Overview

At the heart of APM is the APM Body of Knowledge; fifty-two knowledge areas required to manage any successful project. We promote the use of the Body of Knowledge through qualifications, accredited training, research, publications and events.

Frequently asked questions

The 5th Edition
The 5th edition of the APM Body of Knowledge was released in January 2006 as an update to the version which was released in 2000. The main difference between the fourth and fifth editions is the identification of ten additional knowledge areas (topics). 
Comparison of the 4th and 5th editions (49kb)

Body of Knowledge 5th Edition - Definitions (438kb). A brief overview of the definitions of the topics covered in the APM Body of Knowledge 5th Edition

The APM Body of Knowledge is a sourcebook of project management knowledge and good practice and is written in a clear and accessible style and structured for easy access and use. The new fifth edition includes definitions and further reading for each updated project management knowledge area (or topic), a glossary of project management terms and an index.

The APM Body of Knowledge 5th edition has been written by practising project managers for practising project managers. It is designed to support frontline practitioners, consultants, advisers, senior managers in project-driven organisations, trainers, students, researchers, authors, publishers, librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. It is used by the APM as a foundation for its membership, professional development and knowledge services.

The book is divided into seven sections, each with a brief introduction, and contains 52 knowledge areas (or topics) including a short definition and a more detailed explanation. Each knowledge area lists up to six books for further reading. Inside the back cover is a visual guide to the seven sections and their topics with black tabs running along the edge of the text to indicate the position of each of the seven sections, helping you to find the section you are looking for, simply and easily.

How to get the APM Body of Knowledge
The APM Body of Knowledge can be purchased through our customer service desk (contact details above). APM Individual members can download the APM Body of Knowledge for free in the login area of this site. Individual members of APM also receive a free CD-ROM upon joining APM, containing the complete APM Body of Knowledge. Corporate members will receive a hard copy when joining.  Organisations who wish to place an electronic version of the APM Body of Knowledge on a network for simultaneous use must first contact the Publishing Manager for licensing information.

Acknowledgements
A wide variety of experts have been involved in the various phases of the development of the APM Body of Knowledge. APM is grateful for the time, effort and expertise they put into the project.
List of acknowledgements(35kb)

APM Competence Framework
The APM Competence Framework is linked to the APM Body of Knowldge, 5th edition and can be viewed here.

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