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Managing Benefits consolidates existing guidance on benefits management into one place, while expanding on the specific practices and techniques aimed at optimizing benefits realization.

Certify your ability to:

  • Implement methods, including knowledge of management accountancy, behavioural finance, psychology, neuro-science and systems thinking.
  • Forecast realistic benefits to produce business cases which address business issues and objectives and provide a route to measure success.
  • Outline costs and benefits to drive business objectives.
  • Facilitate an organization-wide understanding of the benefits a project or programme will produce and be able to measure when they are realized.
  • Enable organizations to demonstrate more efficient and effective practices through better use of available resources. This enhances an organization's ability to retain motivated and skilled change management staff and to attract investors.

The Managing Benefits Certification acts as a vital companion to the Managing Portfolios Certification

As a result of the forthcoming launch of the Managing Benefits refresh, APMG will be withdrawing the Managing Benefits 2012 Foundation and Practitioner exam on 31 December 2024. After this date, it will not be possible to book and/or sit Managing Benefits Foundation & Practitioner exams.

Exam Resources

Additional information and resources to help you prepare for your exam can be found in our Managing Benefits Resources for Candidates feature.

Foundation

Learn the benefits management principles, practices, techniques, roles & documents.

Change Management, Client Engagement, Programme Management, Project Management
Who is Foundation for?
  • Senior executives, including Change and Transformation Directors, responsible for delivering value for money from the organization’s investments in change and achieving the organization’s strategic objectives
  • Sponsors/Project Board Executives who play a leadership role on change initiatives
  • Project and programme management (PPM) professionals responsible for delivering the change initiatives from which benefits are realized
  • Portfolio managers and Portfolio Office staff responsible for managing the organization’s portfolio of change initiatives – including optimizing the contribution to strategic objectives
  • Business Case writers responsible for delivering reliable cases on which to base investment decisions
  • Finance professionals and economists responsible for undertaking, or participating in, investment appraisal and portfolio prioritization reviews
  • Business managers (including Benefit Owners) responsible for managing the operational functions by which, or within which, change initiatives are delivered and benefits are realized
  • Change Managers and Benefits Managers responsible for managing business change and benefits realization
  • Others with an interest in the successful delivery of change, including strategic planners, operational performance managers, internal and external auditors, procurement and commercial professionals etc.
What are the key things you will learn?
  •     Definitions, scope and objectives of benefits management, barriers to its effective practice, and the key success characteristics.
  •     Principles upon which successful approaches to benefits management are based.
  •     Five practices contained within the Benefits Management Cycle and relevant techniques applicable to each practice.
  •     Scope of key roles and responsibilities for benefits management and the typical contents of the main benefits management documentation.
  •     Approaches to implementation and the factors to consider in sustaining progress.
Exam format:
  •     Multiple choice format
  •     50 questions per paper
  •     25 marks or more required to pass (out of 50 available) - 50%
  •     40 minutes duration
  •     Closed-book.

Practitioner

Apply and tailor the Managing Benefits guidance in a scenario situation.

Change Management, Information Management & Analysis
Who is Practitioner for?
  • Change leaders e.g. Sponsors, Members of Management Boards and Directors of Change.
  • Change initiators e.g. Strategic Planners and Policy Leads.
  • Change appraisers and evaluators e.g. Finance Professionals and Economists, Business Case Writers, Auditors and Project Appraisers.
  • Change implementers/enablers e.g. Portfolio, Programme and Project Managers, as well as Benefit Owners. 
  • Change support e.g. Portfolio, Programme and Project Office staff, including Benefits Managers.
What are the key things you will learn?
  • Planning the implementation of benefits management, select appropriate strategies to sustain and measure progress.
  • Selecting and adapt principles, practices and techniques to suit different organizational environments.
  • Identifying activities that should be undertaken during each of the practices of the Benefits Management Cycle together with the accountabilities and responsibilities of each of the defined roles.
  • Evaluating examples of benefits management information (documents).
  • Analysing the solutions adopted in relation to a given scenario.
Exam format:
  •     Objective testing
  •     8 questions per paper with 10 marks available per question
  •     40 marks or more required to pass (out of 80 available) - 50%
  •     2 ½ hours duration
  •     Open book exam (Managing Benefits guide only)

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SFIA Framework

Visit SFIA
The SFIA Framework is the global common reference for skills and competency for the digital world
SFIA is a globally recognised framework that “identifies skills needed for the Information age”. This APMG certification has been mapped against the SFIA Framework to help you see which certifications are most relevant to your professional development.
Foundation
Knowledge
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Generic attribute Knowledge up to level 4, Benefits Management level 5
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Feasibility Assessment up to level 4, Benefits Management level 6
...
Practitioner
Knowledge
This certification confirms (endorsement)
Generic attribute Knowledge up to level 4, Generic attribute Business Skills up to level 4, Benefits Management level 5
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Feasibility Assessment up to level 4, Benefits Management level 6
...

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FAQs

What is a Managing Benefits digital badge?

Digital badges allow you to easily showcase your achievements online.

When you pass an exam - you'll instantly have the option to claim a digital badge representing your new certificate.

Your badge can be embedded on an email signature, website, social media or digital CV.

With just one click employers, customers and clients can easily view and verify your credentials and skills.

Please download our digital sharing presentation for more information.

How do I claim my Managing Benefits digital badge?

Once you’ve been notified that you’ve passed your exam - you will have the option to create a digital badge in APMG's Candidate Portal.

Visit APMG's Candidate Portal, view your exam results and select 'Create Badge'.

This takes you to the Credly website where the digital badges are hosted. You will be guided through the Acclaim account creation process.

Once you have created an account with Credly - login into the account and accept your pending badge.

What is Managing Benefits?

Managing Benefits is the guidance from APMG-International. The purpose of the guidance is to provide managers and practitioners from multiple disciplines, working in a variety of organizations, with generally applicable guidance encompassing benefits management principles, practices and techniques. Managing Benefits provides:

  • An overview of benefits management - what it is, the case for doing it, and some common misconceptions that can limit its effectiveness in practice.
  • Descriptions of the seven principles upon which successful approaches to benefits management are built, and examples of how they can be/have been applied in practice.
  • Guidance on how to apply benefits management at a portfolio level, as well as at an individual project or programme level.
  • Details of the five practices in the Benefits Management Cycle and examples of how they can be/have been applied in practice.
  • Advice on how to get started in implementing effective benefits management practices and sustain progress.

How can I train for the Managing Benefits examinations?

Training for Managing Benefits is available from the network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) who are assessed and certified by APMG-International. The full list of Managing Benefits ATOs can be found HERE.

Only these organizations and registered partners/affiliates are authorized to deliver Managing Benefits training.

Do I have to receive training to sit the exam?

No, however this is recommended. In addition to receiving accredited training, individuals also have the option of self-study to prepare for the examinations. APMG-International administers public exam sessions around the world to accommodate those who self study.

How do I sit the exams?

The vast majority of Managing Benefits accredited training organizations include the examinations as part of the associated training course. Alternatively, and for individuals that have self-studied, APM Group administers public exam sessions around the world. Sessions are run at certain APMG-International offices. There are four dedicated centres in the UK for public examinations, and in the United States we utilize the public library network to facilitate sessions.

How much does it cost to sit the Managing Benefits examinations?

If you are sitting the examinations through an accredited training organization, the costs of the exams are generally included in the course fee. APMG-International use a global pricing structure, so for those sitting exams at a public exam centre, the cost is dependent on where the exams are being sat. To find out the cost in your region, please contact the APMG-International service desk on +44 (0)1494 452450 or at: servicedesk@apmg-international.com
 

Are there any pre-requisites for the Managing Benefits examinations?

There are no pre-requisites for the foundation examination. Candidates must achieve a pass at foundation level before completing the practitioner examination.

Candidates will also need to agree to the Terms and Conditions prior to sitting their examination. Please click HERE to see a copy of these.

What is the main publication for Managing Benefits and where can I purchase it?

Training courses and qualifications are supported by the Managing Benefits Guide, published by The Stationery Office. This can be purchased from APMG Business Books at: www.apmg-businessbooks.com.

The majority of Managing Benefits accredited training organizations include the Guide as part of the course fee.

Which languages are Managing Benefits examinations available in?

Managing Benefits examinations are currently available in English only.

Which languages is the Managing Benefits guide available in?

The Managing Benefits Guide is currently available in English only.

How long will it take to learn the Managing Benefits material?

For individuals self-studying it is almost impossible to say. As all candidates have different experience and amount of time available for study, it varies from person to person. We suggest you buy the guide and have a look through for yourself before deciding how long you need to spend learning.

For those studying with an accredited training organization, foundation courses are generally delivered over 3 days, while combined foundation and practitioner courses are generally delivered over 5 days. It is well worth investigating with individual providers, as many will offer tailored and blended learning solutions.

How long are the Managing Benefits qualifications valid for?

The qualifications are not valid for a defined period and will not expire.

When can I expect the results of my Managing Benefits Examinations?

Foundation examinations can be marked on location after the exam, but this is down to the discretion of the invigilator at the time. Practitioner answer sheets are marked at APMG-International offices and results released soon after.

Your result will be sent to your ATO approximately 7-10 days after your exam date. Your ATO should notify you of your results so please contact them for further details.

If you did not take your exam through an ATO, your results will be sent directly to you via the relevant APMG-International office approximately 7-10 days after the date of your exam.

When will I receive my certificate?

Candidates will be able to claim their digital badge and electronic certificate from their APMG Candidate Portal within two business days of their exam result being issued.

What are the pass marks for the Managing Benefits examinations?

Pass marks for the Managing Benefits examinations are as follows:

Foundation: You will need to score 25/50 to pass the foundation exam.
Practitioner: You will need to score 40/80 to pass the practitioner exam.

What pass mark is required to be eligible to become a Managing Benefits Approved Trainer?

To be eligible to apply to become a Managing Benefits approved trainer, individuals must achieve a score of 66% (53/80) in the practitioner exam.

How do I find out if I scored enough to be eligible to become a trainer?

To find out if you scored enough to be eligible as a trainer, please email servicedesk@apmg-international.com noting your interest. A representative of the Service Desk will be able to advise.

How can I advertise myself as Managing Benefits qualified on my business card?

Candidates who have passed the Managing Practitioner examination can apply “Managing Benefits Practitioner” on their business cards.

Can I use the Managing Benefits logo?

Only organizations licensed to do so are allowed to use the Managing Benefits logo. This includes Managing Benefits ATOs (Accredited Training Organizations) accredited by APMG-International. The APMG-International Managing Benefits and Swirl Device logo is a Trade Mark of APMG Group Limited and should not be used without prior permission or an appropriate license.

How do I become a Management Benefits approved trainer?

All Managing Benefits trainers must be "sponsored" by a Managing Benefits accredited training organization (ATO). Details of all Managing Benefits ATOs can be found HERE .

A trainer application must be submitted by the sponsoring ATO to their relevant APMG-International office.

How does my organization become a Managing Benefits Accredited Training Organization (ATO)?

An organization wishing to become a Managing Benefits ATO must first submit an application form to either the APMG-International service desk or a regional APMG-International office. The organization will then be subject to APMG-International's ATO assessment process.

How do I access my digital badge and/or certificate?

You can always access all your electronic certificates and badges via the APMG Candidate Portal. Once you have logged on to the Candidate Portal, click on the ‘Badges and Certificates’ option from the menu bar at the top of screen. From here you should click on the ‘Create Badge/Certificate’ button. This will take you to the Credly platform to create and account and download your badge and certificate.

Step-by-step guidance is available to download from the ‘Badges and Certificates’ area in your Candidate Portal.

Electronic certificates are environmentally friendly, but you can print the certificate yourself at home or work, if required.

If you have any problems with accessing your digital certificate, please contact our Customer Interaction Team - servicedesk@apmg-international.com

Can I earn PMI® PDUs for attending an accredited training course?

It is possible to earn PMI Education PDUs for attending third-party provider training (training courses not offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner), as long as the training meets the requirements around the skill areas of the PMI Talent Triangle. Please check the PMI website (https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certification-resources/maintain/earn-pdus/education) for further details on how to record your PDUs and what supporting evidence is required.

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