Overview
Blended option - the best of both ways to learn. Combining the best of digital and live learning, with access to world-class industry experts.
The Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ), is a knowledge-based qualification accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project management profession. PFQ is the first step in the APM suite of certification 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.
APM’s range of project management qualifications are designed to support you in every stage of your project management career and reflect the knowledge that you have, the work that you do, and the skills that you’ve developed. APM and QA provide a progressive structure for your career development to advance your project management knowledge and grow your skills. Following the PFQ course, the usual next step is to take the Project Management Qualification (PMQ) course to further grow your skills.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge or experience is required for this PFQ qualification.
Target Audience
This course is designed for anyone who is looking to grasp the fundamentals of project management. Learners might be:
- In their first project support / project management role
- Working as part of a team delivering projects and looking to develop an appreciation of the theory of project management
- Experienced team leaders without formal training looking to implement fundamental project structures and practices in their workplace whilst enhancing their project credentials
- In a business / technical role
Learning Objectives
By attending this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the organizational and external influences that shape how projects are initiated and undertaken.
- Develop an initial idea through high-level requirements, assess its viability, and create an outline business case.
- Create a list of requirements and plan of work that also details how identified risks will be mitigated.
- Monitor and control the creation of the project outputs and assure their quality.
- Develop and lead a project team and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Handover the project deliverables and ensure that the business or customer is ready to accept them.
- Prepare for and take the PFQ Examination.
Modules
This course covers provides comprehensive coverage of the PFQ syllabus aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 7. The PFQ syllabus contains:
- 10 learning outcomes
- 59 assessment criteria – the specific topics you are required to know
The PFQ syllabus can be found inside the PFQ Handbook which can be downloaded from the APM website Project Fundamentals Qualification PFQ. | The APM PFQ Course;
Your course is logically structured around the key phases in the project life cycle rather than following the Learning Outcomes in the PFQ syllabus. This structure enables you to understand how the tools, skills and techniques are applied during each phase of a project.
Projects and Organisations
- Project Shaping
- Programme Shaping
- Portfolio Shaping
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Organisational Environment
- Life Cycle Options
- Reviews
- Reporting
Concept
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Case
- Success and Benefits
- Procurement
Definition
- Scope Management
- Estimation
- Scheduling
- Deployment Baseline
- Risk Analysis and Management
Deployment
- Issue management
- Quality
- Change Control
- Configuration Management
People and Behaviours
- Teams
- Team Development
- Leadership
- Communication
Transition
- Business Readiness & Administrative Closure
Delivery Method
This Blended Learning course consists of three key stages.
Self-paced learning will take approximately 15 hours to complete. It is critical that this is completed prior to attending the instructor-led event. Our digital platform provides a combination of written content, video, quizzes and sample exam questions giving you tools to track your progress and manage your own learning
It’s recommended that learners allow a 4-week period to complete this before joining the instructor-led element of the programme.
During the self-paced learning, learners will work through online content exploring the complete APM PFQ syllabus through a series of modules.
The self-paced learning follows a linear life cycle approach, telling the story of a project. Along the way, learners will gain exposure to exam questions and reflective activities to consider how project management theory translates to their workplace.
Instructor-led live event
During the 1-day virtual live event, learners will work individually and in teams to consolidate the PFQ theory through practical, exam-focused activities.
The facilitator will use Miro to create a digital workspace environment, enabling a collaborative and interactive learning experience.
- Introductions
- Organisation structures
- Governance
- Project reviews
- Linear vs. iterative
- Project context
- Projects vs. programmes
- Communications factors
- Conflict
- Leadership qualities
- Situational leadership
Exams and Assessments
After the Live Event, learners will progress on to the PFQ exam. The PFQ exam is typically scheduled for 2 working days after the live event commencing at 1pm. The exam booking is conformed two weeks before the live event.
- The APM PFQ exam is a 1-hour, closed-book. multiple-choice examination
- Examinations take place via APM’s qualification platform, Surpass, and the remote invigilation is conducted by ProctorExam.
- Find out more about APM exams, including technical and systems requirements here.
- Use of any study materials is not permitted during the exam.
- You’ll receive an immediate indication of your result after your exam has been submitted. You will receive an email from the APM confirming your result within 5 working days of your exam.
- You will receive a QA attendance certificate on the final day of the live event.
The self-paced learning is available 4 weeks prior to the live event and for 12 months following the live event, although the live event with exam will take place prior to this and before the digital content access has ended
Also Included
Learning Materials – you will receive an APM PFQ Learner Guide v3 – produced by QA, these materials will help guide you through each syllabus topic using a variety of techniques.
Reasonable adjustments policy
The exam provider (APM) allows additional time for candidates who have a disability, short or long-term condition, such as dyslexia, severe visual impairment, ASD or severe rheumatoid arthritis. Upon booking you will receive a full guide on this. At least 12 working days’ notice will be required for processing this request. Learners failing to advise QA and provide evidence when requested, may not be allowed the additional support offered via the policy. QA Exam Administration can be contacted by email exam.admin@qa.com or by phone 44(0) 1793 696162.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.