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PRINCE2® Project, Programme, Portfolio Office Management Foundation (formerly P3O)
- Categories:
- Project and Programme Management
- Level:
- Fundamentals
- Code:
- PBPP3OF
- Exam:
- Not Applicable
Overview
The PRINCE2 Project, Programme, Portfolio Office Management guidance provides advice, supported by discussion and examples, on how to develop a delivery and governance structure that helps optimize an organization's investment in change alongside its business-as-usual work.
This foundation course comprises three days of trainer led instruction. It is aimed at members of offices within a PMO model or anyone who needs to understand the terminology and concepts underpinning a PMO and those wishing to pursue high level qualifications. The course will provide delegates with a comprehensive and applied understanding of PMO advice. It prepares delegates for the PRINCE2 Project, Programme, Portfolio Office Management Foundation Certificate examination by undertaking questions from a sample examination paper.
Prerequisites
Delegates need to have worked in a project/programme environment and understand the basic principles relating to Portfolio, Programme and Project Management.
A basic understanding of the PRINCE2 product would be a benefit for this course.
Pre Course Reading
You will be provided with pre-course reading prior to attending the course. This pre-reading is in the form of a PDF and is expected to take approximately two to three hours to complete. Your learning starts with this pre-reading, so please ensure you can complete the pre-course activities in full prior to attending.
Target Audience
- Senior Managers wishing to gain an understanding of possible structures for supporting business change and the type and level of support that can be provided by Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices
- Senior Managers, Project, Programme and Project Managers who require an understanding of how a PMO can add value and enhance the delivery of strategic business change, benefits and capability
- Managers and/or staff who have been tasked to create delivery support structures and mechanisms within their organisation
- Experienced PMO managers who need to review, revitalise or tailor a current PMO provision
- PMO staff who need to understand the importance of their role
- Staff responsible for programme/project assurance
Course Material
Learners undertaking this course will be provided with an eBook of the official course manual to support their learning, instructions on how to access the eBook will be provided with the course joining instructions.
Please note: For open book exams learners are permitted to use a second device to access the official course manual, the use of dual monitors is not permitted during the exam.
Please ensure you bring a device such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to be able to load your course material on to as you may need this for use in the evenings.
What's included
Select your preferred way to learn:
What is Virtual?
Live, instructor-led training delivered online
Interactive online sessions led by subject matter experts. Learners join live classes, take part in discussions, and complete practical exercises from any location, making it easy to fit collaborative learning into busy schedules.
If you prefer to connect to a course that is taking place in a physical classroom, you can choose our Remote Access option. .
Best for: Teams and individuals who want expert guidance, real-time collaboration, and flexible access.
What's included?
3 Days instructor led course
Pre-coursework
6 month free access to QA learning platform
Free 6-Month Access: Learning Platform Discovery plan
Included FREE with every instructor‑led course
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Validate knowledge and highlight gaps with skills assessments.
What is bespoke training?
Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs
Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.
Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.
Find out more about the course:
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course, you will understand:
- How portfolio, programmes and projects relate
- Why it is important to provide appropriate support at all these levels
- The value of a PMO to the organization
- How to identify a 'best-in-class' PMO model
- How to identify different models for support provision, and the factors that influence their design
- How to recognise the roles within a PMO
- How to apply the main PRINCE2 Project, Programme, Portfolio Office Management principles
- How to identify the tools and techniques that support consistent delivery of functions and services
Course outline
Introduction and Overview
A high-level introduction to the terminology used in the course and sets PMO's into an organisational context
- Definitions of Portfolio, Programmes, Projects and Business as Usual
- Relationships between project, programme, portfolio lifecycles
- High level PMO Model
Why have a PMO?
Examines the reason for having a PMO and develops the business case to implement or reenergise a PMO.
- The value of a PMO
- Identifying the vision and need for a PMO
- Identifying the stakeholders for a PMO
- Developing a business case for the PMO
- PMO capability and linked benefits
- Overcoming common barriers to successful PMO implementation
PMO Models
Identifying the different ways that an organisation could implement a Portfolio, Programme or Project Office
- Different PMO models
- Sizing and Tailoring an appropriate model
- Functions and services of a PMO
- Integrating to PMO in an organisation
- PMO maturity and evolution
PMO Roles
Describing the typical roles and responsibilities within a PMO
- Management, generic, and functional roles
- Skills and competencies
- Staffing a PMO office
Operating a PMO
Describing the range of tools and techniques that can be used to support the functions and services of a successful PMO
- The differences between a tool and a technique
- 3 types of tool - Individual, Collaborative and Integrated
- Critical success factors in implementing a tool
- Benefits of various techniques including: Management dashboard, Portfolio prioritisation, Facilitated workshops, Business process swim lanes
PMO Implementation
Identifying the lifecycle to implement a new, or revitalise an existing PMO, both permanent and temporary offices
- Definition Stage and its key activities
- The Blueprint
- PMO information flows
- Risks to implementing a PMO
Examinations
PeopleCert exams take place remotely via PeopleCert Online Proctoring. You will be required to download and install ExamShield and conduct a compatibility test prior to sitting the exam. We strongly recommend you do not leave this until just before your exam time slot.
Exam slots are available 24/7 and learners need to be pre-book an exam time with the proctoring service. After purchase you will receive information on how to book your exams at a date and time convenient to you. Although your exam vouchers are valid for 12-months we strongly recommend you do not leave it too long after your course to sit them. If you wanted to schedule them for the same week as tuition, please note that foundation course instruction completes at around 4.30pm on the last day of your course. Therefore, please ensure any exams are scheduled at least an hour after those times.
Once an exam slot is booked you can amend the date/time providing it’s within the voucher expiration date. Please note that if you change a booked exam slot within 48 hours of the time booked PeopleCert will charge an admin fee.
The foundation exam consists of:
- 70 multiple choice questions
- 1 hour
- Closed book
- Candidates require 35 correct answers to pass
- Candidates will be informed of their indicative result before they leave the exam platform
Exam Proof of Identification
Candidates are required to provide Photo ID with a valid signature e.g. driving license, passport or named work ID badges prior to sitting their exam. Failure to produce this ID will result in their exam results being withheld until proof of ID is provided. Please note that if proof is not provided within 40 days, candidate's exam results will be null and void and a re-sit would be required.
Reasonable Adjustments Policy
PeopleCert allows additional time for candidates who have a disability or whose native language differs to that of the examination paper. Ful details and how to apply can be found here https://www.qa.com/legal-privacy/reasonable-adjustments-exam-guidance/. At least two weeks' notice will be required for processing this request. Delegates failing to advise QA and provide evidence when requested, may not be allowed the additional support offered via the policy. QA Exam Administration can be contacted by email exam.admin@qa.com or by phone +44(0)1793 696162.
PRINCE2 Project, Programme, Portfolio Office Management (Formerly P3O)® is a [registered] trademark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.
The Swirl logo™ is a trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.
Good to know
Why choose QA
- Our learners have given us an average NPS score of 8.4 out of 10 for our project management training (Jan-Oct 2020)
- We are fully accredited by PeopleCert
PRINCE2® and the Swirl logo are registered trademarks of the PeopleCert group. Used under license from PeopleCert. All rights reserved.
QA is an approved training provider for ELCAS, proud to support service leavers in their transition into the tech industry. Learn more about Elcas approved training here.
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What our customers are saying
“QA’s training has greatly supported us to roll out and embed our emerging project management framework by giving our staff a clear and practical understanding of the expected project and programme management principles and disciplines.”
Ariel Wosner
Centre of Excellence for Project and Programme Management, British Council
"I participated in an IT Project Management Workshop, and I have to say it was by some way, the most well organised, best presented, engaging, informative and inspiring workshop or training course I have been on with QA. The trainer’s willingness to spend his time and share his experience and resources with me were second to none, and I truly feel better prepared going forward in my career."
James
QA learner
“Our trainer was astounding. Never put a foot wrong and had a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Excellent experience base, extremely patient, and very well developed delivery manner. He made the whole learning process very enjoyable!"
Ian
Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner
Portfolio Director
Jackie Hewett
Portfolio Director – Project and Programme Management
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