Certified ScrumMaster Knowledge Train | APM PMQ
® (CSM) from Scrum Alliance and the Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM) from Scrum.org. Additionally, many consider the SAFe Scrum Master Certification and the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster course ® (A-CSM) valuable. Furthermore, the Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification is also widely recommended. Last edited on: 26 May 2026 Scrum certification FAQs

Are Scrum exams open book? Copied!
Key takeaways
Can I self study for Scrum Master certification?Scrum Master certification is mainly about learning the framework and proving competence in the role. The Scrum Master enables effective Scrum by facilitating events, improving team interaction, and removing blockers.
Scrum Master certification is typically easier to enter than project management because it is less focused on budgets and stakeholder governance.Can I take the Scrum Master exam without a course?Choose reputable providers because Scrum has no single enforced standard, so course quality varies widely. Scrum Alliance offers structured training with generally easier exams and certifications that require renewal.
Scrum.org relies on tougher assessments with high pass marks and certifications that do not expire.Can you get Scrum certified online?

project managers

Is CSM easy to pass? as they’re not responsible for setting budgets, timeless and liaising with stakeholders. Steppingstone Becoming the role of
Is CSM hard to pass?Scrum Master

is a great steppingstone on your way to more senior agile positions. All you need to be a Scrum Master is to understand how developers work in your industry, the tools they use, and the ability to communicate effectively. You usually have 2 choices to gaining this knowledge. Take basic

Scrum trainingIs CSM in demand? or seek a qualification.
In both routes you will learn about Agile Scrum
Scrum Development processes.

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Exam 2 days
MaterialsFunctional +44 (0)207 148 5985 +44 (0)207 148 5985
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Course Schedule, resource, and manage risk

This course gives you a comprehensive understanding of professional project management, aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition. You’ll explore how projects are shaped, governed, planned, delivered, and controlled, and how to apply these principles across different environments and sectors.

Understand organisations and governance Learn the basics of scheduling, resource optimisation, risk management, and issue handling in projects.

Manage quality, communication, and teamsMarketingSearch

See how quality planning, communication, leadership, and teamwork support successful project delivery.

CurriculumMarketing

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 Request a quote

Resource, scheduling, and optimisation

Risk and issue managementThe technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Quality in projects

Communication in projectsManage options

Leadership and teamworkManage services
Full curriculum detailsManage {vendor_count} vendors
Project management and the operating environmentRead more about these purposes APM Project Management Qualification training courses- learning outcomes

Definition of a project and project management Manage Consent

Differences between projects and business-as-usualAccept

  • Relationship between projects, programmes, and portfolios To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
  • Purpose of PESTLE analysis in understanding external contextDeny
  • Project life cycles
  • Phases of a typical linear project life cycleView preferences
  • Phases of a typical iterative project life cycle
  • Hybrid and extended life cycles and when they are usedSave preferencesFunctional
  • Project roles and responsibilities
  • Key roles such as sponsor, project manager, team members, users, and PMOView preferences
  • Project governance and decision-making structures{title}

How roles interact to support project success{title}

Project management planning{title}Functional

  • Purpose and content of a project management plan and business caseManage Consent
  • Stakeholder analysis and benefits management Always active
  • Estimating methods and the estimating funnelTo provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

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 RAMFunctional

  • 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 smoothingFunctional
  • Procurement strategy at a basic level
  • Risk and issue management Always active

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 assuranceThe technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
  • 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 planPreferences

Leadership and teamwork

  • Definition of leadership in a project context
  • How team leaders influence performance
  • Challenges in developing and leading project teamsPreferences

Using models such as Belbin and Tuckman to support team development

Read more
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.Exam & certification What to expect from the APM PFQ exam and how we help you pass.
FormatAPM Project Management Qualification training courses exam

: Multiple choice (objective test)

Questions

  • Statistics: 60 Pass mark
  • : 60% (36/60) Duration
  • Statistics: 60 minutes Materials
  • : Closed book Prerequisites
  • : None Results
  • : 5 business days Exam access

: OnlineThe technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.

  • Your path to success
  • The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
  • Learn

Build a clear understanding of core project management concepts.

Practice Marketing
Boost confidence with sample questions, mock exams, and review.
Marketing 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.

Manage {vendor_count} vendors

Knowledge Train by numbers PreferencesPreferences

20+ 25,000+ years delivering accredited project management training
learners trained across the UK and beyond
4.9/5 20+ average rating based on thousands of verified reviews
years delivering accredited project management training

or Manage {vendor_count} vendorsManage {vendor_count} vendorsPMQ Read more about these purposesRead more about these purposes exams does not grant post-nominal letters.The difficulty of the APM Fundamentals exam varies by individual. The APM PFQ consists of

However, achieving the PMQ makes you eligible to apply for 60 multiple-choice questionsAcceptAccept. Once accepted, you may use the post-nominal 60 minutesDenyDeny View preferencesView preferences

Save preferencesSave preferences

View preferences

{title}

.

It is a closed-book

assessment consisting of

  • 60 multiple-choice questions

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)

Yes, the . APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)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. is widely regarded as a valuable certification.The qualification covers topics such as

It enhances your project management knowledge and demonstrates professional credibility.planning

This qualification can lead to career progression, better job prospects, and higher employability in the project management field.,

However, consider whether it aligns with your personal career goals before enrolling.risk management

Is APMP the same as PMQ?,

budgeting , and

No, communication APMP – key areas for successful project delivery. Obtaining the APM PFQ enhances both career prospects and professional development. is not the same as PMQ.What is the pass mark for APM Fundamentals?

The 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.

budgeting

, and communication

– all essential for building a strong foundation in project delivery and professional growth.Still have questions? Contact us by phone on 0207 148 5985, via live chat, email, or by completing the form below. How to find us

Knowledge Train20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, England, United Kingdom.

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  • <<<

With thorough preparation, this is sufficient time to complete the exam successfully. To pass, you must achieve

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60% pass mark APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)>). is an internationally recognised certificate aligned with >"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does it take to study for the APM PFQ?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 7p>Studying for the APM PFQ typically takes: .>

It is developed by the ul> Association for Project Management (APM)li> , the chartered body for project professionals.strong>2 days

Still have questions? Contact us by phone on 0207 148 5985, via live chat, email, or by completing the form below.> if you choose a classroom course, or

>

How to find usli>

Knowledge Trainstrong>20 hours
20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN,> of self-paced e-learning plus
England, United Kingdom.strong>2 hours

Call > of live tutor support if you take a blended learning course. +44 (0)207 148 5985>

Opening hours>"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is APM PFQ worth it?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Monday to Friday – 09:00 to 17:15p>Whether the APM PFQ is worth it depends on your career goals and current skills.

Get in touch>

p>The strong>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.
> p>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.
p>No, the APM PFQ exam is strong>not open book
> p>It is a
> assessment consisting of
>.
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