APM Qualifications Explained v1.04

8/3/2019 APM Qualifications Explained v1.04

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Focus on Training Tel: 0845 450 6120 Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

APMP, MSP, PRINCE2 , Focus on Training and certain other names used are Trade Marks of their respective owners

© 2011 Focus on Training

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APM QualificationsExplained APMP and other Certifications from the Associationfor Project Management






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AAPPMM QQuu aa lliif f iicc aa tt iioo nn ss EExx pp llaa iinn ee dd The Association for Project Management (APM) is the largest professional body in Europededicated to project and programme management. It offers a series of highly respected qualifications for project management professionals. At the higher levels thesequalifications provide recognition for those with extensive project management experience – but the first two levels are very relevant to those embarking on a project management career.

This guide provides an independent overview of the APM qualification structure, detailsthe most popular training courses, and explains how APM compares with other certification bodies.

Prepared by:

Steve Twine Managing Director – Focus On Training

Version 1.04 April 2011

About:

Focus on Training specialises in provision of Best Practice training within the fields of ProjectManagement and IT Service Management. A comprehensive range of APM, PRINCE2, MSP,PMI, and ITIL courses from leading accredited training organisations can be booked at ourproject management site:www.focus-on-training.co.uk

With a network of over 40 high quality training partners Focus specialises in offering you thewidest choice of accredited Project and Programme Management courses in the UK, helpingyou achieve Best Practice performance and certification – as an individual or an organisation.

Steve Twine is Managing Director and leads the Project Management team at Focus. He hasdeep experience of complex and high profile international projects within the [email protected]






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Contents

1. Jobs, Careers and the Association for Project Management

2. The APM Qualification Structure

3. APM Introductory Certificate

4. APMP

5. APM, PRINCE2 and PMI compared

6. FAQs

7. Finding and Booking your Course






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1. Jobs, Careers and the Association for Project Management

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the professional body for project

managers in the UK. There are 17,500 individual members and 500 corporate

members. It can help those pursuing a project management career in a variety of

ways:

Providing a network for project managers in different organisations and

project roles to share experiences and ideas

Representing and promoting the interests of project management as a

profession

Helping you obtain and develop best practice skill setsValidating your knowledge and experience against recognised benchmarks

This document mainly concerns the third of these – and in fact you don’t need to be an

APM member to study for the knowledge based qualifications. However it is worth

understanding the status of the APM and the professional recognition associated with its

certificates.

www.apm.org.uk

2. The APM Qualification Structure

There are 4 main qualifications in the APM hierarchy. The Introductory Certificate

and APMP are primarily knowledge based, and training for these provides delegates

with a thorough grounding in project management skills. They require an

understanding of the APM’s “Body of Knowledge”, which is a distillation of project

management good practice. There are popular accredited courses which include both

training and exam.

The Practitioner Qualification and Certificated Project Manager evaluate a

candidate’s proven ability and success in application of this knowledge to real world

scenarios or actual projects. They are not generally associated with a specific training

course.






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Whilst the qualifications represent a clear hierarchy from project management novice to

project management expert there is no requirement to obtain a lower level certificate

before seeking assessment at a higher level.

The three higher certificates are recognised by the International Project Management

Association (IPMA) which sets criteria for Project Management qualifications worldwide.

In addition to the 4 general qualifications above, the APM offers Certificates in Project

Risk Management at Level 1 and Level 2.

A new high level, experience based credential was launched by the APM in 2011. The

Registered Project Professional (RPP) is aimed at “those able to demonstrate the

capabilities of a responsible leader, who have the ability to manage a complex project

and use appropriate tools, processes and techniques”. Candidates are required to

submit a portfolio of work and attend a 45 minute oral assessment. To maintainregistration it is necessary to undertake 35 hours Continuing Professional Development

each year.






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3. APM Introductory Certificate

Overview:

This 2 day course (including exam) is suitable for those new to a project management

environment. This may include aspiring project managers or those who are working

within project teams.

Prior knowledge or experience of project management is not essential. The syllabus is

based on 27 knowledge areas identified in the APM Body of Knowledge (5 th edition).

What will I learn?By the end of this course you should understand the principles of project management

and key concepts including:

Project Management Plan

Business Case

Project Risk

Quality Management

Change Control

Communication and Reviews

You will be able to take an active part in a project team and make a positive

contribution to any project environment.

Exam:

The exam is normally taken as part of an accredited course.

Duration 60 minutes

Format 60 multiple choice questions; closed book

Pass Mark 60%

Results are posted direct to the candidate within 6 weeks of the exam.






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4. APMP

Overview:

This training and exam is for those with existing knowledge and experience of projects

who wish to enhance and consolidate their skills. Courses generally are over 5 days

with the exam on the final afternoon, though sometimes the exam is taken separately.

The APMP qualification is internationally recognised and will provide project managers

with a valuable recognition of their capabilities.

APMP covers all aspects of project management from the strategic and commercial

elements, through to technical, organisational and people management skills. Thesyllabus is based on 37 knowledge areas identified in the APM Body of Knowledge.

[The APMP acronym sometimes causes confusion. It originally stood for APM Professional but isnow only used in its abbreviated form.]

What will I learn?

By the end of this course you should be able to manage simple projects effectively. You

will be in a position to explain and apply your project management knowledge:

Implement appropriate project management proceduresBuild, lead and manage a multi-functional project team

Establish measurable success criteria

Construct a project budget and use it to control project costs

Use appropriate tools to monitor progress and manage quality

Understand the interfaces with related disciplines.

Appreciate how the elements of the project process interact

Understand how a project fits into the strategic and commercial environment

Exam:

The exam is normally taken as part of a 5 day accredited course.

Duration 3 hours

Format 10 essay based questions (chosen from 16); closed book

Pass Mark 55%

Results are posted direct to the candidate within 10 weeks of the exam.






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5. A PM, PRINCE2 and PMI compared

As an independent training specialist, Focus is asked each day about the relative merits

of the leading project management qualification structures. They each have benefits

and the answer for any individual will depend on factors including experience level, job

role and career aspiration. The following notes provide basic guidance but please

contact our training advisors on 0845 450 6120 for more detailed advice.

Association for Project Management (APM)

- Long established UK based professional body

- Credibility being enhanced through award of royal charter

- International recognition through the IPMA

- Training courses focus on key competencies exhibited by successful project managers

PRINCE2 (APM Group)

- Methodology based qualifications drawing on OGC best practice guidance

- Most popular project management courses in the UK

- Strong international growth

- Increasing integration with other best practice guidance eg MSP & ITIL

Project Management Institute (PMI)

- The US based professional body

- Qualifications place strong emphasis on proven experience & prior education

- The most widely recognised project management qualifications worldwide

APM PMI PRINCE2

Leading Qualifications Introductory CertAPMP

CAPMPMP

PRINCE2 FoundationPRINCE2 Practitioner

Emphasis:Project Manager Skill Sets *** * *Project Methodology * * ***Proven Project Experience * *** *

* Limited Emphasis ** Moderate Emphasis *** Strong Emphasis

Newcomers to project management. Unless you specifically want training to help

you work within a PRINCE2 project environment Focus recommends you attend a 2 day

introductory course. The APM option offers the benefit of a recognised certificate.






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6. FAQs

Where can I train for APM Qualifications?

Accredited training is available in 15 cities across the UK. You will find the

widest range of course dates at the Focus on Training website

www.focus-on-training.co.uk

Do I need to be an APM member to take their exams?No, though you will be encouraged to join, with the benefit of free registration if

you do so within 6 weeks of your exam.

Can I take the APMP without doing the Introductory Certificate?

Yes. If you are already familiar with project management terminology and have

some initial project experience.

Why does the same course vary in price?

Focus works with most of the accredited trainers in the UK and prices may vary

by company and venue. However, your course will be based on the same

syllabus, you will sit the same examination, and you will gain the same

qualification. It just comes down to which is most convenient for you.

Where can I find support resources?

The APM Body of Knowledge is available to APM members online; alternatively

you can buy a copy via the APM website. Sample exam questions and an online

project management assessment tool are available via the Focus website.

How long does my qualification last?

The Introductory Certificate and APMP do not require renewal. Retention of the

Practitioner Qualification beyond 5 years is subject to continuing professional

development. Indeed all APM members will be encouraged to undertake cpd

activities.






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7. Finding and Booking your Course

Focus provides a central booking service for APM courses run in the UK. We only deal with high

quality training providers appropriately accredited by the Association for Project Management.

You are able to search for courses by date and by location and you can either "reserve a place" or

"book and pay" on line. It is often cheaper to book with Focus. Our course fees include the

associated exams and there is no credit card fee.

The APM section of the Focus website can be found at:

http://www.focus-on-training.co.uk/apm-training/courses/skillarea/5/

Booking with Focus makes more sense:

A course close to home avoids hotel and travel

We offer more choice than anyone

Our training partners achieve above average pass marks

We can provide independent advice

Booking is online and fast

Contact Focus:

Tel: 0845 450 6120 or +44 (0)1733 325232Fax: 0870 855 5321Email: [email protected] Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk

Mail: Focus on TrainingFirst FloorOlympus HouseWerrington CentrePeterboroughPE4 6NA

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APM Qualifications Explained v1.04