APM Project Management Qualification

Benefits of APM PMQ

Benefits for the individual

• APM PMQ is widely recognised and respected globally, providing individuals with a prestigious credential that enhances their professional reputation. 
• Holding this certification opens new opportunities for career advancement. It demonstrates proficiency in project management to employers and can qualify individuals for higher-level roles. 
• This qualification enhances an individual’s marketability to employers, making them more attractive candidates for project management positions across various industries and sectors. 
• The APM PMQ course equips individuals with advanced project management skills, including planning, execution, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, enabling them to lead complex projects with confidence. 
• Certified project managers typically command higher salaries than non-certified professionals, as the APM Project Management Qualification validates their expertise and demonstrates their ability to deliver successful projects. 
• This certification marks professional excellence in project management, providing individuals with recognition and respect within the industry. 
• Participation in the APM PMQ course often facilitates networking with other project management professionals, providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career growth. 
• This course requires individuals to engage in ongoing professional development activities, ensuring they stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques in project management. 
• The course includes practical exercises and case studies that help individuals develop advanced problem-solving abilities, essential for addressing complex challenges encountered in project management. 
• Successfully passing the APM PMQ course instils confidence in individuals, enabling them to tackle high-pressure situations and lead projects to successful outcomes. 
• Certified individuals contribute to the overall success of their organisations by effectively managing projects, delivering results, and driving continuous improvement in project management practices. 
• APM PMQ certification signifies a commitment to professional growth and development, demonstrating a willingness to invest in acquiring advanced project management skills and knowledge. 

Benefits for an organisation

• Employees who have completed the APM PMQ course bring back enhanced project management skills and knowledge, leading to improved project planning, execution, and control within the organisation. 
• With a better understanding of project management principles and best practices, certified employees are better equipped to lead projects to successful outcomes, including meeting objectives, deadlines, and budget constraints. 
• APM PMQ certified employees are trained in identifying, assessing, and managing risks effectively, leading to reduced project risks and increased likelihood of project success. 
• Through the application of advanced project management techniques learned in the course, employees can deliver higher quality project outputs, meeting or exceeding stakeholder expectations. 
• Improved project management practices, better risk management, and higher-quality deliverables often lead to cost savings for the organisation, as projects are completed more efficiently and effectively. 
• Providing opportunities for employees to undertake professional development courses like the APM Project Management Qualification demonstrates the organisation’s investment in their growth and development, leading to higher levels of employee satisfaction, morale, and engagement. 
• A workforce with certified professionals enhances the organisation’s reputation for professionalism and competence in project management, which can attract clients, partners, and stakeholders. 
• Qualified employees are better equipped to manage project resources efficiently, optimising the use of time, budget, and personnel to maximise project outcomes. 
• The APM PMQ equips employees with skills to manage change effectively within projects, enabling the organisation to adapt to shifting priorities, requirements, and market conditions more smoothly. 
• Organisations with a higher number of certified employees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace, as they can demonstrate superior project management capabilities compared to competitors. 
• Certified employees understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration in project management, leading to smoother project execution and fewer misunderstandings. 
• By investing in the professional development of employees through courses like the APM PMQ, organisations lay the foundation for long-term growth and success, as skilled project managers drive innovation, efficiency, and strategic initiatives. 

Course details

This multimedia training course enables you to understand and harness the knowledge areas of the project management lifecycle, including: budgeting and cost management, communication, teamwork, resource management, project risk management, project reviews and much more.

The course will take approximately 20 hours, which will include working through the modules, notetaking, exercises, completing the workbooks, and exam practice.

The syllabus covers many aspects of project management:

• Budgeting and cost management 
• Conflict management 
• Communication 
• Earned value management 
• Leadership 
• Negotiation 
• Procurement 
• Sponsorship 
• Teamwork 

You will be assessed on the syllabus areas during a 3-hour exam, with an additional 15 minutes of reading time. You will need to answer 10 of the 16 available questions in an essay format.

Course format

You will have access to the online APM Project Management Qualification course which contains videos, animation, exercises, workbooks, downloadable documents, and sample exam questions.

You will benefit from the expertise of tutors with over 15 years of experience, as well as have 24/7 customer support available to you.

The course consists of 14 modules, and learners can work through them at their own pace. After mastering all the 14 training modules needed by the examination syllabus, you can get ready for the exam by assessing your understanding with our sample exam questions.

Once you’re prepared, feel free to schedule your official online exam for a time and date that suits you – all you require is a computer, webcam, and internet connection. You can easily book your exam by using the online booking form. 

Course contents

Module 1 – Course introduction

The initial session contains important document downloads and an exam briefing on the APM PMQ exam. It will familiarise you with the course’s structure and content.

Module 2 – Project, Programmes and Portfolios

This session defines projects, programs, and portfolios, covering various project lifecycles such as linear, iterative, and hybrid approaches.

This module also outlines the important roles in project management, from project manager and project sponsor to customer and product owner.

Module 3 – The Business Case

This module explores the purpose and components of a project’s business case, a document outlining the reasons for initiating the project and details the anticipated benefits that will result upon its completion.

Additionally, module three will cover the authorship and ownership of a business case, as well as elaborate on the importance of success criteria, key performance indicators (KPIs), and benefits.

Module 4 – Identifying the Project’s Scope

This course module covers the seven scheduling steps of a project, focusing on the initial two steps that define the project’s scope. This involves identifying the products, activities, and tasks needed for production.

Additionally, this module will explain the primary breakdown structures and how they relate to one another.

Module 5 – Networks

Providing you with the knowledge to create networks for your projects, this module focuses on dependencies and networks. You will also find out about the significance of networks and various network relationships.

Module 6 – Estimating, Risk & Issue Management

This module explores four typical estimating techniques: Subjective, Analogous, Parametric, and Analytical.

It covers risk and risk management, detailing how to recognise and reduce risks, address challenges, and outline their management. It also clarifies the distinction between effort and duration.

Module 7 – Critical Path Analysis

This session surrounds the significance of the critical path, and how to calculate it. It will guide you through defining the products, identifying activities, creating a network diagram, estimating activity durations, and considering potential risks.

Module 8 – Resource Management

This session will address adding resources to the schedule and maximising their efficiency. It will explore how float can help determine team size and discuss the key factors to consider when assigning resources to tasks.

Module 9 – Monitoring & Control

This session will cover project monitoring and control methods. Monitoring involves exchanging information, while control entails assessing information, making decisions, and implementing them.

Module 10 – Requirements Management

In this session the course will look further into requirements management which includes:

Understanding the requirements:

• Gathering requirements 
• Analysing the requirements 
• Justifying the requirements 
• Baselining the requirements 

It concludes by prioritising the requirements with MoSCoW and determining how requirements management fits into the project lifecycle. 

Module 11 – Organisations and People

This module will discuss organisations including, organisational structures, permanent and temporary structures and project structures. It will also cover leadership, motivation, teamwork, negotiation and conflict management.

Module 12 – Governance and the Law

This session outlines governance in a project and looks at laws and legislation, health and safety, environmental considerations, employment law, contract law and GDPR.

Module 13 – Budgets and Cost Control

Budgeting and cost control comprise the estimation of costs, the setting of an agreed budget and management of actual and forecast costs against that budget. This session covers base cost estimates, contingency, management reserves, the benefits of cost planning, planning the budget and budgeting in different lifecycles.

Module 14 – Earned Value Management

Earned value management is a project control process, based on a structured approach to planning, cost collection and performance measurement. This module will look at using earned value, interpreting EVM, variances, performance indexes, using EVM to predict, interpret EVM data and the advantages of EVM. 

Course includes

• 6 months online access to the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) course which includes: 
  • 14 modules covering the APM PMQ syllabus.  
  • Downloadable documents 
  • Workbooks 
  • Activities 
  • Sample papers 
• The official APM PMQ examination. 

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of the APM PMQ course are designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.

The learning outcomes include:

• Understanding of Project Management Principles: Participants gain a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of project management, including project lifecycle, governance, and key success factors. 
• Project Planning and Control: Participants develop skills in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation, as well as techniques for monitoring and controlling project progress. 
• Risk Management: Participants learn to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks effectively, employing tools and techniques to minimise the impact of uncertainties on project outcomes. 
• Stakeholder Management: Participants understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project lifecycle, learning strategies for managing stakeholder expectations and addressing conflicts. 
• Quality Management: Participants gain knowledge of quality management principles and techniques, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed stakeholder requirements and expectations. 
• Procurement and Contract Management: Participants learn about procurement processes, contract types, and supplier management practices, enabling them to effectively procure goods and services for projects. 
• Leadership and Team Management: Participants develop leadership skills and techniques for motivating and managing project teams, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts to achieve project objectives. 

• Change Management: Participants understand the importance of change management in project delivery, learning strategies for managing and responding to changes effectively to minimise disruption and maintain project momentum. 
• Project Governance and Compliance: Participants gain knowledge of project governance structures, roles, and responsibilities, as well as legal and regulatory compliance requirements relevant to project management. 
• Project Closure and Evaluation: Participants learn best practices for closing out projects, conducting post-project reviews, and capturing lessons learned to improve future project performance. 
• Ethical and Professional Conduct: Participants are introduced to ethical considerations and professional standards in project management, including integrity, transparency, and accountability. 

These learning outcomes collectively prepare you to successfully undertake the challenges of managing projects in a variety of industries and sectors, contributing to your professional development. 

Accreditation information

Training Bytesize is an Accredited Training Provider for the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) (SCQF Level 6).

All our course materials have been evaluated to ensure they meet APM standards, and we are authorised to administer the APM Project Management Qualification exam as outlined in our accreditation.

FAQs

APM PMQ vs PRINCE2: what’s the difference?

The APM PMQ and PRINCE2 are both project management methodologies, but they differ in several key aspects:

Focus: 

• APM PMQ focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices. It covers a broad range of topics, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and project closure. 
• PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology that provides a step-by-step approach for managing projects. It emphasises defined processes, roles, and responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle. 

Flexibility: 

• APM PMQ offers a flexible framework that can be adapted to different projects and environments. It provides principles and best practices that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each project. 
• PRINCE2 offers a standardised approach with prescribed processes and procedures. While it provides flexibility within its framework, it is more structured compared to APM PMQ. 

Certification: 

• APM PMQ offers a certification that demonstrates a candidate’s understanding of project management principles and practices. It is recognised by employers and organisations across various industries. 
• PRINCE2 also offers certification levels such as PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. These certifications focus specifically on the PRINCE2 methodology and are widely recognised in project management roles. 

Scope: 

• APM PMQ covers a wide range of project management topics and is suitable for project managers and individuals working in project management roles across different industries. 
• PRINCE2 is primarily focused on managing projects within a controlled environment. It is often used in sectors such as IT, construction, and government projects. 

In summary, while both APM PMQ and PRINCE2 are project management methodologies, they have different focuses, approaches, and scopes. APM PMQ provides a broad understanding of project management principles, while PRINCE2 offers a structured methodology for managing projects within a controlled environment.

Does the APM PMQ expire?

No, the APM PMQ certification does not have an expiration date. Once you have achieved an APM PMQ certification, it remains valid indefinitely.

However, while the certification itself doesn’t expire, the knowledge and skills gained through the certification may become outdated over time due to changes in project management practices, methodologies, or technology. Therefore, professionals are encouraged to stay updated with the latest developments in project management and consider pursuing additional training or certifications as needed to maintain their proficiency and relevance in the field.

Is the APM PMQ exam open book?

No, the APM PMQ exam is not an open book exam.

Candidates are typically not allowed to bring any reference materials or resources into the exam room. The exam is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices based on their knowledge and application of the APM Body of Knowledge (BoK) and other relevant materials covered in the course.

Candidates are expected to rely on their understanding of project management concepts and their ability to apply them to various scenarios presented in the exam. Therefore, it’s essential for candidates to thoroughly study and prepare for the exam by familiarising themselves with the content of the APM PMQ syllabus and practicing exam-style questions.

What level is APM PMQ?

The APM PMQ aligns with Level 7 on the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This level is also consistent with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7.

What is the average pass rate for APM PMQ?

The average pass rate for the APM PMQ course at Training ByteSize is 76%.

Is PMQ a recognised qualification?

Yes, the APM PMQ is a recognised qualification in the field of project management. It is highly regarded both in the UK and internationally. APM is a respected professional body for project management in the UK, and its qualifications are valued by employers and practitioners alike.

The APM PMQ is widely recognised by organisations across various industries, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organisations. Achieving the APM PMQ demonstrates a high level of competence and understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices.

Furthermore, the APM PMQ is aligned with international standards and best practices in project management, making it relevant and applicable in diverse contexts. It provides a solid foundation for individuals seeking to advance their careers in project management or enhance their professional credentials.

Target audience

This APM PMQ course is aimed at people wishing to achieve a broad level of project management knowledge – which would be sufficient to participate in projects from individual assignments through to large capital projects. After participating in this course, candidates will be able to understand how their project fits into the strategic and commercial priorities of the company.

The widely recognised and respected APM Project Management Qualification is a great option for professionals seeking relevant certifications to help aid career advancement.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for taking the APM PMQ course, but you would ideally have some pre-existing project management knowledge or experience to draw upon.

It’s the ideal next step for anyone who has previously passed the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification. 

Testimonials

Training byteSize is a family-run business, helping professionals to gain new skills and certifications. We’re proud to have a 99%+ pass rate for our foundation courses, and glowing reviews of our APM PMQ course.

“I am pleased to pass APM Project Management exam in the first attempt! Choosing TrainingByteSize online course was simply the best decision I’ve made. The course materials and sample exam questions are perfectly designed to tailor your needs especially for those seeking self-study. I would like to thank Molly, Callum, Christine and the rest of the team. I have no hesitation to recommend TrainingByteSize to my colleagues.” – Milad Lakani, 5 stars

“Hands down, the best training company I have experienced. All interactions, from the initial inquiry up to week of the training, with Molly, Eve and Jim, were prompt, friendly and professional. The course itself (APM PMQ), delivered by Callum, was superb. The pacing and presentation throughout the week was first rate. Callum clearly knows his stuff, having lived and breathed the PM role, and provided an environment where everyone could participate and ask questions. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend anyone to attend a course run by Training ByteSize.” – Mark Thorpe, 5 stars

“Comprehensive and useful training provided by a really friendly and professional trainer who took the time to answer all questions and explain everything clearly. This helped me pass my APM Project Management exam. Thank you!” – JQ, 5 stars

“The Training ByteSize materials – course book, online learning and virtual workshop – were clearly presented and well structured, giving me the knowledge and confidence to tackle the APM PMQ exam. Terry Kent was an engaging and encouraging trainer who led our online workshops with flexibility and good humour.” – JM, 5 stars

 

Exam information

The APM PMQ exam can be taken online when you are ready with a webcam.

The exam evaluates a wide range of project management knowledge, encompassing various knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge, including: budgeting and cost management, conflict management, communication, earned value management, leadership, negotiation, procurement, sponsorship, and teamwork.

You will have 3 hours (+15 minutes reading time) to answer 10 of the 16 questions and each question carries 50 marks. You will need to achieve 55% to pass the examination.

Learning path

APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)

APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)

Why study with Training ByteSize?

We have been delivering Project, Programme and IT Service Management training since the early 90’s. We added the APM courses to our portfolio in 2012 and since then 1,000’s of people have passed their exam with us.

The online APM PMQ course was developed out of demand from our current customers who found that taking staff out of the office for up to 8 days wasn’t viable and was costing the business money. The online project management course is running at 100% pass rate along with the blended learning with combines the online course with a two day workshop.

We’re experts in helping people achieve this qualification whether you are an individual or you’re looking to put a group through. We also offer on-site training if your preference is to have a trainer in the room with everyone. Our public project management courses are also a great way of achieving the qualification. Contact us today for more information.