FPM 133: Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Management Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

18 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Accredited program
Credits: 1.8 CEUs

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take FPM 133: Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Management.

This course builds the financial and business management foundation for federal project and program managers, emphasizing the development of defensible business cases, credible cost estimates, and fluency in federal budgeting and appropriations. Core topics include cost types and estimating methods, the Work Breakdown Structure as a basis for estimates, and total life-cycle cost considerations that shape planning and execution.

In addition to planning, students learn funds allocation and performance measurement. They use Earned Value Management (e.g., CPI, SPI) and related indicators to track cost, schedule, and scope, and to inform decisions. By course end, entry-level practitioners can justify, budget, and monitor projects effectively, meeting the competencies required for FAC-P/PM Entry-Level training.

Full Tuition

$2,049
Due before the class starts

This course includes

18 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Accredited program
Credits: 1.8 CEUs

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.

The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

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Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

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Sample credential for completion of FPM 133: Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Management Course (Self-Paced)

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FPM 133: Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Management Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Build a defensible business case using qualitative and quantitative decision criteria.
Create cost estimates tied to a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and document assumptions and uncertainties.
Explain federal budgeting and appropriations, and allocate funds appropriately across project phases.
Use performance measures and basic EVM metrics (e.g., CPI, SPI) to assess cost/schedule status and forecast outcomes.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Building Business Cases

Define the elements and purpose of a project business case.
Identify qualitative and quantitative decision factors that support investment justification.
Develop an initial problem statement, alternatives analysis, and recommendation.
Explain how the business case supports agency strategic goals and budget requests.

Module 2: Cost Estimating

Apply common cost estimating techniques (analogy, parametric, bottom-up).
Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to organize project costs.
Document cost assumptions, constraints, and risk factors.
Validate estimates by comparing with historical data or benchmarks.

Module 3: Federal Budgeting

Explain the federal budget cycle and how it impacts project funding.
Identify major appropriation types and their allowable uses.
Describe the roles of OMB, Congress, and agencies in budget formulation and execution.
Recognize common funding constraints (e.g., Anti-Deficiency Act, continuing resolutions).

Module 4: Allocating Funds

Allocate funds across project phases in compliance with appropriation law.
Develop time-phased spending plans linked to project schedules.
Identify indicators of potential funding shortfalls or overruns.
Apply corrective actions when project spending deviates from plan.

Module 5: Performance Measures

Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that monitor project health.
Relate performance metrics to cost, schedule, and technical progress.
Interpret performance data to assess whether corrective action is needed.
Communicate results effectively to senior management and stakeholders.

Module 6: Earned Value Management

Calculate and interpret key EVM metrics (EV, PV, AC, CPI, SPI).
Assess cost and schedule variances and determine project status.
Forecast project completion cost using Estimate at Completion (EAC).
Use EVM data to drive performance-based management decisions.

Module 7: Putting It All Together

Integrate cost estimation, budgeting, and EVM into a single financial management plan.
Develop and present a business case supported by quantitative analysis.
Apply learned techniques to a project scenario through team-based exercises.
Evaluate the financial health of a sample program and propose improvement actions.

Group Training

Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.

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Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$2,049.00	Total You Pay