←⚖️ Compare certifications
⛶ Focus view⚖️ Compare
18 different·7 in common
🧭 Overview
Certifying body= same
PeopleCert / AXELOS
PeopleCert / AXELOS
Focus≠ differs
AXELOS's programme management method — the knowledge-level exam.
AXELOS's portfolio management method — knowledge level.
Best suited for≠ differs
PMs moving to programme level
Senior PMO / portfolio
Pass mark≠ differs
60%
50%
Difficulty= same
2 / 5
2 / 5
Open book= same
No
No
🚀 Career & roles
Career prospects≠ differs
AXELOS programme-management method — for those coordinating programmes of change, especially in UK/EU government and large orgs.
AXELOS management of portfolios — strategic prioritisation of programmes / projects. For senior PMO and portfolio staff in the UK/EU.
Post-certification roles≠ differs
Programme Office · Programme Manager · Change Manager
Portfolio Analyst · PMO · Strategy Office
Demand trend≠ differs
Stable — UK/EU/gov
Niche — senior UK/EU
Typical salary≠ differs
Good at programme level in UK/EU
Modest–good at senior level
🌍 Recognition & market
Recognition≠ differs
AXELOS / PeopleCert · strong in UK/gov
AXELOS / PeopleCert · UK/EU
Popular in≠ differs
UK, Europe, Middle East, Australia
UK, Europe, Middle East
Companies hiring≠ differs
Government, public sector, consulting, enterprises
Government, enterprises, consulting
Industry verticals≠ differs
Public sector, IT, finance, utilities
Public sector, finance, IT
Tech horizontals≠ differs
Enterprise change programmes
Portfolio governance
📝 Exam format
Questions≠ differs
60 questions
50 questions
Duration≠ differs
60 min · 1h
40 min
🎓 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 400–1,200
USD 400–1,100
Exam / application fee= same
USD 350
USD 350
Prep time= same
~3 weeks
~3 weeks
Study hours≠ differs
~25 hours
~22 hours
📈 ROI
ROI score≠ differs
3 / 5
2 / 5
Worth it?≠ differs
Good stepping stone to programme roles in UK/EU; pair with Practitioner.
Strategic niche; valuable in portfolio-mature UK/EU orgs.
📊 Syllabus — domain weighting
🧭MSP Foundation
- MSP Principles20%
- MSP Governance Themes40%
- The Transformation Flow (Processes)30%
- Programme Management Concepts & Environment10%
📈MoP Foundation
- MoP Principles20%
- Portfolio Definition Cycle25%
- Portfolio Delivery Cycle25%
- Portfolio Management Practices20%
- Implementing & Sustaining MoP10%
Career, cost, effort and ROI figures are indicative — they vary by region, employer and experience.