⚖️ Compare certifications
⚖️ Compare
18 different·7 in common
🧭 Overview
Certifying body= same
PeopleCert / AXELOS
PeopleCert / AXELOS
Focus≠ differs
AXELOS's guidance for PMO models — knowledge level.
AXELOS's programme management method — the knowledge-level exam.
Best suited for≠ differs
PMO professionals
PMs moving to programme level
Pass mark≠ differs
50%
60%
Difficulty= same
2 / 5
2 / 5
Open book= same
No
No
🚀 Career & roles
Career prospects≠ differs
AXELOS guidance for setting up and running project / programme / portfolio offices (PMOs). For PMO professionals in the UK/EU.
AXELOS programme-management method — for those coordinating programmes of change, especially in UK/EU government and large orgs.
Post-certification roles≠ differs
PMO Analyst · PMO Lead · Portfolio Office
Programme Office · Programme Manager · Change Manager
Demand trend≠ differs
Niche — PMO roles
Stable — UK/EU/gov
Typical salary≠ differs
Modest; supports a PMO career
Good at programme level in UK/EU
🌍 Recognition & market
Recognition≠ differs
AXELOS / PeopleCert · UK/EU
AXELOS / PeopleCert · strong in UK/gov
Popular in≠ differs
UK, Europe, Middle East
UK, Europe, Middle East, Australia
Companies hiring≠ differs
Government, consulting, enterprises
Government, public sector, consulting, enterprises
Industry verticals≠ differs
Public sector, IT, finance
Public sector, IT, finance, utilities
Tech horizontals≠ differs
PMO / governance
Enterprise change programmes
📝 Exam format
Questions≠ differs
50 questions
60 questions
Duration≠ differs
40 min
60 min · 1h
🎓 Eligibility & process
Eligibility / prerequisites= same
None for Foundation
None for Foundation
Application process= same
Course + exam via an accredited org / PeopleCert
Course + exam via an accredited org / PeopleCert
💸 Cost & effort
Training cost (approx)≠ differs
USD 400–1,100
USD 400–1,200
Exam / application fee= same
USD 350
USD 350
Prep time= same
~3 weeks
~3 weeks
Study hours≠ differs
~22 hours
~25 hours
📈 ROI
ROI score≠ differs
2 / 5
3 / 5
Worth it?≠ differs
Useful for PMO specialists in UK/EU; niche elsewhere.
Good stepping stone to programme roles in UK/EU; pair with Practitioner.
📊 Syllabus — domain weighting
🏢P3O Foundation
- P3O Overview & Concepts20%
- P3O Organizational Models25%
- Functions & Services25%
- Implementing & Re-energizing a P3O15%
- Tools & Techniques15%
🧭MSP Foundation
- MSP Principles20%
- MSP Governance Themes40%
- The Transformation Flow (Processes)30%
- Programme Management Concepts & Environment10%
Career, cost, effort and ROI figures are indicative — they vary by region, employer and experience.