The APM Project Management Qualification Online Learning (APM PMQ) is a qualification from the Association for Project Management (APM). It is designed for project managers who have at least two years experience of project management. The primary purpose of the learning is to ensure that delegates have sufficient knowledge and understanding to successfully complete the APM Project Management Qualification three-hour, closed book, examination.

The course covers the 24 topics aligned to the APM Competence Framework included in the APM Project Management Qualification handbook.

This is based on the new syllabus launched by The Association for Project Management in September 2024 and is aligned to their competency framework This updated syllabus includes 24 of the 29 competencies:

1 Life cycles, 2 Governance arrangements, 3 Sustainability, 4 Business case, 5 Procurement, 6 Reviews, 7 Assurance, 8 Transition management, 9 Benefits management, 10 Stakeholder engagement and communication management, 11 Conflict resolution, 12 Leadership, 13 Team management, 14 Diversity and inclusion, 15 Ethics compliance and professionalism, 16 Requirements management, 17 Solutions development, 18 Quality management, 19 Integrated planning, 20 Schedule management, 21 Resource management, 22 Budgeting and cost control, 23 Risk and issue management, and 24 Change control.

The learning focuses on providing knowledge, principles and best practices in project management and includes exam preparation. The APM Project Management Qualification assesses the candidate’s breadth of knowledge in all areas of project management, from strategic and commercial implications, to the technical, organisational, and people management skills required to participate effectively within a project team.

The online learning is made up of a combination of learning bytes which are narrated by experts, practice questions, flash cards and other learning games, including case studies together with access to CITI’s online study guide.

We recommend that when you have completed at least 35 to 50 hours of distance learning you can consider booking your APM examination.

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.

The examination is quite demanding and a lack of effort and commitment on the part of the learner will result in failure to gain the accreditation. We strongly recommend that each individual carefully plans their learning and sets themselves achievable milestones to ensure that they keep on track. Wherever possible, having a work colleague or mentor (preferably the individual’s line manager) to discuss progress at regular intervals is beneficial.

The new format examination from September 2024 will focus wholeheartedly on the assessment of a candidate’s project management knowledge through four new
question types that are designed to be accessible and to minimise barriers particularly for neurodiverse candidates. The structure of the exam will be made up of a combination of:

• 20 x multiple choice
• 10 x long response
• 5 x list response
• 5 x short response questions.

 There will be a maximum of 90 marks available and the pass mark will be dependent on the difficulty level of the questions set.

Our APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is fully accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM). This accreditation ensures that our course aligns with the APM Body of Knowledge 7th Edition and APM Competence Framework, 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.

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.