APM qualification information
APM qualifications are an essential part of the APM Five Dimensions of Professionalism and are designed to meet your needs throughout your career. Benefits of choosing the APM qualifications are:
Achievement
Incorporating a mix of tools, techniques, processes and skills they offer a progressive structure that demonstrates your project management achievements.
- APM Introductory Certificate (SCQF Level 6): for a fundamental awareness of project management terminology.
- APMP (IPMA Level D, SCQF Level 7): for people with some project management experience. There is a specifically designed route to APMP for current PRINCE2 Practitioners.
- Practitioner Qualification (IPMA Level C): a practical assessment of project management skills.
- Certificated Project Manager (IPMA Level B): this qualification is closed to new applications with effect from 31 December 2011.
- APM Project Risk Management Certificates: APM offers level one and level two certificates for project and programme managers involved in project risk assessment in any way.
Recognition
They demonstrate to your employer, clients and suppliers that you are a skilled and committed project professional. Through their alignment with IPMA’s 4 level Certification Programme they also provide recognition throughout the world.
Candidates who pass the APMP, Practitioner Qualification or CPM qualifications are entitled to register their details on the International Project Management Association (IPMA) website at Level B, C or D (according to the qualification held). If you would like your details to be posted on the site you should contact the qualifications team. The fee for IPMA registration is £23.00 (APMP) or £38.00 (Practitioner) or £55.00 (Certificated Project Manager), which is payable to APM.
Knowledge
APM qualifications are developed using the APM Body of Knowledge, 5th edition using well-established project management knowledge.
APM Qualifications and the Body of Knowledge 6th edition
Following the launch of the APM Body of Knowledge, 6th edition and its supporting website on the 8th August 2012, we are now in a position to outline the next phase of the APM Body of Knowledge refresh programme, specifically related to current APM qualifications.
A review of APM qualifications to update and align them with the APM Body of Knowledge, 6th edition is underway. A detailed timetable of activity in relation to this update, including consultation, will be available shortly. Any changes made to the qualifications structure or content will be announced no less than six months prior to their implementation.
In the meantime, existing APM qualifications will continue to use the APM Body of Knowledge 5th edition as the primary reference source. This will remain available via APM publishing until the qualifications have been fully refreshed.
If you have any queries relating to APM qualifications, please contact us.
High level timetable: Refresh and design of IPMA Level C-A qualifications
| Activity | Date |
| Consultation and development of IPMA Levels C-A | October 2013 - March 2014 |
| New assessment criteria issued | 28th April 2014 |
| Final date for registration of candidates for new levels C-A | 28th October 2014 |
High level timetable: Refresh of APM Introductory Certificate and APMP
| Activity | Date |
| Consultation and refresh of the IC and APMP | 27th May 2013 - September 2013 |
| New syllabus issued | 31st October 2013 |
| First exams against the new syllabus | 30th April 2014 |
| Final date for registration of candidates against v5 syllabus | September 2014 |
| First exams taken against v6 syllabus | December 2014 |
(May 2013)
Support
APM Accredited Training Providers offer you the best training and development support throughout your career, and specifically to help you achieve APM qualifications.
APM membership
Qualifications offer routes into APM membership. Automatic eligibility for those obtaining the APM Practitioner Qualification (IPMA Level C) and discounted membership for APM Introductory Certificate and APMP.
APM Registered Project Professional (RPP)
APM qualifications are recognised as satisfying some of the requirements for APM Registered Project Professional. APM recognises these achievements as evidence of knowledge, CPD or competence, depending on the particular qualification. For more information on APM's pan-sector standard please visit the APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) webpage.
Download our qualifications brochure
Download our qualifications application form
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