P3O® Foundation

• Understanding P3O: What a Portfolio, Programme, and Project Office (P3O) is and its significance in project management.
• Advantages of Establishing a P3O: The strategic benefits that a P3O brings to an organisation.
• Designing a P3O Model: Key considerations and steps for crafting an effective P3O model tailored to organisational needs.
• Roles within a P3O: Detailed exploration of the various responsibilities and positions within a P3O office.
• Implementing or Revitalising a P3O: Strategies for successfully launching or reinvigorating a P3O.
• Operational Management of a P3O: Insights on the day-to-day management and operation of a P3O.
• Exam Preparation: Comprehensive coverage of all necessary material to succeed in the official P3O Foundation exam.

• P3Os facilitate strategic change management by implementing effective strategies, prioritising key initiatives, managing risks, and optimising resource allocation.
• P3Os contribute to improved return on investment for projects and programs by maintaining a balance between output delivery and constraints related to time, cost, and quality.
• The P3O framework provides invaluable insights into interacting with senior management and decision-makers concerning project and program strategy and delivery.
• P3O serves as a versatile Project Management Office (PMO) qualification, making it essential for anyone seeking to enhance their project or program management capabilities.
• GEL is recognised for its excellence in providing a wide range of accredited e-Learning certification courses.
• This P3O® Foundation course is accredited by PeopleCert.

Welcome to Portfolio, Program and Project Offices (P3O)

This module presents an overview of the course structure, objectives, and learning goals. Participants will receive the syllabus, diagram pack, glossary, additional reading materials, links document, and access to P3O framework publications. Common P3O-related questions are also addressed.

Module 1: What Are P3Os?

Delve into the definition of P3Os and grasp key concepts such as programs, portfolios, projects, and 'business as usual.'

Module 2: Why Have a P3O?

Explore the advantages of establishing a P3O within an organisation, including strategies for demonstrating its value to senior management and initiating organisational change. This module covers the P3O value proposition, funding methods, and the development of an operational P3O model.

Module 3: Designing a P3O Model

Learn how to design a P3O model tailored to organisational needs, considering factors like centralised versus decentralised offices and permanent versus temporary structures. This module also covers the selection of functions and services for a P3O and their alignment with broader organisational objectives.

Module 4: Review: Modules 1-3

Reinforce concepts discussed in the earlier modules through interactive learning games in this review session.

Module 5: P3O Roles and Responsibilities

Define the various roles and responsibilities crucial for a successful P3O, highlighting the collaboration and functions of each position.

Module 6: Implementing or Re-energising a P3O

Get guidance on best practices for launching or revitalising a P3O, including the 'implementation lifecycle' for both temporary and permanent P3Os. Learn strategies for defining and delivering effective P3O structures.

Module 7: Operating a P3O

Focus on the operational aspects of a P3O post-implementation. Discuss key activities necessary for maintaining successful operations and explore tools and techniques for ensuring continuous delivery of services and functions.

Module 8: Review: Modules 5-7

Revisit and reinforce the knowledge from Modules 5 through 7 with engaging interactive learning games designed to solidify understanding of P3O roles, implementation strategies, and operational practices.

Module 9: Practice Exams

Prepare for the P3O Foundation certification with two comprehensive practice exams. One exam is provided by PeopleCert, and the other is developed by Good e-Learning, offering varied perspectives and question styles. 

Wrap-Up

Summarise all key concepts and learning points from the entire course, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the P3O Foundation exam. This review is essential for consolidating knowledge and building confidence ahead of the exam.

This P3O online course is meticulously crafted to equip candidates with everything needed to successfully pass the Portfolio, Program and Project Offices Foundation certification exam. It includes access to official practice exams, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the exam format and conditions.

You can take the certification exam online at your convenience using a service provided by PeopleCert.

Alongside detailed course material, this course offers mock exams to ensure thorough preparation, complemented by a FREE exam voucher (terms and conditions apply).

Before scheduling your exam, it's crucial to verify that your device meets the required technical standards. Visit the PeopleCert website for more detailed information and support.

Please allow up to five working days for processing, although requests are typically handled within two. Remember, you must request your voucher within the course access period, starting from the date of purchase.

For further details and assistance, visit the GEL Support & FAQs page.

P3O Foundation Exam:

• The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions (70 live questions and five trials)

• There is a time limit of 60 minutes to complete the exam

• The exam is closed book, with only the provided materials being permitted for use

• Candidates must score at least 35 marks (50%) in order to pass

What is P3O?

Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices (P3O) is a structured framework developed to support organisations in achieving effective governance and decision-making through robust project, program, and portfolio management. It aligns these three elements to ensure that investments in change are balanced with business as usual and that the right programs and projects are selected and delivered in the right way to realise benefits.

What are the business benefits of P3O?

Implementing a P3O model offers several strategic benefits:

• Improved Decision-Making: Provides a transparent, high-level view of current and future change initiatives across the organisation, helping senior management make informed decisions.

• Enhanced Visibility and Control: Ensures that projects and programs are conducted within agreed parameters of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits.

• Resource Optimisation: Helps optimise the allocation of resources across projects and programs, ensuring they are utilised where they can add the most value.

• Increased Delivery Capability: Through standardised procedures, it enhances the capability to deliver the required outcomes consistently.

• Risk Management: Enables more effective identification, assessment, and management of risks across the organisation.

What should I study P3O?

• No Prerequisites for Foundation: Anyone can study for and take the P3O Foundation exam. It is particularly useful for those involved in setting up or maintaining a P3O office.

• Foundation to Practitioner: The P3O Foundation certification is necessary to progress to the Practitioner level, which focuses more on the practical implementation of P3O within an organisation.

Who Should Study P3O?

• Portfolio, Program, and Project Managers: Professionals involved in overseeing project delivery or portfolio management.

• Senior Executives: Decision-makers who will rely on the P3O to provide insights and support for strategic initiatives.

• P3O Model Office Staff: Individuals working within a P3O office who need a deeper understanding of their operational and strategic roles.

• Change Managers: Professionals who facilitate change within organisations and ensure that project benefits align with business goals.

What are the P3O exams like?

• P3O Foundation Exam: Involves 75 multiple-choice questions, lasts one hour, and requires a 50% mark to pass. It is closed-book, meaning no materials are allowed during the exam.

• P3O Practitioner Exam: Consists of four complex scenario-based questions, lasts two and a half hours, requires a 50% mark to pass, and is open-book, allowing the use of the P3O guide during the exam.