Top 9 reasons to take the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)

If you are looking for a new career direction, project management could be an option to consider. If you are methodical and meticulous in your work and want to put this to good use, you could soon be forging a career as a project manager.

Project managers can work on a range of projects, from large infrastructure projects to software or product development. It is an incredibly varied and fast-paced environment that offers incredible opportunities for development.

One of the best ways to get your career in project management off the ground is with a professional qualification. The Project Fundamentals Qualification from APM is a leading entry-level qualification that will allow you to pivot your career and start building your experience as a project manager.

If you’re on the fence about this qualification, read on to discover 9 reasons you should give it a try!

1. Kickstart Your Career

The PFQ course from APM offers a complete introduction to project management for those with little to no experience in the field. If you are looking for a course to do, this is the perfect place to start!

For those at the start of their professional career, it can be a great way to establish good habits from the very beginning.

However, we know that a lot of you are rethinking the why, where, and how you work in the light of the pandemic, and you may be considering a change of career into project management. The PFQ is a fast-paced introduction that will soon bring you up to speed and build on the skills you already have.

It will demystify some of the terms and help you to understand the connections between the different sectors of project management and how they all work together towards the same goal.

2. Gain Expert Knowledge

The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification is knowledge-based, which means you will have to study the course materials and then pass an exam. The exam is one hour long and has 60 questions. In order to pass, you will need to score 55% or above. The nature of this type of qualification means that you will be picking up knowledge that will not just help you pass an exam, but it will also be easily applied to work situations.

If you are getting started in project management, this can help to bring you up to speed very quickly. And if you’ve been working in project management for a few years, it can help to fill in some of the gaps in your knowledge and refresh your knowledge of the basics, which is particularly useful if you are leading teams and working with those earlier in their project management career.

3. Globally Recognised Qualification

It doesn’t matter where in the world you go – the APM PFQ course will be recognised. The APM method of project management is one of the leading methods in the world. This means that employers all around the world will accept this as a powerful project management qualification.

When looking for the right course for your needs, one that is accepted around the world should be a top priority. You will be able to work on projects anywhere in the world, confident that your knowledge and skills will be well-received.

4. Get Networking

Being able to network effectively in an increasingly competitive and international environment is crucial. During the 2-day APM PFQ course, you will have the chance to meet people in similar roles across a variety of industries (including your own) and develop your network of contacts.

While it might seem like the people on your course are in direct competition for the same jobs, you’ll soon realise that this isn’t the case. If anything, learning alongside others can make the process far easier and more enjoyable as you will be able to make the most of their expertise to strengthen your own understanding.

5. Stepping Stone to Further Development

The APM PFQ course is a great start to your project management journey, but it’s not the end!

If you have taken the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, you will be able to move on to further training. The next logical step would be to take the APM Project Management Qualification. This is a 5-day course which will further strengthen your knowledge of project management and help to make you a better project manager.

6. A Route to APM Membership

In an increasingly competitive industry, it is more important than ever to stand out.

Once you have passed your APM PFQ, you can begin your route to full APM membership. This is a prestigious organisation with a paid-for membership model. Once you are a member, you will be able to attend networking events, make the most of exclusive resources and add the APM digital badges to your website or portfolio.

When you are a member you will also be able to add the letters MAPM after your name on LinkedIn and your CV. This can help to catch the eye of recruiters and help to reinforce the idea that you are committed to a career in project management. When applying for project management roles, your qualification and membership could be the thing that makes you stand out.

Being a member clearly has its benefits: the research shows that the average salary for APM members has increased from £47,500 last year to above the profession’s average to £52,500; while those without membership earn £47,500. Meanwhile, Full members (MAPM) earn £62,500 whereas non-members with five years’ experience earn £52,500 (APM, Salary and Market Trends Survey 2021).

7. Be a Better Project Manager

The knowledge you gain while studying for the course will not just help you to pass the exam. Everything you learn will help to make you a better project manager. The course is based on real-world situations, so you will be able to start applying this information to your work immediately. According to the APM, 95% of the people who have taken one of their courses said it helped to improve their career.

8. It Never Expires

Some qualifications require you to get re-certified every few years. With the APM PFQ, you will hold the qualification for life. For most people, the Project Fundamentals Qualification is the first step towards career development and further training. If there are vast changes within the field of project management, you may wish to take a refresher course further down the line. But for most people, this qualification will be the first of many more as they find their own way in project management.

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The APM PFQ course is one of our most popular, and we offer a variety of different ways to train flexibly across online, in person, and virtual. Our course is fully accredited by the APM.

Starting from just £249+VAT, there is an affordable training option for you to take your PFQ. Click here to find out more, or get in touch with our team of expert course advisors today by emailing [email protected] or calling +44 (0)1270 626330.