Practising Project Managers
Running projects already and want the qualification that backs up your experience.
Step up to the qualification that proves you can run projects, not just support them. The APM Project Management Qualification is the UK’s benchmark for practising project managers. APM recommends around two to three years’ experience, but there’s no formal entry requirement.
About this qualification
The UK’s leading intermediate project management qualification — the standard for practising project managers.
The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) is an intermediate-level qualification from the Association for Project Management (APM), the UK’s chartered body for the profession. It builds broad, practical knowledge across the whole project life cycle — from governance and planning to risk, stakeholders, and leadership.
There’s no formal prerequisite, though APM recommends around two to three years of project experience to get the most from it. If you’re newer to projects, the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is the ideal starting point.
PMQ is widely regarded as the benchmark qualification for practising project managers in the UK. It sits at RQF Level 4 and is a recognised step on the pathway towards APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status.
Is this for me?
The PMQ is for people already working in or around project management who want the qualification that proves it.
Running projects already and want the qualification that backs up your experience.
Moving from coordinator or support roles into full project management.
You’ve got the fundamentals and want the next, more advanced APM qualification.
Moving into project management from a technical or delivery background.
Working towards APM Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status.
Ready to commit to project management as a career and prove it with a benchmark qualification.
Course structure & curriculum
The course covers the full PMQ syllabus across 8 themed modules, from project setup through to exam preparation. It’s a substantial qualification — APM suggests around 60 hours of study.
Governance and the project environment
Business case and benefits management
Scope and requirements
Estimating and scheduling
Resource and budget management
Risk and issue management
Quality planning and control
Change control
Procurement and contracts
Monitoring and reporting progress
Leadership and teams
Communication
Stakeholder engagement
Conflict management and negotiation
Communication and methods/governance
What’s included
Each course includes the materials, practice, and support you need to learn the method properly and walk into the exam ready.
Full access to all accredited course materials for 12 months. Study on any device, online 24/7. Never lose your progress.
The official APM PMQ exam is an optional add-on at checkout — so you only pay for it when you’re ready. We arrange the booking with APM.
Exam details →Full-length practice papers and sample questions modelled on the real PMQ exam, so you walk in knowing exactly what to expect.
Know what to expect →Get instant answers to your project management questions from our AI tutor — trained on the course material and available 24/7.
Available around the clock →Pass your exam and you receive an official APM certificate and a shareable digital badge for your LinkedIn and CV.
Shareable & verifiable →A dedicated account manager to support you from enrolment through to booking your exam.
Support all the way →In practice
The PMQ covers the whole project life cycle. Here’s how that breadth shows up on real projects.
IT & Technology
Migrating a company onto a new platform meant a defined business case, a detailed plan, and money to account for. The PMQ toolkit — estimating, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management — turned a high-stakes job into something the project manager could plan, track, and report on with confidence.
Exam details
The official APM exam is an optional add-on at checkout — once you’re ready, we arrange the booking with APM. The PMQ is an online, closed-book exam of 40 questions worth 90 marks, with a mix of multiple-choice and written answers (modernised in 2024 from the old essay format).
You sit the exam online through APM’s remote invigilation platform. Here’s the full process, from booking to results.
When you feel ready, contact your account manager. We handle the booking with APM and confirm your exam date, time, and joining instructions — usually within 5–10 working days.
You need a laptop or desktop computer (not a mobile or tablet), a working webcam and microphone, and a stable internet connection.
Log in 15 minutes before your scheduled start. The invigilator will verify your identity using photo ID and ask you to scan your room. The 2.5-hour timer then begins (with an optional short break). The PMQ is closed book — no notes or materials are permitted.
You get a provisional pass or fail result as soon as you finish. Your official APM certificate and digital badge follow shortly after, with your result available in your APM candidate portal.
If you need to reschedule, contact us at least 48 hours before your exam time. We will arrange a new date at no additional charge.
Your instructor
This course is developed and delivered by Derek Bell, a Fellow of the Association for Project Management with over 30 years’ experience in project and programme management, agile, and risk training, consultancy, and coaching. He has delivered training in more than 25 countries for organisations across engineering and energy — from Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems to BP and Shell — and brings that real-world breadth to every topic in the PMQ.
Last reviewed and updated:
Student reviews
1,247 verified reviews
The majority of students pass first time, based on an internal student survey conducted in May 2026.
Career Growth Path
The PMQ is the benchmark for practising project managers. See the roles it supports — and where to go next.
Where You Are Now
Some PM experience
APM PMQ
£45k–£65k avg.
You are hereSenior Project Manager
£60k–£80k avg.
Delivery Manager
£70k–£90k avg.
Programme Manager
£85k–£110k avg.
Pricing
One course. Everything included. No hidden extras.
PMQ + exam — right for you if…
You want the qualification and the official APM exam to go with it. Add the exam at checkout.
New to project management?
If you don’t yet have project experience, the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is a better place to start.
APM PMQ — Sale Price
Everything you need to learn the APM PMQ syllabus. Add your official APM exam at checkout when you’re ready.
Finance available at checkout · 14-day money-back guarantee
Pay Monthly
CAREER SMARTER LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Social Money Limited t/a Payl8r who is authorised by the FCA under Ref. Number 675283. Credit is subject to creditworthiness and affordability assessments. Missed payments may affect your credit file, future borrowing and incur fees. Representative Example: £440.00 over 12 months at 2.50% fixed per month. Rep APR 65.5%. Monthly: £47.67. Total repayable: £572.04. 0% interest rate applies only where the loan is repaid in full within 3 months.
Team & Corporate
Training 3 or more employees? Get volume pricing, a dedicated account manager, and custom reporting.
Talk to Our TeamFAQ
Everything you need to know before you enrol.
No, the APM PMQ certification does not expire.
The APM recommends 75 hours of learning time, and two to three years of project experience. This highlights the depths of this course, and should be regarded as an intermediate to advanced level course.
Both courses work together, one focusing more on the project management role and the other on the PRINCE2 method.
No, the exam is closed book.
The exam is conducted online and takes 2.5 hours to complete, with an optional 30-minute break available between the two parts.
The pass mark is 55% of the total available marks. This may be changed on the recommendation of the Senior Examiner Team during the lifetime of the qualification.
The APM PMQ is recognised on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 7. The SCQF Level 7 is equivalent to the Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The lower end of Level 5 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
The exam includes four different question types:
Multiple response (20 questions worth 1 mark each)
Select from list (5 questions worth 2 marks each)
Short response (5 questions worth 2 marks each)
Long response (10 questions worth 5 marks each)
The exam contains 40 questions in total, worth a combined 90 marks.
PRICE (inc. VAT)
£528.00 Members
£648.00 Non-members
£471.60 Exam resit
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Sustainability
Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism
Transition Management
Start Today
Join the UK professionals who chose Career Smarter. Flexible, affordable, and fully recognised by APM.
Finance available at checkout · 14-day money-back guarantee
Career Smarter acknowledges that APM owns all intellectual property rights in ‘APM’ and ‘Association for Project Management’ and logos used in connection with APM’s activities. The courses are provided by ITonlinelearning, an ATP of the Association for Project Management (APM). All rights reserved.
Flexible payment
Finance is provided by our payment partners and is subject to eligibility. You'll get full course access as soon as your first payment is made — choose your option at checkout.
CAREER SMARTER LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Social Money Limited t/a Payl8r who is authorised by the FCA under Ref. Number 675283. Credit is subject to creditworthiness and affordability assessments. Missed payments may affect your credit file, future borrowing and incur fees. Representative Example: £440.00 over 12 months at 2.50% fixed per month. Rep APR 65.5%. Monthly: £47.67. Total repayable: £572.04. 0% interest rate applies only where the loan is repaid in full within 3 months.
Get in touch
Leave your details and our team will help you choose the right course.