Make decisions about escalated issues. Communicate with stakeholders.
Advise the project managerInstructor-led when required. Ensure risks are being tracked and managed effectively. Provide assurance that all products have been delivered satisfactorily, and that acceptance criteria have been met. Confirm the acceptance of the project product. Authorize follow-on action recommendations to be distributed to the business layer. Transfer responsibility for the updated benefits management approach to the business layer Competencies and skillsSelf-pacedAuthority to make decisions and approve plans. Authority to allocate resources to the project. Capable of representing business, user, and supplier interests. Be able to stay on the project throughout its duration. Decision-making.

APMG Change Management coursesDelegation.

Develop the skills to plan and support organisational change with APMG Change Management Foundation and Practitioner courses delivered online with exams included.Leadership.

Negotiation. Conflict resolution.
Enhance your skills with our expert-led courses
4.9/5 average rating
Instructor-ledAPMG accreditedPRINCE2 Practitioner (with Foundation) course
£1,899 +vat25,000 professionals trained
See all dates View courses
Enrol now

APMG Change Management at a glanceEnsures the project aligns with business strategies.

APMG Change Management qualifications provide a structured approach to leading and supporting change, focusing on people, organisational culture, and effective communication.Secures the project funding.

By progressing from Foundation to Practitioner, you learn both the core concepts and how to apply change management techniques to real programmes, projects, and transformation initiatives.Holds the senior supplier to account for the quality of the products it delivers.

Compare course optionsHolds the senior user to account for realizing the expected benefits for the project.

Proven frameworkTransfers responsibility for post-project benefits reviews to the business.

Use a structured framework to plan, communicate, and embed change more effectively across your organisation.Monitors and controls project progress at the strategic level.

People-focusedEscalates issues and risks if project tolerances are forecast to be exceeded.

Gain tools for understanding stakeholder needs, managing resistance, and building engagement during change.Ensures that business case risks are identified, assessed, and controlled.

Career-ready skillsMakes decisions on escalated issues.

Strengthen your profile for change manager, project, and HR roles by proving your ability to support complex change.Ensures the overall business assurance of the project so the project remains on target to deliver the right products to achieve the expected benefits, within its agreed tolerances.

Compare APMG Change Management coursesSenior user

Choose the APMG Change Management Foundation course to build your knowledge, then progress to Practitioner to apply the concepts and techniques in real change initiatives.The senior user is responsible for specifying the needs of those who will use the project’s products, establishing two-way user communication with the

project management team
Best forThe senior user role embodies the interests of those who will use the project’s products (including operations and maintenance teams), those for whom the products will fulfil a goal, and those who will use the products to realize benefits.
PrerequisitesThe senior user commits the user resources necessary for stage plans and monitors delivered products against their requirements. This role may be performed by more than one individual.
DurationResponsibilities
Delivery optionsProvides the customer’s quality expectations and defines the project’s acceptance criteria.
Official manualSpecifies the desired project outcomes.
Exam includedEnsures the project produces the products needed to deliver the desired outcomes and meet the user requirements.
Exam formatEnsures the realization of the expected benefits.
Qualification gainedResolves conflicting user requirements.
View coursesEnsures that user resources are made available to the project when required.
Takes decisions about escalated issues, to ensure the safeguarding of the expected benefits. Briefs and advises users about the project.
Maintains business-as-usual operations when the project transitions into the operational environment. The senior supplier represents the interests of those who design, develop, procure, and implement the project’s products. This role is responsible for product quality and ensuring the project’s technical integrity. If it is required, multiple individuals may represent this role.
Depending on the project context, the business may assign an independent individual or team to provide assurance on the quality of the supplier’s products. This is especially the case if the business and supplier have a commercial relationship.Anyone involved in change who needs a solid understanding of key concepts, models, and terminology.Responsibilities
Assesses and confirms the viability of the project approach.NoneEnsures that design and development proposals are realistic.
Advises on the design, development, and acceptance methods.3 days or 12 hoursEnsures that supplier resources are made available when required.
Decides about escalated issues, with a focus on safeguarding the integrity of the solution.Instructor-led, self-pacedResolves supplier requirements and priority conflicts.
Briefs non-technical management on supplier perspectives of the project.Included (digital)Ensures the right quality methods are used correctly, so that products adhere to requirements.
Undertakes supplier assurance and delegates project assurance activities.Change Management Foundation examEnhance your skills with our expert-led courses
40 minutes, multiple choice
Change Management Foundation certificateInstructor-led
PRINCE2 Practitioner (with Foundation) courseFoundation
£1,899 +vat
Foundation certificate holders who want to progress to the Practitioner level.Self-paced
PRINCE2 Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced onlineChange Management Foundation
£1,399 +vat2 days or 10 hours
Instructor-led, self-paced
Instructor-ledNot includedPRINCE2 Foundation course
Change Management Practitioner exam£1,299 +vat
150 minutes, multiple choiceSee all dates
Project managerChange Management Practitioner certificateThe
project managerPractitioner takes direction from the project board and ultimately to the executive. The project manager has the authority to manage the project day by day within the tolerances set by the project board.
Its main responsibility is to ensure the project delivers the required outputs within the defined tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, benefits, sustainability, and risk. The project manager is also responsible for ensuring the project’s outcome can deliver the benefits specified in the Prepares the baseline management products (except team plans), with the assistance of project assurance.
Prepares all reports (except checkpoint reports).Change professionals and project leaders who want to apply change management tools and techniques to real programmes and projects.Maintains the project log and its constituent registers and logs.
Tailors the method to suit the project’s context and documents it in the PID.NoneLiaises with commercial suppliers.
Leads the 5 days or 22 hoursproject management team
.Instructor-led, self-pacedManages the flow of information between the management levels.
Manages the creation, testing, and acceptance of products.Included (digital)Monitors the overall project progress and use of resources and initiates corrective actions when necessary.
Establishes and manages the agreed project’s procedures.Both exams includedEstablishes and manages the project’s controls for monitoring and reporting.
Authorizes work packages.Includes both examsAdvises the project board of any deviations from plans.
Performs the team manager and project support roles unless appointed to other people.Both certificatesCompetencies and skills
Planning.CombinedTime management.

Still not sure which course is right for you?People management.

See our quick guideProblem-solving. or Paying attention to detail.chat with an advisorCommunication.

Choose how you learnNegotiation.

Study APMG Change Management in a way that fits your schedule, with live online classes, flexible self-paced study, or tailored in-house training.Conflict management.

Instructor-ledTeam manager

The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure the creation of products agreed in a work package description adheres to the expected quality specifications, within the agreed timeframes, and at a cost agreed with the project board. The team manager reports to and takes guidance from the
  • Live virtual classes with expertsproject manager
  • Guided through key models and tools.
  • Group discussions and real examplesResponsibilities
Prepares team plans for an agreed work package description. Creates checkpoint reports for the project manager.View course datesPlans, monitors, and manages the work of a team. Monitors team progress, the use of team resources, and takes corrective action, when directed by the project manager.

Self-paced onlineIdentifies, and advises the project manager of, any issues and risks associated with the work package.

Advises the project manager of any team plan deviations and recommends appropriate corrective actions.
  • Learn whenever it suits youHandovers approved products to the project manager.
  • Interactive modules and quizzesLiaises with both project assurance and project support roles.
  • Ideal for busy professionalsEnsures that quality activities are planned and performed correctly and are completed within tolerances.
Ensures the quality register is updated correctly. Manages issues and risks as directed by the project manager.View enrol optionsAssists the project manager when examining issues and risks. Project assurance

Corporate / team trainingProject assurance assures the main stakeholder interests of business, user, and supplier that the project is being managed correctly. This role must be independent from the project manager, so the project board must not assign any of its assurance responsibilities to the project manager.

Responsibilities
  • Aligns change concepts to your contextEnsures liaison between the business, users and suppliers is working effectively.
  • Train whole teams togetherEnsures risks are proactively controlled.
  • Supports organisation-wide changeEnsures the right people write product descriptions.
Ensures the right people are involved in quality activities at the right time, and that quality activities are applied correctly. Ensures any tailoring is suitable to the project context.Request a quoteEnsures quality control follow-up actions are dealt with correctly. Ensures an acceptable solution is developed, and that the project scope is not changing unnoticed.

Enrol on an APMG Change Management courseEnsures applicable standards are being used.

Choose your preferred delivery format and course option below. All options include accredited training and the official exam.Ensures the needs of specialist interests (e.g. security) are being observed.

Competencies and skillsChoose delivery format: Capable of representing the business, user, or supplier stakeholders.
Has sufficient credibility to ensure that advice and guidance are followed. Has sufficient knowledge of the business, user, or supplier stakeholder areas.
Diplomacy. Thoroughness.

Why choose Knowledge Train?

APMG-accredited training

Our Change Management courses are accredited by APMG, giving you confidence in the quality and relevance of the content.

Focused on real change

We relate models and frameworks to real change initiatives, helping you see how to apply them in your organisation.

Expert change practitioners

Courses are led by trainers with hands-on experience delivering and supporting organisational change.

Flexible delivery formats

Choose from live online courses, self-paced study, or in-house training tailored to your teams.

Comprehensive exam preparation

We provide practice questions and guidance to help you feel confident when taking the APMG Change Management exams.

Support beyond the classroom

Our team is available to answer questions about course selection, booking, and exam arrangements.

Whether you’re new to change management, changing career, or building on existing experience, there’s a change management course that fits your goals.

Start a new career in change management
Start a new career in change management
Take your first step towards a change career by learning core change management skills. Learn the tools of change and begin your career in change management.
Learn to manage change effectively
Learn to manage change effectively
Learn effective change management skills to deliver valuable change projects. Boost your confidence and ability to manage change using the CMBoK.
Advance your career with a recognised certification
Advance your career with a recognised certification
Demonstrate your ability to manage change projects effectively. Show your commitment to professional development by gaining APMG certification.

APMG Change Management frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Should I take APMG Change Management Foundation, Practitioner, or both - and in what order?

The right choice depends on your current experience, existing qualifications, and how quickly you want to reach Practitioner level.

APMG Change Management Foundation

The Change Management Foundation course is the right starting point if you are new to change management or want a solid grounding in key models, concepts, and terminology. It has no prerequisites, runs over 3 days (or 12 hours self-paced), and leads to the Change Management Foundation certificate. It suits professionals in project, programme, HR, or communications roles who need to understand and support change initiatives.

APMG Change Management Practitioner

The Change Management Practitioner course is designed for those who already hold the Change Management Foundation certificate. It focuses on applying the APMG Change Management framework to real scenarios – planning stakeholder engagement, assessing change readiness, and designing communication strategies. It takes 2 days (or 10 hours self-paced) and leads to Registered Practitioner status, valid for 5 years.

APMG Change Management combined

The Change Management combined course covers both levels in one package – 5 days instructor-led or 22 hours self-paced – and includes both exams. It is the most efficient route if you have no existing Foundation certificate and want to reach Practitioner level in one go. It is particularly suited to change professionals and project leaders looking to apply change management tools directly to programmes and projects.

  • New to change management with no Foundation certificate: choose combined or start with Foundation.
  • Already hold the Foundation certificate: go straight to Practitioner.
  • Need only conceptual understanding: Foundation alone may be sufficient.

Do I need APMG Change Management Foundation before I can take Practitioner?

Yes – the APMG Change Management Foundation certificate is a formal prerequisite for the Change Management Practitioner course and exam.

APMG International requires candidates to hold the Change Management Foundation qualification before they can sit the Practitioner exam. This applies whether you study the Practitioner course as a standalone option or as part of a combined Foundation and Practitioner programme.

What are your options?

  • Foundation first, then Practitioner: Complete the 3-day (or 12-hour self-paced) Foundation course, pass the exam, and then enrol on the 2-day (or 10-hour self-paced) Practitioner course.
  • Combined course: If you have no prior Foundation certificate, the 5-day (or 22-hour self-paced) combined course covers both levels and includes both exams. This is the most efficient route for professionals starting from scratch who want to reach Practitioner level in one programme.

Already hold the Foundation certificate?

If you already hold the APMG Change Management Foundation certificate – for example from a previous course with another provider – you can enrol directly on the Practitioner course without repeating Foundation training. The Foundation certificate does not expire, so there is no time limit on when you must progress to Practitioner.

The combined course is particularly well suited to change professionals and project leaders who want to apply change management tools to real programmes and projects, and who prefer to complete both qualifications together.

What's the difference between the APMG Change Management exam at Foundation and Practitioner level?

The APMG Change Management Foundation and Practitioner exams differ significantly in format, duration, difficulty, and what they test.

Foundation exam

  • Format: Multiple choice (objective test)
  • Questions: 50 questions
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Pass mark: 50% (25 out of 50)
  • Open or closed book: Closed book
  • Prerequisites: None
  • What it tests: Knowledge and understanding of core change management concepts, models, and terminology

Practitioner exam

  • Format: Multiple choice (objective test), scenario-based
  • Questions: 4 questions worth 20 marks each (80 marks total)
  • Duration: 150 minutes
  • Pass mark: 50% (40 out of 80)
  • Open or closed book: Open book
  • Prerequisites: APMG Change Management Foundation certificate
  • What it tests: The ability to apply and tailor the APMG Change Management framework to realistic organisational scenarios

The key distinction is that the Foundation exam checks whether you understand change management principles, while the Practitioner exam assesses whether you can apply those principles in practice. The Practitioner exam is considerably longer and requires you to justify your change management decisions in context, rather than simply recall correct answers.

Both exams are taken online and results are available the same day, with official results and a marks breakdown published in the APMG Candidate Portal, typically within two working days.

How long is APMG Change Management Foundation and Practitioner valid for, and do I need to renew?

The APMG Change Management Foundation certificate is valid for life and never expires, while the APMG Change Management Practitioner certificate also remains permanently valid but comes with an important distinction around Registered Practitioner status.

Change Management Foundation

Once you pass the Foundation exam, your certificate does not expire and no renewal is required. You hold the qualification permanently.

Change Management Practitioner

Passing the Practitioner exam awards you Registered Practitioner status, which is valid for 5 years from the date of certification. To keep your Registered status current, you must take action between years 3 and 5:

  • Between years 3 and 5: sit and pass a shorter Re-Registration exam to maintain Registered Practitioner status.
  • After 5 years without re-registration: your Practitioner certificate itself remains valid and is not revoked, but you lose Registered status.
  • To regain Registered status after the 5-year point: you must retake and pass the full Practitioner exam, not just the shorter Re-Registration exam.

In practical terms, if you simply want proof of having passed the Practitioner exam, your certificate is yours permanently. However, if active Registered Practitioner status matters to your employer or clients, plan to complete re-registration within the 5-year window.

How long are the APMG Change Management Foundation and Practitioner courses, and how much study time do they require?

The APMG Change Management Foundation course takes 3 days in instructor-led format or around 12 hours of self-paced online study, while the APMG Change Management Practitioner course takes 2 days instructor-led or approximately 10 hours self-paced.

If you want to complete both qualifications together, the APMG Change Management combined course covers the full curriculum in 5 days instructor-led or 22 hours self-paced, which is more efficient than booking each course separately.

Duration at a glance

  • Foundation – Instructor-led: 3 days (live online sessions)
  • Foundation – Self-paced: 12 hours (with 12 months of access)
  • Practitioner – Instructor-led: 2 days (live online sessions)
  • Practitioner – Self-paced: 10 hours (with 12 months of access)
  • Combined (Foundation and Practitioner) – Instructor-led: 5 days
  • Combined – Self-paced: 22 hours

The instructor-led courses run on fixed scheduled dates and are suited to learners who prefer structured, guided learning with live trainer interaction. Self-paced study is flexible – you can start at any time and learn at a pace that fits around work commitments. Both formats include the relevant APMG exam as part of the package.

Note that the Practitioner course requires a Change Management Foundation certificate as a prerequisite, so plan your study sequence accordingly if you are starting from scratch.

Do I need APMG Change Management Foundation before taking the Practitioner course?

Yes – the APMG Change Management Foundation certificate is a mandatory prerequisite for the Change Management Practitioner course and exam. You must hold the Foundation qualification before you can sit the Practitioner exam, regardless of your existing experience in change management.

What are your options?

If you do not yet hold the Foundation certificate, you have two practical routes:

  • Foundation first, then Practitioner: Complete the 3-day (or 12-hour self-paced) Foundation course, pass the Foundation exam, and then take the 2-day (or 10-hour self-paced) Practitioner course. Both exams are included in their respective course packages at Knowledge Train.
  • Combined Foundation and Practitioner: Take the combined course, which covers both levels in 5 days (or 22 hours of self-paced study) and includes both the Foundation and Practitioner exams. This is the most efficient route if you are starting from scratch and want to reach Practitioner level in a single training programme.

Why does the prerequisite exist?

The Practitioner level builds directly on Foundation concepts, models, and terminology. The Practitioner exam requires you to apply the APMG Change Management framework to realistic scenarios – a task that assumes solid Foundation-level knowledge. Attempting Practitioner without that grounding would make both the course content and the exam significantly harder to follow.

The Foundation exam itself has no prerequisites, so anyone new to change management can begin there without any prior qualifications.

Is APMG Change Management Practitioner worth it if I already have Foundation?

For most change professionals, the APMG Change Management Practitioner qualification is a worthwhile next step after Foundation, because it moves you from understanding concepts to applying them in real organisational scenarios.

What the Practitioner level adds

The Change Management Foundation certificate gives you a solid grounding in models, terminology, and principles. The Practitioner level builds on that by developing your ability to:

  • Apply the APMG Change Management framework to real projects and programmes
  • Analyse stakeholder interests, change impacts, and organisational readiness
  • Design communication and engagement strategies
  • Plan change activities that support adoption and benefits realisation

Who it is particularly suited to

  • Change managers and practitioners leading transformation initiatives
  • Project and programme managers who oversee change activity
  • HR, OD, or L&D professionals supporting organisational change
  • Business analysts and consultants working on change programmes

Practical considerations

The Practitioner exam is open book, lasts 150 minutes, and is scenario-based, which reflects the applied nature of the qualification. Passing it confers APMG Registered Practitioner status, valid for 5 years. Between years 3 and 5, you can sit a shorter Re-Registration exam to maintain that status rather than retaking the full exam.

If you are already holding Foundation and working in a change role, the Practitioner level adds demonstrable, practical capability to your CV and strengthens your credibility with employers and clients.

Still have questions? Contact us by phone on 0207 148 5985, via live chat, email, or by completing the form below.

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England, United Kingdom.

Call +44 (0)207 148 5985

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