APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ Course)

Achieve your APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) with expert-led training from one of the UK’s most established providers. This internationally recognised certification from the Association for Project Management (APM) is ideal for professionals managing complex projects across any industry.

Study your way – choose from online, classroom, virtual, or blended formats to suit your schedule. With over 30 years of experience and fully updated 2024 course materials, Training ByteSize delivers accredited learning designed for career advancement and organisational impact.

Not sure if APM PMQ is the right fit? View all APM project management training courses

Residential Course Offer, just £2395 + VAT – Nantwich Classroom Course

Accreditation information

Training Bytesize is an Accredited Training Provider for the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) (SCQF Level 6).

All our course materials have been evaluated to ensure they meet APM standards, and we are authorised to administer the APM Project Management Qualification exam as outlined in our accreditation.

Through 12 structured modules, you’ll gain expertise in governance, scheduling, budgeting, risk, and stakeholder management — all mapped to APM Body of Knowledge (BoK) standards. Includes exam preparation, mock tests, and APM-accredited tutor support.

This multimedia training course enables you to understand and harness the knowledge areas of the project management lifecycle, including: budgeting and cost management, communication, teamwork, resource management, project risk management, project reviews and much more.

The syllabus covers many aspects of project management:

Budgeting and cost management
Conflict management
Communication
Earned value management
Leadership
Negotiation
Procurement
Sponsorship
Teamwork

You will be assessed on the syllabus areas during the 2.5 hours exam that can be split into two parts. You can take a break of up to 30 minutes between parts, if you want to.
The break time will be in addition to the 2.5 hour exam time. There are 40 questions to answer worth a total of 90 marks.

You will have access to the online APM PMQ course which contains videos, animation, documents, and sample exam questions.

You will benefit from the expertise of tutors with over 15 years of experience, as well as have 24/7 customer support available to you.

The course consists of 12 modules, and learners can work through them at their own pace. Throughout the course, there are sample exam questions to allow you to practice for the official APM PMQ exam as well as to test your knowledge for each APM PMQ Learning Objective.

Once you’re prepared, feel free to schedule your official online exam for a time and date that suits you – all you require is a computer, webcam, and internet connection. You can easily book your exam by using the online booking form.

The initial session contains important document downloads and an exam briefing on the APM PMQ exam. It will familiarise you with the course’s structure and content.

This session defines projects, programs, and portfolios, covering various project lifecycles such as linear, iterative, and hybrid approaches.

This module also outlines the important roles in project management, from project manager and project sponsor to customer and product owner.

This module explores the purpose and components of a project’s business case, a document outlining the reasons for initiating the project and details the anticipated benefits that will result upon its completion.

Additionally, module three will cover the authorship and ownership of a business case, as well as elaborate on the importance of success criteria, key performance indicators (KPIs), and benefits.

This course module covers the seven scheduling steps of a project, focusing on the initial two steps that define the project’s scope. This involves identifying the products, activities, and tasks needed for production.

Additionally, this module will explain the primary breakdown structures and how they relate to one another.

Providing you with the knowledge to create networks for your projects, this module focuses on dependencies and networks. You will also find out about the significance of networks and various network relationships.

This module explores four typical estimating techniques: Subjective, Analogous, Parametric, and Analytical.

It covers risk and risk management, detailing how to recognise and reduce risks, address challenges, and outline their management. It also clarifies the distinction between effort and duration.

This session surrounds the significance of the critical path, and how to calculate it. It will guide you through defining the products, identifying activities, creating a network diagram, estimating activity durations, and considering potential risks.

This session will address adding resources to the schedule and maximising their efficiency. It will explore how float can help determine team size and discuss the key factors to consider when assigning resources to tasks.

This session will cover project monitoring and control methods. Monitoring involves exchanging information, while control entails assessing information, making decisions, and implementing them.

In this session the course will look further into requirements management which includes:

Understanding the requirements:

Gathering requirements
Analysing the requirements
Justifying the requirements
Baselining the requirements

It concludes by prioritising the requirements with MoSCoW and determining how requirements management fits into the project lifecycle.

This module will discuss organisations including, organisational structures, permanent and temporary structures and project structures. It will also cover leadership, motivation, teamwork, negotiation and conflict management.

This session outlines governance in a project and looks at laws and legislation, health and safety, environmental considerations, employment law, contract law and GDPR.

6 months online access to the APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) course which includes:
- 12 modules covering the APM PMQ syllabus.
- Downloadable documents
- Sample Exam Questions
The official APM PMQ examination.

This APM PMQ course is aimed at people wishing to achieve a broad level of project management knowledge – which would be sufficient to participate in projects from individual assignments through to large capital projects. After participating in this course, candidates will be able to understand how their project fits into the strategic and commercial priorities of the company.

The widely recognised and respected APM Project Management Qualification is a great option for professionals seeking relevant certifications to help aid career advancement.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for taking the APM PMQ course, but you would ideally have some pre-existing project management knowledge or experience to draw upon.

It’s the ideal next step for anyone who has previously passed the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification.

The APM PMQ exam can be taken online when you are ready with a webcam.

The exam evaluates a wide range of project management knowledge, encompassing various knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge, including: budgeting and cost management, conflict management, communication, earned value management, leadership, negotiation, procurement, sponsorship, and teamwork.

The exam lasts for 2.5 hours with the option of a 30 minute break between the two parts. You will need to answer 40 questions with a maximum 90 marks available.

The pass mark for the APM Project Management Qualification will vary between exam versions to take account of slight differences in question difficulty between different exam versions.

APM PMQ is widely recognised and respected globally, providing individuals with a prestigious credential that enhances their professional reputation.
Holding this certification opens new opportunities for career advancement. It demonstrates proficiency in project management to employers and can qualify individuals for higher-level roles.
This qualification enhances an individual’s marketability to employers, making them more attractive candidates for project management positions across various industries and sectors.
The APM PMQ course equips individuals with advanced project management skills, including planning, execution, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, enabling them to lead complex projects with confidence.
Certified project managers typically command higher salaries than non-certified professionals, as the APM Project Management Qualification validates their expertise and demonstrates their ability to deliver successful projects.
This certification marks professional excellence in project management, providing individuals with recognition and respect within the industry.
Participation in the APM PMQ course often facilitates networking with other project management professionals, providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career growth.
This course requires individuals to engage in ongoing professional development activities, ensuring they stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques in project management.
The course includes practical exercises and case studies that help individuals develop advanced problem-solving abilities, essential for addressing complex challenges encountered in project management.
Successfully passing the APM PMQ course instils confidence in individuals, enabling them to tackle high-pressure situations and lead projects to successful outcomes.
Certified individuals contribute to the overall success of their organisations by effectively managing projects, delivering results, and driving continuous improvement in project management practices.
APM PMQ certification signifies a commitment to professional growth and development, demonstrating a willingness to invest in acquiring advanced project management skills and knowledge.

Employees who have completed the APM PMQ course bring back enhanced project management skills and knowledge, leading to improved project planning, execution, and control within the organisation.
With a better understanding of project management principles and best practices, certified employees are better equipped to lead projects to successful outcomes, including meeting objectives, deadlines, and budget constraints.
APM PMQ certified employees are trained in identifying, assessing, and managing risks effectively, leading to reduced project risks and increased likelihood of project success.
Through the application of advanced project management techniques learned in the course, employees can deliver higher quality project outputs, meeting or exceeding stakeholder expectations.
Improved project management practices, better risk management, and higher-quality deliverables often lead to cost savings for the organisation, as projects are completed more efficiently and effectively.
Providing opportunities for employees to undertake professional development courses like the APM Project Management Qualification demonstrates the organisation’s investment in their growth and development, leading to higher levels of employee satisfaction, morale, and engagement.
A workforce with certified professionals enhances the organisation’s reputation for professionalism and competence in project management, which can attract clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Qualified employees are better equipped to manage project resources efficiently, optimising the use of time, budget, and personnel to maximise project outcomes.
The APM PMQ equips employees with skills to manage change effectively within projects, enabling the organisation to adapt to shifting priorities, requirements, and market conditions more smoothly.
Organisations with a higher number of certified employees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace, as they can demonstrate superior project management capabilities compared to competitors.
Certified employees understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration in project management, leading to smoother project execution and fewer misunderstandings.
By investing in the professional development of employees through courses like the APM PMQ, organisations lay the foundation for long-term growth and success, as skilled project managers drive innovation, efficiency, and strategic initiatives.

The learning outcomes of the APM PMQ course are designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.

These learning outcomes collectively prepare you to successfully undertake the challenges of managing projects in a variety of industries and sectors, contributing to your professional development.

The learning outcomes include:

Participants gain a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of project management, including project lifecycle, governance, and key success factors.

Participants develop skills in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation, as well as techniques for monitoring and controlling project progress.

Participants learn to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks effectively, employing tools and techniques to minimise the impact of uncertainties on project outcomes.

Participants understand the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project lifecycle, learning strategies for managing stakeholder expectations and addressing conflicts.

Participants gain knowledge of quality management principles and techniques, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed stakeholder requirements and expectations.

Participants learn about procurement processes, contract types, and supplier management practices, enabling them to effectively procure goods and services for projects.

Participants develop leadership skills and techniques for motivating and managing project teams, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts to achieve project objectives.

Participants understand the importance of change management in project delivery, learning strategies for managing and responding to changes effectively to minimise disruption and maintain project momentum.

Participants gain knowledge of project governance structures, roles, and responsibilities, as well as legal and regulatory compliance requirements relevant to project management.

Participants learn best practices for closing out projects, conducting post-project reviews, and capturing lessons learned to improve future project performance.

Participants are introduced to ethical considerations and professional standards in project management, including integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Training ByteSize have been delivering Project, Programme and IT Service Management training since the early 90’s. We added the APM courses to our portfolio in 2012 and since then 1,000’s of people have passed their exam with us.

The online APM PMQ course was developed out of demand from our current customers who found that taking staff out of the office for up to 8 days wasn’t viable and was costing the business money. The online project management course is running at 100% pass rate along with the blended learning with combines the online course with a two day workshop.

We’re experts in helping people achieve this qualification whether you are an individual or you’re looking to put a group through. We also offer on-site training if your preference is to have a trainer in the room with everyone. Our public project management courses are also a great way of achieving the qualification. Contact us today for more information.

The APM exam and PRINCE2 are both project management methodologies, but they differ in several key aspects:

Focus:

APM certification focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices. It covers a broad range of topics, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and project closure.
PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology that provides a step-by-step approach for managing projects. It emphasises defined processes, roles, and responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle.

Flexibility:

PMQ training offers a flexible framework that can be adapted to different projects and environments. It provides principles and best practices that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each project.
PRINCE2 offers a standardised approach with prescribed processes and procedures. While it provides flexibility within its framework, it is more structured compared to APM PMQ training.

Certification:

The APM PMQ qualification offers a certification that demonstrates a candidate’s understanding of project management principles and practices. It is recognised by employers and organisations across various industries.
PRINCE2 also offers certification levels such as PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. These certifications focus specifically on the PRINCE2 methodology and are widely recognised in project management roles.

Scope:

The APM project management course covers a wide range of project management topics and is suitable for project managers and individuals working in project management roles across different industries.
PRINCE2 is primarily focused on managing projects within a controlled environment. It is often used in sectors such as IT, construction, and government projects.

In summary, while both APM certification and PRINCE2 are project management methodologies, they have different focuses, approaches, and scopes. Management training through APM provides a broad understanding of project management principles, while PRINCE2 offers a structured methodology for managing projects within a controlled environment.

No, the APM exam certification does not have an expiration date. Once you have achieved an APM PMQ qualification, it remains valid indefinitely.

However, while the certification itself doesn’t expire, the knowledge and skills gained through the PMQ training may become outdated over time due to changes in project management practices, methodologies, or technology. Therefore, professionals are encouraged to stay updated with the latest developments in project management and consider pursuing additional management training as needed to maintain their proficiency and relevance in the field.

No, the APM PMQ exam is not an open book exam.

Candidates pursuing APM certification are typically not allowed to bring any reference materials or resources into the exam room. The exam is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices based on their knowledge and application of the APM Body of Knowledge (BoK) and other relevant materials covered in the APM training.

Candidates are expected to rely on their understanding of project management concepts and their ability to apply them to various scenarios presented in the exam. Therefore, it’s essential for candidates to thoroughly study and prepare for the exam by familiarising themselves with the content of the APM project management course syllabus and practicing exam-style questions.

The APM PMQ qualification aligns with Level 7 on the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This level is also consistent with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7.

The average pass rate for the APM PMQ training course at Training ByteSize is 76%.

Yes, the APM PMQ is a recognised qualification in the field of project management. It is highly regarded both in the UK and internationally. APM is a respected professional body for project management in the UK, and its PMQ qualification is valued by employers and practitioners alike.

The APM certification is widely recognised by organisations across various industries, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organisations. Achieving the APM exam demonstrates a high level of competence and understanding of project management principles, processes, and practices.

Furthermore, the APM project management course is aligned with international standards and best practices in project management, making it relevant and applicable in diverse contexts. It provides a solid foundation for individuals seeking to advance their careers in project management or enhance their professional credentials through management training.

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Training teams is what we do really well, so if you have more than one person to train it may be more cost effective for you to consider our corporate solutions. Courses are offered online, on-site or virtually; there are so many options so it’s best for you to email us at learning@trainingbytesize.com with your requirements and we will send you a tailored quote.

Online learning is so important at the moment

Training ByteSize have been developing online courses for over 20 years, so you can be assured of the highest quality products that have been tried and tested over many years. This solution is ideal if you are self-funding the course or you have a group within an organisation to train.

This online project management course has been expertly put together by our leading APM Trainers to ensure the most significant elements of the classroom course remain an important focus throughout the online and distance learning.

Once you have completed the APM PMQ course training, you can sit the exam online.

Click below for a free demo of our APM PMQ online course. This will give you an understanding of our approach to online learning and how engaging it is. Please contact us should you have any questions.

Our Virtual Course platform delivers accredited and certified training, led by leading subject matter experts, direct to your home, mobile, computer or office without the hassle of travelling or staying away. It is so easy to fit in an online class into your busy schedule; simply log in from home, the office, or even while you are travelling.

Students can ask questions using a headset, webcam or a chat window, and get their questions answered, just like in a traditional classroom. Questions can be lined up and answered at intervals, without interrupting the teacher’s flow of thought. There is no difference in the level of interaction – in fact distractions are significantly reduced because of this way of teaching. Our trainers have a minimum of 10 years training experience, plus have previously run and managed live projects, so have real-life experience they bring to the virtual session.

Download our virtual classroom course brochure to find out more.

If you would like to find out more about this option please complete this short form and we’ll come right back to you.

The official exam is included in the course price.

Classroom courses with Training ByteSize are a cut above the rest

Included in the price of your APM PMQ BOK7 training is:

A secure training environment
Pre-course learning materials
A thorough, clear and professional course support pack with stationary
Lunch each day, prepared and presented to you
Snacks and refreshments throughout the day
Free onsite parking

Residential training in the historic market town of Nantwich

With state of the art training facilities in the heart of rural Cheshire, residential courses at our Nantwich head office are a viable alternative to travelling to a larger city.

During the day your training will be delivered in our brand new offices; the training space is large, bright and inspiring with state-of-the-art technology to support your learning. There is free onsite parking too so you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to leave your car during the day.

In the evenings you can relax in a local hotel just a few minutes drive away. With the bespoke Training ByteSize touch, your residential could feel more like a retreat!

BLENDED TRAINING

Our blended APM PMQ learning solution combines exceptional e-learning course with a virtual 2 day workshop with an APM trainer. This solution is ideal if you are self-funding the course or you have a group within an organisation to train.

The e-learning will take around 30–35 hours to complete, and this can be done at your own pace in your own time.

When you have completed the project management e-learning course, you will then attend one of our trainer led workshops which will run over 2 days. The workshop will run from 9am – 5:30pm each day. Upon completion of the workshop, you can then schedule your exam for a time and date that suits you. You will sit the exam online via APM’s remote proctor system.

Part 1 of APM PMQ Blended Course – e-learning

The effort required with the e-learning learning is approximately 30-35 hours of self-study time. This will include a mix of video, e-learning, downloads and mock exam questions and answers. A large focus is on ‘Project Management in Practice’. We know that you need knowledge in order to pass the final APM Project Management Qualification (APMP) but it’s also important that people can relate the information to their every day jobs in order to be a more effective team member.

Part 2 of APM PMQ Blended Course – 2 day workshop

You will have learnt the ‘knowledge’ part of the course through the e-learning before dialing into the scheduled virtual workshop. The first day of the virtual classroom course is intensive and will concentrate on clarification of the knowledge and validate your thought processes. The morning of the second day will focus on exam preparation to get you ready for the APM PMQ exam. The APM PMQ exam can be taken online at a time to suit you.

If you are looking to train a team of people, you’ll find that our onsite training is a viable and cost effective option for you. We will ensure that from the initial consultation of your requirements to the end result of the course, you and your learners will have had the best possible learning experience and we strive for the highest pass rates for your team.

We also offer group online training. Maybe you would like everyone to study online in order to save time out of the office? We offer great prices for multiple learners; the best way to find out the pricing for that is to complete this short form and we’ll come right back to you. Alternatively you can speak to one of our experts now on +44 (0)1270 626330.

APM Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ Course)

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