P3O(R) Foundation and Practitioner

P3O® Foundation Syllabus

• Know facts, terms, and concepts relating to the introduction and the principles of a P3O model and its elements.

• Understand key concepts relating to the Overview, Principles, and elements of a P3O model, including the Introduction to P3O.

• Know facts, terms and concepts relating to the business justification for implementing a P3O.

• Understand key concepts relating to the justification for implementing a P3O.

• Know facts, terms and concepts for selecting the right P3O model and its functions and services.

• Understand key concepts for selecting the right P3O model and its functions and services.

• Know facts, terms and concepts relating to the processes to implement and re-energise a P3O.

• Understand key concepts relating to implementing and reenergising a P3O.

• Know facts, terms and concepts relating to operating a P3O, including using tools and techniques.

• Understand key concepts relating to operating a P3O, including using tools and techniques.

• Know facts, terms and concepts relating to the roles in a P3O model.

• Understand key concepts relating to the roles and responsibilities in a P3O model.

P3O® Foundation learning outcomes

• High-level P3O model and its component offices.

• Differences between Portfolio, Programme and Project Management.

• Key functions and services of a P3O.

• Reasons for establishing a P3O model.

• Differences between types of P3O model and the factors that influence the selection of the most appropriate model.

• Processes to implement or re-energise a P3O.

• Tools and techniques used by a P3O.

• Purpose and major responsibilities of the defined roles.

P3O® Practitioner Syllabus

• Be able to apply key concepts relating to the justification for implementing a P3O within a given scenario.

• Be able to identify, analyse and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate use of key concepts relating to the justification for implementing a P3O within a given scenario.

• Be able to apply key concepts relating to models and tailoring within a given scenario.

• Be able to identify, analyse and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate use of key concepts relating to P3O models and tailoring within a given scenario.

• Be able to apply key concepts relating to implementing and/or re-energising a P3O within a given scenario.

• Be able to identify, analyse and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate use of key concepts relating to implementing and/or re-energising a P3O within a given scenario.

• Be able to apply key concepts relating to the use of tools and techniques within a given scenario.

• Identify, analyse and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate use of key concepts relating to the use of tools and techniques within a given scenario.

• Ability to apply key concepts related to the roles and responsibilities in a P3O model within a given scenario.

• Identify, analyse and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate application of roles and responsibilities in a P3O model within a given scenario.

P3O® Practitioner learning outcomes

• Develop the business case required to obtain senior management approval for the P3O.

• Identify and build the most appropriate P3O model, which will adapt to the organisation's needs, taking account of its size and portfolio, programme, and project management maturity.

• Identify the most appropriate roles required to populate a specified P3O structure.

• Plan the implementation of a P3O.

• Choose and use appropriate tools and techniques while running the P3O and advising those who shape the portfolio of programmes and projects.

P3O® Foundation

• Exam Format - Multiple choice.

• Number of questions - 70 live questions and five trials.

• Duration - 60 minutes.

• Pass Mark – 35/70 (50%).

• Materials allowed - None (Closed book).

P3O® Practitioner

• Exam format - Objective testing.

• Number of questions - Four questions with 20 marks each, 80 marks in total.

• Duration - 150 minutes.

• Pass mark – 40/80 (50%).

• Materials allowed - Open book exam. Candidates may use the official printed hard copy of the Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices: P3O guide. The manual may be annotated and tabulated, but no sticky notes and loose-leaf papers containing additional notes will be allowed.

IMPORTANT: You must ensure your device is compatible with taking your exams. Please check and follow the official guidelines here.

P3O® Foundation

This certification is designed for individuals working within offices governed by the P3O model or for those who need to grasp the foundational terminology and concepts of P3O. It is also ideal for those looking to advance to higher-level certifications.

Obtaining the Foundation certification is necessary before progressing to the Practitioner level.

P3O® Practitioner

This Practitioner certification is intended for individuals who wish to actively participate in any of the offices outlined in the P3O model. It particularly benefits those undertaking management, generic, or functional roles. Additionally, it is suitable for anyone who views the P3O model as a stepping stone in their career development.

Comprehensive training: Starting your P3O training with us provides comprehensive benefits, enhancing your ability to make informed decisions and drive success within your organisation.

Informed project selection: You'll learn how to identify and select the right programmes and projects, ensuring they align with organisational goals and are set up for success from the start.

Enhanced visibility and problem resolution: The training equips you to increase team transparency. This visibility allows for the early detection of potential issues, enabling you to escalate them to the appropriate departments swiftly and effectively.

Balanced organisational agenda: You'll gain the skills to effectively balance change initiatives with ongoing business-as-usual activities, ensuring that neither is compromised.

Driven consistency and efficiency: P3O training empowers you to implement consistent project management methodologies across the board, enhancing efficiency and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Global recognition: When you choose our P3O® courses, you select a programme officially recognised and accredited by PeopleCert on behalf of AXELOS.

Trusted provider: We have successfully trained over 630,000 delegates worldwide, and our commitment to quality is reflected in the 5-star rating we've received from over 14,563 students on Trustpilot.

Interest-free finance options: We offer interest-free finance and flexible payment plans designed to suit a variety of financial situations because we believe education should be an opportunity, not a privilege.

What is P3O certification?

P3O certification recognises individuals who have gained knowledge and understanding of the P3O guidance, which helps organisations ensure that their projects, programmes and portfolio management are well-supported and consistently conducted. The certification includes understanding how to establish, develop, and maintain a portfolio management office that offers strategic decision support and project delivery services within an organisation.

What is P3O training?

P3O training is designed to equip individuals and organisations with the skills and knowledge to implement P3O models within their business structure. Our P3O training covers key concepts of portfolio, programme, and project management and how these can be integrated and managed within an organisation to support strategic goals.

Our training offers numerous advantages. It enables the selection and effective execution of relevant projects and programmes. It provides a clear visual tracking system for successes and failures, allowing for timely problem escalation.

Additionally, it helps organisations balance change initiatives with ongoing operations while promoting consistency, efficiency, and delivery effectiveness, optimising costs and timelines.

What are the benefits of P3O certification?

Gaining a P3O certification offers several key benefits. It equips you with the skills to develop and manage a strong framework that supports effective project, programme, and portfolio management.

Certified professionals are recognised for their ability to advise on strategic decisions that align with organisational goals and governance, enhancing project delivery efficiency while reducing risks and optimising resource use. Additionally, the certification validates your expertise in portfolio management and strategic governance, significantly boosting your career prospects.

What is P3O explained?

P3O (Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices) is an integrated suite of best practices for establishing, maintaining, and improving an organisation's portfolio, programme, and project management. It supports senior executives and stakeholders in making informed decisions on project and programme strategy, prioritising resources, and ensuring successful delivery outcomes.

A key aspect of P3O is providing a standardised framework for portfolio management offices (PMOs), which aids in consistent project management and reporting.