Introduction
The Association for Project Management (APM) launches the Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) 2nd Edition on the 28th August, building on the current success of the current PPQ.
Up until now candidates had to sit four 3hr exams. Following a consultation with organisations and training providers, candidates will now complete one 2.5hr assessment, which is a significant change but more aligned in its position and level within the suite of APM career path qualifications (PFQ, PMQ, PPQ, ChPP).
Feedback from a recent pilot verified the new assessment is a significant improvement with 100% of candidates advising they would recommend the new PPQ to a colleague.
What is assessed?
The new syllabus covers three units:
- Effective leadership and management
- Effective governance and control
- Effective planning and control
How is it assessed?
The purpose of the PPQ is test the candidate’s skill and capability to perform in a specific environment. There are three parts to the assessment, comprising of:
Stage 1: Scenario assessment (10 minutes preparation, 20 minutes assessment)
This is a role play situation with one of the assessors taking on a specific role. The assessment is based on the pre-seen case study, but will be a situation new to the candidate
Stage 2: Oral exam (50 minutes)
The second stage of the assessment will be an oral exam with two assessors. All questions will need to be answered by the candidates as though they were managing the project detailed in the pre-seen case study.
Stage 3: Project report (60 minutes)
This will be a written project report based on a question and the pre-seen case study.
Pass mark
Candidates must achieve a pass mark of 60% with minimum scores required across all three elements. Should a candidate fail any element they have to retake the whole assessment.
When can assessments be taken
First assessments will take place from November 2020. There are two options: online or paper based.
- Online assessments cost £595 for APM members and £695 for non-members
- Paper based assessments cost £695 for APM members and £795 for non-members
What if I am midway through the original PPQ?
Candidates midway through PPQ 1st edition studies have until December 2021 to complete their four exams.
