• The Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner course is open to many professionals working in project and programme management.
• You don’t need any prior qualifications to join the foundation course.
• To take the practitioner course, you must first pass the foundation exam.
• The course is good for project team members, senior responsible owners, business analysts, finance managers, programme directors, and specialist advisers.
• It helps people who plan spending proposals and create public sector business cases.
• Whether you are new or want a formal certification, this course offers a complete learning experience.
• It teaches skills needed to meet UK government standards for strong business cases.
• You will learn practical skills and knowledge needed for successful project delivery and investment decisions.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Develop practical skills for applying the Five Case Model in real world scenarios.
• Understand the key objectives of the course, including mastering the Five Case Model and preparing for certification exams.
• Apply the Five Case Model to develop a comprehensive business case.
• Align spending proposals with organisational strategy and objectives.
• Evaluate a wide range of options to determine the best value-for-money solution.
• Structure a clear, compelling narrative for decision-makers.
• Assess and plan for commercial viability, financial affordability, and project manageability.
• Confidently sit for the Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner exams.

Learning to build a robust business case from a book is like learning to cook from a recipe with half the ingredients missing. As an APMG International Accredited Training Organisation (ATO), PM Academy offers the expert guidance needed to master the Five Case Model in practice. 

Our trainers are certified practitioners who have developed and reviewed countless business cases. We know what decision-makers look for and the common pitfalls to avoid.

We bring the framework to life, transforming it from a government standard into a powerful tool you can use in any organisation to champion your best ideas. 

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner course offers a comprehensive learning experience designed to equip you with all the tools and knowledge needed for successful business case development. Included in the course package are:

• Accredited Course Materials: Official textbooks, detailed courseware, and case studies aligned with the Five Case Model and HM Treasury guidelines.
• Interactive Training Sessions: Live virtual instructor-led classes or on-site corporate training that provide practical insights and real-world application of business case principles.
• Practical Exercises: Hands-on activities and group discussions that reinforce learning and help you apply concepts to real project scenarios.
• Exam Preparation: Access to practice exams and guidance to help you confidently pass both the foundation and practitioner examinations.
• Post-Course Support: Continued access to expert trainers for questions and advice, plus membership in the PM Academy alumni community for networking and professional growth.
• Certification: Upon successful completion, receive internationally recognised Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner certifications accredited by APMG International.

This comprehensive package ensures you gain an in depth understanding of the business case development process, enabling you to produce robust, evidence-based business cases that meet organisational objectives and comply with UK government requirements.

This course is essential for anyone involved in the project lifecycle, especially those who develop or review spending proposals. It is ideal for:

• Anyone who wants to write proposals that get results.
• Project and Program Managers responsible for justifying their initiatives.
• Programme Directors overseeing project portfolios.
• Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) accountable for project delivery.
• Specialist Advisers providing expert guidance on business case development.
• Business Analysts and Strategists who develop project proposals.
• Finance Managers and Accountants who scrutinise project spending.
• PMO members tasked with ensuring a consistent approach to project selection.
• Senior leaders and decision-makers who approve investments.

Duration: 4 Days (32 Hours of Training)

Delivery Options:

• Virtual Instructor-Led (via Zoom)
• On-site Group Training (Minimum of 10 learners)

This course prepares you for the internationally recognised Better Business Cases™ certifications.

• Issuing Body: APMG International.
• Foundation Examination: The foundation examination is a 40-minute, 50-question multiple-choice, closed-book exam that tests your knowledge of the methodology. Passing the foundation examination is required before progressing to the practitioner level.
• Practitioner Examination: The practitioner examination is a 2.5-hour, open-book (using the official guide) exam. It uses objective testing, consisting of multiple-choice questions based on a scenario to assess your practical understanding and application of the Five Case Model. The business cases practitioner exam certifies advanced skills in developing and evaluating strategic business cases.
• Foundation and Practitioner Levels: Both the foundation and practitioner levels provide a structured pathway for professional development, combining theoretical knowledge and practical application. You must complete the foundation level before attempting the practitioner level.
• Exam Online: Both the foundation and practitioner examinations offer the option to take the exam online for added convenience and flexibility.
• Validity: The Practitioner certification is valid for 5 years.

Group Discounts

5% for 4 Group Members

10% for 10 Group Members

15% for 15 Group Members

Corporate groups can customise training with company-specific templates and reporting standards.

“I recently completed the Better Business Cases Certification, and it has completely transformed my approach to project management. The practical insights and structured framework provided in the course have empowered me to create more compelling business cases that resonate with stakeholders.” – Sarah T.

“The certification was a game-changer for my career. The skills I gained have not only improved my business case development but have also enhanced my confidence in making strategic decisions. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their skills!” – John

“This course exceeded my expectations! The content was relevant and engaging, and I now feel equipped to tackle complex business scenarios effectively. If you’re serious about advancing your career, this certification is a must!” – Emily R.

To get the most out of the Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner course, it’s helpful to come prepared with the following:

• Basic Understanding of Project or Programme Management: While no formal prerequisites are required, familiarity with project business case concepts or programme and project management will enhance your learning experience.
• Access to a Computer and Reliable Internet: For virtual instructor-led sessions or online exam options, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device capable of running video conferencing software.
• Time Commitment: The combined course spans 5 days, with live sessions and self-paced study components. Allocate time for pre-course reading, practical exercises, and exam preparation.
• Official Course Materials: You will receive accredited courseware, including textbooks and case studies, which you should review to reinforce your foundation knowledge.
• Open Mind and Willingness to Engage: Active participation in discussions, group exercises, and real-world scenario applications will maximise your practical skills development.
• Exam Preparation: Be ready to take the foundation examination before progressing to the practitioner exam. Utilise provided practice exams and resources to build confidence.

Having these essentials in place will ensure you can effectively develop robust, evidence-based business cases and confidently apply the Five Case Model to real-world scenarios.

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner course is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the business case development process, aligned with HM Treasury’s Five Case Model. Below is a detailed syllabus outlining the key modules and topics covered:

Foundation Level Modules

1. Introduction to Business Cases
   • Purpose and nature of a business case
   • Understanding business case objectives
   • The importance of the Five Case Model
2. Strategic Case
   • Assessing strategic context and alignment
   • Identifying spending objectives and organisational goals
   • Performing a strategic assessment and feasibility assessment
3. Economic Case
   • Evaluating options and value-for-money considerations
   • Appraising social, environmental, and economic impacts
   • Conducting cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment
4. Commercial Case
   • Understanding procurement and commercial viability
   • Developing sourcing strategies and contract management
   • Assessing market conditions and supplier arrangements
5. Financial Case
   • Financial affordability and funding arrangements
   • Financial modelling and cash flow analysis
   • Ensuring financial robustness and sustainability
6. Management Case
   • Planning for successful delivery and governance
   • Identifying critical success factors and risk mitigation
   • Establishing project management and monitoring frameworks
7. Business Case Development Process
   • Lifecycle of business cases: Strategic Outline Case, Outline Business Case, Full Business Case
   • Collaborating with stakeholders and decision makers
   • Writing effective executive summaries and business case narratives
8. Exam Preparation
   • Practice questions and exam techniques for the Foundation examination
   • Tips for managing time and applying knowledge in the exam setting

Practitioner Level Modules

1. Applying the Five Case Model in Real-World Scenarios
   • Tailoring business cases to organisational needs
   • Integrating existing arrangements into business case development
   • Addressing complex project and programme management challenges
2. Advanced Strategic Assessment
   • Deepening understanding of strategic fit and organisational objectives
   • Aligning investment proposals with changing strategic priorities
3. Economic Appraisal and Option Appraisal
   • Advanced techniques for economic evaluation
   • Feasibility assessment of shortlisted options
4. Commercial and Financial Case Development
   • Structuring commercial arrangements for complex projects
   • Detailed financial modelling and affordability assessments
5. Management Case and Delivery Planning
   • Developing comprehensive delivery strategies
   • Risk management and contingency planning
   • Monitoring and evaluation frameworks for successful delivery
6. Business Case Review and Assurance
   • Techniques for reviewing and assuring robust business cases
   • Understanding the role of senior responsible owners and specialist advisers
7. Practitioner Exam Preparation
   • Scenario-based practice questions
   • Strategies for the open-book, objective testing practitioner exam

This detailed syllabus ensures that participants gain a comprehensive learning experience, building from foundation knowledge to advanced application, enabling them to develop robust, evidence-based business cases that meet the requirements of the UK government and public sector standards. Participants can progress at their own pace through the course materials, supported by expert trainers and practical exercises.