Access to training and accreditation in best practice business cases
Updated 11 August 2025
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Training and accreditation
The UK government requires that all officials who are engaged in developing, reviewing or approving spending proposals must receive training and accreditation through the Better Business Cases programme. This supports a consistent and professional approach to the development of business cases.
HM Treasury, Welsh Government and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) oversee two training programmes:
Both programmes are delivered in partnership with APMG. APMG is responsible for accrediting and monitoring the organisations that provide training under these programmes. APMG also administer the examinations, as well as providing certificates and digital badges to successful individuals.
Better Business Cases
HM Treasury and Welsh Government are responsible for overseeing the Better Business Cases programme. The programme provides training and accreditation for the Green Book and its associated business case guidance, which together set out the Five Case Model.
Numerous different organisations are accredited to deliver training as part of the Better Business Cases programme. A list of training providers can be found on the Better Business Cases webpage.
Two training courses are currently available: Foundation and Practitioner. Participants receive either a Foundation or Practitioner qualification, following the successful completion of an exam.
- Foundation: This course introduces the knowledge that is required to develop proposals for public sector spending.
- Practitioner: This course builds on the pre-requisite Foundation course. It trains the skills that are required for the practical development of the business case.
Infrastructure Business Cases – International
The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) is responsible for overseeing the Infrastructure Business Cases programme.
This programme provides training and accreditation on business cases using the Five Case Model for professionals and public officials outside of the UK. A list of training providers can be found on the Infrastructure Business Cases International webpage.
Two training courses are currently available: Foundation and Practitioner. Participants receive either a Foundation or Practitioner qualification, following the successful completion of an exam.
- Foundation: This course provides an introductory understanding of international best practice in the preparation business cases for infrastructure investments.
- Practitioner: This course builds on the pre-requisite Foundation course. It provides a more detailed understanding of the development of the business case using case studies and practical exercises.