Members Area
Home
About us
Careers
Membership
Resources
Publishing
Careers and Qualifications
I’m a student wishing to pursue a career in project management. What should I do?
There are an increasing number of universities and colleges who run project management qualifications. We recommend contacting one of our Higher Educational Institute Members for more details about their courses. APM also have a student member level of membership which gives you access to all member benefits including a subscription to Project magazine. APM Inspire, an initiative designed to bring together students and young professionals interested in project management, was launched in 2005. If you would like more advice about project management careers, please see 'Thinking About a Career in Project Management?' in the careers section of this website.
How do I find out more about APM qualifications?
Contact the APM Professional Development department on:
Tel: 01844 271 680
E-mail: qualifications@apm.org.uk
APM has a progressive structure of qualifications from the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management® through to Certificated Project Manager®. Your level of experience will give you an indication of which level is appropriate for you; APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management® is for those with no project management experience. APMP® is for professionals with more than two years, APM Practitioner Qualification® is for project managers with at least 3 years experience and APM Certificated Project Manager® is for senior professionals with extensive experience. We also have two Risk Management qualifications.
Do I have to start with the Introductory Certificate and work up?
The syllabuses and assessment criteria at each qualification level are all derived from the APM Body of Knowledge and are recognised by IPMA. However, your starting point in the structure will be dependent on and appropriate to your experience. It is possible to start with the APM Certificated Project Manager® qualification, if you feel you have the right experience. Use our Body of Knowledge Self-assessment Form as a guide to which qualification is appropriate for you. This can be found in the Resources area of the website.
Where can I get the best project management training?
APM Accredited Training Providers have been assessed for their ability to deliver effective project management training and their APM Accredited courses cover topics appropriate for specific qualifications and professional development. APM only recommends its Accredited Training Providers.
Where can I get advice about careers in project management?
The careers section on our website gives you a thorough guide to developing your career in project management.
How do I know if I am at the right level for your qualifications?
Through using the sample examination papers on our website and by completing a self-assessment form. These can be found by visiting the 'Qualifications' section of the website and looking up the appropriate qualification.
Can I register for an examination on line?
Yes, the electronic application form should be emailed to either the Association or the Training Provider you are taking the examination through.
Can I download an application form from your website?
Yes, the application form is available from QualificationsApplicationForm.asp the password is bluebird.
What examination material can I download from your website?
- APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management® Syllabus (77kb)
- APMP® qualification syllabus (96kb)
- Sample papers
- Introductory Certificate (69kb)
- APMP (103kb
- APM Body of Knowledge 5th Edition - Definitions (449kb)
- Self-assessment forms
- APMP (239kb) (Located within guidance notes)
- Practitioner Qualification (105kb)
- Certificated Project Manager (79kb)
When do you need to receive application forms?
For the APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management® and APMP® qualifications we must receive the application forms from the candidate or Training Provider at least 5 working days prior to the examination date.
For the APM Practitioner Qualification® we must receive the application form, self assessment form and CV at least 14 working days prior to the event.
Why can’t you accept my late entry?
Allowing any candidates to register after the closing date could jeopardise the efficient production of the examinations.
When are the Introductory Certificate and APMP examinations held?
APM open examinations are held once every 3 months, dates and events can be located on the events page on our website.
Alternatively contact one of our Accredited Training Providers for course dates, locations and costs. A list of Accredited Training Providers can be found on ProfessionalDevelopment.asp.
When are the Practitioner Events held?
APM PQ events are held up to 4 times a year in various locations. Details can be found on PractitionerQualification.asp.
Alternatively you can contact one of our Approved Assessment Centres, a list of which is available on our website.
What do the examinations cost?
- APM Introductory Certificate In Project Management®:
Registration fees (this does not include the course fees)
Member of the Association - £100.00+ VAT
Corporate member of the Association - £100.00+ VAT
Non-Member of the Association - £115.00 + VAT
APMP®:
Registration fees (this does not include the course fees)
Member of the Association - £190.00 + VAT
Corporate member of the Association - £190.00 + VAT
Non-Member of the Association - £290.00 + VAT
APM Practitioner Qualification®:
APM PQ events £1900.00 + VAT
If you take the APM Practitioner Qualification® through an Approved Assessment Centre please contact them direct for costs.
APM Certificated Project Manager®:
Stage 1 & 2 – combined cost of £260.00+VAT
Stage 3 - £520.00 +VAT
No. The only discount available is for members or corporate members of the Association.
Am I entitled to a refund should I decide to cancel the examination?
If you cancel from the Introductory examination within 5 working days of the examination date there is a £55.00 + VAT cancellation charge. For any cancellations on the day of the examination the full cost of the examination is applicable.
If you cancel from the APMP® examination within 5 working days of the examination date there is a £110.00 + VAT cancellation charge. For any cancellations on the day of the examination the full cost of the examination is applicable.
There is no cancellation charge if the cancellation is due to illness (a medical certificate from your GP is required) or a family bereavement.
What happens if something goes wrong in the examination?
Invigilators complete their supervisor notes which must contain details of any unprecedented event that took place during the examination. Grounds for appeal against a result are outlined in the relevant guidance notes for candidates. Any appeals through illness must be accompanied by a medical certificate from your GP.
How can I be sure that the marking of my APMP® examination will be totally unbiased?
Candidate’s scripts are marked “blind”. Only the candidate roll numbers are given to the markers.
The Introductory papers are scanned and the results are automatically calculated by our database.
Are candidates allowed to use dictionaries or other reference material?
No, unless permission is given by the Association for special circumstances.
Where do I get past examination papers from?
Past examination papers are not available. Sample papers / questions can be found on our website under the relevant qualification.
Do you make allowances if English is not your first language?
The APM’s external examiner is notified and will take this into consideration when assessing the candidate’s marks.
When are the results released and where are they sent?
Introductory Certificate results are sent to the candidate within 6 weeks of the examination.
APMP® results are sent to the candidate within 10 weeks of the examination. Practitioner results are sent to the candidate within 4-6 weeks of the event. A summary of the results from each examination / assessment is sent to the relevant Training Provider unless the candidate has specified not to on their application form.
APM Certificated Project Manager® results are sent to the candidate within 4 weeks of the interview.
Certificates are sent to the candidates with the result letters.
Is there any expiry date on the certificates?
Not for the Introductory Certificate and APMP® qualifications.
The valid to and from dates for the APM Practitioner Qualification® and Certificated Project Manager® are clearly stated on the certificates.
Certificates are valid for a period of 5 years.
Are candidates given a breakdown of their marks?
No. Results are issued by grade only: Pass or Fail.
Can I see my marked script?
All scripts, examination papers and qualification materials remain the property of the Association and are not reissued to candidates. For a fee of £33.00 you can come to the Association’s HQ in Princes Risborough to view your script. No copies or notes may be taken.
How much does a duplicate certificate cost?
There is a fee of £15.00 for issuing duplicate certificates.
How long do you keep candidate records for?
Examination material is kept for 6 months. Candidates' overall results are kept indefinitely.
What does APMP stand for?
The 'P' in APMP formerly stood for 'Professional', as the qualification stands at a professional foundation level. The qualification is now wholly referred to as 'APMP'.
Which providers hold exams in my area?
Accredited Providers hold exams around the country and not necessarily the area in which they are based. Please contact the individual providers to find out where exams are held.
How are APM qualifications and PRINCE2 related?
In 2005 the Association for Project Management and the Office of Government and Commerce agreed a letter of intent designed to provide mutual support to both organisations’ missions through project management efficiency, professionalism and skills.
Individuals should be looking for qualifications or certifications appropriate to their circumstances and to the point they have reached in their careers. PRINCE2 is an established methodology, and qualifications in this can be a fast way into a productive project or programme role in a low-risk environment. However, investing in the broader APMP qualification from APM would ensure that the practical method is underpinned with a broader knowledge derived from the APM Body of Knowledge 5th edition.
Individuals should also be aware that knowledge-based qualifications are not the only option. Competence-based assessments, such as the APM Practitioner Qualification, may be appropriate when moving up the competence levels as part of an individual’s commitment to continuing professional development.