APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)

Objectives:

Attendees of this course will learn how to:

• Explain the internal and external contextual factors that influence the management and execution of projects.
• List and describe the key activities that are undertaken in each phase of a generic project life cycle:
  • Concept
  • Definition
  • Development
  • Handover and closure
• Explain the interpersonal skills that are practiced by the effective project manager

Course Outline:

This highly interactive course covers the content of the PMQ syllabus, which is based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 6th Edition. The framework and tools that are covered provide a solid foundation for the successful delivery of a project, irrespective of industry sector.

Delegates will explore these tools through a number of facilitated individual and group-based exercises, providing ample opportunity for sharing experience and learning throughout the class.

In addition to the classroom sessions listed below, delegates will also be assigned evening work to help reinforce learning and prepare for the examination. The evening work is a key part of the course and may take approximately two hours to complete although some delegates may choose to extend this time.

Context and Governance

The governance and setting of a project will heavily influence how it is managed. This section will cover topics such as:

• The difference between project and operational work
• Programme and portfolio management
• Project team roles
• The governance of a project across its life cycle

Concept Phase

It is essential that the need for a project is identified and understood before its viability can then be judged. This may involve:

• Identifying and managing stakeholders
• Creating a business case
• Assessing project success and benefits
• Procuring resources and contract management

Definition Phase

The definition phase is often where the project manager is most heavily involved and we look at a structured approach for planning the project - both in terms of what needs to be done and also how it will be done.

• Requirements and scope management
• Schedule and resource management
• Budgeting and cost management

Development Phase

Putting the plan into action will require the project manager to undertake many of the following actions.

• Project control, including cost control through earned value management
• Manage information and reports
• Risk and issue management
• Health and safety
• Quality management
• Change control and configuration management

Managing the Team

No project is successful without an engaged and committed team. This requires the project manager to utilise a number of interpersonal skills.

• Communication
• Conflict management
• Build and lead the team

Project Handover and Closure

Formal closure of a project will help ensure that the deliverables are handed over in a structured manner and that the team and the organisation has reviewed and learned from the performance on the project.

• Project handover
• Project reviews

The APM Project Management Qualification

The PMQ examination is scheduled for 1.00pm on the final day of the course. The cost of the course does not include the exam. You will therefore only be eligible to sit the exam if you book it separately under code APMPEX-5. If you have not booked the exam, you will be free to leave the course at this time.

Key exam information:

• 3 hours' duration
• Closed-book
• 10 essay-based questions to be answered from a total of 16 questions; each answer is worth 50 marks
• Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of 275 marks out of 500 (55%) to pass

Please note: Delegates must bring photographic identification with them and present this to the invigilator on the exam day (e.g. passport, driving license, company secure access card, student card). Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification may result in a candidate being unable to sit the exam. For questions about what form of identification is acceptable, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273 or info@qa.com.

Exams for delegates attending this course virtually, via 'Attend From Anywhere', will be managed separately, therefore please contact your account manager following course delivery who will arrange this.

Membership

Join the APM today to publicly demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and your own continued professional development.

Whether you have an interest in improving your project management skills, are starting out in the profession or are already an experienced professional, there’s an APM membership grade designed for you.

Visit apm.org.uk/join and start your journey with APM.

APM membership - supporting, connecting and developing more than 23,000 project professionals across UK and internationally.

Please note, this course does not include the exam in the cost. To book the exam and take it at the end of your course please book on code APMPEX-5 with one of our team. When courses are running during a bank holiday (4-day) week the exam will not be available on the final day and will have to be taken at a later date.