5 day NEW APM Project Management Qualification

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Navigating the New APM Project Management Qualification: What you need to know July 2024.

new apm project management qualification
The Association for Project Management (APM) has recently introduced significant changes to its Project Management Qualification (PMQ), featuring a revamped syllabus, updated exam styles, and an increased emphasis on in-depth learning. Here’s a comprehensive look at what these changes entail and how you can navigate them effectively. To find out more click on the link at the bottom of the page to download the new APM Project Management Qualification handbook

Understanding the New APM Project Management Qualification Syllabus

The new APM PMQ syllabus has been meticulously designed to reflect the evolving landscape of project management. The updated content emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating modern project management practices and theories.

  • It’s now based on the APM competence framework. Learning objectives (highlighted in the new APM PMQ handbook page 9) provide a high level summary of the learning associated with each competence.

There’s a new APM Project Management Exam format

The exam format has also seen a transformation, aimed at better evaluating a candidate’s comprehensive understanding and application of project management principles. Some changes include the new style questions:

  • Multiple response: 20 questions, 1 mark each.
  • Select from List: 5 questions, 2 marks each.
  • Short response: 5 questions, 2 marks each.
  • Long response: 10 questions, 5 marks each.

Increased learning time for exam success

Given the expanded syllabus and new exam formats, the learning curve for the APM PMQ has changed. Candidates are expected to invest more time in study and preparation. Our plan at IPSO FACTO is for you to spend the recommended 75 hours (Total Qualification Time).

  • Pre-course Preparation: 10 hours up front preparation “must” be completed before the start of the course. (10 hours)
  • Guided Learning by your trainer: 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm Friday (32 hours)
    • Activities
    • Exam question and answer feedback sessions
  • Evening self study plus test exam questions. 2 hours daily with feedback and support the following morning (8 hours)
  • Unsupervised Direct Learning: Post course self study and exam preparation: (22.5 hours)
    • Activities
    • eLearning modules and tasks
    • Self study training resources
  • 2.5 hours exam duration. (2.5 hours)

Sample Paper

A new sample paper has now been published to allow candidates and your trainers to experience firsthand what it’s like to undertake our new exam. Use the following link: https://www.apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/online-examinations-what-to-expect/

The pass mark for this paper is 66% and you can find the answers/mark schemes for the sample paper questions in the Learner “Study Pack”. The new paper brings  an assessment that tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the full syllabus in a more accessible way. It will also allow our training providers to spend less time focusing on exam technique and more time helping with content and understanding.

This move is particularly supportive for those who haven’t sat exams previously, but are highly familiar with the syllabus’s content and those with a neurodiversity. The pass mark will be set per paper to ensure fairness by reflecting where there may be more or less difficult questions in papers.

How to approach the exam

Candidates must be familiar with the full syllabus when approaching the exam, as all areas may be assessed across the 40 questions. There are hundreds of questions in our question bank, so please do not attempt to focus on set areas, theories or methods.

Supporting you throughout

Our team at IPSO FACTO are here to support you throughout your journey. We believe that your chances of success will increase significantly for your exam and project management career, if you fully commit to this new process.

Final thoughts

By familiarizing yourself with the new exam styles, and committing to thorough preparation, you can navigate these changes successfully and advance your career in project management with the new APM PMQ. Remember, the journey to mastering the new APM PMQ is not just about passing the exam but about becoming a more effective and knowledgeable project manager.

In Summary

Our team are here to support you throughout. Tim (Initial contact), Jean (course admin), Julia (APM PMQ accredited trainer).

You will have access to additional training resources for FREE right from the start of your learning journey. This will ensure you can complete both guided and direct learning requirements.

For more information: Call 01489 588453 “Here to drive success in Project Management”.

Resources

NEW apm-project-management-qualification-handbook

What is the APM Competence Framework

Register for Free and complete the self assessment tool to benchmark yourself. The tool covers 29 competences from the Competence Framework required for effective project, programme, portfolio management. You will be asked to rate your performance against each competence on a scale from unaware to expert. Once you’ve completed your assessment you can compare your results to project management roles, so bench marking yourself.

It should take no longer than 15 minutes.

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