APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)

APM PFQ is the entry-level qualification in the APM qualifications set.

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

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

Who is the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) for?

The APM PFQ is designed for early-career project managers or project team members. You’ll learn the practical skills required for effective project management, such as:

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

What’s the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) exam?

The APM PFQ exam is a 1-hour multiple-choice exam. You must score 60% or more to pass. There are no prerequisites, so it’s ideal for aspiring project managers or those with little experience.

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

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

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

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

What’s the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) exam?

The APM PFQ exam is a 3-hour written exam. You must score 55% or more to pass. There are no prerequisites, though many students have some project management experience.

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

APM qualifications and your career

APM qualifications help you develop your career in project management 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.

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

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