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

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Deliver the Capabilities” focuses on delivering the agreed outputs and adjusting delivery if needed. Monitoring progress and corrective actions are key to staying on track.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“This process ensures progress is monitored and corrective actions are taken to support successful delivery.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Programme governance in MSP is about aligning strategic intent with delivery excellence—selecting and executing the “right” programmes in the “right” way. It institutes the leadership, roles, structures, and decision-making protocols needed to ensure programmes support organizational strategy and achieve intended benefits. The MSP framework states its purpose succinctly:

Hence,Bdirectly captures the essence.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Knowledge in MSP includes both explicit and tacit forms. Tacit knowledge is typically unstructured and not easily articulated, and often only becomes explicit when deliberate effort is made to capture or document it.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“Tacit knowledge usually only becomes explicit when individuals invest effort in capturing and sharing it.”

Therefore, option C is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

TheEmbed the Outcomesprocess addresses the transition from old to new ways of working, including managing change without jeopardizing the operational stability of the business. From the MSP summary:

“The purpose of the embed the outcomes process is to ensure that the investing organization(s) make the required changes to adopt new ways of working and realize benefits. … This needs to be achieved by ensuring the operational stability and performance of business operations is not jeopardized.”

Thus, optionCis correct.

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:

TheEvaluate new informationprocess aims to assemble fresh, relevant insights quickly and in formats suitable for decision-makers. According to Good‑e‑Learning summary:

It provides up‑to‑date, high‑quality information to support decision‑making

Objective2is also correct: presenting explicit knowledge appropriately to the board.Objectives 1 and 4 refer more to Design or Knowledge/Embed processes, not specifically Evaluate. Hence,B (2 and 3)is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Lead with purpose” principle is about creating a clear and inspiring direction for the programme. Maintaining a compelling vision and a well-defined target operating model helps provide that sense of purpose and focus to all programme participants.

According to MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“Clarity of purpose, supported by a clear and compelling vision and target operating model, enables effective leadership and alignment.”

Therefore, option A 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:

TheInformation Approachdocuments how information is managed across the programme, including classification, handling, storage, access, and privacy requirements. It defines data protection standards and privacy levels for various information types. Hence,Ais the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Initiating the “Close the Programme” process happens when the programme objectives have been met and benefits are being successfully realized and measured. Per MSP summary:

“The purpose of the close the programme process is to end the programme in a controlled way, extracting as much value from the programme regardless of the reason for closing it. This includes ensuring that the investing organization(s) are ready to maximize the benefits to be realized from the programme work completed…”

Therefore,Bis the best choice.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The programme plan provides the integrated view of how the programme will achieve its outcomes, specifying roles (who), timelines (when), and approach (how).

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“The programme plan sets out the schedule, resources, and governance to achieve delivery of capabilities and realization of benefits.”

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A risk, by definition, is anything that could impact the achievement of objectives. In programme management, risks are assessed based on their potential effect on programme objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“A programme risk is an uncertain event or set of events that, if they occur, will affect the achievement of programme objectives.”

Therefore, C is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

This sentence is from the core definition of a programme in the MSP Foundation, 5th Edition. The correct wording is:

“A programme is a temporary structure designed to lead multiple, interrelated projects and other work in order to progressively achieve outcomes of benefit for one or more organizations.”

This highlights that the goal of programmes is not just activity coordination, but delivering benefits. Hence, option B is the correct word.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

One of the common drivers for organizations to undertake programmes is the need to realign strategy, structure, or operations—this is often referred to as “organizational realignment.” Programmes support these changes by coordinating multiple related projects.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition highlights:

“Programmes of change are initiated to support strategic objectives, such as organizational realignment, regulatory compliance, or new market entry.”

Therefore, D is correct.

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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:

One of the key drivers for initiating a programme rather than a project is when the organization requires a shift in culture, behavior, and working practices to achieve strategic objectives.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Organizations often use programmes when there is a need to change the prevailing culture, ways of working, or strategic positioning.”

Therefore, option B is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Monitoring the external environment helps programmes adapt to changing circumstances, identify emerging risks, and make informed decisions promptly. This proactive approach supports the principle of "deal with ambiguity" and strategic alignment.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“Monitoring external factors ensures that new risks, issues, and opportunities are identified early, supporting timely and informed decision-making.”

Therefore, C 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 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:

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 Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculation relies on cash flow, which is influenced by revenues such as sales. Among the options,sales growthdirectly affects future cash inflows, which are core to the IRR metric. Other options—staff satisfaction, asset utilization, safety performance—don’t directly contribute to cash flow typically used in IRR calculations. Therefore,Dis correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Plan Progressive Delivery” involves breaking the programme into manageable tranches to deliver capabilities in a structured manner.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This process defines the programme delivery structure, including tranches, and sets out how the programme will deliver capabilities to achieve desired outcomes.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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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 principle “Deal with ambiguity” is applied when decisions are made based on uncertain or incomplete information. Analyzing both best and worst-case scenarios helps manage risk and uncertainty.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The “Structure” theme defines how the programme is organized and delivered over tranches. When this theme applies the “Collaborate across boundaries” principle, it leads to better coordination and utilization of resources across teams and organizations.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition notes:

“Collaborating across boundaries ensures resources are used effectively and efficiently by aligning the structure of delivery with responsibilities across the organization.”

Thus, A is the correct answer.

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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:

Cash flow in a programme context refers to the net amount of funds required to pay for ongoing expenses—primarily resources.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“Cash flow is the net amount of cash and cash-equivalents required to pay for resources over time.”

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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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 three lines of defence model in MSP ensures that risks and performance are managed effectively through independent layers of oversight. The Assurance Approach sets out how each of these lines of defence will monitor, report, and intervene when necessary.

The MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The assurance approach defines how the three lines of defence will be used in the programme and describes how assurance will be provided across all areas.”

Thus, option D is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Identify the Programme” is the process where the current and future state are initially examined. This helps define the case for change before planning delivery or structuring the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“This process creates an understanding of the gap between the current and future states and whether there is a case to proceed.”

Thus, C is correct.

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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:

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 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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The MSP principle‘Deploy Diverse Skills’refers to planning and utilizing the right mix of skills, internal and external, to deliver the programme capabilities effectively and at the best pace. This principle emphasizes the need to coordinate various specialist skills to ensure that capability delivery aligns with the achievement of outcomes and benefits.

From MSP Foundation, 5th Edition (Principles section):

“The principle of Deploy Diverse Skills means that programmes should plan and manage the delivery of capabilities in a way that draws on the appropriate skills at the right time, ensuring that outcomes and benefits are realized efficiently and effectively.”

This reflects a strategic approach to resource and skills management across the programme lifecycle.

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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