PeopleCert MSP-Foundation MSP Foundation, 5th editionExam Exam Practice Test

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Business Change Manager (BCM) is responsible for ensuring that outcomes are integrated into business operations and that the benefits are realized. One of their key accountabilities is to plan how new ways of working (enabled by programme outcomes) are embedded in the organization.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The business change manager is accountable for ensuring that the desired outcomes are clearly defined, understood, and owned, and for planning the transition of those outcomes into business operations.”

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Continual improvement refers to methods like Lean or Kaizen, where ongoing adjustments are made to reduce inefficiencies and enhance outcomes.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Continual improvement involves identifying and eliminating waste in processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency over time.”

Thus, C is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Close the Programme” process ensures value is captured and lessons are learned. It focuses on ending the programme in a controlled way and documenting both achievements and remaining challenges.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Retaining lessons and ensuring knowledge is passed on is a critical component of programme closure.”

“The programme closure report includes assessment of achieved benefits, any dis-benefits, and remaining potential benefits.”Thus, option D (1 and 4) is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The vision statement is a concise, inspiring description of the future state the programme aims to achieve. Its purpose is to engage stakeholders and provide direction throughout the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The vision statement is a clear and compelling description of the future state that engages and motivates stakeholders.”

Therefore, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The ‘lead with purpose’ principle is about ensuring clarity of vision and empowering teams to act in alignment with it. The ‘knowledge’ theme supports this by ensuring that all participants have access to the information and learning needed to perform their roles effectively and purposefully.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Effective knowledge management enables individuals and teams to do their best work in support of the programme’s purpose.”

Thus, the correct answer is D.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The "Align with Priorities" principle emphasizes that the programme must remain aligned with the organization's evolving strategic direction. This requires ongoing adjustment of outputs, outcomes, and the vision to avoid misalignment.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Alignment with priorities is achieved by ensuring the vision, benefits, and design of the target operating model remain consistent with current strategic needs.”

Therefore, option D is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The stakeholder engagement and communications plan outlines the identification, analysis, prioritization, and engagement strategy for stakeholders. It emphasizes two-way communication.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines it as:

“A plan that describes how stakeholders are identified, prioritized, and engaged over the life of the programme, and how two-way communication will be maintained.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

MSP recognises two types of knowledge: explicit (codified) and tacit (experiential, hard to articulate). To pass on tacit knowledge effectively, interpersonal interaction—such as one-on-one mentoring or shadowing—is essential. The Knowledge theme states:

“Tacit knowledge is best transferred through direct interaction—mentoring, coaching, informal conversations—rather than through written documentation.”

Therefore, the correct approach isD, promoting direct communication for tacit knowledge transfer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Embed the Outcomes” process focuses on supporting the adoption of new capabilities into business operations and initiating the realization and measurement of benefits.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The purpose of this process is to ensure that the investing organization(s) make the required changes to adopt new ways of working and realize benefits.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A programme is not rigid or static—it is dynamic and designed to adapt to internal and external changes. The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines a programme as:

“A temporary, flexible structure created to coordinate, direct and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities in order to deliver outcomes and benefits related to the organization’s strategic objectives.”

MSP emphasizes agility, stating that programmes must evolve in response to changes in the business environment, learning, and new insights.

Therefore, option D is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A linear project delivery mode follows a predictable, step-by-step sequence: initiation, planning, execution, and closure—once through, without returning to earlier phases.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“A linear project lifecycle completes delivery in a single pass through sequential phases, with minimal feedback loops.”

Therefore, C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Assurance helps manage uncertainty by focusing on the areas of greatest risk and ambiguity, providing confidence and early warning when change threatens outcomes.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes this alignment as:

“Assurance supports dealing with ambiguity by focusing resources on the riskiest areas, thereby enabling better-informed decisions and increased certainty.”

Option B directly aligns with that intent.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Deliver the Capabilities” process focuses on the coordination of project delivery to ensure that new capabilities are created in a controlled and managed way. This includes starting and closing projects effectively and managing risks and issues throughout delivery.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This process ensures that each project is initiated, managed, and closed in a controlled manner, and that risks and issues are monitored and managed.”

Hence, the correct answer is C (3 and 4).

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Deal with ambiguity” principle recognizes the inherent uncertainty in programmes and the need for flexibility and resilience.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This principle reflects that programmes operate in environments that are volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.”

Therefore, D is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Align with priorities” principle ensures that a programme remains aligned with evolving strategic goals. Programmes must remain flexible to respond to new or shifting business needs.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“A programme must remain aligned with organizational priorities and be flexible enough to adapt to changes in strategic direction.”

Therefore, B is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Bring pace and value” is about delivering outcomes at the right time to align with organizational needs. This requires careful planning and coordination with major milestones and external drivers.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Pace and value are achieved by aligning delivery with key organizational events and making decisions that enable early realization of value.”

Therefore, B is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Programme plans translate the programme strategy into actionable items. They describe how the strategy will be implemented, including scope, schedules, dependencies, and resources.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Plans provide a view of how the strategy will be delivered, including what needs to be done, when, and by whom.”

Thus, A is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Target Operating Model (TOM) describes the future state that the programme is working to achieve. It includes structures, processes, capabilities, technologies, and culture.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The target operating model defines the future organization, describing what the business will look like and how it will operate once the programme is complete.”

Thus, option C is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Deliver the Capabilities” process oversees the delivery of outputs by projects and includes the monitoring and reporting of project progress.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Project reporting occurs as part of the deliver the capabilities process, to ensure that outputs are produced as planned and any deviations are managed.”

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “Realize measurable benefits” emphasizes the importance of ensuring that any benefits delivered by the programme are clearly defined and measurable, preferably using financial or other agreed metrics.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This principle ensures that benefits are clearly defined and measurable, ideally with quantifiable (often financial) metrics that can be used to assess performance.”

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The "Embed the Outcomes" process is responsible for supporting business operations in adopting new capabilities and embedding those into everyday practice. This includes managing the transition from legacy practices to the improved or new ways of working introduced by the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This process ensures that the new capabilities are embedded, enabling the organization to transition from old to new ways of working.”

Thus, option D is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The process where programme justification is confirmed before proceeding with programme delivery isEvaluate New Information. This process involves ongoing assessment of the programme’s justification as new data, risks, or issues arise. It ensures that the programme remains viable and aligned with organizational objectives before further delivery steps are taken.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains in the Transformational Flow section under theEvaluate New Informationprocess:

“This process is designed to re-assess the programme justification and make sure the business case remains valid, reflecting any changes in circumstances or information. Only if the justification still stands will the programme proceed with delivery.”

This evaluation provides a key control point in the programme lifecycle to confirm continued investment is warranted and to prevent unnecessary expenditure or risks.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “risk response approach” is part of the risk management documentation and defines how decisions will be made regarding whether to act on risks or opportunities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“The risk response approach defines how decisions will be made on whether to invest resources to mitigate threats or exploit opportunities.”

Hence, the correct answer is B.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “realize measurable benefits” requires active tracking of benefits throughout the lifecycle and alignment with evolving business context. This includes periodically revisiting and validating benefits and the TOM.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Measurable benefits must be defined, tracked, and updated as new information emerges and circumstances evolve.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Identify the Programme” process establishes whether a programme is justified by examining its business reasons and strategic rationale—effectively analysing its drivers. It forms the foundation for all subsequent processes.

“Identify the Programme involves capturing and analysing the causes for developing the programme and agreeing why it should proceed.”

Thus, optionCaligns precisely with the official MSP guidance.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Governance Approach within the programme strategy outlines how the programme will be directed and managed. This includes roles, responsibilities, reporting lines, and the organizational structure required for effective governance.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The governance approach defines the programme’s organization structure, including roles and responsibilities, to support decision-making and control.”

Hence, option C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Risk prioritization involves assessing individual risks to determine their relative significance. The most basic criteria used for this purpose are the likelihood of the risk occurring and the potential impact if it does.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Prioritization is based, at a minimum, on an assessment of the likelihood of the risk occurring and the impact it would have.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A dis-benefit is a measurable adverse effect, often unintended, that negatively affects the organization’s ability to meet its objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“A dis-benefit is a measurable decline resulting from an outcome perceived as negative by the investing organization(s) and which detracts from one or more organizational objectives.”

Thus, the correct answer is C.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Sponsoring group members are senior stakeholders with a broad organizational perspective. Their role includes advising the SRO and alerting them to strategic risks or issues that may affect the wider organization.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The sponsoring group supports the SRO and brings organizational knowledge to alert the SRO to any programme issues that also affect the organization as a whole.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In MSP, “processes” refer to structured sets of activities within the transformational flow that guide the delivery of the programme. Each process has inputs, outputs, roles, and objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Processes are structured sequences of activities designed to achieve specific objectives within the programme lifecycle.”

Hence, D is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Benefits Realization Plan schedules the activities needed to realize the benefits, including the organizational change initiatives required to embed capabilities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The benefits realization plan includes the schedule for change activities, aligning delivery and transition plans with the benefits profile.”

Thus, option C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The‘Structure’theme ensures the programme is organized into manageable tranches, with intermediate landing points linking to outcomes. The principleRealize measurable benefitsaligns closely with this by emphasizing clarity on how outcomes lead to measurable benefits over those predefined landing points. The principle ensures structure supports benefit realization at each stage. From MSP summary visual: the "Realize measurable benefits" principle is directly connected to the Structure theme

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The three lines of defence model in MSP provides a structured assurance framework aligned to delegated authorities. It ensures the right level of oversight, independence, and control over programme activities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The three lines of defence provide layers of assurance: operational management, internal assurance, and independent external review, each offering increasing independence.”

Therefore, B is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The "Embed the Outcomes" process ensures the organization adopts the new capabilities and starts realizing and measuring benefits. It also ensures that appropriate controls are in place so that benefits continue into business-as-usual.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition says:

“This process ensures that benefits realization is initiated and that appropriate controls are in place to ensure continued realization in BAU.”

Therefore, options 3 and 4 are correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When the assurance theme applies “collaborate across boundaries,” it promotes consistency in how different teams approach assurance activities.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“This principle supports consistent use of methods and tools across the programme and between different organizational teams, enhancing collaboration and transparency.”

Thus, B is the correct answer.

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