The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is aimed at those wishing to gain a broad understanding of the principles of the profession.  It is for those individuals who are – or who intend to be – involved in the running of a project.  It is an excellent introduction to the basic disciplines and the specialist vocabulary used when managing projects.  It would suit people just starting out in project management, and those who, though they don’t intend to become project managers, need to manage relatively non-complex projects.  No prior knowledge or experience is required for this qualification. 

The PFQ is a qualification of the Association for Project Management and is designed to provide a fundamental awareness of project management terminology.

The purpose of the learning is to ensure candidates have sufficient knowledge and understanding to successfully complete the PFQ multiple-choice examination.   The course covers the learning outcomes set out in the APM BoK 7^th edition, included in the PFQ syllabus. 

Candidates will be sent a link to the eLearning materials which will be available 24:7.

It is critical that each individual commits to undertaking the learning to ensure they achieve best value from and maximise their learning and their chances of success in the examination. It is important that the learning is not all ‘back-loaded’ to ensure that each element is fully understood before undertaking the next. We recommend a minimum of 9 hours learning is undertaken over a period ahead of the 2 day Tutor led classroom using the pre read information and eLearning learning content.

The online learning is structured to gradually introduce the candidates to the problems that project management is required to address, and the mechanisms by which this is achieved. At the end of each section they are asked questions to test their understanding. 

We recommend that when you have completed at least 15 hours of distance learning before attending the virtual classroom.

The online learning will be followed by a 2 day tutor led virtual classroom course including a mock examination. The course covers the 10 learning outcomes of the APM PFQ and includes:

• Teaching of the knowledge areas defined by the APM BoK
• Practical exercises
• Mock examination

A mixture of interactive presentations, focused discussions, team and individual exercises and practice tests are used to guide candidates through the syllabus to ensure they gain a good understanding of the topics required.

However, different people have different learning styles and speeds, so we will not push you to take the APM examination on any given date – or impose cut-off dates on the distance learning (please refer to item 1.11 of our Terms & Conditions). We have found this to increase delegate stress levels and negatively affect pass rates, which is why we have a 95% pass rate.

Your knowledge of the APM Project Fundamentals will be verified through a one hour online examination, and all of the information required to pass the APM exam is provided in our eLearning and two-day virtual course. We have a 95% pass rate – and only 36 correct answers of the 60 questions presented are required to pass. We recommend booking the examination as soon as possible after the two-day virtual course, whilst the knowledge is still fresh – we need 7 days’ notice to schedule an examination for you.

It is advisable that you complete the examination on a computer system that is deemed suitable for public Internet access, adheres to your IT departments policies, and is not liable to disclose / damage / destroy any secure or private information relating to you, your organisation, clients or customers.

The examination will be proctored using a webcam, tablet or smartphone – and we recommend using a personal device to avoid corporate policies that may not allow the Chrome plug-in. You can find out more about the process here – https://www.apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/online-examinations-what-to-expect/

If you successfully complete the examination, you will be notified immediately – and you will receive your digital certificate by email within 5 working days.

Our APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is fully endorsed and accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM). This accreditation ensures that our course aligns with the APM Body of Knowledge 7th Edition, providing comprehensive and engaging content to help participants gain essential project management skills. Our distance learning programme offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and achieve certification with a high success rate.

For the examination you will need:

• a computer/laptop (with webcam and microphone),

• smartphone or tablet with camera,

• ID verification documents (either a passport or driving licence) 

• strong internet connection. Prior to taking the examination, you will need to check that your internet and PING speed meet the recommended minimum requirements. 

By purchasing, you commit to attend the two-day virtual course on the days highlighted:

1. Commitment to Attend
   The participant acknowledges that full attendance across both days is essential to gain the intended learning outcomes and certification (if applicable). Partial attendance may result in forfeiture of access to course materials, completion status, or certification.
2. Non-Refundable Policy
   Once payment is processed, if you are within 7 days of the event start date the course fee will not be refundable. Exceptions may be considered only in cases of documented medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances, subject to review.
3. Technology Requirements
   The participant is responsible for ensuring access to a stable internet connection, a functioning device with audio/video capabilities, and any required software or platform access prior to the course start date.
4. Non-attendance and Late Arrivals
   Failure to attend without prior notice will be considered non-attendance. Late arrivals may miss critical content which may affect your examination performance.
5. Transfer and Substitution
   Requests to transfer registration to a future course or substitute another participant must be submitted at least 7 working days before the course start date and are subject to approval.
6. Code of Conduct
   Participants are expected to engage respectfully and professionally. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the course without refund.
7. Minimum participants
   In exceptional circumstances we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a virtual course if the minimum number of participants is not met – to ensure the best participant experience. In such cases, participants will be notified at least 7 calendar days in advance and offered either the option to transfer to a future course date or a full refund