APM qualifications Glasgow - PFQ or PMQ training courses

Which qualifications are available?

There are several qualifications available from the APM. Each has different requirements and is aimed at people at different stages of their project manager career. They include:

• Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ);
• Project Management Qualification (PMQ);
• Project Professional Qualification (PPQ);
• Registered Project Professional (RPP);
• Project Risk Management Single Subject Certificate.

APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)

The Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is the entry-level qualification. It is designed for early-career project managers or project team members. You’ll learn the practical skills required for effectively managing projects, such as:

• Leadership and teamwork;
• Project life-cycle;
• Communication;
• Planning and scheduling;
• Risk and quality management.

To get this qualification you need to pass a 1-hour multiple-choice exam. You must score 60% or more to pass. There are no pre-requisites, so it’s ideal for aspiring project managers or those with little experience.

The best way to get a PFQ qualification is to take a training course. You can take PFQ training in either virtual training classroom format or e-learning self-study format.

PFQ was formerly called the APM Introductory Certificate. The name was changed in 2016.

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is designed for project managers. It is a good next step for PFQ-certified people. You’ll expand on the skills learned at PFQ level and learn about things such as:

• Organisation and project structure;
• Project context and environment;
• Governance and methodology;
• Procurement.

To get this qualification you need to pass a 3-hour written exam. You must score 55% or more to pass. There are no pre-requisites, though many students have some project management experience.

If you hold a PRINCE2® Practitioner certificate you can get the PMQ by taking the shorter APM PMQ for PRINCE2 Practitioners exam. This is a 2-hour written exam with less questions to answer.

The best way to get an PMQ qualification is to take a training course. You can take PMQ training in either virtual training classroom format or e-learning self-study format.

APM PMQ was formerly called APMP (APM for PRINCE2 Practitioners). The name of the qualification was changed in 2016.

Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)

Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) assesses your ability to deliver projects, programmes or portfolios. It is designed for:

• Anyone holding PMQ certification;
• Anyone working in project, programme or portfolio management;
• Anyone wanting to achieve Chartered Project Professional (ChPP).

You’ll need to pass three core modules: professionalism and managing others, planning and control and governance. You’ll also need to pass one module specific to your role: project, programme or portfolio.

Each module has a 3-hour exam based on a scenario. There are four written questions in each exam.

Registered Project Professional (RPP)

This APM qualification is designed for experienced project professionals. It allows you to prove your leadership and project, programme or portfolio management skills. You must have:

• A minimum of 7 years project, programme or portfolio management experience; or,
• APM PPQ or PQ certification (APM PQ was discontinued in March 2019).

You’ll be assessed with an interview and written submission. The interview is based on the evidence in your written submission, which must include:

• An overview of two projects, programmes or portfolios you have managed in the last 7 years;
• Evidence of 35 hours continuing professional development (CPD) within the last year;
• Your answers to five sets of questions about projects, programmes or portfolios;
• Details of two referees.

APM Project Risk Management Single Subject Certificate

This qualification is designed for those with APM PMQ qualification (or equivalent) who wish to demonstrate project risk management knowledge. It has two levels:

• Level 1 requires you to pass a 1-hour multiple-choice exam. Gaining this certificate shows you can contribute to project risk management;
• Level 2 requires you to pass a 3-hour 15-minute written exam. Gaining this certificate proves your understanding and ability to carry out formal project risk management.

IPMA Level A, B, C and D

IPMA qualifications are international qualifications for experienced project, programme or portfolio managers. APM are the accreditation body for IPMA in the UK. You will need to demonstrate experience and take a formal assessment for each.

APM certification and your career

APM qualifications help you develop your project manager career by equipping you with a broad range of skills. They are also an excellent way to prove your experience and knowledge to employers.

Unlike qualifications such as PRINCE2, you won’t just learn a project management framework. You’ll also learn how to be an effective leader, how to communicate correctly and how to work in a team.

An APM qualification is highly respected in the UK. Many different industries use guidance from the APM BoK to manage projects. However, you’ll find these qualifications are especially popular in:

• Construction;
• Engineering;
• Oil and gas;
• Government;
• Defence;
• Transport.

Comparing qualifications

This table compares a wide range of popular project manager qualifications:

FAQs

Is an APM project management qualification worth it?

Yes. In the UK, APM qualifications are the 2nd most in-demand qualification for project managers after PRINCE2. The topics which are covered on APM training overlaps with a PRINCE2 course, but also covers different aspects of project management such as useful techniques for tracking time and cost which are subjects that PRINCE2 training does not usually cover.

What format are your training courses?

Currently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, all classroom training delivered as virtual classroom training. Virtual classroom training courses last the same duration as a typical classroom course. The only difference is that you attend the class from home, using your computer.

What tools are used for online virtual classroom training courses?

We use advanced educational technology for our virtual training classrooms. As a student, all you need to attend an online training event is a computer with audio capabilities and an internet connection.

The tutor will use virtual classroom software which incorporates interactive whiteboards, chat tools, presentations, quizzes, audio, video and break-out rooms for students.

A virtual classroom is very much like a real classroom, except that you take the course from your location.

What is the difference between virtual classroom training or self-paced online training courses?

In self-paced online training you get full tutor support for your learning from an experienced tutor. You study in your own time, at your own pace. You have access to the e-learning for 12 months. When you are ready, you can book your exam.

In virtual classroom training, you are interacting with the tutor and other students in real time. This makes it very much like a traditional classroom. You can work and study alongside other students and ask questions at any time to the trainer.

In virtual classroom training, there is a set time when the course starts and ends. You will receive a timetable at the start of the training.

Is there an APM training course near me?

If you are based in or around Glasgow, then this training is within easy reach.

Note: During the Covid crisis, all Glasgow APM training will take place as virtual classroom training.

If you are not based in Glasgow, you can APM attend training by choosing a city below.

APM Courses Birmingham

APM Courses Bristol

APM Courses Edinburgh

APM Courses Glasgow

APM Courses Leeds

APM Courses Liverpool

APM Courses London

APM Courses Manchester

APM Courses Southampton

How do I contact you in Glasgow?

How to find us