Which APM qualifications are available?

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

• 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 Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)

APM PFQ is the entry-level APM qualification. It 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.

To get APM PFQ 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.

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

APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

APM PMQ is designed for project managers. It is a good next step for APM 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 APM PMQ 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 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 PMQ was formerly called APMP (APM for PRINCE2 Practitioners). The name of the qualification was changed in 2016.

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.