APM Project Management Fundamentals (PFQ)

Course summary

Employers throughout the world and across all types of industries now recognise the value that competent and capable project professionals can offer – reducing risk, increasing the chance of success and steering change efficiently and effectively. This is where the PFQ can help you increase your competence and capabilities in these areas.

Professional qualification not only helps you stand out in the competitive job market, but demonstrates to employers, clients and various stakeholders that you have the body of knowledge to confidently and capably manage projects – from individual assignments to large capital investments.

This intensive two-day course will prepare you to sit the APM PFQ test.

This course is suitable for those wanting a broad understanding of the principles of the profession. You don't need any prior knowledge or experience for this qualification.

The curriculum is based on the latest 7th edition of the APM Body of Knowledge and covers the project management essentials.

Teaching and assessment

Taught in English, this intensive course is typically taught using a combination of instruction, presentations, discussion, team exercises and sample exam questions, which are purposefully designed to be fun, engaging and participative. Each classroom session will cover a specific subject addressing all the main topics covered by the APM PFQ syllabus in a structured and consistent way.

We will provide you with pre-course material and, to gain the most from the course, we recommend that you go through the study guide as a minimum before you attend the programme. This pre-course work is expected to take approximately six hours.

When you begin, you will receive access to our online learning platform (Blackboard). We will provide supplementary learning material via Blackboard, which provides help with self-study and quick online access to electronic reference copies of the notes, slides and exercises and the official study guide. You will find an online Q&A forum, additional practice quizzes with built-in feedback and be given the opportunity to submit a full question attempt and obtain feedback.

Teaching time is expected to last approximately 15 hours with a further two hours of evening study to reinforce the day’s learning and prepare for the exam. Additional optional consultations with your tutor will also be available outside of teaching hours.

The Fundamentals Qualification is a one-hour, 60-question, multiple-choice exam. Each question carries a maximum of 1 mark. The pass mark is 60% of the total available marks.

The PFQ syllabus assesses the key elements of the project management life cycle and covers knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge, including:

• planning and scheduling
• communication
• teamwork
• resource management
• project risk management
• project reviews

About the APM and PFQ

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the only chartered body for the project profession, with over 30,000 individual members and more than 500 organisations participating in its Corporate Partnership Programme. First formed in the UK in 1972 with the original name the Association of Project Managers, the name changed in 1996 to reflect its growing interest in the project management industry.

The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (SCQF Level 6) is a multiple-choice examination. It offers a fundamental awareness of project management terminology giving you the knowledge to make a positive contribution to any project. It is designed to allow you to gain a broad understanding of the principles of the profession.

What's included in the course cost?

The course cost includes lectures, lecture materials, a copy of the study guide, one sample examination paper and an online examination.

For delegates from abroad, please contact us at [email protected] to see what options are available for your study guide.

Discounts and offers

If you decide to book the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) course after you have completed your APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) course with us, you can take advantage of our 10% progression discount.

If you are booking as a group or institution, please contact us before you book as you may be able to benefit from our 15% group or corporate discounts.

We also offer a 20% discount to our undergraduate and postgraduate students, alumni and colleagues.

Course structure

The course is designed to increase your business awareness of the project management life cycle. The framework, tools and techniques will provide a solid foundation for the successful delivery of a project, irrespective of industry sector, enabling you to manage changes, analyse risks and conduct project reviews. You’ll also focus on communication and teamwork to drive delivery, gain cooperation and agreement from all stakeholders.

Learning structure

• Two days' training (9:00-17:00 each day)
• 30-minute in-class consultation session at the end of the first day (optional)
• Two online consultation sessions (30 minutes each), outside of teaching hours (optional)
• 6 hours of pre-course reading (APM PFQ study guide)
• Online introductory quiz
• Two hours of directed homework after the first day of the course
• Four hours of blended learning available on the University learning platform
• Online assessment (1 hour), to be taken remotely within 4 weeks of course completion via the APM Online Examination Platform 

Day 1

• Understand project management and the operating environment
• Understand project life cycles
• Understand the roles and responsibilities within projects
• Understand project management planning
• Understand project scope management 

Day 2

• Understand resource, scheduling and optimisation in a project
• Understand project risk and issue management in the context of a project
• Understand quality in the context of a project
• Understand communication in the context of a project
• Understand leadership and teamwork within a project

Entry requirements

This qualification is for those wanting a broad understanding of the principles of the profession. You don't need any prior knowledge or experience for this qualification. The PMQ is the ideal next step for anyone holding the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ).

Tutor information

As well as being accredited Trainers themselves, the teaching team is comprised of experienced lecturers and experts in the area of project management. One or more of the team will deliver your course and you will have access to whatever help, support and guidance you might need throughout your studies.

• Dr Magda Hercheui
• Dr Dania Issa
• Dr Walaa-Eldeen Bakry

• Dr Mohamed Barakat

Accreditation

The University of Westminster is an Accredited Training Provider for the APM Project Management Qualification (PFQ) (SCQF Level 6) and the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) (SCQF Level 7). APM Training Providers have had their course materials assessed to meet APM standards and are permitted to deliver the APM Project Fundamental Qualification test and the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) exam specified in their accreditation.