Your study options
Parallel offers a range of study options for the APM PFQ course. Whether you are an individual looking for training or a corporate client with large groups of candidates, we have an option to suit you.
Distance learning
Study at your own pace and on your own timescale with our distance learning packages and online learning platform. Taking place online, you can work the course around your other commitments. The APM PFQ exam is an online exam which you can take at any time convenient to you. During the exam you are observed by a remote proctor using a web cam, so you do need to book your slot 72 hours in advance.
Corporate solutions
We have more than 15 years’ experience delivering APM PFQ training courses for corporate clients. We can provide dedicated virtual training for your team to help them achieve the APM PFQ. Our corporate clients value the APM PFQ for their staff. It provides a strong foundation and improves understanding of fundamental project management principles. Ultimately, this will help to improve project delivery and efficiency.
Course overview
The APM PFQ is a qualification developed by the APM, the chartered body for the project profession. It is a practical course for those new to managing projects or members of project teams who want a better understanding of the processes, tools and language of project management.
Parallel Project Training is an APM accredited training provider, ensuring you receive the best professional project management training available. Through the APM PFQ, we will give you the skills and knowledge to be able to start leading projects effectively and efficiently.
Topics covered
Project management and the operating environment
Understand how projects differ from business-as-usual. Learn about the influence of the external context on project success. Explore the different types of life cycle – linear, iterative (e.g., agile) and hybrid.
Project roles
Explore the various roles and responsibilities that contribute to project success. These include the project manager, project governance, project sponsor, product owner and the users.
Scope and project planning
Learn how to define the project scope and baseline and begin planning your project. Understand the role of scheduling, estimating and resource management and how to plan for different life cycles.
Risk and issue management
Understand the differences between risks and issues. Learn how to catalogue and manage risks and issues. Explore useful tools for dealing with risks and issues, such as risk and issue registers.
Quality management
Understand the importance of quality management. Learn the difference between quality planning, quality assurance and quality control. Learn about the activities that constitute the different areas of quality.
Communication, leadership and teamwork
Learn how to get the best from the team and undertake a suitable level of, and focused approach to, project communications. Explore project leadership techniques and models to support team development.
Jan Underwood, DMS, MAPM, Senior Consultant
In today’s dynamic world where change is part of everyday life, individuals benefit from having project management skills and experience. Almost everyone working today will be involved with projects, either supporting them, managing them or providing expert input. The Project Fundamentals Qualification is an excellent choice which provides the basic tools, techniques and key terms that enable these individuals to gain confidence and understanding, therefore providing a positive contribution.
"
Google reviews
Great course provider and great trainer Tyrone, have learnt so much in 5 weeks!
Highly recommended Parallel Project Training. Carmen is a fantastic trainer, she is able to guide you through the training in a friendly and welcome manner, she takes the qualification and puts it into bite size chunks to make it digestible over the 5 weeks. Thanks for all your help!
Would highly recommend using Parallel Project Training. They have supported me in my journey to achieving my APM PMQ.The presentations and podcasts that they provide are informative and easy to understand. Compared to other training providers they are also one of the cheapest around.
Excellent course and really well led by Tyrone. Great method of getting the key information across and really informative.
Amazing course and highly recommended. Carmen was very knowledgeable and easy to understand in order to pass the APM PMQ exam.
Excellent training delivered by Paul Naybour; would recommend to anyone pursuing APM qualifications
I can highly recommend Parallel Project training for the preparation of the APM certification. The trainer are highly skilled and take huge effort in working with each individual to prepare for the exam (Thank you Carmen for you huge support and going the extra mile!). Their online platform includes very helpful videos and their prep questions trains you well for the assessment criteria.
Absolute worth it!
Attended the APM PFQ training & certification – One of the best trainings I have been in, the instructor (Jan Underdown) was very knowledgeable on the subjects due to her immense real-life experience in project management, very articulate and took time to ensure everyone understood the concepts.
Parallel Project Training provide a well-structured course, enabling an in depth understanding of project management methodologies, structures and challenges to overcome. The tutor (Jan Underdown) balanced the course well and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The online service is exceptional!
Would highly recommend this course. Very well led, Jan skill fully balanced the breadth of syllabus in a pace that was manageable for the 5 week course.
Exam FAQs
Sample content: Video lectures
These are presented as short bite-size presentations by our experienced Parallel trainers. They cover all the areas required in this project management APM PFQ syllabus and are fast paced and engaging. They will help you develop a fundamental awareness of project management terminology. Topics included are:
Sample content: Reflection exercises
During the PFQ course we also invite you to consider the implications of what we have learnt and how you can apply these lessons to the projects you manage day-to-day. For example:
- Considering the questions we would ask a sponsor at a start-up meeting.
- Considering the success factors, benefits and key performance indicators for a sample project and how these apply to your project.
- Analysis of the different stakeholders in a project.
- Considering the best structure for a project plan.
- Considering how to respond to a risk or an issue.
The aim of these reflection exercises is to help you think about the ways in which you can apply the key learning points from the course to the projects you manage day-to-day.
Sample content: Podcast
In this podcast, the Parallel team discuss the following assessment criteria:
- Define the term project.
- State the differences between a project and business-as-usual.
- Define the term project management.
- State the key purpose of project management.
- Define the terms programme management and portfolio management and understand their relationship with project management.