The project management arena can be confusing to say the least. There are so many things to learn, methods to master and certifications to attain. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! From fundamentals, such as who has the authority over your projects, to advanced strategies, such as how you can use Agile project management for your business, we’ve got you covered.
What is an APM Qualification?
Accredited by the chartered Association for Project Management, APM courses offer the highest quality project management training. The APM is well-known throughout the industry and highly regarded, so you can be confident that your certification will be recognised and valued by colleagues, employers, clients, and industry peers.
The APM has developed a progressive structure of qualifications, which means you can build on your existing knowledge, hone your skills, and climb the career ladder. What’s more – APM certifications put you on a clear path to becoming a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP). To learn more, read through this APM study guide and discover which programs are right for you.
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
The PFQ certification from the APM will teach you the basics of project management knowledge and formalise your industry expertise. Ideal for professionals who are new to project management, you can enrol on a PFQ training program without having any prior experience or project management training. Once registered, you’ll gain access to the Provek APM PFQ study guide that accompanies your course content, along with access to the PM Channel Fundamentals package.
As you complete the PFQ, you’ll learn key project management terminology, identify project management lifecycles, and the varying roles and responsibilities within project management. Additionally, the PFQ certification includes project management planning, project scope management, and resource scheduling and optimisation, as well as risk and issue management, quality, communication, leadership, and teamwork.
With a 60-question multiple-choice examination at the end of your course, you could be showcasing your new credentials sooner than you think!
APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
Once you’ve obtained your PFQ certification, you’ll be ready to embark on the PMQ programme. Alternatively, if you already have some knowledge of the industry but no formal qualifications, you may be able to proceed straight to a PMQ course and Provek offer an assessment to help you check your suitability for this and further steps in your project management career.
As part of this program, you’ll learn more about a variety of topics within the context of project management, including:
- Conflict management
- Communication
- Budgeting and cost management
- Leadership
- Earned value management
- Negotiation
To obtain your PMQ certification, you’ll need to pass a three-hour exam paper and answer 10 of the available 16 questions. If you’re already a PRINCE2 Registered Practitioner, however, you can opt to sit a 2-hour paper and answer just six questions out of 10 available.
APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
If you’re serious about building a career in project management, this is the certification for you. It’s APM’s most comprehensive qualification and it will highlight your abilities to manage and deliver professional projects across a range of sectors.
The program focuses on effective leadership and management, effective governance and control, and effective planning and control but is broken down into core topics and subjects. As you work through them, you’ll build on your experience and existing knowledge and expand your professional skill set.
To obtain the APM Project Professional Qualification, you’ll need to complete an assessment based on a pre-seen case study. This assessment involves three distinct parts: a scenario assessment, an oral exam, and a written report.
