Top 8 reasons to take the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
If you are looking for a new career direction, project management could be an option to consider. If you are methodical and meticulous in your work and want to put this to good use, you could soon be forging a career as a project manager.
Project managers can work on a range of projects, from large infrastructure projects to software or product development. It is an incredibly varied and fast-paced environment that offers incredible opportunities for development.
One of the best ways to get your career in project management off the ground is with a professional qualification. The Project Fundamentals Qualification from APM is a leading entry-level qualification that will allow you to pivot your career and start building your experience as a project manager.
If you’re on the fence about this qualification, read on to discover 8 reasons you should give it a try!
1. Kick start your career
The PFQ course from APM offers a complete introduction to project management for those with little to no experience in the field. For those at the start of their career, it can be a great way to establish good habits from the very beginning. For those looking to switch careers and move into project management, this is a fast-paced introduction that will soon bring you up to speed.
The course aims to offer a holistic introduction to the world of project management. It will demystify some of the terms and help you to understand the connections between the different sectors of project management and how they all work together towards the same goal.
2. Gain expert knowledge
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification is knowledge-based, which means you will have to study the course materials and then pass an exam. The exam is one hour long and has 60 questions. In order to pass, you will need to score 55% or above. The nature of this type of qualification means that you will be picking up knowledge that will not just help you pass an exam, but it will also be easily applied to work situations.
If you are getting started in project management, this can help to bring you up to speed very quickly. And if you’ve been working in project management for a few years, it can help to fill in some of the gaps in your knowledge.
3. Globally recognised qualification
It doesn’t matter where in the world you go, the APM PFQ course will be recognised. The APM method of project management is one of the leading methods in the world. This means that employers all around the world will accept this as a powerful project management qualification.
When looking for the right course for your needs, one that is accepted around the world should be a top priority. You will be able to work on projects anywhere in the world, confident that your methodologies will be well received.
4. Meet people on the course
The APM PFQ course is typically taken over 2 days. During this time, you will have the chance to meet people in a similar field and develop your network of contacts. While it might seem like the people on your course are in direct competition for the same jobs, you’ll soon realise this isn’t the case. If anything, learning alongside others can make the process far easier and more enjoyable as you will be able to make the most of their expertise to strengthen your own understanding.
5. Stepping stone to further qualifications
Once you have taken the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, you will be able to move on to further training. The next logical step would be to take the APM Project Managers Qualification. This is a 5-day course which will further strengthen your knowledge of project management and help to make you a better project manager.
6. Get APM membership
Once you have passed an APM qualification, you will be eligible for APM membership. This is a prestigious organisation with a paid-for membership model. Once you are a member, you will be able to attend networking events, make the most of exclusive resources and add the APM digital badges to your website or portfolio.
You will also be able to add the letters MAPM after your name on LinkedIn and your CV. This can help to catch the eye of recruiters and help to reinforce the idea that you are committed to a career in project management.
7. Be a better project manager
The knowledge you gain while studying for the course will not only help you to pass the exam. Everything you learn will help to make you a better project manager. The course is based on real-world situations, so you will be able to start applying this information to your work immediately. According to APM, 95% of the people who have taken one of their courses said it helped to improve their career.
8. It doesn’t expire
Some qualifications require you to get re-certified every few years. With APM PFQ, you will hold the qualification for life. For most people, the Project Fundamentals Qualification is the first step towards career development and further training. If there are vast changes within the field of project management, you may wish to take a refresher course further down the line. But for most people, this qualification will be the first of many more as they find their own way in project management.
APM PFQ courses with Training ByteSize
As one of our most popular courses, we offer a variety of different ways to train, and starting from just £199+VAT there is an affordable training option for you. Click here to find out more.