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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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years of e-learning design expertise
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accredited trainers with 450+ years of combined experience
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FAQs
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 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.
Still have questions? Contact us by phone on 0207 148 5985, via live chat, email, or by completing the form below.
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Call +44 (0)207 148 5985
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