What is APM certification?
APM provides a certification scheme in addition to offering practical guidance and membership to the project profession. There are 4 levels of APM certification, some of which can be obtained online.
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is the entry-level APM certification within the APM qualifications scheme. PFQ certification can be obtained online.
PFQ offers a basic awareness of project management terminology enabling you to make a positive contribution to any project.
The PFQ qualification is for those people wanting a broad understanding of the principles of the project profession. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience for this qualification.
APM PFQ exam
- Style: Multiple-choice
- Questions: 60
- Pass mark: 60% (36/60)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Materials allowed: Closed-book
- Prerequisites: None
- Method: Online
- Results: Same day.
APM Project Management Qualification
The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is the 2nd level APM certification within the APM qualifications scheme which can be obtained online. PMQ enables you to show your knowledge of the different elements of project management. PMQ also enables you to demonstrate your understanding of how these elements interact and how your project fits into your strategic and commercial environment.
APM PMQ exam
- Style: Essay-style
- Questions: 10 from 16
- Pass mark: 55%
- Duration: 180 minutes (plus 15 minutes reading time at the start)
- Materials allowed: Closed-book
- Prerequisites: None
- Method: Online
- Results: Same day.
If you are a PRINCE2® Practitioner, you will take a two-hour paper with only an additional 10 minutes’ reading at the start. This recognises your prior learning, and, in this paper, you must answer six out of ten questions.
APM Project Professional Qualification
The APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) is the 3rd level APM certification within the APM qualifications scheme. PPQ assesses your capability in delivering professional projects.
PPQ is the most comprehensive assessment of professional project management capability in the APM qualifications scheme. PPQ covers core competencies required across all areas of project management.
Assessment is based on a pre-seen case study and is divided into three parts. Two of these (the scenario assessment and oral exam assessment) are done using video conferencing software. The 3rd element (a written report) is submitted via APM’s online platform.
APM PMQ exam
- Style: Scenario assessment, oral exam assessment and a written report.
- Duration: 155 minutes
- Materials allowed: Closed-book
- Prerequisites: APM PMQ (or equivalent).
Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)
The Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard is the highest level APM certification. ChPP assesses your capability in delivering professional projects.
ChPP forms a professional benchmark that demonstrates attainment and of a defined level of technical knowledge, professional practice ethical behaviour. It forms the basis of the assessment that applicants must pass to gain ChPP status and inclusion on the Register of Chartered Project Professionals.
There are multiple requirements and routes to becoming a Chartered Project Professional so check out the APM web site for more details.
Instructor-led courses
To earn your APM certification online, you can enrol on a self-paced APM online course. Self-paced learning is an ideal way for busy, working professionals who cannot commit to a fixed classroom schedule. If you do choose to study using a self-paced APM online course, you require a computer, audio, internet, and an optional video camera.
Instructor-led courses
If you prefer face-to-face learning with an experienced tutor, then you should choose an instructor-led APM course taught by experienced APM trainers.
All instructor-led courses are taught by experienced APM trainers and offer the benefits of face-to-face learning with an experienced tutor. To participate in an instructor-led APM course, you must be able to commit to a fixed classroom schedule.
To check whether there is an instructor-led classroom APM course in your area, or a virtual online instructor-led course hosted on the internet, please check the dates on the APM PFQ or APM PMQ page.