APM PMQ (Project Management Qualification) Online Course

Aligned with the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition, the course covers the principles and practices required to manage projects across different environments and sectors.

Understand organisations and governance

• Explore project structures, responsibilities and governance frameworks.

Apply life cycles and situational context

• Understand linear, iterative and hybrid approaches and how projects relate to programmes and portfolios.

Plan for success and manage benefits

• Learn how business cases, benefits and information management support project decisions.

Control scope, schedule and resources

• Develop techniques for planning, estimating, scheduling and managing change.

Manage risk, issues and quality

• Apply structured approaches to managing uncertainty, resolving issues and maintaining quality.

Lead teams and communicate effectively

• Strengthen leadership, teamwork and stakeholder engagement skills.

Curriculum

The APM PMQ course follows the official syllabus and covers the learning outcomes and assessment criteria aligned with the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition.

Understanding organisations and project governance

• Types of organisational and project structures, including functional, matrix and project structures
• Roles and responsibilities of the project manager, sponsor and wider project team
• Purpose and benefits of project offices and governance frameworks

Project life cycles and situational context

• Linear, iterative and hybrid life cycles and when to apply them
• Project life cycle compared with extended and product life cycles
• Relationships between projects, programmes, portfolios and business as usual

Stakeholders, communication and leadership

• Stakeholder analysis, engagement and communication planning
• Sources of conflict and approaches to negotiation and resolution
• Leadership styles, motivation and building effective teams, including virtual teams

Business case, benefits and information management

• Purpose and contents of the business case throughout the project life cycle
• Benefits identification, planning, tracking and realisation
• Information management processes and typical project reporting

Planning, estimating and control

• Contents and purpose of the project management plan
• Estimating approaches and the importance of re-estimating
• Monitoring progress, interpreting earned value data and managing contingencies

Scope, change and configuration management

• Defining scope using requirements, product breakdown structures and work breakdown structures
• Requirements management processes for establishing scope
• Change control stages and configuration management activities

Scheduling, resources and cost planning

• Creating schedules using critical path and other techniques
• Resource allocation in linear and iterative life cycles
• Resource smoothing versus resource levelling and cost planning approaches

Procurement and contract management

• Purpose and contents of a procurement strategy
• Supplier reimbursement methods and contractual relationships
• Supplier selection processes and contract award considerations

Risk, issue and quality management

• Risk management processes and proactive and reactive responses
• Issue management and its relationship with risk
• Quality planning, assurance and control in projects

Recognised professional standard

• Gain a respected qualification that demonstrates your project management knowledge to employers.

Designed for experienced practitioners

• Build on practical experience with structured project management methods.

Flexible online learning

• Study at your own pace and fit your professional development around work and other commitments.

Stronger leadership and communication

• Improve your ability to lead teams, engage stakeholders and manage conflict.

Better project control

• Develop your approach to managing scope, time, cost, risk and quality.

Progress towards chartered status

• Use PMQ as a milestone in your professional development and journey towards ChPP status.

The blended APM PMQ course combines self paced online learning with tutor support, allowing you to study around your professional commitments.

• Delivery – Interactive online modules
• Study duration – 40 hours self-paced & 35 hours of live sessions
• Start date – Start anytime
• Tutor support – Email support with responses within 1 business day
• Exam – Included
• Materials – Official guide, interactive content and sample papers
• Access – 12 months
• Best for – Professionals who prefer flexible, independent study

About the e-learning design

The blended PMQ course uses interactive online modules, practice questions and realistic project scenarios to help you apply the syllabus to your work. You can revisit topics as needed and study across desktop, tablet and mobile devices. Email tutor support is available throughout your access period.

The APM PMQ exam is included in the course fee.

• Questions – 40 questions worth 90 marks
• Duration – 2.5 hours
• Break – Optional break of up to 30 minutes between the two parts
• Format –  Online, closed book
• Prerequisites –  None
• Pass mark – 65%
• Results – Within 8 weeks

Question types

• Multiple response: 20 questions worth 1 mark each
• Select from list: 5 questions worth 2 marks each
• Short response: 5 questions worth 2 marks each
• Long response: 10 questions worth 5 marks each
• Successful candidates receive a PDF certificate issued by the Association for Project Management (APM).

Your path to success

• Learn: Build your knowledge through structured online study.
• Practice: Prepare using sample papers and written practice questions.
• Pass: Sit the PMQ exam with a clear understanding of the assessment and effective exam technique.

• Experienced project managers and project leaders
• Professionals managing projects or major workstreams
• Senior team members moving into project management responsibility
• PMO and programme staff working closely with project delivery
• Candidates with or without APM PFQ

The course is not recommended for complete beginners with little project experience.

Do I need previous experience or qualifications to study APM PMQ?

There are no formal prerequisites, but PMQ is designed for professionals with substantial practical project experience. APM PFQ is helpful but not required. If you are new to project management, PFQ is generally a more suitable starting point.

How is the blended APM PMQ course delivered?

The course is delivered through interactive, self paced online modules, with approximately 40 hours of study. You can start anytime, access materials for 12 months and receive email tutor support. The APM PMQ exam is included.

Is APM PMQ difficult to pass?

PMQ is an intermediate level qualification that requires thorough preparation. The closed book exam includes written questions that test your ability to apply project management knowledge. The pass mark is 65%, and practical experience, structured study and sample paper practice will help you prepare.

How long do APM PMQ results take?

Results are sent by email within 8 weeks of completing the examination. Successful candidates also receive a PDF certificate from APM. The timeframe allows for marking and moderation of the written responses.

What support is included with the course?

You will receive 12 months of access to interactive online modules, the official APM guide and sample exam papers. Email tutor support is available throughout your access period and for up to 3 months afterwards, with responses within 1 business day.

What’s included in the APM PMQ course price?

The course fee includes online training, 12 months of access, the APM PMQ exam, the official study guide, sample papers and email tutor support. A separate fee applies if an exam resit is required.

Can I retake the APM PMQ exam if I fail?

Yes. You can arrange a resit if you do not achieve the required pass mark, but an additional exam fee applies. A second attempt is not included in the original course price.

Is APM PMQ suitable for organisations training a team?

Yes. PMQ helps experienced project professionals develop a consistent understanding of project management methods, governance and delivery practices. Online learning allows employees to study around their responsibilities while developing the knowledge needed to support effective project delivery.

Is APMP the same as PMQ?

APMP was the previous name for the APM Project Management Qualification. The qualification is now known as APM PMQ.