
Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O)® Foundation
- For aspiring and practising Portfolio, Programme, and Project (P3O) Professionals
- Showcase your professional status in a project environment with this UK and globally recognised certification
- Enhance your confidence and skills to become an effective, credible Portfolio, Programme, and Project Professional
- Qualify and validate your expertise with the support of expert Tutors, Study Coaches, and Recruitment Advisors

Portfolio, Programme, and Project Offices (P3O®) Foundation
The P3O® certification is like a Swiss Army knife: it provides a range of tools, techniques, and best practices to establish and manage P3Os, from portfolio prioritisation and benefits management to risk assessment and stakeholder engagement.
A P3O model is a structure that supports decision-making and delivery for organisational change, additionally providing a framework that enables organisations to effectively manage their project, programme, and portfolio activities. A P3O model also ensures alignment with business objectives.
Earning the P3O® Foundation certification will equip you with the knowledge required to act as an informed P3O professional when interacting with or participating in P3O efforts. It’s an excellent resource for portfolio, programme, and project managers who want to advance in their careers or for individuals who are looking to transition into a P3O.

What’s included?
- Consultation with a Career Consultant to corroborate your course choice
- Unlimited, 12-month access to the P3O® Foundation Course
- Official P3O® Foundation Exam
- The P3O® Foundation Core Guidance eBook with your exam purchase
- Certified Tutor to provide assistance with course queries
- Access to a full Support Team for assistance with examination, notes, and study queries
- 1 months’ free subscription to MyAxelos filled with industry news, case studies, exam preparation materials, tools & templates, and digital badges
- A professional, Project Management-oriented CV rewrite
- A LinkedIn profile overhaul to maximise your new networking opportunities
Certification: P3O Foundation®
Accredited by: PeopleCert on behalf of Axelos
Entry requirements: There are no formal prerequisites to study this qualification
Study time: Roughly 20 – 30 hours of dedicated study time depending on existing experience and learning abilities
Why study with us?
We care about your return on investment
From the moment you enquire, we want to ensure that you are making the right decision about where you invest your time and resources – that’s why we consult with you to ensure your development goals align with your skills and experience.
We value quality
Our staff comprises of certified professionals who are passionate about your success, and our learning materials have been rigorously assessed to ensure adherence to industry standards. We value quality and want to ensure you get the best out of your learning journey.
We have the experience
With thousands of reviews, a consistent TrustScore of 4.9 out of 5, and having helped professionals realise their potential since 2007, we want you to have peace of mind regarding your course and career decisions.
Certification details
ITonlinelearning is partnered with ILX, a verified PeopleCert & Axelos Accredited Training Organisation (ATO), which means that this certification has been rigorously assessed and approved to meet industry standards.
Accrediting body
PeopleCert is the global leader in the delivery of examination and accreditation services, delivering millions of exams in over 200 countries for over 20 years. PeopleCert develops and delivers market-leading Business & IT and Language exams worldwide, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and realise their life ambitions through learning.
In July 2021, PeopleCert acquired Axelos, a joint venture company created in 2013 by the Cabinet Office on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) in the United Kingdom and Capita plc (CPI.L).
Certification expiry
As of 2023, PeopleCert Best Global Practice certifications need to be renewed after 3 years of having obtained your qualification. This is to ensure your certification remains in line with current best practices within your industry.

We are an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) for the UK’s most esteemed learning providers
Our courses have been developed in collaboration with industry-leading experts and are created by ITonlinelearning for you, exclusively.
P3O® Foundation
What You Will Learn
The P3O® Foundation provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques used in the P3O model, enabling professionals to support effective decision-making and delivery of change within their organisations.
Principles & Elements of a P3O Model
You will learn a comprehensive introduction to the P3O model and its key components, including its underlying principles and structure.
P3O Responsibilities and Services
You will learn about the governance responsibilities and services offered by a P3O, including its role in managing projects and programmes.
Business Justification for Implementing a P3O
You will learn how to build a business case for implementing a P3O, including the benefits and value it brings to organisations.
Selecting the Right P3O Model
You will learn how to select the right P3O model and understand its functions and services, in order to support the organisation’s specific needs.
Key Concepts Relating to Models and Tailoring
You will learn key concepts related to P3O models and tailoring, including how to adapt the model to meet the needs of the organisation.
Implement and Re-Energise a P3O
You will learn how to implement and re-energise a P3O, including best practices and approaches for successful deployment.
How to Operate a P3O, Including Tools and Techniques
You will learn how to effectively operate a P3O, including the use of tools and techniques for monitoring and maintaining its performance.
Understand Roles and Responsibilities in a P3O
You will learn about the various roles and responsibilities within the P3O model, including the role of the P3O centre and its staff.
Your Success is Assured
Expert Career Consultants
Our expert Career Consultants select qualifications that align perfectly with your aspirations by collaborating with you to identify your desired end-goal.
Certified Tutors
Our certified Tutors are there to assist you with course questions, exam queries, and revision so you have all the support you need to ace your exams.
Study Coaches and Mentors
Your Study Coach and Mentor is dedicated to guiding and supporting you throughout your journey by providing motivation, encouragement, and monitoring progress.
Experienced Recruitment Advisors
Your Recruitment Advisor will provide you with the tools you need to succeed, like an industry-oriented CV, Linkedin profile overhaul, and exclusive resources.
The Key to Your Success
Your Expert Career Consultant has received extensive training in the solutions we offer, and they understand that making the wrong choice can have a negative impact on your career, and overall well-being. They’re here to:
- Get to know you, your goals, and your experience
- Help you through the best options for you
- Make sure you choose the right path: financially, psychologically, and professionally.
Career and Progression Prospects
Project Management is used in a plethora of sectors, but here are a few roles you’re qualified to explore with this certification:
Project/Programme Director
Project/Programme Executive
Portfolio Manager
Project/Programme Manager

Why Choose ITonlinelearning?
You will benefit from our perfected learning & development formula by enjoying support that forms the crux of our values and mission. Our TrustScore of 4.9 has remained consistent with thousands of 5-star reviews, so we’re happy to report that our customers agree.
When we say accredited, we mean that official experts from our licensed organisations have evaluated and approved our training material to ensure it meets their refined standards. These qualifications thus make you a credible and reliable professional.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving personal and professional goals. You deserve career consulting and employability advice tailored toward your specific skills, experience, and aspirations – luckily, this is our forte.
To drive your success forward to the finishing line of your goals, our team comprises of professionals available at the press of a button to provide clarity on questions you have regarding your exam booking and preparation, portal and logins, assignments, as well as quizzes. You can also access one-to-one Tutor and Mentor Support so that your queries can be resolved swiftly and comprehensively. Our Tutors are experienced and certified in their fields, too!
Your certification will provide you with a significant competitive advantage by validating your skills and knowledge – with that, you can either contribute toward your current company or grow in another one.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your lifestyle in order to advance your skills. With your development at the forefront of our mission, we have personalised financing options so that you can live comfortably whilst investing in your future.
Projecting Your Salary
We want to help you achieve the best outcome in your studies so that you can flourish in your selected development pathway.
per year
Junior Programme Manager
per year
Portfolio Manager
per year
Senior Programme Manager
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P3O Foundation®
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, and we have all the answers
The P3O® Foundation certificate is a globally recognised certification in programme, project, and portfolio management. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and elements of the P3O model, including its governance responsibilities and services offered.
The P3O® Foundation certificate is for individuals involved in programme, project, and portfolio management, including project managers, programme coordinators, portfolio managers, and other professionals in similar roles. It is suitable for those looking to demonstrate their knowledge of the P3O model and its principles, as well as those looking to validate their existing experience in the realm of P3O.
The P3O® Foundation certification is assessed and awarded by means of an examination. This exam comprises of 75 questions. Your exam will be 60 minutes long, and you will be required to score 50% (35 out of 70) or higher in order to pass. This is a closed-book exam.
As of 2023, PeopleCert Best Global Practice certifications need to be renewed after 3 years of having obtained your qualification. This is to ensure your certification remains in line with current best practices within your industry.