+44 (0) 1270 611 600

MSP Exam Structure

There are currently 3 qualifications available for MSP:

MSP Foundation

The first qualification consists of 50 multiple choice questions to be answered in 40 minutes. This is a closed-book examination. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 30+ to pass the paper (60% pass rate).

MSP Practitioner (previously known as MSP Intermediate)

The Practitioner examination has been changed to an objective marking style, closed book paper.
The paper will consist of 9 questions with a total of 180 marks available to be completed within
two hours. Candidates need to achieve a mark of 90+ to pass the paper.

MSP Advanced Practitioner (previously known as MSP Practitioner)

The Advanced Practitioner examination will remain an essay based, open book paper. The paper
will consist of up to 3 questions with a total of 75 marks available to be completed within 2 hours.
Candidates need to achieve a mark of 38+ to pass the paper.

Background to Qualifications/ Eligibility

Candidates must always take the Foundation Examination before the Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Examinations, either on the same day or separately. If a candidate has previously passed the Foundation Examination, they are qualified to sit the Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Examinations without the need to re-sit the Foundation Examination.

If a candidate chooses to sit the Foundation Examination only, and passes, they will receive a "Foundation Examination" certificate stating that they have passed. However, if a candidate sits the Foundation Examination, Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner Examination on the same day, and passes all three, they will receive a "Practitioner Examination" certificate, but not any other certificate.


top of page

MSP® is a Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce.

The Swirl logo™ is a Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce.

Ownership of MSP® belongs to the OGC and is managed by the APMG.