSP training prepares you for both.

What are the eligibility requirements for MSP certification? ▾

There are no formal experience (e.g., 4,500 hours) prerequisites like PMP. The only mandatory requirement is that you must complete an accredited MSP training course from a PeopleCert ATO like iCert Global.

How much does the MSP certification exam cost? ▾

The exam vouchers are expensive, but both the Foundation and Practitioner exam vouchers are included in our Instructor-Led and Classroom training packages. There are no extra exam fees.

How many questions are on the MSP Foundation exam? ▾

The Foundation exam has 60 multiple-choice questions.12 You have 60 minutes to complete it.

What is the passing score for MSP Foundation? ▾

The passing score is 60%, or 36 out of 60 questions correct. Our training is designed to have you scoring 80-90% consistently.

How many questions are on the MSP Practitioner exam? ▾

The Practitioner exam is a complex, scenario-based test.13 It has 70 questions, and you have 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete it.14

What is the passing score for MSP Practitioner? ▾

The passing score is 60%, or 42 out of 70 questions correct. This is an open-book exam, meaning you can use your official MSP 5th Edition guide.

Can I take the MSP certification exams online? ▾

Yes. All MSP exams are administered online by PeopleCert using their secure, proctored system.15 You can take them from your home or office in Akron, OH, or anywhere with a stable internet connection.

What happens if I fail an MSP exam? ▾

Failing is a setback, not a dead end. Our entire program is engineered for first-attempt success. However, if you don't pass, our pass guarantee provides free re-training. You can also purchase a "Take2" retake voucher from PeopleCert at the time of your initial booking for a small fee.

How long is my MSP certification valid? ▾

Your Foundation certification is valid for life. Your MSP Practitioner certification is valid for 3 years.

What study materials are recommended for the MSP exams? ▾

The only material you need is the official "Managing Successful Programmes 5th Edition" guide and our comprehensive, accredited MSP training materials, which include our 1000+ question simulator. The official guide is non-negotiable, as it's your only allowed resource during the open-book Practitioner exam.

How do I renew my MSP Practitioner certification? ▾

You have two options: Retake: Retake the full Practitioner exam within the 3-year window. CPD: Collect and log 20 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points each year through PeopleCert's MyAxelos subscription.

Is MSP certification better than PMP? ▾

This is the wrong question. They are different tools for different jobs. PMP proves you can manage a project.16 MSP proves you can govern a strategic transformation. MSP is the logical next step for senior PMPs who want to move into executive-level Programme Director or Head of Transformation roles.

What is the "MSP 5th Edition"? ▾

It is the latest version of the Managing Successful Programmes framework, released in 2020. It's more flexible and streamlined than the old 4th Edition. Our MSP certification course is fully aligned with this modern 5th Edition.

Customer Testimonials

Hear from our successful graduates

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great class, very informative.

James Conklin

Project Manager, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great PMP® Bootcamp. I had a great time taking this course. I took the course to prepare to sit for the CAPM® but may be able to sit for the PMP®. I learnt a lot was challenging. Great course. We need one more day. Content was very detailed.

Karle Scroggins

Operations Coordinator, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

it was a great class. Lots of energy. And I enjoyed.

John Denke

Project Manager , Boeing

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fantastic course to prepare for PMP® exam.

Kevin Hambrice

Global Factory Sales & Marketing Manager, ABB

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

As a participant it was smooth sailing for me.

Eric S. Tumlinson

Sr. Project Manager, Montco Oilfield Contractors, LLC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trainer was excellent. Shared good resources and good experiences.

Khemoni Holmes

Project Manager, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Good content and training.

Dennis Glover

Project Manager, eProtex

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I wanted to let you know that I took and passed the PMP exam. Thanks to iCert Global and especially my Cincinnati course instructor, who was an excellent teacher and helped me immensely.

Steve Ditty

Executive Director, Cogent IBS

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trainer was good. Trainer was very engaged and interacting. Very much satisfied with the training.

Stefan Long

Owner, MAGMAX Group LLC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this training. Yomi was awesome as a trainer and working to make sure that we understood the concepts. Controlling Cost and Controlling Risk are the most complicated, but Yomi spent time after class working through questions to help others understand. This class also helped to change my perception of the PMP being this MONSTER to something that I can I can successfully do.

Nancy Davis

Sr. Project Manager , GK Software USA, Inc

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great class with a lot of information and tips to prepare for the exam

John Eric Nelson

Business Development Manager , WCA Waste

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It was a great course, covered all the things that i ended up hitting road bumps on. I was the only one in the class, but the trainer was just as involved as if it had been a full class.

Mark Butler

Project Manager, Starbucks Via Aerotek

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was nervous about taking it online versus classroom; but I am actually glad I took it online. Instructor was very great and gave a good learning experience with his relevant project management experience.

Xeng Yang

IT Specialist, Beautiful Creations & More

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The training was very intense but covered with course material. It was more than I expected.

Bernadette Gilliam

Operations/Technical Support Analyst , The Johns Hopkins Hospital

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I thought the class was very informative. The instructor did an excellent job breaking down each chapter to where it was easy to understand. I was also very impressed with his commitment to help us pass ever after the class is over.

Taylor Mitchell

Business Management, AT&T

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent training. Instructor was very knowledgeable and explained information in an understandable way

Sandra Hamilton Allen

Sales Analyst , Alcon

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Quality Materials presented, Instructor very knowledgeable. Exceeded my expectations.

Anthony Muldrow

Engineering Safety Manager, SNC-Lavalin

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The training is a great introduction into the PMI mindset. Very informative and helpful

Bryan Tamburro

Managing Partner, Arrakis Development LLC

Course & Support

Everything you need to know about our training options and support

How long does the training take to complete? ▾

The entire program is a 32-hour, intensive curriculum. We offer it as a 4-day (8 hours/day) bootcamp or as a 4-week program (e.g., weekend-only or weekday-evening batches).

What are the different training formats available? ▾

We offer three modalities: E-Learning (self-paced), Instructor-Led Live Class (our most popular online option), and Classroom Training (an in-person, immersive experience in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi).

Are the classes live or just pre-recorded videos? ▾

Our sessions are 100% live and fully interactive. This is not a passive video course. You will engage in real-time case study discussions and Q&A with your MSP-certified instructor.

What if a work commitment forces me to miss a scheduled class? ▾

You won't fall behind. Every session is recorded and available within 24 hours. You also have the flexibility to attend the same session in any other running batch at no extra cost.

How flexible is the program if my schedule changes? ▾

Completely flexible. You can switch between different batches (e.g., from weekends to weekdays) or formats (online to in-person) at any time during your program without penalty.

Who are the instructors? ▾

Our instructors are PeopleCert-vetted, practicing MSP-certified Programme Directors. You learn from professionals who are actively leading transformations, not just academics.

What are the class sizes like? ▾

We maintain small batch sizes intentionally (typically 15-20 participants). This ensures every participant gets personalized attention and has ample opportunity to interact.

Is there a difference between the weekday and weekend batches? ▾

No. The official 32-hour accredited MSP training curriculum, expert instructors, and hands-on exercises are identical. The only difference is the schedule.

Do I need any special software to attend? ▾

No. All you need is a standard web browser and a stable internet connection for our live online classes. All tools and resources are accessible through our learning portal.

Is this training valid for candidates outside Bangalore? ▾

Yes. Our Instructor-Led Live Classes and E-Learning programs are accessible globally. We have professionals joining from Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, and worldwide. The MSP certification is a global standard.

How does the resume and LinkedIn support work? ▾

Our career services team will work with you to re-brand your resume, shifting the language from "project delivery" to "programme governance" and "benefits realization" to attract senior recruiters.