APM Project Fundamentals Qualification

What are the benefits of APM PFQ?

Benefits for the individual

• Enhanced Project Management Skills: Gain a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices, enabling you to effectively lead projects from initiation to completion. 
• Professional Recognition: Earn a globally recognised certification endorsed by the Association for Project Management (APM), enhancing your credibility and marketability in the field of project management. 
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Open doors to new career opportunities and progression within your current organisation by demonstrating your proficiency in project management fundamentals. 
• Increased Employability: Stand out to employers seeking candidates with formal training and certification in project management, boosting your chances of securing roles in various industries. 
• Improved Project Success Rate: Apply learned techniques and strategies to mitigate risks, manage stakeholders, and deliver projects within scope, budget, and schedule, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success. 
• Confidence in Project Execution: Acquire the confidence to tackle complex project challenges head-on, knowing you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate them effectively. 
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals in the project management community, exchanging insights and experiences to further enrich your understanding of the field. 
• Continuous Professional Development: Lay a solid foundation for ongoing learning and development in project management, setting the stage for future certifications and career growth. 
• Personal Fulfilment: Experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment in mastering a valuable skill set that can positively impact both your professional and personal life. 

• Return on Investment (ROI): Reap the rewards of your investment in education and training as you apply your newfound expertise to drive successful project outcomes and contribute to organisational success. 

Benefits for an organisation

• Improved Project Success Rates: 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. 
• Consistent Project Management Practices: The course instils standardised project management methodologies and best practices among employees, fostering consistency across projects and departments within the organisation. 
• Reduced Risk Exposure: 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. 
• Enhanced Stakeholder Satisfaction: 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. 
• Increased Operational Efficiency: With improved project management skills, employees can streamline project workflows, optimise resource allocation, and eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and productivity. 
• Talent Retention and Motivation: 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. 
• Competitive Advantage: Organisations with a workforce skilled in the fundamentals of project management gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by delivering projects more efficiently, effectively, and with higher quality than their competitors. 
• Alignment with Organisational Goals: 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. 
• Improved Decision-Making: 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. 
• Enhanced Reputation and Client Satisfaction: 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. 

Find out why you should invest in a group self-study course for your team. 

Course details

This APM PFQ multimedia training course offers a fundamental awareness of project management terminology. The syllabus assesses the key elements of the project management lifecycle and covers 10 key learning outcomes based on the APM Body of Knowledge.

It should take around 15 hours to complete, which will include notetaking, exercises and exam practice. It is assessed through a 60 question, multiple choice examination, taken over 1 hour.

You will cover all the APM PFQ syllabus areas and be prepared to undertake the examination with confidence.

Course format

You will have access to the online APM Project Fundamentals Course which contains videos, animation, exercises, downloadable documents, and an exam practice module containing sample exam questions. 

The course is structured into 10 modules, covering all areas required by the APM syllabus. You can go through all the modules in your own time and revisit any topics for any further clarification. 

Once you understand everything in the training modules, you can then use the exam practice module to test your knowledge with our sample exam questions. 

When you feel ready, you can book your official online exam for any time or date. All you need is a computer, webcam and internet connection. You can book your exam through our online booking form here. 

If you need the confidence boost of some APM PFQ exam tips, watch the recording of our webinar with lead APM trainer, Terry Kent. 

Course contents

Module 1 – Course Introduction

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.

Module 2 – Project, Programmes and Portfolios

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.

Module 3 – The Business Case

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.

Module 4 – Identifying the Project’s Scope

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.

Module 5 – Networks

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.

Module 6 – Estimating, Risk & Issue Management

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.

Module 7 – Critical Path Analysis

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.

Module 8 – Resource Management

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.

Module 9 – Monitoring & Control

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: 

• Describe different methods of maintaining control 
• Explain the project control cycle 
• Describe the stakeholder management process 
• Define and describe communication 
• State the purpose of decision gates, post-project reviews, benefits reviews, and project audits  
• Define change control and configuration management  
• Define project reporting and the contents of common reports. 

Module 10 – Quality, PMP, Procurement and Soft Skills

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.

Course includes

Six months online access to the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification course, which includes: 

• 10 modules covering the APM PFQ syllabus.  
• Exam practice module 
• Downloadable documents 
• Sample questions 
• The official APM PFQ examination. 

You’ll also have access to tutors with 15+ years of experience and 24/7 customer support.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the APM PFQ course you will:

• Understand project management and the operating environment
• Understand project life cycles
• Understand the roles and responsibilities within projects
• Understand project management planning
• Understand project scope management
• Understand resource, scheduling and optimisation in a project
• Understand project risk and issue management in the context of a project
• Understand quality in the context of a project
• Understand communication in the context of a project
• Understand leadership and teamwork within a project

Accreditation information

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. 

FAQs

Do I need PFQ before PMQ?

No, there are no prerequisites for taking the APM PMQ course. However, it is recommended to gain the APM PFQ certification or have some pre-existing project management knowledge or experience to help your understanding.

What is the pass mark for APM PFQ?

The examination pass mark for the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is 60%.

Does PFQ expire?

The APM PFQ certification does not have an expiration date. Once you have achieved an APM PFQ certification, it remains valid indefinitely.

However, while the certification itself doesn’t expire, the knowledge and skills gained through the certification 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 training or certifications as needed to maintain their proficiency and relevance in the field.

What level of qualification is the APM PFQ?

The APM PFQ is generally considered to be at an introductory level in project management.

In terms of qualification frameworks, the APM PFQ aligns with Level 3 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 3.

Target audience

This project management 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: 

• New and experienced project staff 
• Those wishing to gain a broad understanding of the principles of the profession 
• People who may go on to do the APM Project Management Qualification 

• Consultants or contract staff operating in an APM environment 
• Project Managers 
• Anybody wishing to improve employment prospects in an APM environment. 

If you can’t work out whether taking a project management course is the right career move for you, find out nine compelling reasons to take the APM PFQ. 

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge or experience is required for this qualification.

Testimonials

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.” – Ronan, 5 stars 

“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.” – Alice Eeley, 5 stars 

“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!” – Andy, 5 stars 

“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.” – Katie, 5 stars 

Exam information

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: 

• Planning and scheduling 
• Communication 
• Teamwork 
• Resource management 
• Project risk management 
• Project reviews 

Learning path

APM Project Management Qualification 

Why study with Training Bytesize?

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.