APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ Course)

What You’ll Learn in the APM PMQ Course

Through 12 structured modules, you’ll gain expertise in governance, scheduling, budgeting, risk, and stakeholder management — all mapped to
APM Body of Knowledge (BoK) standards. Includes exam preparation, mock tests, and APM-accredited tutor support.

Benefits of APM PMQ

Benefits for the individual

• APM PMQ is widely recognised and valued by employers in the UK and internationally.
• Demonstrates applied project management knowledge and capability, not just theory.
• Supports progression into Project Manager, PMO and delivery leadership roles.
• Builds confidence across governance, planning, risk and stakeholder engagement.
• Strengthens professional credibility and employability in competitive roles.
• Reinforces commitment to professional development and CPD.

Benefits for an organisation

• Improves planning, control and delivery consistency across projects.
• Strengthens governance, reporting and decision-making.
• Supports better risk management and stakeholder communication.
• Helps teams deliver higher-quality outcomes with fewer delivery surprises.
• Builds internal capability through structured, accredited training.
• Supports retention and engagement through professional development.

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 syllabus covers many aspects of project management:

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

APM PMQ exam at a glance

• Exam duration: 2.5 hours (with an optional 30-minute break between two parts)
• Questions / marks: 40 questions, 90 marks
• Open book: No
• Pass mark: Varies by exam version
• Does PMQ expire? No — it remains valid indefinitely
• Typical pass rate: 76% (Training ByteSize learners)

Online Course format

You will have access to the online APM PMQ course which contains videos, animation, 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 12 modules, and learners can work through them at their own pace. Throughout the course, there are sample exam questions to
allow you to practise for the official APM PMQ exam as well as to test your knowledge for each APM PMQ Learning Objective.

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.

APM PMQ Course contents

Module 1 – Introduction and Projects

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 – Lifecycles, Reviews, and Transition

This session defines projects, programs, and portfolios, covering various project lifecycles such as linear, iterative, and hybrid approaches.
This module also outlines important roles in project management.

Module 3 – Governance and Sustainability

This module explores the purpose and components of a project’s business case, and the importance of success criteria, KPIs, and benefits.

Module 4 – Business Case and Benefits Management

Covers scheduling steps with a focus on defining scope, identifying products, activities and tasks, and how breakdown structures relate.

Module 5 – Requirements Management and Solutions Development

Focuses on dependencies and networks, including the significance of networks and various network relationships.

Module 6 – Integrated Planning, Scheduling, and Resource Management

Covers estimating techniques and risk management, including recognising and reducing risks, and the distinction between effort and duration.

Module 7 – Budgeting, Cost Control, and Procurement

Covers critical path concepts and planning steps including defining products, identifying activities, estimating durations and considering risks.

Module 8 – Quality Management and Assurance

Covers adding resources to schedules, maximising efficiency, float, and key considerations when assigning resources to tasks.

Module 9 – Change Control

Covers monitoring and control methods: exchanging information, assessing information, making decisions, and implementing them.

Module 10 – Risk and Issue Management

In this session the course looks 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 – Stakeholders and Conflict Resolution

Covers organisational and project structures, plus leadership, motivation, teamwork, negotiation and conflict management.

Module 12 – Leadership, Teamwork, Diversity, and Ethics

Covers governance and compliance including laws and legislation, health and safety, environmental considerations, employment law, contract law and GDPR.

Course includes

• 6 months online access to the APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) course including:
  • 12 modules covering the APM PMQ syllabus
  • Downloadable documents
  • Sample exam questions
• 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.

• Project management principles: lifecycle, governance and key success factors
• Project planning and control: scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, monitoring and control
• Risk management: identify, assess and mitigate project risks effectively
• Stakeholder management: engagement, communication and conflict resolution
• Quality management: techniques to meet stakeholder requirements and expectations
• Procurement and contract management: supplier and contract practices
• Leadership and team management: motivating and managing project teams
• Change management: managing and responding to change effectively
• Project governance and compliance: roles, responsibilities and legal/regulatory requirements
• Project closure and evaluation: reviews and lessons learned
• Ethical and professional conduct: integrity, transparency and accountability

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 PMQ exam as outlined
in our accreditation.

FAQs

How Does the APM PMQ Compare to PRINCE2?

APM PMQ validates broad project management knowledge and capability across the lifecycle, while PRINCE2 is a structured project management method.
If you’re deciding which route fits your goals, see our guide to project management qualifications in the UK.
For PRINCE2 specifically, see our PRINCE2 certification guide.

Does the APM PMQ expire?

No. Once you have achieved the APM PMQ, it remains valid indefinitely. However, project management practices evolve, so it’s worth keeping your
knowledge current through CPD and refresher learning over time.

Is the APM PMQ exam open book?

No. The APM PMQ exam is not an open book exam. You’ll prepare through the course materials and practise exam-style questions so you can perform
confidently in exam conditions.

What level is APM PMQ?

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.

What is the average pass rate for APM PMQ?

The average pass rate for the APM PMQ training 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 and is highly regarded in the UK and internationally.
It demonstrates competence across project management principles, processes and practices aligned to best practice.

Comparing options? Read our project management qualifications (UK) guide.

Who is APM Project Management Qualification for?

This APM PMQ course is aimed at professionals wishing to achieve a broad level of project management knowledge — 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 organisation.

The widely recognised and respected APM Project Management Qualification is a strong option for professionals seeking a recognised credential
to support career progression.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the APM PMQ course, but you will 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 (PFQ).

For the full APM pathway (PFQ → PMQ → Chartered), see our APM certification guide.

Testimonials

Training ByteSize is a family-run business helping professionals gain new skills and certifications. We’re proud to have strong learner outcomes
and consistently high reviews for 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 have no hesitation
to recommend TrainingByteSize to my colleagues.” – Milad Lakani, 5 stars

“Hands down, the best training company I have experienced. The course itself (APM PMQ), delivered by Callum, was superb. The pacing and presentation
throughout the week was first rate. 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.” – JM, 5 stars

APM PMQ 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 key areas from the APM Body of Knowledge, including:
budgeting and cost management, conflict management, communication, earned value management, leadership, negotiation, procurement,
sponsorship, and teamwork.

• Exam duration: 2.5 hours
• Optional break: up to 30 minutes between two parts
• Questions / marks: 40 questions, maximum 90 marks
• Pass mark: varies between exam versions

Next step after PMQ

For senior practitioners working towards chartered recognition, you may be interested in the APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) pathway.

Why study with Training ByteSize?

Training ByteSize 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.