Is the APM Project Management Qualification right for you? Key questions to ask yourself

Professional development of any kind is a journey, and before you commit to going on this journey, you should consider and reflect on your aspirations, your goals and your knowledge.

The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is a widely recognised qualification designed to give you a broad understanding of project management principles. It covers various areas of project management, such as stakeholder engagement, governance, risk management, life cycles, leadership and more…so should you take it? Well, there are few things to think about, and let’s start with the question everyone always asks:

1. Do you need to have experience as a project manager?

Not quite, you don’t need to have extensive project management experience to take, and achieve, the APM Project Management Qualification. It’s designed to be accessible to both seasoned professionals and those of you who are newer to the field. If you already have experience in projects, the APM PMQ provides structure to validate your knowledge, and if you’re newer, it serves as a strong foundation for developing your skills.

Katie Azulay, Project Manager began her career in sports development. Through “community and stakeholder engagement with local sports clubs and athletes, engaging them to improve their abilities as well as improving subsequent facilities within the local area,” she realised how much she enjoyed seeing projects through. Azulay has made a successful career switch into project management and is completing her PMQ.

2. What are you doing at the moment?

Whilst you don’t have to have experience as a project manager specifically, some experience in projects is important. If you’re managing tasks, overseeing budgets, problem solving and coordinating teams, guess what? You’re probably already working in a project management role. Project managers aren’t always called ‘project managers’ because project management extends beyond formal job titles. So, ask yourself a few questions:

Am I managing timelines and budgets frequently?
Am I relied on to organise projects or processes?
Am I bringing structure and solving challenges?
Do I want to boost my confidence to take on more responsibilities?

If the answers are yes, or you know quite clearly that you are working in the project management sphere, then formalising your knowledge and understanding of project management with the APM PMQ is a good idea.

Pete Abue, MAPM, says, “it is a good opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding about project management…Personally, I enjoyed taking the PMQ and I would strongly recommend it to every project professional.”

It can be a transformational step in building your confidence as a project leader because it helps you develop your expertise. And it gives you comprehensive knowledge in key areas so that you can refine your approach to managing projects.

3. What are your career goals?

Some professionals pursue the APM Project Management Qualification to solidify their existing skills, whereas others use it as a stepping stone for new opportunities. Think about how the APM PMQ aligns with your long-term career plans. Consider:

Do I want a structure or framework for how I manage projects?
Do I want to advance in my organisation or move to a new industry?
Do I want to move into a role where I’m managing more projects?

One of the key benefits of the APM Project Management Qualification is how it demonstrates your professional commitment. It signals to colleagues and employees that you take your career development seriously. The PMQ can be a catalyst to career advancement, improving your chances of securing promotions or new roles.

As Natasha Ekwuozor, Project and Change Leader explains, “genuine enthusiasm and a practical introductory qualification like the APM’s PMQ certification, can help to set you apart from other candidates and put you on the path to success.”

And it doesn’t stop there. Committing to the PMQ can set you up for long-term career success by opening the pathway to chartership, guiding you to becoming a Chartered Project Professional. While additional experience and assessment are required for chartership, the PMQ is as an essential stepping stone towards achieving this professional milestone.

4. Are you ready for the commitment?

Like any qualification, the APM PMQ needs your time and dedication; preparing for the exam takes many hours of study. And depending on your familiarity with the subject, there are different ways to learn and prepare. Some of us thrive in formal learning and some prefer independent study. Ask yourself what works best for you:

Am I currently in a position to dedicate time and money to learning?
Am I better at learning on my own, or would a formal course be better?
Am I going to be able to balance my workload and studying?

There’s no right or wrong answer. But it’s important to think about the time and money you’ll invest. There are lots of resources to support your APM PMQ preparation, and costs vary depending on whether you choose self-study, an online course, or in-person training. Be sure to assess your budget and consider whether you can balance preparing for the exam alongside your work and personal life.

Taking the APM Project Management Qualification isn’t just about getting a certificate, it’s about aligning your professional development with your ambition. Rather than thinking about if you should take the APM PMQ, think about your experience, needs and aspirations.

Reminder: questions to ask yourself before taking the APM PMQ

Do I have some experience or knowledge managing projects?
Am I enjoying myself in a project management role?
Am I keen to deepen my knowledge and build confidence?
What are my career goals and aspirations?
Can I commit the time and dedication to formal study?
Do I want to set sail on route the Chartered?

The answer will present itself. So take some time and explore the qualification in more detail. The APM PMQ is right for you, if it supports you and your career in a way that’s meaningful for you.