The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is an internationally recognised certification developed by the Association for Project Management. It is designed for professionals with project experience who want to develop practical project management knowledge and strengthen their ability to manage projects successfully.

Yes. The APM PMQ is recognised internationally and is valued by organisations across New Zealand looking for professionals with advanced project management knowledge and practical delivery skills.

Although there are no formal prerequisites, the APM PMQ is intended for professionals who already have experience working on projects or have completed the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ).

Yes. Training ByteSize New Zealand offers flexible online learning, live virtual classroom training and private group training, allowing you to study in the way that best suits your schedule.

Tutor-led APM PMQ courses are typically delivered over five days. Online learners generally spend around 30–40 hours completing the course, depending on their previous project management experience.

The official APM PMQ examination is included with eligible accredited training options. Please check your chosen learning method for full details.

No. Once you’ve successfully passed the APM PMQ examination, your qualification remains valid and does not require renewal.

The APM PMQ supports careers including:

• Project Manager
• Senior Project Coordinator
• PMO Analyst
• Programme Manager
• Project Consultant
• Business Analyst
• Delivery Manager
• Operations Manager

Many professionals progress to APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) once they have gained the required experience. Others choose specialist certifications such as PRINCE2®, AgilePM® or Change Management to broaden their project delivery expertise.

Yes. Training ByteSize New Zealand delivers private APM PMQ training for organisations throughout New Zealand. Courses can be delivered virtually or tailored to meet your organisation’s project management development goals.

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

Focus:

• APM certification 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:

• PMQ training 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 training.

Certification:

• The APM PMQ qualification 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:

• The APM project management course 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 certification and PRINCE2 are project management methodologies, they have different focuses, approaches, and scopes. Management training through APM provides a broad understanding of project management principles, while PRINCE2 offers a structured methodology for managing projects within a controlled environment.

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

Candidates pursuing APM certification 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 APM training.

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 project management course syllabus and practicing exam-style questions.

The APM PMQ qualification 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.

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