APM: Project Fundamentals Qualification

The Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) preparation course provides entry-level training, materials and support for individuals wishing to gain a professional accreditation in project management – whether to embark on a career in the field, or to support project management responsibilities in their current role.  The course is perfect for anyone looking to build confidence in this area and acquire practical skills that will easily translate into real world situations.

Awarded by the Association for Project Management (APM), PFQ is an introductory qualification for individuals who are looking to improve or gain fundamental knowledge in the area of project management. 

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.

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).

 

Prerequisites

There are no formal entry requirements for undertaking this qualification.  The PFQ is aimed at professionals new to the project management role or those who wish to change their career completely and wish to learn the basics of Project Management.  The PFQ is the first step in the progressive suite of qualifications brought by APM – the only chartered organisation in the world for the project profession.  Holding an internationally recognised qualification such as the PFQ will demonstrate to your employer, clients and suppliers that you are a skilled and committed project professional.  Learn more here.

Still unsure?  Contact cpd@uws.ac.uk.

 

Learning outcomes

By attending this course, you will:

• Understand project management and the operating environment 
• Understand project lifecycles
• 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 a project context
• Understand communication in the context of a project
• Understand leadership and teamwork within a project

 The syllabus can be found here.

 

Delivery

The PFQ preparation course is delivered as an online programme.  Participants work through the course on our dedicated virtual learning environment, which offers:

• Live online sessions with tutor support
• Video lectures
• Online learning materials for each topic
• “Test your knowledge” resources
• Opportunity for exam practice
• Delegate handbook and exam preparation tips 

APM recommends a total of 34 study hours in preparation for the examination:

• 20 hours of guided learning  
• 13 hours of directed development 
• 1 hour dedicated assessment

 

The exam

The APM PFQ syllabus assesses the key elements of the project management life cycle and covers knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge, including:

• planning and scheduling
• communication
• teamwork
• resource management
• project risk management
• project reviews

The PFQ is assessed via a one-hour, 60-question multiple-choice exam.  You can choose to take the exam with us at the end of the course, or you can choose to book your exam directly with APM here.  If booked through us, one attempt at the exam is included in the course fee (additional attempts, cancellations and rescheduled exams are not funded); the exam is delivered online and monitored remotely.  

 

How long do I have to complete the course?

The course will be delivered over a twelve-week period, and you will have a 4-week window thereafter in which to book your exam via the UWS CPD Centre.  You will be able to choose a time and date to suit you, with the exam being taken remotely in the comfort of your own home or place of work.  Note that all live online sessions will be delivered during weeks 1 and 2, Monday-Friday 6-8pm; these will be recorded.

 

Course fee discount

A 20% discount is currently available to UWS alumni and staff, and members of the following Chambers of Commerce: Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, and Renfrewshire.  Please refer to the Funding support page for further details.

 

About the Association for Project Management (APM)

The range of qualifications developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession, offers a progressive structure for career development, from courses offering the ‘fundamentals’ of project management through to ‘management’ and ‘professional’ levels of understanding, requiring more advanced learning and assessment. 

APM qualifications offer a clear route to achieving both the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) and the APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) standards, recognising the competence and success of project professionals. 

 

Project Management studies at UWS

The UWS training team deliver project management training at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and bespoke contracts to organisations, both in the UK and overseas.  For further details about our MSc Project Management please visit UWS MSc Project Management.