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Overview
Build a solid grounding in project management with the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ), ideal for anyone starting out in projects or working alongside project teams.
What you will gain
- Clear understanding of core project management concepts and language
- Insight into project life cycles, roles, and responsibilities
- Practical awareness of planning, risk, quality, and communication
- Confidence to take and pass the APM PFQ multiple-choice exam
Who this course is for
- People new to project management or considering a project role
- Project team members who need to understand how projects are run
- Professionals whose work interfaces with projects (e.g. IT, finance, HR)
- Anyone wanting an entry-level project management qualification with no prerequisites
Benefits
Get started in projects
Build a strong foundation if you are new to project work.
Recognised APM credential
Earn a respected entry-level qualification in project management.
Practical and accessible
Examples and exercises link PFQ concepts to everyday projects.
Flexible ways to learn
Choose live online training or blended evening study.
Expert project trainers
Learn from practitioners with real project delivery experience.
Covers all core topics
Roles, scope, scheduling, risk, quality, communication, and more.
Delivery
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Course
This PFQ course provides a clear and practical introduction to the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition. You’ll explore how projects differ from business-as-usual, how they are structured and governed, and how to plan, control, and communicate effectively across the project life cycle. By the end, you’ll be ready to sit the PFQ exam with confidence.
Understand projects and context
Learn what projects are, how they differ from business-as-usual, and how the wider environment can influence success.
Work with project life cycles
Recognise linear, iterative, hybrid, and extended life cycles and when each approach might be used.
Know key roles and responsibilities
Understand the roles of sponsors, project managers, governance bodies, team members, users, and the PMO.
Plan and define project scope
Explore business cases, stakeholder analysis, estimating, success criteria, and scope management techniques.
Schedule, resource, and manage risk
Learn the basics of scheduling, resource optimisation, risk management, and issue handling in projects.
Manage quality, communication, and teams
See how quality planning, communication, leadership, and teamwork support successful project delivery.
Curriculum
The APM PFQ curriculum is aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition and covers the full project life cycle and key knowledge areas.
- Project management and the operating environment
- Project life cycles
- Project roles and responsibilities
- Project management planning
- Project scope management
- Resource, scheduling, and optimisation
- Risk and issue management
- Quality in projects
- Communication in projects
- Leadership and teamwork
Full curriculum details
Project management and the operating environment
- Definition of a project and project management
- Differences between projects and business-as-usual
- Relationship between projects, programmes, and portfolios
- Purpose of PESTLE analysis in understanding external context
Project life cycles
- Phases of a typical linear project life cycle
- Phases of a typical iterative project life cycle
- Hybrid and extended life cycles and when they are used
Project roles and responsibilities
- Key roles such as sponsor, project manager, team members, users, and PMO
- Project governance and decision-making structures
- How roles interact to support project success
Project management planning
- Purpose and content of a project management plan and business case
- Stakeholder analysis and benefits management
- Estimating methods and the estimating funnel
- Success criteria, progress reporting, and deployment baselines
Project scope management
- What scope management means in projects
- Scope in linear vs iterative projects
- Using PBS, WBS, CBS, OBS, and RAM
- Configuration management and change control processes
Resource, scheduling, and optimisation
- Purpose of scheduling and milestones
- Critical path, time boxing, and resource optimisation
- Resource levelling and smoothing
- Procurement strategy at a basic level
Risk and issue management
- Definition of risk and purpose of risk management
- Typical risk management process and risk registers
- Definition of issues and issue management
- Stages of an issue resolution process
Quality in projects
- Definition of quality and quality management
- Quality planning, quality control, and quality assurance
- Use of decision gates, reviews, and audits
Communication in projects
- Definition and importance of communication
- Advantages and disadvantages of communication methods
- Contents and benefits of a communication plan
Leadership and teamwork
- Definition of leadership in a project context
- How team leaders influence performance
- Challenges in developing and leading project teams
- Using models such as Belbin and Tuckman to support team development
Read more
Exam & certification
What to expect from the APM PFQ exam and how we help you pass.
- Format: Multiple choice (objective test)
- Questions: 60
- Pass mark: 60% (36/60)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Materials: Closed book
- Prerequisites: None
- Results: 5 business days
- Exam access: Online
Your path to success
Learn
Build a clear understanding of core project management concepts.
Practice
Boost confidence with sample questions, mock exams, and review.
Pass
Sit the PFQ exam with confidence after focused preparation and support.
84% pass rate
Our students consistently achieve top results - well above the national average.
Reviews & success stories
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accredited trainers with 450+ years of combined experience
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FAQs
Does APM PFQ expire?
No, the APM PFQ never expires.
The qualification remains valid indefinitely, and there is no requirement to renew it.
How easy is the APM PFQ exam?
The ease of the APM PFQ exam depends on your preparation. The exam lasts 60 minutes and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, giving candidates about one minute per question.
Although the time can seem tight, well-prepared candidates usually find it manageable. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 36 questions (a 60% pass mark).
How hard is the APM Fundamentals exam?
The difficulty of the APM Fundamentals exam varies by individual. The APM PFQ consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes – about one minute per question.
With thorough preparation, this is sufficient time to complete the exam successfully. To pass, you must achieve 36 out of 60 (a 60% pass mark).
How long does it take to study for the APM PFQ?
Studying for the APM PFQ typically takes:
- 2 days if you choose a classroom course, or
- 20 hours of self-paced e-learning plus 2 hours of live tutor support if you take a blended learning course.
Is APM PFQ worth it?
Whether the APM PFQ is worth it depends on your career goals and current skills.
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) provides a strong foundation in project management principles, making it ideal for newcomers. It enhances your CV and deepens your understanding of project management methodologies.
However, if you plan to pursue more senior or advanced project management roles, additional certifications may be beneficial. Consider your career objectives and how the APM PFQ aligns with them before deciding.
Is the APM PFQ exam open book?
No, the APM PFQ exam is not open book.
It is a closed-book assessment consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed within one hour.
You must score 60% or more to pass.
Is the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification worth it?
Whether the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification is worth it depends on your career ambitions and experience.
The APM PFQ provides a solid introduction to project management concepts and methodologies. It can enhance your employability, improve your confidence, and strengthen your project management foundation.
If your goal is to progress to advanced roles, consider following the PFQ with higher-level certifications such as APM PMQ or PRINCE2 Practitioner.
What are the benefits of APM PFQ?
The benefits of earning the APM PFQ include:
- Enhanced confidence and engagement in your project management role.
- Recognition through digital credentials for CVs and social media profiles.
- Alignment with the professional standards of the Association for Project Management (APM).
- Up-to-date knowledge of tools, techniques, and best practices in project management.
What is APM PFQ?
APM PFQ, or the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, is a widely recognised entry-level certification in project management from the Association for Project Management (APM).
It introduces the essential principles and tools used to manage projects effectively and is ideal for newcomers, aspiring project managers, or professionals seeking to understand the fundamentals.
The qualification covers topics such as planning, risk management, budgeting, and communication – key areas for successful project delivery. Obtaining the APM PFQ enhances both career prospects and professional development.
What is the pass mark for APM Fundamentals?
The pass mark for the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification is 60%, achieved by correctly answering 36 out of 60 questions within one hour.
What is the Project Fundamentals Qualification?
The Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is a project management accreditation offered by the Association for Project Management (APM).
It provides a comprehensive introduction to the key principles and tools of project management. Designed for those new to the field, it helps participants understand how to manage projects effectively.
The APM PFQ covers fundamental areas such as planning, risk management, budgeting, and communication – all essential for building a strong foundation in project delivery and professional growth.
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APM Project Fundamentals Qualification Course Overview
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) course provides a comprehensive introduction to project management fundamentals and professional qualification standards set by the Association for Project Management (APM). The APM PFQ course supports learners pursuing certification through structured online learning and blended training formats.
What Is The APM PFQ Certification?
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is an entry-level certification designed for those new to project management. The APM PFQ assesses understanding of the project lifecycle, scope management, and risk management principles.
Who Should Take The APM PFQ Course?
The APM PFQ course is ideal for individuals seeking foundational knowledge in project management or planning to progress toward advanced certifications like the APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) or PRINCE2.
APM PFQ Course – Learning Methods And Delivery
The APM PFQ training is available through flexible delivery options including eLearning, virtual classroom sessions, and distance learning. Each format is designed to accommodate different learning preferences and employer requirements.
How Does Online APM PFQ Learning Work?
Online APM PFQ courses use interactive platforms to deliver lessons, assessments, and tutor feedback. The virtual classroom APM PFQ course enables real-time discussions and collaboration while maintaining accessibility for learners across locations such as London and beyond.
Benefits Of APM PFQ Blended Learning
Blended learning combines APM PFQ classroom instruction with digital resources, allowing learners to apply theoretical concepts through practical exercises and homework. This approach enhances understanding of topics like scheduling, risk, and resource management.
APM PFQ Course Content And Structure
The APM PFQ course syllabus covers essential project management topics such as scope, planning and control, and issue management. Learners gain insight into methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, hybrid, and iterative project approaches.
Modules Included In The APM PFQ Course
Each APM PFQ module focuses on a key area—leadership and teamwork, communication, procurement, and quality management. These modules reflect the APM body of knowledge and align with industry best practices.
Does The APM PFQ Course Include An Exam?
Yes, the APM PFQ exam is included and can be taken as an online exam. It tests understanding of core project management principles and provides a recognised qualification upon passing.
Developing Professional Skills
Through this APM PFQ course, learners strengthen critical soft skills and technical knowledge such as estimating, valuation, and earned value management. These skills support effective project execution and stakeholder communication.
Importance Of Risk And Issue Management
Managing risks and issues within projects is a core competency developed in the APM PFQ class. Learners explore risk identification, mitigation strategies, and documentation techniques for robust project delivery.
Teamwork And Leadership Development
The APM PFQ course includes practical exercises that develop teamwork and leadership skills, preparing learners for responsibilities within projects and across organisations.
APM PFQ Training Providers And Support
Accredited APM PFQ training providers deliver the APM PFQ programme through certified tutors and optimised platforms. Learners receive structured guidance throughout the course, including exam preparation and performance feedback.
What Support Does The APM PFQ Trainer Provide?
APM PFQ trainers provide personalised feedback on assignments and help clarify complex topics such as critical path analysis, project risk management, and scope optimisation.
Choosing The Right APM PFQ Training Provider
When selecting an APM PFQ training provider, consider accreditation status, tutor experience, and the quality of online learning tools. Reliable providers ensure that the course includes practical sessions aligned with APM standards.
Advantages Of APM PFQ Training
The APM PFQ course provides a strong foundation for career growth in the project management profession. Employers value the certification for its demonstration of applied knowledge and commitment to continuous learning.
How Does The PFQ Benefit Employers?
Employers gain team members with improved planning, scheduling, and problem-solving capabilities. The APM PFQ course supports workforce development and aligns with organisational project methodologies.
Next Steps After Completing The APM PFQ Certification
After earning the APM PFQ certification, learners can advance to higher-level qualifications or pursue further study in areas such as Agile project management, resource management, and quality assurance.
- Progress to APM PMQ or PPQ qualifications
- Apply learning within live projects
- Promote continuous professional development