Our flexible, engaging online courses let you study anytime, anywhere, with interactive content, practice quizzes.
Self-paced e-learning: work through our comprehensive online APM PMQ materials over 6 months, studying anytime, anywhere. The official exam is not included with this self-study option.
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.
Send us a quick enquiry and we'll get back to you promptly.
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.
Accredited Training Provider
Training ByteSize is an APM Accredited Training Provider.
This APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ Course) is delivered online in the UK to the official Association for Project Management syllabus. Official exam is included.
This online course includes Byte, your Al-powered Study Buddy. Ask questions while you learn and get instant, course-specific explanations based on your course content, whenever you need a little extra help.
Achieve your APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) with expert-led training from one of the UK’s most established, APM-Accredited providers. This internationally recognised certification (SCQF Level 7) is the definitive benchmark for professionals managing complex projects across any industry.
Fully updated for the new APM syllabus
The APM PMQ has changed for the better. Our course materials are 100% aligned with the newly updated APM Body of Knowledge (BoK8). More importantly, our training prepares you specifically for the modernised exam format. The old 3-hour essay-writing exam has been retired, replaced by a streamlined, 2.5-hour mixed-format assessment combining multiple-response, select-from-list, short-response and long-response questions across 40 items.
Study your way
Choose the learning style that fits your schedule: interactive online study, live virtual classrooms, traditional classroom training, or a blended approach. Backed by our team’s 20+ years of direct experience working with the APM, our exam-focused training is designed to accelerate your career and deliver immediate, practical impact to your organisation.
This APM PMQ course is suitable for professionals looking to gain an industry-recognised project management qualification with exam-focused training, building the practical project management skills and employability that mid to senior project roles demand.
Not sure if APM PMQ is the right fit? View all APM project management training courses
Residential Course Offer, just £2395 + VAT – Nantwich Classroom Course
Based at our Nantwich Training Centre with a buffet lunch each day of the course. Also includes 4 nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation at local hotel.
+ Additional Add On – 1 nights accommodation (evening before course begins) £120.00
Training Bytesize is an Accredited Training Provider for the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) (SCQF Level 7).
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.
The APM PMQ sits at the centre of a structured progression route managed by the Association for Project Management. Each qualification builds on the last, taking you from foundational knowledge through to chartered status.
Passing the APM PMQ also makes you eligible to apply for APM membership (MAPM), allowing you to use the post-nominal letters after your name.
Through 12 structured modules, you will build the project management skills employers expect, gaining 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.
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:
You will be assessed on the syllabus areas during the 2.5 hours exam that can be split into two parts. You can take a break of up to 30 minutes between parts, if you want to.
The break time will be in addition to the 2.5 hour exam time. There are 40 questions to answer worth a total of 90 marks.
Our online APM PMQ course is a self-paced e-learning programme you can study anytime, anywhere, with full access for 6 months. It is the ideal self-study route for working professionals fitting accredited APM PMQ training around their schedule.
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 practice 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.
The initial session familiarises you with the course structure. It covers the core project environment, the differences between projects, programmes, and portfolios, and defines the exact role of the project manager.
This module explores how projects are structured. You will learn the differences between linear, iterative, and hybrid lifecycles, as well as how to manage project phases, gateway reviews, and the final transition into business-as-usual (BAU).
Understand the framework of project control. This session covers the structure of project boards, the role of the Project Management Office (PMO), and how to embed environmental and social sustainability into your project planning.
Discover how to build, justify, and own a robust Business Case. This module covers investment appraisal techniques, defining success criteria, establishing KPIs, and tracking long-term benefits realization.
Learn how to capture exactly what your stakeholders need. This section provides the knowledge to gather and manage requirements, define project scope, and apply configuration management to track changes.
Master the mechanics of project delivery. This module covers the core scheduling steps, including creating Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), defining dependencies, calculating the Critical Path, and allocating resources effectively.
Move beyond simple spreadsheets. Learn how to estimate costs, manage supplier contracts, and apply Earned Value Management (EVM) to track true project performance against your baseline.
Protect your project from the unexpected. This session details how to identify, quantify, and mitigate risks before they impact your schedule, alongside strategies for resolving active issues.
Ensure your deliverables are fit for purpose. You will learn the differences between quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control, ensuring your project meets all compliance and stakeholder standards.
Project management is about people. This module covers the human side of delivery, exploring different leadership styles, effective communication planning, and techniques for stakeholder engagement.
Learn how to build and drive high-performing teams. This session explores team dynamics, motivation theories, negotiation tactics, and how to effectively manage and resolve conflict within a project environment.
The final module is dedicated entirely to your exam success. It includes a comprehensive review, practice questions, and specific techniques for tackling the updated 40-question APM PMQ exam format.
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.
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. To see how the PMQ compares with the PFQ and with chartered status before you book, our APM certification guide sets the three out side by side. The APM qualification levels page has the entry requirements for each.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The New APM PMQ Exam Format (2024 update)
The APM PMQ exam was modernised in September 2024. The previous 3-hour, essay-based format has been permanently retired. If you’ve seen references to a 16-question written paper elsewhere online, that information is outdated.
The current exam is a mixed-format assessment combining objective and written question types:
Long response questions account for over half the available marks (50 of 90), so written-answer technique and command-verb interpretation matter as much as syllabus knowledge. Our exam-prep sessions focus heavily on this.
Hi, I’m Callum, lead APM trainer at Training ByteSize. I sat the new-format PMQ in September 2024 and have been training cohorts through it ever since. Here are a few things I think you should know before you sit this exam. This is a short extract, for the complete guide, read my full APM PMQ Exam Hints and Tips post.
The exam is split into two halves, with twenty questions in each half. Both halves are equally weighted and both contain a mix of all four question types, so don’t expect all the multiple choice in one half and all the writing in the other. They’re spread throughout.
There’s a break between the two halves. If you sit the exam in your own space using the self-invigilator method, the break is optional, you choose when to start it. If you sit with an invigilator present (in person, or via Zoom or Teams) the break is mandatory and you cannot skip it. Either way, allow about an hour and fifteen minutes for each half. There’s no point rushing the first to bank time for the second; they’re equally weighted.
One thing worth flagging: once you click “finish section” at the end of the first half, you cannot go back to it. So make sure you’ve answered all twenty questions and double-checked anything you weren’t sure about before you submit.
There’s no fixed pass mark for this exam. The APM uses what’s called the “Angoff method”, which essentially means the pass mark is dynamic, the harder the paper, the lower the pass mark; the easier the paper, the higher the pass mark. The pass mark is set by the APM based on the difficulty of your specific paper, and you won’t know what it was until you get your results back.
The bulk of your marks come from the long-form questions. There are ten of them across the paper, each worth five marks, so fifty of the available ninety marks come from written long-form answers. That’s over half the exam. It’s a common misconception that this is a multiple-choice exam with some writing tacked on; in mark terms, it’s the other way round. Long-form technique is what you need to practise hardest in your revision.
Read the full question. I cannot stress this enough, and it applies to every question type, not just the long-form ones. The biggest single source of lost marks I see is people missing a small word that completely changes what’s being asked. The word “not” is the classic one, answering with something that “is” when the question asks for something that “isn’t” will cost you a mark every time. Read each question carefully, then read it again, before you start answering.
There’s plenty more, including the three-pass strategy I recommend for working through the paper, how to handle scenario questions, what to do with the one piece of scrap paper you’re allowed, the trap I see most often on “explain” questions, and how to set up your remote exam properly. Read the full APM PMQ Exam Hints and Tips guide →
The learning outcomes of this course are mapped to the latest APM Body of Knowledge (BoK8). By the end of this training, you will be able to demonstrate competence in the following critical areas:
Understand how to establish robust project governance structures, manage PMO interactions, and embed environmental and social sustainability into your project delivery.
Differentiate between linear, iterative, and hybrid project lifecycles, and confidently manage gateway reviews and the transition into business-as-usual (BAU).
Learn how to construct, justify, and own a comprehensive Business Case. You will be able to establish success criteria, define KPIs, and ensure long-term benefits are tracked and achieved.
Master the ability to gather precise stakeholder requirements, define the project scope, and use configuration management and quality assurance to prevent “scope creep.”
Develop the technical skills to build robust schedules. You will learn how to create Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), map dependencies, calculate the Critical Path, and allocate resources efficiently.
Move beyond basic estimating. You will learn to manage supplier contracts and apply advanced techniques like Earned Value Management (EVM) to track true performance against your financial baseline.
Proactively protect your projects by identifying, quantifying, and mitigating risks before they become critical, while developing strategies to confidently resolve active issues.
Develop adaptive leadership styles and master the human side of project management. You will learn how to create effective communication plans that keep stakeholders engaged and supportive.
Learn how to build and drive high-performing teams. You will understand core motivation theories, negotiation tactics, and proven frameworks for resolving conflict in a high-pressure environment.
When you study with Training ByteSize, you are learning from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry. We are a family-run business that puts your success first, combining decades of heritage with modern, innovative learning.
From new infrastructure and housing to clean energy, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the UK has no shortage of ambitious projects ahead. But every successful project needs something that can sometimes be overlooked amongst the technology, investment and big ideas: people with the skills to turn plans into reality. That challenge has been brought into […]
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If you’re looking at project management qualifications in the UK, there’s a good chance three letters keep appearing in your search: APM. You might have seen APM PFQ on a job advert. A colleague may have completed APM PMQ. Perhaps you’re already managing projects and wondering whether gaining an APM qualification would actually make a […]
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Our guide to taking your online APM PMQ examination, with links, screenshots and FAQs to take you through the process step by step. Introduction This user guide is for candidates who are sitting their APM PMQ examination, either using a laptop or PC via remote invigilation. The online administration site for the APM Qualifications, where […]
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APM published the 8th edition of its Body of Knowledge in April 2025, edited by Professor Mike Bourne of Cranfield University. If you’re studying for an APM qualification or deciding which edition to buy, here’s what’s actually changed, based on APM’s official change log, and what it means for your exam. The short version: APM […]
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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 […]
Read MoreAPM 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.
No, the APM exam certification does not have an expiration date. Once you have achieved an APM PMQ qualification, it remains valid indefinitely.
However, while the certification itself doesn’t expire, the knowledge and skills gained through the PMQ training 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 management training as needed to maintain their proficiency and relevance in the field.
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 understanding of the APM Competence Framework and supporting materials including the APM Body of Knowledge
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 Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is accredited at SCQF Level 7. This is considered equivalent rigour to RQF Level 4 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland).
The average pass rate for the APM PMQ training course at Training ByteSize is 73% (Feb 2026).
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 PMQ qualification is valued by employers and practitioners alike.
The APM certification is widely recognised by organisations across various industries, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organisations. Achieving the APM exam demonstrates a high level of competence and understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices.
Furthermore, the APM project management course 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 through management training.
The APM PMQ is a 2.5-hour online exam containing 40 questions worth 90 marks in total. There are four question types: 20 multiple-response questions (1 mark each), 5 select-from-list questions (2 marks each), 5 short-response questions (2 marks each), and 10 long-response questions (5 marks each). The exam is delivered online via remote proctor and there is an optional 30-minute break between the two parts.
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 PMQ online training (6 months access), and the official online exam.
Ready to start studying online?
6 months access to online study materials. Exam is not included.
Select your preferred date:
Blended Learning is not currently available for this course.
Contact us for more informationTraining ByteSize have been developing online courses for over 20 years, so you can be assured of the highest quality products that have been tried and tested over many years. This solution is ideal if you are self-funding the course or you have a group within an organisation to train.
This online project management course has been expertly put together by our leading APM Trainers to ensure the most significant elements of the classroom course remain an important focus throughout the online and distance learning.
Once you have completed the APM PMQ course training, you can sit the exam online.
Click below for a free demo of our APM PMQ online course. This will give you an understanding of our approach to online learning and how engaging it is. Please contact us should you have any questions.
Our online courses are built around you — your schedule, your pace, your goals.
With 6 months' access and no deadlines hanging over you, fitting learning around your life has never been easier. With Training ByteSize, success isn't just possible — it's expected.
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.
The official exam is included in the course price.
Classroom courses with Training ByteSize are a cut above the rest
Included in the price of your APM PMQ BOK8 training is:
Residential training in the historic market town of Nantwich
With state of the art training facilities in the heart of rural Cheshire, residential courses at our Nantwich head office are a viable alternative to travelling to a larger city.
During the day your training will be delivered in our brand new offices; the training space is large, bright and inspiring with state-of-the-art technology to support your learning. There is free onsite parking too so you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to leave your car during the day.
In the evenings you can relax in a local hotel just a few minutes drive away. With the bespoke Training ByteSize touch, your residential could feel more like a retreat!
Our blended APM PMQ learning solution combines exceptional e-learning course with a virtual 1 day workshop with an APM trainer. This solution is ideal if you are self-funding the course or you have a group within an organisation to train.
The e-learning will take around 30–35 hours to complete, and this can be done at your own pace in your own time.
When you have completed the project management e-learning course, you will then attend one of our trainer led workshops which will run over a full day. The workshop will run from 9am – 5:30pm each day. Upon completion of the workshop, you can then schedule your exam for a time and date that suits you. You will sit the exam online via APM’s remote proctor system.
The effort required with the e-learning learning is approximately 30-35 hours of self-study time. This will include a mix of video, e-learning, downloads and mock exam questions and answers. A large focus is on ‘Project Management in Practice’. We know that you need knowledge in order to pass the final APM Project Management Qualification (APMP) but it’s also important that people can relate the information to their every day jobs in order to be a more effective team member.
You will have learnt the ‘knowledge’ part of the course through the e-learning before dialing into the scheduled virtual workshop. The virtual classroom course is intensive and will concentrate on clarification of the knowledge and validate your thought processes. It will also focus on exam preparation to get you ready for the APM PMQ exam. The APM PMQ exam can be taken online at a time to suit you.
If you are looking to train a team of people, you’ll find that our 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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