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APMG International has created the Sourcing Governance Foundation certification in conjunction with International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®).

Best practice shows that implementing and operating a Sourcing Governance Function will require staff awareness and understanding of the key principles and concepts of outsourcing and sourcing governance.

Undertaking the course and successfully passing the examination qualifies an individual for COS-FP (Certified Outsourcing Specialist™ - Foundation Principles) certification from the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®).

Certify your ability to:

  • Develop positive, long-term, results-driven relationships with external service providers.
  • Gain exposure to and general knowledge of the basic principles and skills of the outsourcing industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge against an independently developed set of industry-wide standards.
  • Understand the challenges of implementing and operating a sourcing governance function.
  • Earn PMI PDUs and IAOP certification points.
db sourcing governance foundation

Foundation

Learn the key principles and terminology within the Sourcing Governance guidance.

Resource Management, Risk Management, IT Management
What are the key things you will learn?
  • Opportunities, Risks and forms of Outsourcing (Knowing).
  • Lifecycle approach to Outsourcing (Knowing).
  • Sourcing Strategy (Knowing, Comprehending).
  • Scoping (Knowing, Comprehending).
  • Selection and Due Diligence (Knowing, Comprehending).
  • Contracting (Knowing).
Credits:

Earn 14 PMI PDUs.
Earn 25 COP points towards certification by IAOP.
Earn 15 CEH points for recertification by IAOP.

Exam format:
  • Multiple choice
  • 40 questions per paper
  • 28 marks required to pass (out of 40 available) - 70%
  • 60 minutes duration
  • Closed-book

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SFIA Framework

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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 3
...
This certification would be useful for (development)
Same as above plus Sourcing up to level 4
...

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FAQs

What is Sourcing Governance Foundation?

APMG International’s “Sourcing Governance Foundation” qualification aims to provide individuals with knowledge of the key concepts of Outsourcing and Sourcing Governance, and how they can be applied. Undertaking the course and successfully passing the examination qualifies an individual for COS-FP (Certified Outsourcing Specialist™ - Foundation Principles) recognition from the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®).

How can I train for the Sourcing Governance Foundation examination?

Training for Sourcing Governance Foundation is available from the network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) who are assessed and certified by APMG International. To find a training course please choose a Sourcing Governance certification level to see the available ATOs. The full list of Sourcing Governance Foundation ATOs can be found here.

Do I have to receive training to sit the exam?

Yes. In order to sit the examination, candidates must first attend an accredited course with a Sourcing Governance Foundation ATO.

How do I sit the exams?

Sourcing Governance Foundation ATOs include the examination as part of the associated training course.

How much does it cost to sit the Sourcing Governance Foundation examination?

The cost of the exam is generally included in the associated training course fee.

Are there any pre-requisites for the Sourcing Governance Foundation examination?

Other than attendance on an accredited course, there are no pre-requisites for the examination, however some experience working in an IT organization is recommended.

What is the main supporting publication for Sourcing Governance Foundation and where can I purchase it?

Sourcing Governance Foundation has one main supporting publication, published by Van Haren Publishing, entitled IT Outsourcing - An Introduction. This can be purchased from APMG Business Books.

What languages is the Sourcing Governance Foundation examination available in?

The exam is currently only available in English and Japanese. Further translations may follow subject to market and regional demand.

What languages is the supporting publication available in?

The IT Outsourcing - An Introduction publication is currently available in English and Japanese. Further translations may follow subject to market and regional demand.

How long will it take to learn the Sourcing Governance Foundation material?

Supporting accredited training courses are generally delivered over 2 days, however it is well worth investigating with individual providers, as many will offer tailored and blended learning solutions. Courses are likely to involve a degree of pre-course work and homework during the course.

What is the pass marks for the Sourcing Governance Foundation examination?

Candidates must achieve a score of 28/40 (70%) to pass the examination.

How long is the Sourcing Governance Foundation qualification valid for?

Certification is valid for a period of two years. After this point, candidates must take (and pass) the exam again to remain certified.

When can I expect the result of my Sourcing Governance Foundation examinations?

Sourcing Governance Foundation examinations can be marked on location after the exam, but this is down to the discretion of the invigilator at the time. Confirmation of the provisional result is sent to the relevant accredited training organization within 7-10 days of the examination.

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 pass mark is required to be eligible to become a Sourcing Governance Foundation trainer?

To be eligible to apply to become a Sourcing Governance Foundation trainer, individuals must achieve a score of 70% (28/40) in the examination.

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.

Can I use the APMG International Sourcing logo?

Only organizations licensed to do so are allowed to use the APMG International Sourcing logo. Such organizations include Sourcing Governance Foundation ATOs (Accredited Training Organizations). Should you have a requirement to use the logo, please contact us on +44 (0)1494 452450, or at servicedesk@apmg-international.com, and we will be able to advise.

How do I become an Sourcing Governance Foundation approved trainer?

Trainers wishing to become a Sourcing Governance approved trainer should contact an Sourcing Governance Accredited Training Organization (ATO) - or contact their local APMG International office.

Where appropriate, an invoice will be raised and the organization will then be subject to APMG International's ATO assessment process.

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

How does my organization become a Sourcing Governance Foundation Accredited Training Organization (ATO)?

Organizations wishing to become a Sourcing Governance ATO should make an Accreditation Query or contact their local APMG International office. Where appropriate, an invoice will be raised and the organization will then be subject to APMG International's ATO assessment process. 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...) for further details on how to record your PDUs and what supporting evidence is required.

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