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P3O® Foundation

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Course overview

This globally recognised, accredited Foundation course provides you with a full understanding of the Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O) framework. P3O provides best practice guidance on establishing and optimising Project Management Offices (PMOs) at all levels, from single projects to enterprise-wide portfolios. 

Gain essential skills for establishing and optimising PMOs with P3O

The P3O framework is a structure for the prioritisation and control of corporate, organisational investments. This Foundation course teaches you the key principles and terminology within the guidance, its relevancy, who it’s aimed at and differences between projects, programmes, and portfolio management. 

Learning objectives
  • Understand the scope and objectives of portfolio management and how it differs from programme and project management 
  • Recognise the benefits of applying portfolio management within an organisation 
  • Learn the context in which portfolios operate 
  • Explore the principles that underpin successful portfolio management 
  • Gain insight into implementation approaches, factors for maintaining progress, and methods for assessing portfolio management success 
  • Learn the definition, delivery cycles, component practices, and techniques relevant to each portfolio management practice 
  • Understand the purpose and key content of major portfolio documents 
  • Identify the scope and responsibilities of key portfolio management roles 

What you'll learn

In this globally recognised Foundation course, you’ll learn about P3O services and functions, model structures, how to operate a P3O, the roles and responsibilities, and how to develop a business case. Providing you with the skills and confidence you need to establish effective PMOs using the framework. 

P3O services and functions

Gain an understanding of the objectives of each functional or service area and the concepts of strategic planning, delivery support and centre of excellence, which work within the P3O model to create a holistic structure that improves overall organisational performance. You’ll also learn how to establish or enhance assurance services through gated reviews or audit, and P3O governance. 

Model structures

Learn about the services and functions delivered through various design models and the kinds of models that you can deploy. Understand the reporting structure of a P3O model, the critical success factors of a P3O structure, and how to guarantee information assurance for your projects and programmes. 

How to operate a P3O

Discover how to operate a P3O using tools and techniques including prioritisation of portfolios, based on ranking projects by strategic importance, using management dashboards and information portals to provide real-time insights for informed decision-making, and knowledge management strategies to ensure lessons are captured. While other tools such as business process swim-lane diagrams will enhance understanding of workflows and roles.   

What's included
  • Accredited P3O Foundation training  
  • P3O Foundation exam  
  • Official P3O manual   
  • Tutor support  
  • Further optional extras, including Take2 exam insurance, available at checkout 

FAQs

Aimed at project, programme and portfolio management professionals, the P3O Foundation course covers essential concepts and techniques for setting up and managing effective PMOs. 

What is P3O Foundation?

This course introduces you to the Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O) model, which will equip you with essential skills for setting up and maintaining successful PMOs. This will enable your business to prioritise initiatives that support goals, optimise resource allocation, support delivery teams to stay on track and manage risks across projects and programmes. 

Does P3O Foundation expire?

Yes, you must renew your certification within three years of the award date to remain current. There are multiple ways to recertify, more information regarding the options can be found on the PeopleCert website

How long does it take to complete P3O Foundation?

Both the classroom and live virtual classroom study options are three days in duration. For the eLearning course, you will have access to the online learning materials for 12 months. Once you have purchased a course, you have 12 months from that date to take your exam. 

What is the pass mark for P3O Foundation exam?

The exam is multiple choice and closed book. There are 75 questions of which 70 are live and 5 are trial questions. The pass mark is 50%, which means you need to achieve a total of 35 marks or more to pass. 

What our customers say

"Excellent course and very happy with the ILX support team. Thanks especially to Emma Lindop (Senior Training Advisor at ILX) for her support throughout this journey." 

Ricardo Ivan Castañeda Uscanga, P3O delegate

"The quality of education provided is comparable to none. Great stuff!" 

Jerrold Edwards, ILX Learner
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