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.
This eLearning course provides learners with knowledge and understanding to prepare them for the PFQ examination (based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 7th Edition).
Prerequisites
This course is suitable for those looking to gain an understanding of project management, or those who are not directly involved in project management but who wish to become familiar with project management processes and key terms. It is also ideal for project managers as a pre-cursor to more advanced certification such as the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ).
Objectives
- 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 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.
The way our course is structured is that it follows a lifecycle approach, rather than following the sections in the PFQ syllabus. Our structure enables you to understand how the tools, skills and techniques are applied at each phase of a project.
A full breakdown of subject areas is provided below:
- Projects and project management
- Programme and portfolio management
- Life cycles (including; linear, iterative and hybrid life cycles)
- Reviews
- Implementing Strategy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Business case
- Success and benefits
- Procurement
- Scope management
- Estimating
- Scheduling
- Resource optimisation
- Deployment baseline (the Project Management Plan)
- Risk management
- Progress monitoring and reporting
- Issue management
- Quality management
- Change control
- Configuration management
- Teams
- Leadership
- Team development
- Communication
Examination Details
You will sit the online PMQ exam on the day that you book with our customer service team. Therefore, you must complete your digital learning before booking this. You will have 12 months from the time of booking this course to access your digital course and to book your exam.
Use of any study materials is not permitted during the exam.
What's included
- Exam included
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.
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.