Guidance notes for candidates

IntroductoryCertificate

General information

Target audienceThe APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management is for anyone who wishes to demonstrate a basicawareness of what project management comprises and how projects differ from normal work activities. Noprior knowledge or experience in project management is required for this certificate, which covers 27knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge 5th edition.

Benefits

To the employerThe business environment is changing at an ever-increasing pace. More and more organisations areemploying project management, either as they adopt a management by projects approach, or because theyare already performing mainstream project management activities.

Companies are looking for high standards in project management and seek confirmation that individualsworking in project management are knowledgeable in this field.

To the individualThe APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management offers an insight into the challenging and excitingdiscipline of project management and recognises the candidate’s understanding of the key principles involved.

Assessment outline

The APM Introductory Certificate examination is designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the keyelements of the project management lifecycle. The candidate is expected to answer 60 multiple choicequestions in one hour.

What is assessed?The APM Introductory Certificate assesses the key elements of the project management lifecycle. Candidateswill be able to understand the language of project management and the structure of a successful project.Candidates will be able to take an active part in a project team and make a positive contribution to anyproject environment.

Relationship with other qualificationsThe APM Introductory Certificate syllabus is derived from the APM Body of Knowledge 5th edition, and is agood basis for progression.

Source materialsThe APM Body of Knowledge 5th edition and the APM Introductory Certificate Study Guide will form sourcematerials for the examination. These documents will form the basis for revisiting training materials anddeveloping exam questions.

Application process

Submitting an application formCandidates are required to complete all sections of the application form from either the APM QualificationsDepartment or their nominated course provider. Alternatively an application form can be completed online atwww.apm.org.uk/documentLibrary/159.doc. (password – bluebird)

All application forms must have been received by APM no later than midday 5 working days before theexamination date. Failure to submit a completed application form will result in the candidate not beingpermitted to sit the examination on the requested date. (Faxed and photocopied forms will not be accepted).

2 Introductory Certificate guidance notes for candidates

After receipt of your application form, if you are not involved in an organised course, you will be invited toattend a one hour supervised examination at our nominated centre.

Candidates sitting the Introductory Certificate through host organisations will be advised by that organisationof the date, venue and timing of their examination.

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that they read and understand the Introductory Certificate GuidanceNotes. The guidance notes outline the examination regulations which relate to examination conditions andthe answering and marking of the questions.

Application checklist

• All relevant parts of the application form should be completed in ink (preferably black).

• Ensure that your candidate roll number is on every document.

• Appropriate fees have been paid either through the host organisation or directly to APM.

• Ensure that your membership number (either individual or corporate) is clearly stated on your application formif applicable.

Examination process

1. Duration of one hour.

2. Sixty multiple choice questions.

3. A pro-forma answer sheet will be provided.

4. The answer sheet to be completed in HB pencil - as provided.

5. Each entry to be made with a HORIZONTAL line in the spaces indicated.

6. Errors to be removed using a good quality eraser - as provided.

7. Each candidate will receive an envelope with a test number and a unique roll number, both must beentered correctly on the answer sheet.

Examples of how to enter your candidate roll number and test number and examples of correct and incorrectentries of information on the proforma answer sheet are shown on the diagrams overleaf.

Candidates are required to

1. Attend the examination venue at the time advised.

2. Provide evidence of identity, i.e. driving licence, passport.

3. Remain in the room of the examination until all the papers have been collected unless there areemergency reasons or the candidate is excused or directed to leave by the invigilator.

4. Refrain from communicating with any other candidate or with any other person present in the room,except the invigilator during the examination.

5. Comply with any instruction given by the invigilator.

6. Refrain from smoking or eating.

7. Refrain from bringing any written or printed material into the examination room (all books, bags, mobilephones and other objects should be left where the invigilator directs).

8. Generally conduct themselves in a way which will make it possible for the examination to be carried outwithout hindrance or annoyance to other candidates or to the invigilator.

9. Complete a “Late Arrival Form” if they arrive more than 15 minutes after the start of the examination. Thisis a statement declaring that they understand that they are not entitled to any additional time.

Introductory Certificate guidance notes for candidates 3

Proforma answer sheet

Sample 1

Roll number 004079 Test number S1001

Sample 2

Roll number 515362 Test number T4762

Marking answers:

Right Wrong(A) (B) (C) (D) (A) (B) (C) (D)

Wrong Wrong(A) (B) (C) (D) (A ) (B) (C) (D)

4 Introductory Certificate guidance notes for candidates

(0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0)

(1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)

(2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

(4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4)

(5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5)

(6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6)

(7) (7) (7) (7) (7) (7)

(8) (8) (8) (8) (8) (8)

(9) (9) (9) (9) (9) (9)

(A) (K) (U) (0) (0) (0) (0)

(B) (L) (V) (1) (1) (1) (1)

(C) (M) (W) (2) (2) (2) (2)

(D) (N) (X) (3) (3) (3) (3)

(E) (O) (Y) (4) (4) (4) (4)

(F) (P) (Z) (5) (5) (5) (5)

(G) (Q) (6) (6) (6) (6)

(H) (R) (7) (7) (7) (7)

(I) (S) (8) (8) (8) (8)

(J) (T) (9) (9) (9) (9)

Candidate Roll Number

(0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0)

(1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)

(2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

(4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4)

(5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5)

(6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6)

(7) (7) (7) (7) (7) (7)

(8) (8) (8) (8) (8) (8)

(9) (9) (9) (9) (9) (9)

(A) (K) (U) (0) (0) (0) (0)

(B) (L) (V) (1) (1) (1) (1)

(C) (M) (W) (2) (2) (2) (2)

(D) (N) (X) (3) (3) (3) (3)

(E) (O) (Y) (4) (4) (4) (4)

(F) (P) (Z) (5) (5) (5) (5)

(G) (Q) (6) (6) (6) (6)

(H) (R) (7) (7) (7) (7)

(I) (S) (8) (8) (8) (8)

(J) (T) (9) (9) (9) (9)

Test Number

Candidate Roll Number Test Number

Candidates affected by illnessIf you believe that illness or personal problems have affected your performance in the examination youshould advise the APM Qualifications Department in writing as soon as possible and in any case within sevendays of the examination. A medical certificate should be provided (self-certificates are not acceptable)although you should not delay informing the Association for Project Management because you cannot obtaina medical certificate in time.

CancellationIf a candidate withdraws from the examination between 1 to 5 days (UK), or between 1 to 10 days(International) before the examination an administration fee of £100.00 + VAT will apply. If a candidate fails toappear on the day, the examination fee is payable in full.

Re-sits: Where a candidate withdraws from the examination after they have registered with the Associationfor Project Management an administration fee of £25.00 will apply. If a candidate fails to appear on the day,the examination fee is payable in full.

Dispensations

Access to the facilities or arrangements described here can be granted to candidates with disabilities/learningdifficulties who apply to the APM Qualifications Department. A dispensation may be allowed for candidateswith a medical or physical problem supported by a medical certificate from your GP only if prior notice isgiven to APM in writing.

Extra TimeThis is available to candidates who have dyslexia or a medical requirement supported by a doctor's note. Thenormal additional time is 15 minutes per hour of examination. Extra time will usually be given to candidateswho use a scribe.

ScribeThis service is available to candidates who have dyslexia or have difficulty writing. A scribe is someone towhom examination candidates can dictate their answers during the examination. Such candidates will sit theirexamination in a separate room with their scribe who will also act as the invigilator. The scribe will be arepresentative of APM but who will not have knowledge in the field of project management.

Use of PCThis will be available to dyslexic students or those with medical conditions who find it easier to type out theiranswers on a PC. If a PC is used then the candidates concerned will be expected to sit their examination in asuitable room away from other candidates. Such candidates should also have access to a printer. Examinationanswers will normally be written in Microsoft Word and extra time allowed for printing. In making use of a PC(to be checked and approved by a representative of the Association for Project Management) the candidatewill need to be confident of their ability to type accurately and fast enough to complete the work required inthe time available and be familiar with the working of the machine itself.

Other aids/equipment available

• Large print papers may be produced for use by the partially sighted.

• Candidates may bring cushions, special seats and any other resting aids provided they check with theAPM Qualifications Department before bringing them to the examination.

Introductory Certificate guidance notes for candidates 5

After the exam

MarkingExamination papers are automatically marked using OMR software, one mark is allocated for each questionanswered. All questions should be answered.

Notification of resultsCandidates will be advised of their results within 4 weeks of completing the examination. Candidates' employersand course providers will only be notified of results with the express prior permission of the candidates.

AppealsThe APM operates a system of appeal against assessment of the examination results. The decision of theexamining body may be challenged on the grounds of bias, disregard of APM regulations, that the examiningbody failed to consider relevant information provided to them about the candidate, or other administrativeirregularity. No appeal can be heard which merely questions the technical judgement of the examiners, e.g. asubjective feeling on the part of the candidate that they must have done better in the examination is notgrounds for appeal.

If candidates wish to appeal they must do so within 21 days of the results. In formulating the appeal, theappellant may accept the assistance of any person of their choice. It will however remain the responsibility ofthe candidate to ensure that notice of the appeal is lodged within the time limit.

Notices of appeal must be made in writing, addressed to the APM Qualifications Department. To helpcandidates provide the necessary information concerning an appeal, the appropriate form may be obtainedfrom the APM Qualifications Department.

Re-sitsCandidates may re-sit the paper on payment of the appropriate fee. We would advise an unsuccessfulcandidate to re-sit the examination paper they failed after a three month interval to allow for revision.Candidates are allowed to re-sit the examination earlier if they wish, but we do not advise this.

Candidates may either contact the training provider they previously took the examination through or attendone of the quarterly open examinations arranged by the Association for Project Management. For moreinformation visit our website www.apm.org.uk/IntroductoryCertificate.asp.

6 Introductory Certificate guidance notes for candidates

The APM Examination

Appeals Form

Roll number

Date of examination

Examination venue

Name (in capitals)

Signed Date

APMP The APM Examination Appeals Form 7

Grounds for appeal

Extenuating circumstances

150 West Wycombe RoadHigh WycombeBuckinghamshire HP12 3AE

Email qualifications@apm.org.ukWeb www.apm.org.uk

Telephone 01494 460 246International +44 (0) 1494 460 246Facsimile 01494 528 937

Association for Project Management