Association for Project Management Reviews 77

I recently achieved the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) and found it to be an excellent introduction to project management.

The syllabus provides a solid foundation across key areas including project life cycles, planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, quality, communication, and leadership. The qualification strikes a good balance between theory and practical application, making it relevant for anyone working in or looking to move into project-based environments.

The online proctored exam process was straightforward and professional, and the qualification is well recognised within the project management profession.

As a Project Coordinator, I found the PFQ valuable both for validating my existing knowledge and for filling gaps in my understanding of project management best practice. I would highly recommend it to anyone starting their project management journey or looking to formalise their experience with an industry-recognised certification.

I completed my APM qualification with training provided by The Knowledge Academy and the exam delivered by APM, and the overall experience was very positive.

In particular, the lead‑up to the exam was handled very well. The guidance on how to prepare, how the exam would be taken, and what technology was required was clear and detailed.

The exam process itself was smooth and well organised. Instructions were provided in advance, including how to test the system beforehand, which removed a lot of potential stress on the day.

Overall, the process was well communicated and professionally managed, and I felt fully supported throughout. I would recommend this route to anyone considering an APM qualification.

I self-studied for the exam, and APM had enough resources to be fully prepared for the exam and succeed in it.

One of the toughest exams I've ever done but 100% worth it. APM were brilliant from start to finish, thank you for all support over my learning period

As recently acquired the APM PMQ I would like to share that this has been very rewarding so far! It is a life changing experience to have been trained for the PMQ. It has provided me all the necessary skills and frameworks I can certainly use in my career.

When I attempted the online exam, the proctor software on my phone repeatedly disconnected to the point where I felt I had been disadvantaged. After emailing my concerns to APM, the reply I received felt, at best, ad-hoc and at worst, dismissive. I was offered the chance to void my exam (I had already completed it) with the ridiculous caveat that I would still be charged 50% of the exam fee. Only after challenging them on this did they offer me a free retake, should I need it (I didn't).

Achieving the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status through APM UK has been one of the most fulfilling milestones in my professional journey. The process was rigorous and challenging. It pushed me to reflect on my experiences, articulate my approach to leadership, and demonstrate how I apply ethical and professional standards in real-world scenarios.
What I appreciated most was how supportive and structured APM made the journey. The assessors were professional and genuinely interested in understanding my story, which made the experience feel personal and empowering.
It’s given me a renewed sense of confidence and credibility.
APM UK is the only organisational globally which can award Chartership status so worth consider various certifications and ChPP. If you’re a project professional who’s serious about making a difference and growing in your career, I wholeheartedly recommend pursuing ChPP.

I recently completed the ChPP with APM. From get go to the finish line, the experience was very positive. APM emails and instructions were very clear; the approach was friendly and professional. During the interview, the assessors were incredibly supportive and created a welcoming environment that helped ease my nerves. The assessors approach made the process feel more like a conversation rather than formal, strict assessment. Overall, the clear process and kindness of the assessing panel made my journey the ChPP a positive experience.

Becoming a Chartered Project Professional has been an enjoyable but demanding journey. The process really drew on my past experiences, tested my knowledge, and challenged me to think critically about the gaps I needed to address to develop as a truly well-rounded project manager with demonstrable competence. It wasn’t easy, but it was worthwhile. The APM supported me at every step, providing guidance and structure to help me succeed. Reaching this high bar has taken commitment and hard work, and I’m delighted to now hold this recognition.

I passed the APM PMQ about 8. years ago. It I felt gave me confidence in my day job as Risk management Professional on giga projects to understand what good project management was. What was clear was capabilities over the last ten years have got better. Onwards to ChPP APM / Chartership to enhance APM footprint and differentiation of quality across KSA

The PFQ course material has provided the tools that I needed to set up my project plans and to get my project up and running in a professional manner. This APM PFQ training has been a very worthwhile investment.

The delivery of the training by Adrian Taggart was good and the pre-read of the Chapter 1 & Moodle resources has definitely helped to grasp concepts quicker. If the project training would've demonstrated some real-life challenges faced during the project, it would've been more relatable than only theory. The test was fairly easy and questions didn't seem to challenge much.

As an apprentice in project management, I found the APM PMQ Learner Study Pack and the APMBoK invaluable for understanding project management. The Project Management Qualification was well worth the challenge as I now have good working knowledge of the theory that I can apply in varying professional settings.

9 weeks to get results after they state 8 weeks initially, which is ridiculously long anyway.
Chased on week 8 was advised id receive results next day on 8 weeks/ anniversary of exam. 5 days later they email the results, with no explanation from APM about the delay. Both times I've taken the exam and failed by 1 mark and got the exact same score??? Seems very suspicious, personally I would avoid APM. Really poor from a professional body, I am also a member of IMECHIE, who are by far much better as a professional organisation. AVOID APM, I whole heartedly believe it's a lottery if you pass or fail. I'm not biased as I failed, I am humble enough to know if I've not learnt enough, but on both occasions I've taken the exam to wait 8 weeks plus to only be told I failed my 1 mark...twice is a joke. Could go on for much longer.

Fyi APM responds to trust pilot reviews far far quicker than they do respond to emails. Typical.

APM process is straightforward and explains each process step in enough detail for PFQ. The trainer on my course was excellent! Very friendly, patient and knowledgeable with relevant examples. Course length of 3 days was long enough for PFQ. One important point for course participants to remember is the PFQ is the APM process NOT what / how your company operates.

Depite my personal experience in Managing projects for the last 7 years. This certificate added to me very valuable things, connecting the knowledge obtained from the course to past experience. Some modules were extraordinary and very relevant to every project manager,but what I liked the most was the course design and structure and completely user friendly.

I recently completed my qualification with the Association for Project Management, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. The course content was comprehensive, well-structured, and highly relevant to real-world project management scenarios. It provided a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the profession.

The support from APM throughout the process was excellent, and the resources available—such as study guides, webinars, and practice materials—were incredibly helpful in preparing for the assessment. Passing this qualification has not only boosted my confidence but also enhanced my professional credibility as an Assistant Project Manager.

I would highly recommend APM to anyone looking to advance their career in project management. It’s a valuable investment in your professional development.

really poor experience with APMQ exam and results. Colleague took the APMQ exam twice got results within 3 to 4 weeks, i have taken the exam twice and have been left waiting 8 weeks for both sets of results. First exam they took 8 weeks to inform me I failed by 1mark whereas my college took the exam 1 week after me and received results 3 weeks before me. When I challenged APM they simply stated the marker was on holiday for 2 weeks and unreachable! given APM teaches about resource management, integrity, professionalism etc it really struggles to follow it own values!

As a new starter in the Project Management world, the APM has provided me with many useful resources such as the Body of Knowledge and APM Learning Portal. A few months ago, I sat my PFQ exam and that gave me a great understanding of the knowledge necessary for beginning a career within the discipline.

I am currently partaking in the APM Challenge 2025 and - while it is not even halfway to completion - I have developed my understanding in project environments massively.