The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ), formerly known as the APM Introductory Certificate, is a qualification developed by the Association for Project Management, the chartered body for the project profession. It is a practical course for new project managers or members of project teams who want a better understanding of the processes, tools and language of project management.
At the end of the APM PFQ course, you will:
Be able to apply the fundamental principles of project management including:
Be equipped with the practical skills and knowledge to successfully deliver benefits to your organisation through well-managed projects
Gain a recognised qualification to enhance your career prospects as a project professional
Develop the behaviours and leadership skills needed to become a successful project manager
Confidently sit the APM Foundation Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) examination
We differentiate projects from non-projects, explore programme and portfolio management, the influence of the business and political context on project success.
Project LifecyclesProjects may be managed via a range of lifecycles including linear, iterative (such as Agile) and hybrid lifecycles. We will be exploring the different phases of the different lifecycles and their use.
Project RolesHere we will explore the various roles and responsibilities of the Project manager, Project Governance, Sponsor, Product Owner, and the Users. Working closely together these roles will be a powerful force towards the achievement of project success.
Project Management PlanningThis will include understanding the role of a project schedule, planning and managing key resources and budgeting and cost management. The role and purpose of the business case and the development of options will be explored.
Project PlanningThis is a significant section of the course. It includes several key areas including:
During this session we will be clearly defining how the scope for a project is derived, planned, and managed using a number of different techniques. We will cover the topic of change control as an essential part of preventing ‘scope creep’.
Understand Scheduling and Resource ManagementScheduling it a key skill of all project managers. In this section we look at a number of different approaches to scheduling including, critical path, milestone planning, time boxing. For each we discuss how both internal and external resources can be planned, including external procurement.
Risk and Issue ManagementDuring this session we will look at systematic ways to understand, catalogue and deal with risks and issues. Using appropriate theory, we will explore the topic and provide useful tools to deal with them including the use of a risk and issue register. Importantly in this section we discuss the processes for issue resolution.
Quality ManagementDiscussing and concluding adequate mechanisms for the management of quality on a project,including the use of various quality control techniques. The session will also cover the role of gate reviews.
Understanding CommunicationHow to get the best from the team and how to undertake a suitable and focused level of project communications.
Leadership and TeamworkWorking in teams is a natural and necessary undertaking in most job roles, in a project it is even more profound and the need to ‘get up and running’ quickly is paramount. Understanding some basic theory in this respect is valuable for new project managers.
What is the exam like? One-hour multiple-choice questions with 60 questions and a pass mark of 60%. The vast majority of people do well in this exam.
The APM PFQ exam can be sat in a classroom environment, or online via an online proctoring service. We will arrange your exam for both options, so please contact us for more details.
Distance Learning | Classroom Course | |
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Cost | £325 | £775 |
Delivery method | Online | 2 Days of Classroom Training |
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Exam resources |
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The APM Project Management Qualification is a three-hour written exam and with 10 questionsfrom a choice of 16. The pass mark is 55%. The results are published in 10 to 12 weeks.
The APM PMQ exam can be sat in a classroom environment, or online via an Online Proctoring service. We can arrange your exam for both of these options, so please contact us for more details.
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APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Classroom 2 days, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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Online | View |
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APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Classroom 2 days, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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Online | View |
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APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Classroom 2 days, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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Online | View |
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APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Classroom 2 days, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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Online | View |
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APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Classroom 2 days, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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Online | View |
For the distance learning course, Parallel worked in partnership with the APM to write the official study guide for this APM PFQ qualification. Our distance learning course is presented by the authors of the study guide (John Bolton and Paul Naybour). As with our APM PMQ classroom course we include a wide range of learning materials, providing with you with a flexible approach to your study. You can study in print, on-line, or as you travel in the car or the train.
The package includes:
The Parallel fundamentals study guide written by Parallel Project Training
Twenty bite-size video lectures presented by the authors of the Parallel fundamentals study guide
Eighteen reflection exercises in which you consider how to apply the principles to your projects
Twenty five podcasts which you can download and listen to as you travel
Twenty four case study episodes in which you watch a new project manager apply the principles of project management to their first project
104 sample multiple choice questions to check your progress with the course
A full sample exam paper
We don't expect you will use all these resources as we find that different people have different learning styles; some prefer the printed resources, some find the podcasts fit into their working week, whilst other prefer the on-line lectures.
Once you have completed your distance learning study you can take the APM Project Fundamentals Exam (APM PFQ). This is an on-line 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. As you register for the course we will send you a link to take the exam when you are ready. To help prepare for the exam we have included a sample paper from the APM in the study material.
These are presented a short bite-size presentations by the authors of the study guide (John Bolton and Paul Naybour) of the course contents. They cover all the areas required in the APM Project Fundamentals syllabus and are fast paced and engaging. Topics included are:
During the course we will follow a new project manager, called Jayne, as she seeks to apply project management to her first project. You will meet the rest of her team, including the sponsor and venture capitalist, Zac Shallow, the IT manager, Karim and the operations manager Colin. In twenty-two short episodes you can follow Jayne each step of the way during the project life cycle. Watch as she:
Sorts out the roles for the project including the project sponsor and user.
Prepares and presents a business case for the project.
Works with the team to define the project management plan.
Manages the risks and issues that emerge along the way
Deals with changes introduced by the project sponsor.
This case study brings the application of project management to life.
During the course we also invite you to consider the implications of what we have learned 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 KPI for the case study project and how these apply to your project?
Analysis of the different stakeholder's in a project?
Considering the best structure for a project management plan?
Considering how to respond to a risk or and 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.
Our e-Learning system will support the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 9+, Microsoft Edge, Safari and Safari on iPhone iOS 8+ (iPhone 4s through current), Safari on iPads with iOS 8+ (iPad 2 through current) and Chrome on Android. We do not support IE8 which is no longer supported by Microsoft. For the exam you will need a web cam as well.
In simple terms, if you can play the sample videos on this page then our e-Learning will work on your system, as they use the same streaming technology. The requirements for the APM PFQ online exam (including a testing link) can be found here: https://ondemand.questionmark.eu/601315/ext/candidate
You will gain access to our e-Learning System for six months, but if you need to extend the access for a further six months at any time then please do get in touch. There is no time limit on you taking the exam, although we may ask for a small additional payment to cover any change in the exam fees by the APM.