Our flexible, engaging online courses let you study anytime, anywhere, with interactive content, practice quizzes, and near-100% pass rates.
Our virtual courses deliver accredited, expert-led training straight to your home or office, offering full interaction, real-world insight, and an included official exam — all without the need to travel.
Our classroom courses include pre-course materials, full support packs, lunch, and refreshments, delivering a premium, all-inclusive training experience.
For businesses that need effective training without downtime, our blended learning model offers a seamless alternative. It’s designed to support larger teams while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
Training a team of people shouldn’t be a challenge. Whether you prefer onsite delivery or group online learning, we offer flexible, cost-effective training solutions designed to give your learners the best possible experience from start to finish.
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You could save up to 30% on individual prices. Get in touch today and see how we can help your team with their project management training.
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) course provides a clear and practical introduction to project management. It is designed for anyone who needs a solid understanding of project management terminology, concepts and lifecycle stages, based on the APM Body of Knowledge.
This interactive multimedia course explains how projects are initiated, planned, delivered and closed, covering 10 core learning outcomes that reflect how projects work in real organisations and not just in theory.
The qualification is assessed by a 60 question multiple-choice exam, taken over 60 minutes. There are no prerequisites, making it an ideal starting point for those new to project management or working in a project support role.
By the end of the course, you will:
The APM PFQ provides a valuable foundation for progressing to higher-level project management qualifications, such as APM PMQ, or for contributing more effectively to project teams in your current role.
Online option: The APM PFQ course can be completed via a self-paced online learning platform, giving you the flexibility to study at a time and pace that suits you. If you’d prefer tutor-led training, you can also select Virtual Classroom, Classroom or Blended options on this page.
You will receive access to a comprehensive interactive multimedia course that includes:
This short video shows what you get inside the APM PFQ online course and how to use the practice module to get exam-ready.
The course is organised into 10 structured modules, aligned to the official APM syllabus. You can work through the modules in order, pause and resume at any time, and revisit topics whenever you need further clarification.
Once you have completed the learning modules, you can use the exam practice module to check your understanding and build confidence ahead of the assessment.
When you feel ready, you can book your official online APM PFQ exam at a time and date of your choice. The exam is taken remotely and requires only:
Exam bookings are made via our online booking form.
Six months online access to the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification course, which includes:
The first session will introduce you to the structure and content of the course, the APM PFQ examination style and a case study which will be used for exercises throughout the course.
This session sets the scene for the rest of the course and establishes the definitions of projects, programmes and portfolios.
It looks at project lifecycles including linear, iterative and hybrid lifecycles.
Lastly, it will describe key roles associated with project management including the project manager, the customer, the project sponsor, project governance, the product owner, the project management office, and the project team.
During this session, we will consider the purpose and contents of the project’s business case. The business case describes the justification for undertaking the project and sets out the expected benefits that can be expected after the project is completed.
It will also describe the authorship and ownership of a business case and explain the use of success criteria key performance indicators (KPIs) and benefits.
In this session, the course will introduce the seven scheduling steps and consider the first two steps. These determine the scope of the project by identifying the products we will produce, and the activities and tasks required to produce them.
It will also discuss and describe the main breakdown structures and the fundamental relationships between them.
This session will consider dependencies and networks which will highlight the purpose of networks and explain the different network relationships. You will learn how to produce networks for your projects.
This session will consider four common estimating techniques, which are: Subjective, Analogous, Parametric, and Analytical.
It will then discuss risk and risk management, how to identify and mitigate risks, how describe issues, and the way that risks are managed.
Finally, it will explain the difference between effort and duration.
This session considers the way in which we calculate the critical path and why we need to know what it is.
It will show you how to define the products, establish the activities, draw the network, estimate the duration of each activity, and take account of the risks.
This session will cover adding resources to the schedule and consider the most efficient utilisation of the resources. It will explain how float can be used to determine team size, and describe the factors that should be considered when allocating resources to tasks.
This session will consider the way we monitor and control the project.
Monitoring relates to sending and receiving information; whereas controlling is all about evaluating the information, making decisions, and taking action.
It will:
In the final module, the course will describe why PESTLE analysis might be used by a project manager, define the term ‘procurement strategy’, and describe common types of contract and pricing schemes.
It will look at quality and describe how we ensure it is achieved, define the term ‘deployment baseline’ and how it differs between linear and iterative lifecycles, and finally, define and describe both teamwork and leadership.
This APM project management qualification course is great for anyone wanting to gain a broad understanding of the principles needed in the project management profession.
The APM PFQ course will offer the individual the knowledge needed to make a positive contribution to any project. It is perfect for:
If you can’t work out whether taking a project management course or the APM qualification is the right career move for you, find out nine compelling reasons to take the APM PFQ.
No prior knowledge or experience is required for this APM project management qualification.
As a family-run business, we have created accredited courses for over 30 years and are delighted to be a top-five training provider with APM, APMG and Axelos. Not only that, but our foundation courses have an incredible 99%+ pass rate.
We know there are a lot of accredited providers for the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, so we’re pleased to proudly present just a handful of our outstanding reviews from happy customers.
I recently took the APM PFQ online course with Training Bytesize and was very pleasantly surprised with their learning portal. Online Training can be a bit hit and miss but the modules/exam simulator are designed to capture the APM syllabus requirements for the exam. I passed first time four weeks after starting the course with a good score of 80%. I would recommend Training Bytesize to anyone thinking about Project Management Training and I look forward to booking further courses in the near future.
I found the APM FPQ Training very good, Terry was an excellent trainer, I would say the best trainer I have ever experienced, very knowledgeable and approachable. I look forward to booking the APM PMQ with Training Bytesize.
I recently did the APM Project Fundamentals Course and Qualification with Bytesize and I’m very happy to recommend. I thought their communication and organisation was fantastic both before and during the course. I was lucky enough to have Callum run our training and I found him brilliant. Consistently passing over his knowledge and training through conversation and diagrams rather than just running through the slides. Got me through the exam!
Attended the APM PFQ Course with Training Bytesize and thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days. The trainer was extremely knowledgeable and happy to help at all levels; everyone in the group felt welcome and comfortable and this made the training environment relaxed and perfectly conducive to learning at the right pace. Would definitely recommend Training Bytesize and I hope to return for further courses.
The APM PFQ exam can be taken online when you are ready, providing you have a webcam.
The PFQ syllabus evaluates essential aspects of the project management life cycle and encompasses knowledge areas outlined in the APM Body of Knowledge, including:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of APM project management fundamentals, principles, methodologies, and best practices, enabling you to effectively lead projects from initiation to completion.
Earn a globally recognised APM certification endorsed by the Association for Project Management (APM), enhancing your credibility and marketability in the field of APM project management.
Open doors to new career opportunities and progression within your current organisation by demonstrating your proficiency in APM project management fundamentals.
Stand out to employers seeking candidates with formal training and certification in project management, boosting your chances of securing roles in various industries.
Apply learned APM project fundamentals techniques and strategies to mitigate risks, manage stakeholders, and deliver projects within scope, budget, and schedule, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success.
Acquire the confidence to tackle complex project challenges head-on, knowing you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate them effectively.
Connect with fellow professionals in the APM project management community, exchanging insights and experiences to further enrich your understanding of the field.
Lay a solid foundation for ongoing learning and development in APM project management, setting the stage for future project management qualifications and career growth.
Experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment in mastering valuable APM project management skills that can positively impact both your professional and personal life.
Reap the rewards of your investment in APM fundamentals training as you apply your newfound expertise to drive successful project outcomes and contribute to organisational success.
Employees equipped with the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification are better equipped to manage projects effectively, leading to higher success rates in terms of on-time delivery, within budget, and meeting stakeholder expectations.
The course instils standardised project management methodologies and best practices among employees, fostering consistency across projects and departments within the organisation.
Trained employees are adept at identifying and mitigating risks early in the project lifecycle, minimising the likelihood of costly project delays, budget overruns, or failures.
By understanding the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication, certified employees can effectively manage stakeholder expectations, leading to increased satisfaction and buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.
With improved APM project management skills, employees can streamline project workflows, optimise resource allocation, and eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and productivity.
Offering professional development opportunities such as the APM PFQ course can boost employee morale, satisfaction, and loyalty, ultimately reducing turnover rates and retaining top talent within the organisation.
Organisations with a workforce skilled in APM project fundamentals qualification gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by delivering projects more efficiently, effectively, and with higher quality.
Trained employees understand how to align project objectives with overarching organisational goals and strategies, ensuring that projects contribute to the overall success and growth of the company.
Certified with a solid understanding of project management principles, employees are better equipped to make informed decisions, solve problems, and adapt to changing project requirements swiftly.
Consistently delivering successful projects demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to quality and excellence, enhancing its reputation in the industry and fostering long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders.
On completion of the APM PFQ course you will:
As experts in delivering project management training through a range of study styles, your success is key to our success. We understand how people learn, we know how to train people to pass exams, we employ the best trainers and specialise in small class sizes to help you get the best from your investment. So, if you’re looking to enhance your project management skills and ensure you pass first time, Training ByteSize is a name you can trust.
As a family run business, project and programme management training is in our blood, and so is innovation. Our founders have been part of the industry since the 1990’s, specifically founding Key Skills and developing the world’s first accredited e-learning course for PRINCE2.
Today we are proud to continue with world firsts; with second generation Victoria at the helm, she had led Training ByteSize to ensure were the first company to develop and deliver e-learning options for accredited courses including Business Analysis Foundation, ITIL4, and AgilePM. When we say we’re experts in project management training, we really do mean it.
Training ByteSize is an Accredited Training Provider for the APM Project Management Qualification (PFQ) (SCQF Level 6).
As an accredited APM Training Provider, all of our course materials have been evaluated to ensure they meet APM standards, and we are authorised to administer the APM Project Fundamental Qualification exam as outlined in our accreditation.
PRINCE2 vs APM PMQ is a comparison many project professionals make when deciding which qualification to take. Here’s my take on it, based on years of delivering both courses. Callum DowningLead APM Trainer This is a question I’ve been asked a lot over the years — and to be honest, I’ve asked it myself a […]
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Callum Downing Lead APM Trainer Let’s be honest — not many of us grow up dreaming of becoming a project manager. Most of us sort of stumble into it. Maybe your boss asked you to run a side project, or you moved into a role that just came with the title. That was me. I […]
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In this episode of Project Management Insights, host Neil offers valuable advice on how to effectively prepare for the PMQ exam (Project Management Qualification). Whether you’re just starting your journey or already have the exam in sight, Neil provides a structured approach to revision that can help you succeed. From understanding the syllabus and assessment […]
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In this episode of Project Management Insights, host Neil dives into a crucial yet often overlooked element of project management exams: command verbs. These action words, which guide your responses to exam questions, are key to unlocking the full potential of your answers and maximizing your marks. Neil explains the importance of command verbs and […]
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Welcome to another episode of ByteSize Project Management, brought to you by Training Bite Size. As always, I’m your host George, and today we have our lead APM trainer, Callum Downing, here to discuss the critical topics of scheduling and critical path management. With his extensive experience, particularly in defense, Callum is well-placed to guide […]
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Welcome to another episode of ByteSize Project Management. I’m George, your host from Training ByteSize, a family-run provider with a deep passion for project management. In today’s podcast, we’ll be diving into the key topics of budgeting, cost control, and earned value management, all guided by our lead APM trainer, Callum Downing. With years of […]
Read MoreAPM PFQ is ideal if you’re new to project management, working in a project support role, or need a recognised grounding in project terminology, concepts and the project lifecycle.
No. There are no prerequisites, which makes PFQ a strong entry point for beginners.
You can choose from online (self-paced) and tutor-led options such as virtual classroom, classroom or blended learning. Select the option on this page that fits your schedule and preferred learning style.
The PFQ exam is 60 multiple-choice questions completed in 60 minutes.
The pass mark is 60% – you need 36 correct answers out of 60 to pass.
Yes. You can sit the PFQ exam online via remote invigilation, using a computer/laptop with a webcam and a stable internet connection.
APM estimates around 25 hours total for study, revision and the exam (your pace may vary depending on experience and how much time you can commit).
APM PFQ is accredited at SCQF Level 6, which is equivalent in difficulty to RQF Level 3 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and EQF Level 4.
You’ll cover the full PFQ syllabus with interactive learning and exam preparation support (such as practice questions). The exact inclusions can vary by learning option – check the option you select on this page for what’s included.
PFQ is designed to test your understanding of project management fundamentals, not advanced techniques. With structured study and exam practice, most learners find it very manageable.
Yes. If you choose the online option, you can study at your own pace and fit learning around work and other commitments.
You don’t have to – PMQ has no formal prerequisite, but PFQ is recommended if you’re new to project management and want a solid foundation first. If you’re deciding between levels, see our PFQ vs PMQ guide.
Lead APM Trainer
Callum is our lead APM trainer with over 15 years experience teaching APM qualifications. You will mostly see Callum's name mentioned on our review sites and anyone that has done a course with Callum can’t speak more highly of him!
5 George House, Princes Court,
Beam Heath Way, Nantwich,
Cheshire CW5 6GD
Training teams is what we do really well, so if you have more than one person to train it may be more cost effective for you to consider our corporate solutions. Courses are offered online, on-site or virtually; there are so many options so it’s best for you to email us at [email protected] with your requirements and we will send you a tailored quote.
Ready to start learning online?
APM PFQ online training and official exam – 6 months access
Select your preferred date:
Blended Learning is not currently available for this course.
Contact us for more informationStudying for your qualification online is a viable option for so many project managers:
Our Virtual Course platform delivers accredited and certified training, led by leading subject matter experts, direct to your home, mobile, computer or office without the hassle of travelling or staying away. It is so easy to fit in an online class into your busy schedule; simply log in from home, the office, or even while you are travelling.
Students can ask questions using a headset, webcam or a chat window, and get their questions answered, just like in a traditional classroom. Questions can be lined up and answered at intervals, without interrupting the teacher’s flow of thought. There is no difference in the level of interaction – in fact distractions are significantly reduced because of this way of teaching. Our trainers have a minimum of 10 years training experience, plus have previously run and managed live projects, so have real-life experience they bring to the virtual session.
Download our virtual classroom course brochure to find out more.
If you would like to find out more about this option please complete this short form and we’ll come right back to you.
Please enquire with us directly for details on forthcoming dates, email [email protected] or call 01270 626330.
Classroom courses with Training ByteSize are a cut above the rest
Included in the price of your training is:
If you’re unable to make the course in person, we have the option to attend the same course virtually from the comfort of your own home or office.
There is a dedicated, high performance ceiling mounted camera that tracks the trainer and streams the course throughout the day. The trainer will also use a radio microphone, and there are microphones located throughout the room, so you’ll be able to hear the discussions clearly.
You will be able to ask questions and communicate with the trainer and those attending the course in person all day, so you’ll feel like you’re there!
All you need is a Zoom account, an internet connection, webcam, and microphone.
Once you’ve booked your place on the course you will receive a confirmation email and then a booking form for you to sign. You will have the opportunity to inform us of any dietary requirements or any additional needs or reasonable adjustments for any exams.
A thorough, clear and professional course support pack with stationary including pre-course materials and further instructions for the course, will be sent three to four weeks before the course commences.
Each day, the course will start at 9:00 in the morning.
Our friendly, expert trainer will guide you through the course syllabus ensuring that you understand all the information. There will be questions and activities throughout the course to reinforce the learning.
The trainer will be on hand in the evenings to answer any further questions that you may have about what you’ve covered that day.
Exams can be taken on the last day of the course, or they can be deferred and taken online at a later date. We would encourage you to take them as soon as possible whilst the information is still fresh.
There will be a break at around 10:30, and another at 14:30, with lunch at 12:30.
Lunch is ordered from a local company who provide an array of sandwiches, fruit, scones and a different selection of cakes each day. Crisps, breakfast bars and chocolate bars are also provided throughout the day. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water are available.
There is free parking at the Training Bytesize offices where the training centre is located. If you are staying at The Cheshire Cat Hotel, there is also free parking for guests.
If you’re driving, here are the addresses you might need:
If you are travelling by train, you can arrive at either Crewe or Nantwich train station.
Sometimes taking two days out of the office just doesn’t work, especially if you have a large group of people going through training. So we’ve come up with a tried and tested solution which combines the very best distance learning with onsite training, ensuring your company experiences the least impact on general day to day business. Additionally the bespoke blended option offers you a more cost effective way to train you team, so it’s a win-win.
If you would like to find out more about this option please call our team on 01270 626330 or complete this short form and we’ll come right back to you.
If you are looking to train a team of people, you’ll find that our APM Project Fundamentals Qualification onsite training is a viable and cost effective option for you. We will ensure that from the initial consultation of your requirements to the end result of the course, you and your learners will have had the best possible learning experience and we strive for the highest pass rates for your team.
We also offer group online training. Maybe you would like everyone to study online in order to save time out of the office? We offer great prices for multiple learners; the best way to find out the pricing for that is to complete this short form and we’ll come right back to you. Alternatively you can speak to one of our experts now on +44 (0)1270 626330.
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