MSP-Foundation Sample Questions Answers

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Programme Manager is accountable for implementing the programme strategy, overseeing planning, delivery, monitoring, and reporting.

As per MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“The programme manager is responsible for implementing the strategy as defined by the programme board and ensuring that the programme is delivered to schedule, scope, and quality.”

Hence, C is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

An “issue owner” is appointed for each issue to ensure it is analyzed, managed, and resolved in a timely and effective manner.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Issue owners are accountable for managing and resolving the issues assigned to them.”

Thus, A is the correct answer.

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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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TheFunding Approachdocument defines the organizations that are investing in the programme. It outlines how the programme will be funded, identifying the investing organizations, their contributions, and the financial arrangements. This is essential for establishing accountability and securing commitment from stakeholders who provide the resources necessary for programme delivery.

According to MSP Foundation, 5th Edition (Governance Themes – Justification section):

“The Funding Approach describes who is funding the programme, the level of investment expected from each organization, and how the funds will be managed throughout the programme lifecycle.”

This ensures clarity on investment responsibilities and supports effective governance of programme finances.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The principle “Lead with purpose” emphasizes the importance of a clear, inspiring vision that guides decision-making and motivates stakeholders.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“A clear and compelling purpose gives meaning to the programme, aligning leadership, decision-making and stakeholder engagement.”

Therefore, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A “landing point” in MSP refers to a point at the end of a tranche where the programme's direction is reviewed. It provides control and decision-making clarity on whether to proceed, adapt, or close the programme.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition defines:

“A landing point is a control point at the end of a tranche where the programme’s direction can be reviewed and re-confirmed.”

Therefore, option B is correct.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Within MSP, a risk owner is appointed to manage specific programme risks. Their actions and responses are overseen by theProgramme Board, which evaluates whether the responses sufficiently address identified threats or opportunities in line with the overall programme approach. This is confirmed by guidance on risk governance in MSP:

Thus,Cis correct.

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:

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:

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 “Design” theme focuses on developing a coherent model for how change will be achieved. Applying “Lead with purpose” means articulating a compelling vision and future state (target operating model) to guide and motivate stakeholders.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This theme maintains a compelling vision of the future and ensures the design supports purposeful decision-making.”

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The purpose of the “Deliver the Capabilities” process is to manage and coordinate the delivery of outputs from projects and other work that collectively contribute to desired outcomes.

According to MSP Foundation, 5th Edition:

“This process is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the programme’s defined capabilities—how outcomes will be achieved through related delivery projects and enabling activities.”

Hence, A is the correct answer.

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:

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:

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:

Within the Governance Themes, theKnowledge Themegoverns how information is managed, including aspects of information security. A key pillar isintegrity, which ensures that data remains accurate, unaltered, and reliable. The principle guiding this is that information must be checked before use or storage to maintain trustworthiness. As stated in the MSP manual:

“Integrity ensures the information used is accurate and hasn’t been tampered with, maintaining its suitability for decision‑making.”

This makesAthe correct answer, focusing on ensuring data integrity.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A budget is a financial estimate representing the expected income and expenditures over a defined period.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition glossary defines:

“A budget is the sum of the estimates of income and expenditure for a set period.”

Thus, D is the correct answer.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

“Accepting” a risk means taking no action to modify it, which may only be appropriate when the exposure is within the defined risk tolerance. If a risk exceeds tolerance, an active response (such as avoid, reduce, or transfer) is required.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“Acceptance is only appropriate when the risk is within the defined appetite and tolerance levels.”

Therefore, option A is correct—it would NOT be appropriate above tolerance threshold.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Programme Brief is developed during the “Identify the Programme” process and includes initial outlines of the programme’s costs, benefits, risks, scope, and intended outcomes.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“The programme brief provides an outline of the vision, anticipated benefits, high-level costs, key risks, and scope of the programme.”

Therefore, option B is correct.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The programme strategy defines the guiding framework for how the programme will be managed, including how risks, resources, finance, and benefits are handled.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition describes:

“The programme strategy defines the high-level approach and controls for how the programme will be managed across all governance themes.”

Thus, option A is correct.

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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:

The “Knowledge and learning approach” describes how the programme will promote a culture of learning by capturing, sharing, and reflecting on knowledge and experiences.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition states:

“This approach defines how knowledge will be gathered, structured, and used to support reflection and continual improvement.”

Therefore, the correct answer is D.

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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:

The Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is the figurehead of the programme and is accountable for its success. They focus on strategic alignment and stakeholder engagement at the executive level.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“The SRO is responsible for engaging with senior stakeholders and ensuring their ongoing support and alignment with the programme objectives.”

Thus, option C is correct.

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:

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 “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:

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:

The purpose of the "Identify the Programme" process is to establish whether it is justified to proceed—checking if the expected benefits outweigh the required investment of time, cost, and resources. It ensures a clear understanding of scope and justification before committing to full planning. As described in MSP guidance:

“The Identify the Programme process checks that a programme is worth the time and resources needed to plan the programme.”

This aligns directly with the MSP Transformational Flow, confirming that optionDis correct per the official MSP Foundation, 5th Edition documentation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The purpose of the “Evaluate New Information” process is to monitor progress, respond to emerging information, and take corrective actions as necessary. It ensures that decision-makers have timely insights to adjust direction.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This process allows the programme to remain responsive by gathering new information and taking corrective action to keep the programme on track.”

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

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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:

“Collaborate across boundaries” is about establishing effective governance and communication across organizational silos. It is essential when multiple departments or entities must work together.

MSP Foundation, 5th Edition explains:

“This principle supports the creation of effective governance and communication arrangements across organizational boundaries.”

Hence, B is the correct answer.

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