Better Business Cases™ Practitioner Course, Exam & Training

Our Better Business Cases™ Practitioner Course provides an in-depth understanding of the process of business case development, teaching learners methodologies that can be applied to various business cases.

Recommended by HM Treasury, the Welsh Government and the UK Office of Government Commerce, the Better Business Cases™ methodology helps learners to make better business decisions.

Accreditation information

Training Bytesize is an Accredited Training Provider for the APMG Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course.

As an accredited provider, all our course materials have been evaluated to ensure they meet APMG standards, so you can be sure you’re starting a quality-assured course. Training ByteSize is also authorised to administer the APMG Better Business Cases™ Practitioner exam, as outlined in our accreditation.

The business case is arguably the most important part of a project. It helps decision-makers determine whether the project is worth starting or continuing. However, many projects have poorly written business cases that fail to consider necessities.

By training in the Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course, which is based on the ‘Five Case Model,’ employees can learn how to craft better proposals that enable effective business decisions.

There are two key objectives of this course. The first is to understand the detail behind the foundational information you have already learned, and the second is to prepare you for the Practitioner examination.

The online course typically takes between 10 and 15 hours complete, which includes notetaking, exercises and exam practice.

The course is then assessed through an objective multiple-choice examination that includes four questions. You will have two hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam.

You will get six months of access to our APMG-accredited online Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course, complete with animated videos, helpful exercises, and downloadable resources. Additionally, you can benefit from an exam practice module featuring sample questions before the real thing.

The course is divided into nine modules, covering all essential topics outlined in the Better Business Cases™ Practitioner syllabus. This modular structure allows you the flexibility to progress at your own pace, revisiting topics as needed for deeper understanding.

Once you’ve mastered the training materials, you can make use of the exam practice module to assess your knowledge and familiarise yourself with different question types using a variety of sample exam questions.

When you’re feeling confident and prepared, schedule your official online exam through the Training ByteSize site. All that’s required is a computer, webcam, and internet connection.

The first module introduces you to the Practitioner exam and then answers introductory themes, including the importance of project business cases and the ‘Five Case Model’.

The module also considers when a business case should be developed, the different types of programmes, and their advantages. The first module then focuses on when a programme business case should be developed and how to maintain it.

This module is an overview of the ‘Five Case Model’. Learners would have had a brief understanding of what the five cases are from the prerequisite Better Business Cases™ Foundation course, but this module looks at the importance of each case so that they can be fitted into the various steps and actions.

The ‘Five Case Model’ is applied to policies, strategies, programmes and projects and is made up of: the Strategic Case, the Economic Case, the Commercial Case, the Financial Case, and the Management Case.

The third module discusses the Business Case Development Framework, which is developed over four key stages, following the Office of Governance and Commerce (OGC) stages of procurement for significant spending.

The six stages are:

Stage 0 – Determining the strategic context for the project.
Stage 1 – Scoping the scheme and preparing the Strategic Outline Case (SOC).
Stage 2 – Planning the scheme and preparing the Outline Business Case (OBC).
Stage 3 – Procuring the solution and preparing the Full Business Case (FBC).
Stage 4 – Implementation and monitoring throughout the project.
Stage 5 – Evaluation and feedback.

Module four enables learners to perform a strategic assessment to determine the strategic context of a proposed project or programme.

This session will then focus on Step 1—Determining the Strategic Context, which is Action 1—Ascertaining Strategic Fit.

This module works through the SOC. You will look at:

Step 2 – Making the case for change:
- Action 2 – Agree the strategic context
- Action 3 – Determine the spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs
- Action 4 – Determine the potential scope for the project
- Action 5 – Determine project benefits, risks, constraints, and dependencies

This will then be followed by:

Step 3 – Exploring the preferred way forward:
- Action 6 – Agree critical success factors (CSFs)
- Action 7 – Determine long list options and SWOT analysis
- Action 8 – Recommend a preferred way forward

The sixth module will start to investigate and complete the OBC.

You will learn to finish the economic case which appraises the social, environmental and economic costs, benefits and risks for the short-listed options and identifies the preferred option, which is the option most likely to offer the best social value for delivery of the project.

Module seven will go through procuring the proposal and preparing the FBC.

In the final training session, you will look at some of the typical basic criteria that can be used as a checklist to review a business case at the various key stages of development – the SOC, OBC, and the FBC.

There are key questions that need to be asked for each business case at the development stage, and these need to have appropriate evidence to show it has been done correctly.

Module nine is the exam practice session. You will be able to practice sample questions and familiarise yourself with the different question styles that will be used in the official exam.

With this Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course, you will have online access for six months, including:

Eight modules covering the Better Business Cases™ Practitioner syllabus.
An exam practice module containing sample questions.
Downloadable documents.
Sample question papers.
The official APMG Better Business Cases™ Practitioner examination.

Training with the Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course can benefit a wide range of professionals across various industries and job roles. Some specific groups that could benefit from this training include:

Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects within organisations. Training in Better Business Cases™ equips them with the skills to develop comprehensive business cases that support project proposals and secure funding.

Business analysts play a crucial role in identifying business needs, analysing processes, and proposing solutions. Training in Better Business Cases™ enhances their ability to evaluate the financial viability and strategic alignment of proposed initiatives.

Financial analysts assess the financial performance of companies and investment opportunities. This training provides them with tools and techniques to conduct robust financial analysis and evaluate the potential returns on investment.

Strategic planners develop long-term plans and initiatives to achieve organisational goals. Training in Better Business Cases™ helps them assess the strategic fit of proposed projects and prioritise investments based on their alignment with strategic objectives.

Senior executives and decision-makers are responsible for approving major investments and strategic initiatives. Having certified employees enables them to evaluate business cases effectively, ensuring that investments align with organisational priorities and deliver value.

Policy analysts assess the economic, social, and environmental impacts of policy proposals. Better Business Cases™ training enhances their ability to develop evidence-based business cases to support policy recommendations and secure funding for implementation.

Consultants provide advisory services to organisations seeking assistance with strategic decision-making and project management. Better Business Cases™ trained consultants are better able to develop robust business cases for clients across various industries.

overnment officials and public sector professionals are responsible for allocating public funds and delivering services efficiently. Better Business Cases™ training equips them with the skills to develop business cases that demonstrate the value for money and social benefits of public investments.

You must have already passed the Better Business Cases™ Foundation exam before attempting the Practitioner level exam.

The Better Business Cases™ Practitioner exam involves objective testing – where the answer is either correct or incorrect – with four questions to answer.

Each question has 20 marks available, and a score of 40 marks (50%) is required to pass. To do this exam, you will have two hours and 30 minutes. This is an open-book exam – but learners can use ‘Guide to Developing the Project Business Case’ and ‘Guide to Developing the Programme Business Case’ only.

The APMG-accredited Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course equips students with valuable skills and knowledge that can enhance their career prospects and contribute to their professional growth.

The Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course with Training ByteSize offers several benefits for students, helping them make smarter business choices and advance their careers:

The course provides students with frameworks and tools to analyse and evaluate business cases effectively. This helps them develop stronger analytical skills, which are valuable in various professional settings.

By learning how to create better business cases, students become better at making well-informed decisions. They learn to weigh the costs, benefits, and risks associated with different options, leading to more effective decision-making.

Having certification as a Better Business Cases™ Practitioner can enhance a student’s resume and open new career opportunities. Employers increasingly value professionals who can develop robust business cases that support strategic initiatives and investments.

Through hands-on practice and guidance from experienced instructors, students gain confidence in their ability to develop and present comprehensive business cases.

The course teaches students internationally recognised best practices for business case development, ensuring that their skills are aligned with industry standards. This knowledge is transferable across different organisations and sectors.

Participating in the course allows students to connect with peers and instructors who share similar interests and goals. These networking opportunities can lead to valuable professional connections and collaborations in the future.

Obtaining certification as a Better Business Cases™ Practitioner demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development. It shows employers that the student is proactive about staying current with industry trends and best practices.

Better Business Cases™ Practitioner-certified employees help organisations make more informed decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and achieve greater success in implementing strategic initiatives.

Organisations benefit significantly from having APMG Better Business Cases™ Practitioner certified employees in several ways:

Certified employees have the skills to develop comprehensive business cases that outline the rationale for proposed projects or investments. This enables organisations to make better-informed decisions by thoroughly evaluating the costs, benefits, and risks associated with different options.

With certified employees proficient at developing business cases, organisations can streamline their decision-making processes. Clear and well-structured business cases help stakeholders understand the implications of proposed projects, reducing delays and misunderstandings.

Employees presenting thorough business cases leads to more accurate financial forecasting and budgeting. Certified practitioners can assess the financial viability of projects, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.

Certified employees are trained to identify and evaluate risks associated with proposed projects. By incorporating risk analysis into business cases, organisations can proactively address potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies, reducing the likelihood of project failure.

Business cases developed by certified practitioners are aligned with organisational goals and strategic objectives. This ensures that proposed projects support the organisation’s plan for long-term success.

Clear and compelling business cases facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Certified employees can effectively communicate the value proposition of proposed projects, gaining buy-in from key stakeholders and fostering support for implementation.

The APMG Better Business Cases™ Practitioner certification assures organisations that their employees have been trained according to internationally recognised best practices for business case development. This standardisation promotes consistency and quality across business case processes.

Organisations with certified employees have a competitive advantage in the marketplace. They can demonstrate to clients, partners, and investors that they have the expertise to evaluate and prioritise investment opportunities effectively.

For students enrolling in this course, several learning outcomes will be satisfied by the end of their training:

As experts in delivering project management training through a range of study styles, your success is key to our success. We understand how people learn, we know how to train people to pass exams, we employ the best trainers and specialise in small class sizes to help you get the best from your investment. So, if you’re looking to enhance your project management skills and ensure you pass first time, Training ByteSize is a name you can trust.

As a family run business, project and programme management training is in our blood, and so is innovation. Our founders have been part of the industry since the 1990’s, specifically founding Key Skills and developing the world’s first accredited e-learning course for PRINCE2.

Today we are proud to continue with world firsts; with second generation Victoria at the helm, she had led Training ByteSize to ensure were the first company to develop and deliver e-learning options for accredited courses including Business Analysis Foundation, ITIL4, and AgilePM. When we say we’re experts in project management training, we really do mean it.

The Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course typically falls under the intermediate to advanced qualification level. It’s designed for professionals who already have some experience or background in business cases, project management, or related fields. This course usually builds upon foundational knowledge and skills and aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the Better Business Cases framework and its application in real-world scenarios.

The Better Business Cases™ Practitioner is mapped to the SFIA Framework (https://sfia-online.org/):

This certification confirms (endorsement): generic attribute Knowledge up to level 3, Feasibility Assessment up to level 4
This certification would be useful for (development): same as above plus Methods and Tools up to level 4

The APMG Better Business Cases™ Practitioner certification doesn’t have an expiration date. However, it is recommended that you stay updated on industry trends, changes in methodology, and emerging practices through continuing education, professional development, or refresher courses.

5 George House, Princes Court,
Beam Heath Way, Nantwich,
Cheshire CW5 6GD

Training teams is what we do really well, so if you have more than one person to train it may be more cost effective for you to consider our corporate solutions. Courses are offered online, on-site or virtually; there are so many options so it’s best for you to email us at [email protected] with your requirements and we will send you a tailored quote.

Online learning is a great way to study and our e-learning courses are interactive and engaging.

Studying for your qualification online is a viable option for so many project managers:

Learning is completely flexible to suit your busy schedule
The interactive online course consists of voice-over and animation to keep you engaged throughout the learning
You can access it anywhere in the world and take your exam online at a time that suits you best
The Foundation e-learning will take around 10 hours to complete and includes a quiz bank which contains a range of questions to test your knowledge and understanding of the course prior to sitting the official exam
Our pass rates are well in excess of the national average (nearly 100%!), there is really no reason you should fail!

Take control of your learning journey with Training ByteSize.

Our online courses are built around you — your schedule, your pace, your goals.

Study when it suits you — with 6 months' access, you can dip in and out whenever works best, whether that's early morning or late at night
Stay engaged from start to finish with a rich mix of voiceover, animation and interactive content that brings the subject to life
Learn from anywhere — all you need is a device and an internet connection
Build real confidence through our comprehensive quiz banks, designed to continuously test and strengthen your understanding as you progress
Join thousands of successful learners who've benefited from our outstanding results — we're with you every step of the way

With 6 months' access and no deadlines hanging over you, fitting learning around your life has never been easier. With Training ByteSize, success isn't just possible — it's expected.

Virtual classroom learning with Training ByteSize

Our Virtual Course platform delivers accredited and certified training, led by leading subject matter experts, direct to your home, mobile, computer or office without the hassle of travelling or staying away. It is so easy to fit in an online class into your busy schedule; simply log in from home, the office, or even while you are travelling.

Students can ask questions using a headset, webcam or a chat window, and get their questions answered, just like in a traditional classroom. Questions can be lined up and answered at intervals, without interrupting the teacher’s flow of thought. There is no difference in the level of interaction – in fact distractions are significantly reduced because of this way of teaching. Our trainers have a minimum of 10 years training experience, plus have previously run and managed live projects, so have real-life experience they bring to the virtual session.

Download our virtual classroom course brochure to find out more.

If you would like to find out more about this option please complete the Request Quote short and we’ll come right back to you.

Classroom learning is a great way to study

Please enquire with us directly for details of forthcoming dates, by emailing [email protected] or call 01270 626330.

Classroom courses with Training ByteSize are a cut above the rest

Included in the price of your training is:

Pre course learning materials
A thorough, clear and professional course support pack with stationery
Lunch each day
Snacks and refreshments throughout the day

Virtual

If you’re unable to make the course in person, we have the option to attend the same course virtually from the comfort of your own home or office.

There is a dedicated, high performance ceiling mounted camera that tracks the trainer and streams the course throughout the day. The trainer will also use a radio microphone, and there are microphones located throughout the room, so you’ll be able to hear the discussions clearly.

You will be able to ask questions and communicate with the trainer and those attending the course in person all day, so you’ll feel like you’re there!

All you need is a Zoom/Microsoft Teams account, an internet connection, webcam, and microphone.

Before the course

Once you’ve booked your place on the course you will receive a confirmation email and then a booking form for you to sign. You will have the opportunity to inform us of any dietary requirements or any additional needs or reasonable adjustments for any exams.

A thorough, clear and professional course support pack with stationary including pre-course materials and further instructions for the course, will be sent three to four weeks before the course commences.

During the course

Each day, the course will start at 9:00 in the morning.

Our friendly, expert trainer will guide you through the course syllabus ensuring that you understand all the information. There will be questions and activities throughout the course to reinforce the learning.

The trainer will be on hand in the evenings to answer any further questions that you may have about what you’ve covered that day.

Exams can be taken on the last day of the course, or they can be deferred and taken online at a later date. We would encourage you to take them as soon as possible whilst the information is still fresh.

There will be a break at around 10:30, and another at 14:30, with lunch at 12:30.

Lunch is ordered from a local company who provide an array of sandwiches, fruit, scones and a different selection of cakes each day. Crisps, breakfast bars and chocolate bars are also provided throughout the day. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water are available.

Travel, parking and directions

There is free parking at the Training Bytesize offices where the training centre is located. If you are staying at The Cheshire Cat Hotel, there is also free parking for guests.

If you’re driving, here are the addresses you might need:

To the Training Bytesize Training Centre: Sat Nav Postcode CW5 6GD; 5 George House, Princes Court, Beam Heath Way, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6GD.
To The Cheshire Cat Hotel: Sat Nav Postcode CW5 5ED; The Cheshire Cat, 26 Welsh Row, Nantwich, CW5 5ED. Tel. 01270 623020.

If you are travelling by train, you can arrive at either Crewe or Nantwich train station.

Crewe train station: It’s around seven miles from Crewe train station to Nantwich, so we usually recommend getting a taxi to the training centre, which should take around 15 minutes. There are usually taxis waiting at the station or you can book one in advance. If you’d like further information, please contact us on 01270 626330 and we’ll be happy to help.
Nantwich train station: There are trains from Crewe to Nantwich every hour and Nantwich train station is located just five minutes away from the town centre on foot. It’s a 25-minute walk to the Training Bytesize training centre, or just five minutes in a taxi. It’s a small unattended station, so you will need to book any taxis in advance. Please contact us for more details.

Sometimes taking two days out of the office just doesn’t work, especially if you have a large group of people going through training. So we’ve come up with a tried and tested solution which combines the very best distance learning with onsite training, ensuring your company experiences the least impact on general day to day business. Additionally the bespoke blended option offers you a more cost effective way to train you team, so it’s a win-win.

If you would like to find out more about this option please call our team on 01270 626330 or complete the short form that will appear when you select Get in Touch and we’ll come right back to you.

Better Business Cases™ Practitioner Course