APM Project Management Qualification
For those that have at least two years experience running projects
The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), is a knowledge-based qualification developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession. Candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how these elements interact and how their project fits into their strategic and commercial environment. APM PMQ is an internationally recognised qualification. The APM changed the APM PMQ syllabus and examination from 1st September 2024, our eLearning and examinations align to the new syllabus.
Applicants should have at least two years experience in a project environment or a project management focused degree, and it is the ideal next step for anyone holding the APM Project Fundamentals (PFQ) qualification – start learning today for £230+VAT (£276 including VAT). Alternatively, everything you need to gain this project management accreditation is in our distance learning and examination package for £766.67+VAT (£920 including VAT).
The APM have provided a handbook to summarise recent changes that may have been made to the syllabus, candidate guidance, and assessment specification. It is recommended that you read and familiarise yourself with the APM PMQ handbook and the revised APM Competence Framework before attempting the examination.
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Course overview
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 in a project environment or a project management focused degree. 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.
Pricing and options
We accept all major credit and debit cards (except American Express), or please select the option Invoice company under the credit card options at the checkout to generate an invoice to be paid later by your company. All payments are processed securely by Barclaycard with encryption, and we do not keep records of your card details in line with our commitment to our Cyber Essentials accreditation.
Please be aware that the APM are increasing fees from 1st April 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is a widely recognised certification for project management professionals.
The APM PMQ is a comprehensive qualification designed for project professionals who want to validate their knowledge or take a lead on bigger projects. It aligns with the APM Competence Framework and is suitable for those with approximately 2-3 years of experience in project management.
We aim to be the most cost-effective method of gaining the accreditation – with a majority of our costs being the official APM examination.
We accept all major credit and debit cards using Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Maestro – unfortunately we do not accept American Express at present.
You can select Invoice Company to raise an invoice to be paid offline by your accounts team using BACS/SWIFT/IBAN. You can view your invoice(s) when logged on here https://citivirtual.co.uk/my-account/orders/
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Or get in touch at Operations@citi.co.uk with your order number and we can help.
We do not offer the facility to pay using instalments, but you can break down the cost by purchasing the distance learning first – and the examination when you have completed your studies.
We aim to give access to the course and examination for as long as you need it – but
recommend that you complete the accreditation within 12 months of purchase, for your own
development targets. This is subject to syllabus changes from the APM, and APM price
increases, which we reserve the right to pass on.
We provide access to an online learning portal with all of the learning content split up into sections for you to go through at your convenience. This includes case studies, tasks, mock examination, and other resources you might need to help you pass your exam. We recommend that you complete the accreditation within 12 months of purchase, for your own development targets.
The examination is completed online using the Surpass platform and includes 40 questions worth a total of 90 marks. The exam is 2.5 hours and divided into two parts, with an optional break of up to 30 minutes in between. Marking is made up of:
- 20 multiple choice questions – 1 mark each
- 10 long response questions – up to 5 marks each
- 5 short response questions – up to 2 marks each
- 5 list response questions – up to 2 marks each.
Pass mark varies depending on the difficulty of the questions presented, but you should aim for 58 marks or more to pass.
You should allow up to 8 weeks to get your results, which will come in the form of an email from the APM, with your certificate and results breakdown if successful. If unsuccessful you will receive your results breakdown, which can be used to identify gaps in your knowledge. If not received please contact operations@citi.co.uk and we will follow-up with the APM.
If successful, the APM will send a digital certificate five working days after completion. Please check your SPAM/JUNK folders. If not received after five working days, please contact operations@citi.co.uk and we will follow–up with the APM.
We do not offer “free resits” through inflated prices – 63% of people pass first time, and we recommend that you follow the study recommendations and complete the sample questions prior to taking your official exam. We want you to pass first time to keep our pass rate high. If you are unfortunate and do not pass, please contact operations@citi.co.uk for the resit cost price, and to get a report of where extra study is needed.
When you have completed your studies, and successfully completed a mock examination, please contact exams@citi.co.uk with your order details to book an examination – allowing 7 days’ notice (or 12 if special dispensations are required).
We offer a “no questions asked” refunds policy, if requested within 14 days of purchase. This is subject to our fair-use policy, you can read our full Terms & Conditions here https://citivirtual.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/
The qualification covers various knowledge areas aligned to the APM Competence Framework:
- Life Cycles
- Governance Arrangements
- Sustainability
- Business Case
- Procurement
- Reviews
- Assurance
- Transition
- Benefits
- Stakeholder and Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Leadership
- Team
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Ethics Compliance and Professionalism
- Requirements
- Solutions Development
- Quality
- Integrated Planning
- Schedule
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Risk and Issue
- Change Control
- Exam Preparation
Candidates may take a 30-minute break between the first and second part of the examination. A keycode will be provided at the start of the exam, which needs to be entered to begin the examination. Full rules and regulations can be found on the APM website here https://www.apm.org.uk/about-us/terms-and-conditions/
Please provide at least 8 days’ notice to reschedule your examination to operations@citi.co.uk. Fees apply for cancellation or non-attendance. If you withdraw from the examination up to five working days before the examination, a cancellation fee will apply. If you are unable to attend due to illness, you must inform CITI immediately and provide a medical certificate within five working days of the examination date.
We’ve worked with our APM Accredited Training Providers to get an accurate understanding of the average amount of time that candidates will need to commit to completing the qualification:
- 75 hours is the average total time needed to study, revise for and complete the exam (also referred to as Total Qualification Time)
- 2.5 hours is the length of the exam. You can take an optional break of up to 30 minutes in the middle of your exam
- 32 hours is the typical amount of tutor input on a taught course (also referred to as Guided Learning Hours). This is generally delivered via a 5-day workshop
- If you’re completing a taught course, you will need to complete some independent study in addition to the tutor-taught input
- All candidates should spend some time preparing for the exam.
It is recommended to review the APM Project Management Qualification Syllabus (page 8), which highlights the 11 learning outcomes and 67 assessment criteria.
You should have completed your systems test prior to examination day and be using the same computer / laptop used on the systems test, along with a smartphone, your identification, and a good internet connection. The live link to the examination will be sent to you 24 hours before the examination, and you can find out more about the process here https://www.apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/online-examinations-what-to-expect/
The APM changed the PMQ course syllabus and examination in September 2024 to improve the pass rate. Exams cannot be booked using the old syllabus. Please get in touch via Operations@citi.co.uk or LiveChat to discuss your options.
If you have another comment or question please get in touch with us via LiveChat or Operations@citi.co.uk
To find out more, get in touch!
The APM have provided a set of Frequently Asked Questions to help guide participants through the syllabus and examination changes introduced from 1st September 2024, or please talk to us on LiveChat about your options regarding the new format distance learning and examinations from APM.
