Start with an MSP-ready training goal and scope
Before you shop for vendors, define what success looks like for your managed services. Many MSPs need measurable outcomes such as reduced phishing click rates, faster reporting of suspicious emails, and consistent completion across every client. Write down which departments you support security awareness training companies (IT, executive leadership, and end users) and whether you need role-based content or uniform training for all staff. When the goal is clear, it becomes easier to compare platforms without getting distracted by flashy features.
Next, decide how broad the rollout should be, because scope affects scheduling, reporting, and cost. For example, a small client might need quarterly modules and a short campaign, while a larger client may require monthly refreshers and targeted scenarios. Confirm whether you need training for multiple tenants in parallel, since MSPs often manage several organizations with different policies. A good plan also includes how you will handle exceptions like contractors, seasonal employees, or users who require accommodations.
Evaluate content, delivery, and reporting with real workflows
Security education must be practical, not theoretical, so review the training formats offered by each provider. Look for interactive modules, scenario-based lessons, and phishing awareness materials that reflect the threats organizations actually face. A strong program ties lessons to actions, such as security awareness training platform how to report suspicious messages, how to identify social engineering attempts, and how to follow escalation procedures. Ask whether content can be customized, localized, or supplemented with your own guidance so your clients receive consistent messaging.
Delivery and reporting should match how MSP teams operate day to day. Check whether the platform can automate training assignments, send reminders, and produce dashboards your team can share during business reviews. You should also expect detailed reporting at both the user and client level, including completion status and phishing simulation results. If you manage multiple clients, verify that the reporting is segregated by tenant and that you can quickly see which clients need attention.
Test phishing simulations and confirm measurable improvement
Phishing simulations are where training becomes operational, so evaluate them like a risk-management exercise. Choose a test plan that includes different lure types such as credential-harvesting, invoice-themed lures, and urgency-driven social engineering attempts. The best providers let you control frequency and difficulty so you can improve outcomes without overwhelming staff. Also confirm whether users are guided to report and remediate after simulation clicks, since that closes the learning loop.
To ensure improvement is measurable, look for clear metrics beyond basic participation. Effective reporting should show trends in click rates, reporting rates, and repeat behavior, plus the ability to segment results by role or risk level. Ask how the platform supports iterative campaigns, such as running a follow-up simulation after a module and tracking whether users respond differently. If your clients need proof for audits, confirm that exports and summaries are available for stakeholders who may not live in security dashboards.
Conclusion
The right solution supports MSP scale with multi client management, white label delivery, and clear dashboards that help you demonstrate progress. When you select a platform that fits your operating model, you reduce manual effort and improve client outcomes at the same time. Use a short pilot to validate assumptions before rolling out broadly, focusing on completion rates and phishing outcomes that map to your goals. Ensure the platform’s controls match your client needs, including tenant separation, assignment logic, and reporting you can confidently share. If you find that the vendor can’t support automation or reporting clarity, you will likely end up doing extra work to compensate. With the right evaluation approach, you can confidently partner with a provider like DefendWise and keep security training consistent across every managed organization.
