APMG Managing Portfolios

There are no formal prerequisites for attending this course. However, it is assumed that learners have a working knowledge of basic project and programme management practices, including familiarity with common terminology, governance structures, and delivery approaches.

Pre-course reading and preparation

Learners are provided with a formal pre-reading workbook prior to attending the course. It is strongly recommended that candidates complete this workbook, spending approximately two hours in preparation. Learners are also encouraged to read as much of the Managing Portfolios handbook by Steve Jenner as time allows.

The pre-course workbook includes preparation guidance, practical hints and tips, and associated exercises. These materials are an invaluable resource for understanding the syllabus and preparing effectively for the professional examination. The Managing Portfolios handbook contains detailed insights and practical guidance, including a number of key concepts and techniques that cannot all be covered during the classroom sessions.

Target audience

This course is suitable for professionals who need to understand, apply, or support portfolio management within their organisation, including:

• Portfolio directors and senior leaders responsible for strategic investment decisions
• Portfolio managers accountable for portfolio design and delivery
• Portfolio management office staff, including portfolio analysts
• Programme and project professionals seeking to progress into portfolio-level roles
• Business change professionals involved in prioritisation and investment appraisal

The Managing Portfolios course aims to prepare candidates for the Managing Portfolio Professional examination by covering the full syllabus content. On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to demonstrate that they:

• Have achieved sufficient knowledge and understanding of Managing Portfolios principles, practices, techniques, and key success characteristics
• Can apply and analyse these principles, practices, techniques, and key success characteristics in scenario-based situations
• Can operate effectively in a range of portfolio management roles within an organisational context

Detailed learning objectives are defined within the official syllabus, which is provided as core course material. The syllabus is structured around the following key areas:

• Portfolio management overview
• Designing the portfolio
• Delivering the portfolio
• Portfolio governance
• Implementing and sustaining portfolio management

By developing a solid understanding of these syllabus areas, learners should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Managing Portfolios, including its principles, practices, techniques, and key success characteristics
• Apply and tailor Managing Portfolios principles, practices, techniques, and key success characteristics to given organisational and scenario settings
• Analyse and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate application of Managing Portfolios principles, practices, techniques, and key success characteristics in a range of scenario-based situations

This highly interactive workshop uses a range of facilitated approaches to encourage debate, discussion, and practical application of the syllabus content. Learning is supported by sample examination questions and model answers, including clear explanations of the rationale behind correct responses. This approach is designed to build both subject knowledge and exam confidence.

The course covers the core principles, concepts, tools, and techniques detailed in the course workbook and the Managing Portfolios guide, aligned directly to the examination structure:

• Question 1: Portfolio management overview, covering Chapters 1 and 2, worth 7 marks
• Questions 2 and 3: Designing the portfolio, covering Chapters 3, 4, and 5, worth 27 marks in total
• Question 4: Delivering the portfolio, covering Chapters 6, 7, and 8, worth 25 marks
• Question 5: Portfolio governance, covering Chapter 9, worth 8 marks
• Question 6: Implementing and sustaining portfolio management, covering Chapter 10, worth 8 marks

Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to relate the syllabus concepts to their own organisational context, strengthening their ability to apply theory to practice.

Assessment and exam preparation

The course prepares learners for the Managing Portfolio Professional examination, which has the following characteristics:

• Examination duration of 2 hours
• Closed book format
• Six questions worth a total of 75 marks
• A pass mark of 60 percent, equivalent to 45 out of 75 marks

Successful exam performance relies on thorough preparation and active participation throughout the course. Candidates are expected to:

• Complete the pre-course workbook and associated reading
• Familiarise themselves fully with the syllabus content
• Engage in classroom discussions and scenario-based exercises
• Practise answering sample exam questions under timed conditions

Learners should be aware that the examination includes basic arithmetic calculations related to investment appraisal. This requires the application of simple formulae and equations. Candidates must bring a basic calculator to the examination, as one is not provided as part of the course materials.

Related learning and recommended preparation

While not mandatory, a basic understanding of project and programme management terminology and techniques is beneficial for learners attending this course. For those seeking to strengthen their foundation knowledge, the following one-day preparatory courses are recommended:

• QABCC – Budgeting and Cost Control
• QARMM – Risk Management Fundamentals