Body of Knowledge

What is the APM Body of Knowledge?
The APM Body of Knowledge describes the key areas of knowledge required to manage any kind of project. How these areas are applied will depend on the kind of project you are working on. The APM Body of Knowledge underpins many project management standards and methods including the National Occupational Standard in Project Management. All APM’s qualifications and membership criteria are based on the APM Body of Knowledge.

The 4th Edition of the Body of Knowledge contains 42 areas of knowledge. This has been expanded to 52 areas in the 5th Edition which was released in January 2006.

How was the APM Body of Knowledge 5th Edition developed?
The APM Body of Knowledge is based on an extensive piece of research by University College London, led by Professor Peter Morris. This research was then used by over 40 recognised project management experts to author each of the sections. These sections were then edited into the final version by a small authoring team led by project manager Peter Simon and publisher Ingmar Folkmans.

What’s new in the 5th Edition?
The APM Body of Knowledge 5th Edition still has 7 sections, however there are now 52 topics, 10 more than the 4th edition. Many of the existing titles have also been changed to better reflect the terminology of practicing project managers. Each topic has a short definition, followed by a 350 word explanation and up to six relevant references.

The full version of the Body of Knowledge 5th Edition also has a glossary, list of acronyms, comparison with the 4th Edition and comprehensive index. The numbering of the topics has also changed, sections are listed 1-7 with topics presented as 1.x etc.

What are the new topics?
Portfolio management
Project sponsorship
Project office
Stakeholder management
Issue management
Methods and procedures
Governance of project management
Behavioural Characteristics
Learning and development
Professionalism and ethics

What formats is it available in?
The full version is available as a Book, CD-ROM (exclusively free to members) and is also available in the members’ area of the APM website. A shortened version including just the definitions will be available in the open area of the website as well as given to candidates taking APM qualifications.

I don’t agree with…
The APM Body of Knowledge 5th Edition aims to achieve a consensus view with regard to project management practice. The expert reviewer process ensured that no individual had their views expressed in the final version. Reviewer’s comments were considered in terms of overall consistency with the rest of the Body of Knowledge, whether the comments were industry specific, and whether the view was held by more than one of the experts.

Other principles included ensuring that the APM Body of Knowledge 5th Edition was written in a style that would be understood by practicing project managers, it also used modern references (2000 or later) unless there were older titles considered to be the definitive word on a particular subject.

Where on the website do I find the comparison between V4 and V5?
The Body of Knowledge definitions and comparison with the 4th edition are available on the APM website in the resources area (bok.asp)

Is it possible to purchase a copy of the 5th edition of the APM Body of Knowledge?
The Body of Knowledge in book form is available from the Body of Knowledge section of this website (BOK.asp). A free CD-ROM copy was sent to all members in early February. An electronic version is also available via the members’ area of the website. If you would like to order a copy of the book, please contact APM Publishing on 01767 604951

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