Overview
QA Total Learning™ is our newest and most effective way to learn.
Combining the best of digital and live learning, with access to world-class industry experts, we focus on ensuring you can apply your learning to help you drive impactful results in your workplace. What's more, our digital platform gives you the tools to track your progress and manage your own learning.
This course is for anyone who is looking to grasp the fundamentals of project management. Whether you are in a business role or a technical role, this course will provide an introduction to the world of project management.
Learners might be in their first project support role or working as part of a team delivering projects and looking to develop an appreciation of the theory of project management. Alternatively, they could be more experienced team managers looking to implement fundamental project structures and practices back in the workplace while enhancing their project credentials.
In this Total Learning course, learners will have the best of both digital and live learning to provide the best possible preparation to pass the PFQ examination. This includes digital learning designed around the PFQ syllabus, including sample exam questions, quizzes, and a combination of video and written content.
The 1-day virtual Live event focuses on deepening learners’ understanding of the key topics and involves feedback sessions on exam craft, specifically focusing on the question types in the PFQ exam.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the APM (Association for Project Managers) and includes the PFQ examination.
We are confident in the effectiveness of our course and aim for our learners to pass on their first attempt. In the unlikely event that you are not successful on your first attempt, our Exam Pass Pledge offers you the assurance that we will arrange a free resit, taking the cost and hassle away from you.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge or experience is required for this PFQ qualification.
At the end of this course, the learner will be able to:
- 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.
Outline
This Total Learning course consists of three key stages, all explained during a 1-hour virtual kick off session, which includes a Q&A session:
- Digital stage – up to 15 hours completed over a minimum of three weeks
- Live – 1 day
- Exam – 1-hour Association of Project Management Project Fundamentals examination
Digital stage
The Digital Learning is valid for 3 months from the date of the kick off session
During the Digital stage, learners will work through online content exploring the complete APM PFQ syllabus through a series of modules.
The Digital stage follows a linear life cycle approach, telling the story of project management. Along the way, learners will gain exposure to exam questions and reflective activities to consider how project management theory translates to their workplace.
Live event
During the 1-day virtual Live event, learners will work individually and in teams to consolidate the PFQ theory through practical, exam-focused activities. The facilitator will use Miro to create a digital workspace environment, enabling a collaborative and interactive learning experience.
- Introductions
- Organisation structures
- Governance
- Project reviews
- Linear vs. iterative
- Project context
- Projects vs. programmes
- Communications factors
- Conflict
- Leadership qualities
- Situational leadership
Exam
After the Live stage, learners will progress on to the PFQ exam. The PFQ exam is typically scheduled for 2 working days after the live event commencing at 1pm.
- The APM PFQ exam is a 1-hour, closed-book. multiple-choice examination
- Examinations take place via APM’s qualification platform, Surpass, and the remote invigilation is conducted by ProctorExam.
- Find out more about online APM exams, including technical and systems requirements here
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.