APM Introductory Certificate in Project Management

Special Notices

Delegates wishing to undertake the exam should also book on course code FPMEX-3. Please ask your account manager for further information. In addition delegates should ensure that they have completed the APM exam registration form in advance of attending the course.

Overview

The achievement of the APM Introductory Certificate is an excellent way of demonstrating a basic awareness of project management and how projects differ from 'business as usual' activities. Delivered by fully accredited trainers and industry leading experts with extensive experience of using the APM approach, the course includes case-study based practical exercises to ensure that theory is embedded and delegates feel confident in the practical application of project management.

By the end of this learning, delegates will have the skills to be able to:

• Identify and select the necessary tools, best practice techniques and control mechanisms to manage a project
• Demonstrate an understanding of the phases of a project life cycle
• Design a project management team

Revision

The course is intensive and therefore delegates are also advised to undertake some revision work in the evening to prepare for the Introductory Certificate examination that will be taken at the end of the course. The additional work required during evenings will consist of consolidation reading and mock examination questions.

Accreditations and Exams

All delegates sit the APM Introductory examination in the afternoon of the second day of the course. The examination needs to be booked and paid for seperately on code FMEX-3 and consists of:

• 60 multiple choice questions
• 1 hour
• Closed-book
• Candidates require a minimum of 36 correct answers (60%) to pass

Delegates must bring photographic identification with them on exam days (passport, driving license or student card) as it is an examination requirement to produce it for the invigilator prior to the exam. Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification may result in a candidate not being able to sit the exams. For any questions about what form of identification is acceptable, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273 or info@qa.com

By successfully passing the Introductory examination candidates can choose to further develop their knowledge and understanding by attending the APMP course.

Prerequisites

Pre-course reading

• Delegates will be provided with pre-course reading prior to attending the course. The success on the course will be enhanced by close attention to the pre-reading materials. It is recommended that candidates spend 10 hours working through the pre-reading.

• If you have not received your pre-reading material within one week of the start of your course, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273 or info@qa.com

Target audience

• Those looking for an understanding of project management. No prior knowledge required for this certificate.

• People who are not directly involved in Project Management but who wish to understand the project management processes and key terms.

• Project Managers who wish to gain Introductory Certification as a pre-cursor to more advanced certification such as APMP.

Delegates will learn how to

• explain project, programme and portfolio management
• understand the phases of the project life cycle
• define a project's context
• define project success criteria
• define a project organisation structure
• identify project stakeholders
• identify and manage risks and issues
• produce a business case
• scope a project
• apply quality management techniques
• collate a project management plan
• apply change control mechanisms
• recognise the importance of configuration management
• communicate effectively

Course Outline.

• Introduction and Overview
• Project, programme and portfolio management
• Project context, success factors and reasons for failure
• The project lifecycle and project reviews
• Concept - Covering the initial work required to get the project started and get a basic understanding of what needs to be done and why. Including - Identifying and analysing benefits, the project organisation, identifying and analysing stakeholders, Risk management
• Definition - Taking the initial information obtained during the concept phase and expanding it into the Project Management Plan and supporting information. Covering quality management, scope management, resource management, and communication
• Implementation - Delivering the project as defined in the Concept and Definition phases and ensuring that the required work is carried out effectively, within any agreed constraints and dealing with issues and changes.
• Handover and Closeout - Discussing the activities which need to be undertaken to enable the project to close, release resources, and to pass-on any agreed actions and lessons learned.

Case Study
A realistic case study scenario is used during the course to allow delegates to consolidate their knowledge of the key topics discussed in a practical setting through syndicate work