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Better Business Cases™ Certifications

Better Business Cases™ Certifications

 

Better Business Cases training and certification is based on the ‘Five Case Model’ – the UK government’s best practice approach to developing spending proposals and enabling effective business decisions. 

This training is mandatory for all those engaged in developing, reviewing or approving spending proposals for the UK government.

 

Better Business Cases have two courses:

 

Better Business Cases™ Foundation 

The Foundation course is ideal for professionals who are new to business case development or who support the planning and approval of projects and programmes. This includes project support staff, analysts, PMO professionals, and those involved in shaping investment proposals. The course introduces the structure and purpose of business cases using the Five Case Model and builds confidence in understanding the rationale behind investment decisions.


Key takeaways include:

  • A clear understanding of the strategic, economic, commercial, financial, and management dimensions of a business case.
  • Knowledge of how business cases align with organisational goals.
  • Preparation for the APMG-accredited Foundation exam.

 

Better Business Cases™ Practitioner

The Practitioner course is suited to those who develop or review business cases as a core part of their role – such as project managers, programme leads, finance officers, and policy advisors. Building on the Foundation knowledge, this course focuses on the practical application of the Five Case Model through realistic scenarios and interactive exercises.


Key takeaways include:

  • The ability to apply structured techniques like options appraisal, risk analysis, and benefits realisation.
  • Confidence to challenge and improve business cases.
  • Readiness to lead or support strategic investment decisions.
  • Successful learners will be prepared to sit the Practitioner exam and use the Five Case Model effectively in their own organisational context.

Better Business Cases Foundation

Better Business Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Better Business Cases™ training?
Better Business Cases™ training is based on HM Treasury’s Five Case Model and provides a structured approach to developing robust, evidence-based business cases for projects and programmes.
What’s the difference between the Foundation and Practitioner courses?
The Foundation course focuses on understanding the theory and structure of the Five Case Model, while the Practitioner course builds on that knowledge and focuses on applying it to real-world scenarios.
Who are these courses designed for?
  • Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), Programme Directors and other Directors with responsibility for the successful delivery of programmes and projects.
  • Project Managers, Project Team members and specialist advisers tasked with delivering a business case for investment.
  • Officers involved in the scrutiny and review of investment proposals.
Do I need to complete the Foundation course before taking the Practitioner course?
Yes, you must pass the Foundation exam before attending the Practitioner course or sitting the Practitioner exam.
Are the courses accredited?
Yes, both courses are accredited by APMG International and lead to formal certifications upon successful completion of the exams.
What’s included in the course content?
Courses include instructor-led training, practical exercises, case studies, official course materials, and access to the relevant exam. Practitioner also includes in-depth group workshops and scenario-based learning.
Can I attend virtually?
Yes. Both courses are available in public virtual classrooms, running from 9am to 4pm UK time. We also run both these course In-House at your organisation either face-to-face or virtual. All formats are led by experienced, accredited trainers.
How are the exams structured?
The Foundation exam is a 40-minute multiple-choice test. The Practitioner exam is a 2.5-hour open-book objective test based on a scenario and case study.
What will I be able to do after the course?
After Foundation, you’ll understand how to read and support business case development. After Practitioner, you’ll be able to apply the Five Case Model to develop and evaluate business cases in practice.
How do I decide which course is right for me?
If you are unsure which course is right for you, get in touch with our training specialist here.