APMG Change Management Foundation training

No previous experience or prerequisites are required to study the APMG Change Management Foundation course. It is an entry-level qualification that is open to anyone, regardless of their professional background or prior knowledge of change management.

The course is designed for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Professionals involved in organisational change or transformation
• Project, programme, HR, and communications team members
• Managers who need to support staff through change
• Anyone new to change management who wants a recognised qualification

Because there are no entry requirements, the course starts from the fundamentals – covering core change management concepts, models, and terminology before building into more applied topics such as stakeholder engagement, communication, and overcoming resistance to change.

The APMG Change Management Foundation exam itself also has no prerequisites. It is a 40-minute, closed-book, multiple-choice test with a pass mark of 50% (25 out of 50 questions).

If you already hold the Change Management Foundation certificate and want to develop your skills further, the next step is the APMG Change Management Practitioner course, which does require Foundation certification as a prerequisite.

The right format depends on how you learn best, how much flexibility you need, and how quickly you want to complete the APMG Change Management Foundation qualification.

Both options include the Change Management Foundation exam, the official digital manual, mock exams, and tutor support – so neither format compromises on content or exam preparation.

Instructor-led (3 days, live online)

• Structured over three days with fixed scheduled dates
• Live Q&A with an accredited Change Management trainer
• Group discussions and real-world examples during sessions
• Best for learners who prefer guided study and a clear timetable
• Post-course access to resources for 1 year

Self-paced (12 hours, online modules)

• Start any time and study at your own pace
• Interactive e-learning modules with quizzes
• Tutor and technical support available by email and phone
• Best for busy professionals who need flexibility around work commitments
• 12-month access to all course materials

If you benefit from real-time interaction and accountability, instructor-led training is the stronger choice. If your schedule is unpredictable or you prefer to work through content independently, self-paced study gives you the freedom to learn when it suits you. Both formats are delivered by Knowledge Train and carry the same APMG accreditation.

The APMG Change Management Foundation exam is taken online and is included as part of the Knowledge Train Change Management Foundation course, so no separate booking is required.

Exam format at a glance

• Format: Multiple choice (objective test)
• Questions: 50
• Pass mark: 50% (25 out of 50 correct)
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Materials: Closed book – no notes or reference materials permitted
• Prerequisites: None
• Results: Available the same day
• Access: Online

How the process works

Every candidate registers for a free APMG Candidate Portal account, which is where the exam is booked, taken, and results are accessed. Provisional results are available immediately after the exam. Official results and a marks breakdown are published in the Candidate Portal, typically within two working days. Once results are confirmed, a digital certificate and badge can be claimed through the Portal via a linked Credly account.

The Change Management Foundation certificate is awarded by APMG International and is valid for life – it does not expire. If you later wish to progress, the Foundation certificate is the only prerequisite for the Change Management Practitioner course and exam.

You will receive a provisional result immediately after completing the APMG Change Management Foundation exam, with your official result and certificate available within two working days.

The Change Management Foundation exam is taken online and results are handled through the APMG Candidate Portal, a free account that every candidate registers for before sitting the exam. Here is what to expect after the exam:

• Provisional result: Available immediately on screen after you complete the exam.
• Official result and marks breakdown: Published in the APMG Candidate Portal, typically within two working days.
• Digital badge and electronic certificate: Available to claim from the Candidate Portal within two business days of the result being issued. Badges are hosted via Credly, a third-party digital credential platform linked to your Candidate Portal account.

The APMG Change Management Foundation certificate is valid for life and does not expire, so once earned it remains on your professional record permanently.

The exam itself is a 40-minute, 50-question multiple-choice test with a pass mark of 50% (25 out of 50 correct answers). It is a closed-book exam taken online, and no prior qualifications are required to sit it.

The APMG Change Management Foundation exam is considered manageable for most candidates who prepare thoroughly, and Knowledge Train reports a 99% pass rate across its learners.

The exam itself is designed to test knowledge and understanding rather than the ability to apply concepts in complex scenarios – that is what the Practitioner level is for. Here is what the exam looks like:

• Format: 50 multiple choice questions
• Pass mark: 50% (25 out of 50 correct answers)
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Book access: Closed book – no reference materials permitted
• Prerequisites: None
• Results: Available the same day

The relatively low pass mark of 50% means candidates do not need to answer every question correctly. However, the closed-book format means you need a solid grasp of core change management models, terminology, and concepts before sitting the exam.

Preparation makes a significant difference. Knowledge Train’s APMG Change Management Foundation course includes an official manual and mock exams to help candidates practise under realistic conditions. Whether you choose instructor-led training (3 days of live online sessions) or self-paced study (12 hours of interactive modules), both options include structured exam preparation.

Candidates with no prior change management experience tend to find the Foundation level accessible, provided they complete the recommended course and engage with the practice questions beforehand.

Yes, you can resit the APMG Change Management Foundation exam if you do not pass, but an additional exam resit fee applies.

The Change Management Foundation exam is included in the course fee when you book through Knowledge Train, whether you choose instructor-led or self-paced study. If you sit the exam and do not reach the pass mark of 25 out of 50 (50%), you will need to pay a separate resit fee to attempt the exam again. The resit fee is not included in the original course price.

A few practical points worth knowing before you sit:

• Exam format: 50 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes, closed book, taken online.
• Pass mark: 50% (25 correct answers out of 50).
• Results: Provisional results are available on the same day, with official results and a marks breakdown published in the APMG Candidate Portal, typically within two working days.
• No prerequisites: There are no entry requirements for the Foundation exam, so anyone can sit it.