APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ)
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Overview
The APM Project Fundamentals qualification (PFQ), is a knowledge-based qualification developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession. The PFQ is the first step in the APM suite of certifications and provides:
- A fundamental awareness of project management terminology
- A broad understanding of the principles of the profession
- The knowledge to make a positive contribution to any project.
This course is aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge version 7 and includes the PFQ examination, and all course material to prepare you fully for your exam.
Target Audience
No prior knowledge or experience is required for this PFQ qualification.
Benefits of taking this course
By taking this course you will achieve a good foundation knowledge of project management. The PFQ is the first APM qualification which provides a basis for moving onto the APM Project Management qualification (PMQ).
The PFQ is aligned to the Scottish Credit Qualifications and Framework level 6
Why QA should be chosen
QA are a market leader in the PFQ, training thousands of people every year with market-leading pass rates. QA offers PFQ training in a format that suits you:
- Classroom (public courses or client–specific, at a QA venue or client venue)
- Virtual
- Live Streaming
- Digital/online
The PFQ exam is also available online, for added convenience.
Prerequisites
APM regulations state that PFQ candidates should undertake up to 13 hours of independent study in addition to your training course. This will consist of exam preparation activities and pre-course learning that will:
- Develop early awareness of each course topic so that learning, knowledge retention, and course participation is maximised
- Ensure that your IT complies with APM's online exam requirements
The pre-course activities may take up to 11 hours to complete and are an essential component of your PFQ study programme. They will establish a solid foundation for learning, helping you to relate each topic to your own role. Learners who fully complete all activities will also be much better prepared for the PFQ exam.
Proof of Identification
Photographic identification is required to sit your PFQ exam. Examples include:
- Driving licence
- Passport
- Work Badge
You are required to show the invigilator your photographic identification – failure to do so will mean you will not be allowed to sit your exam.
Online Exams
If you are taking an online exam, we advise you to familiarise yourself with the remote invigilation exam platform. Guidance on IT requirements for the exam can be found on the APM website:
- Online examinations: what to expect
- Step-by-step guide to your new candidate experience
- Online invigilation FAQs
- APM rules and regulations for remote invigilated examinations
- User guidance: Taking a remote invigilated examination
Reasonable Adjustments Policy
The exam provider allows additional time for candidates who have a disability. At least two weeks' notice will be required for processing this request. Failure to advise QA and provide evidence when requested, may result in the additional support not being offered via the policy. QA Exam Administration can be contacted by email exam.admin@qa.com or by phone +44(0)1793 696162.
Any other assistance
If you require any other assistance to attend your course, please get in contact and we will do everything we can to make your time at QA comfortable. Please contact your account manager, or via one of the options below:
- 0345 757 3888
- info@qa.com
- www.qa.com/contact
Learning Outcomes
By attending this course, you will:
- 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
- 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
Course Outline
This course covers provides comprehensive coverage of the PFQ syllabus aligned to the Body of Knowledge 7. The PFQ syllabus contains:
- 10 learning outcomes (above)
- 59 assessment criteria – the specific topics you are required to know
The PFQ syllabus showing full topic coverage is available on the APM website.
Your course is logically structured around the key phases in the project life cycle rather than following the Learning Outcomes in the PFQ syllabus. This structure enables you to understand how the tools, skills and techniques are applied during each phase of a project.
- Projects and organisations – what are the organisational factors that influence how projects are delivered, helping to ensure that the project has a controlled start, middle, and end.
- Concept phase - the initial phase in a project where we establish its feasibility.
- Defining the project - the phase where detailed planning is undertaken (how, what, who, and when).
- Deployment - the project plan is implemented and progress must be measured, managed, and reported.
- People and behaviours - effective interpersonal skills will help build a high-performing team and ultimately deliver more successful projects.
- Transition – the final phase involves deliverable handover, commissioning, and acceptance of outputs to the sponsor and wider users, culminating in formal project closure.
PFQ Examination
You will sit your PFQ examination in the afternoon of day 2. Some details about your PFQ examination:
- 60 minutes duration
- Multiple choice
- Pass mark is 36 (60%)
- Closed-book
Your course includes preparation for your examination. This includes undertaking mock examination questions, and answer reviews. Questions will also be set to be completed in the evening, and you can expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours in the evening on this additional work. Please ensure you can dedicate time to this evening work.
QA is an approved training provider for ELCAS, proud to support service leavers in their transition into the tech industry. Learn more about Elcas approved training here.
Special Notices
Please note that in some of our centres the course material will be provided in digital format and not on paper. Please raise any concerns you might have about this with the QA Account Manager at the time of booking.
APM certification paths
Project Management learning paths
Want to boost your career in project management? Click on the roles below to see QA's learning pathways, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.