Association for Project Management Reviews 77

This feedback pertains to both the APM-PMQ Exam and APM’s Mentoring Programme. I successfully passed the APM-PMQ, but it wasn’t easy, as the standards are set high. I took a 5-day intensive course with ILX, which unfortunately, was a complete waste of time. Glad I didn’t rush into sitting for the exam immediately afterward, instead I took my time preparing for it, while managing the demands of a full-time job. My advice to those aiming for PMQ qualifications is that the PMQ exam does not seek textbook answers. Instead, your responses should demonstrate a solid understanding of the topics to score high marks. Simply repeating content from any training material is unlikely to result in a pass. Preparing for the exam was intense, but the outcome was well worth it, including a career uplift.

I’m currently benefiting from APM’s mentoring programme. Regular monthly conversations with my mentor help me clarify practical aspects of project management that I can apply in my job and provide a safe space to discuss challenges in the profession. Support from my mentor toward achieving Chartership is also on the horizon.

I am an APM mentor but have not been contacted by a mentee this year. As I do this voluntarily it is not a problem for me but I tend to lose interest as a result.

APM is an association that listen to its members and actively seek feedback and improvements.
The recent synergy with PMI and expansion of networds is a great evidence for listening to the members.

Helpful, engaging staff and a plethora of great resources make the APM the clear choice for anyone wanting to join a project professional membership organisation.

The APM is a very good organisation that I have volunteered for, for many years. Project management is an excellent career choice and would encourage anyone in the industry to sign up to APM to gain assess to valuable resources to help your career develop and grown.

For context, this was the first exam I have ever failed. I took a 5-day course with a provider that included exam practice, then spent 3 months further studying from the "PMQ Primer - Guide to Passing the APM Exam," APM's own Book and Podcast, and watching independent videos on YouTube.

I had ready answers for 70 questions, 6/7 of which I picked for mine. Despite this, I failed each by scoring well below the passing mark (ranging from 11-26 points). Ironically, the one question I wasn't prepared for and had to wing just to submit (thinking I have bagged a pass with the rest anyhow) ended up being my highest scored with 44/50 points.

This experience leads me to believe that the exam is a sham, seemingly failing candidates at random without providing feedback, resulting in multiple resits with the hopes of eventually winning the PMQ "lottery". I certainly won't be retaking it in protest and hopefully others reading this will consider my experience before doing so.

Straightforward and to the point. One thing I would say is for the tutor to really underline that you need to read the APM book apart from doing the citivitual training. Honestly it makes so much difference when you do just the course vs reading the book and doing the course. When I first started the course I couldn't get 50% of what he was saying, reading the book however allowed me understand the concepts better in the online course.

My Projeect Fundamentals Examination went smoothly. The whole process to prepare for the exam and set up was very easy to understand and the resources and guidelines weere very helpful. I'm also glad to have passed my exams.

I found the whole experience of applying for Chartered Project Professional accreditation straight-forward. The guidance / email communications were very clear. When I needed to ring through to confirm my interview date/time I found the person I spoke with to be very friendly, efficient and helpful. The actual interview was very rigorous, but the interviewers were very clear throughout and I felt that their questioning was such to ensure that I gave the best account of myself. The whole exercise was a lot of really hard work to go through, but I felt was well worth it for the end result.

The exam process was seamless
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The tutor was very good. He applied the concepts to everyday situations that made them easier to understand.

The Course tutor was approachable and knowledgeable. The course itself was intense but engaging and worthwhile. I would recommend the APM Project Fundamentals course to anyone wanting to begin their accreditation journey for Project Management.

The APM PMQ course I attended with QA Ltd was excellent. An experienced and knowledgeable instructor, good course material that prepared me well for the exams.

Enjoyable course - learnt a lot

I was able to go at my own pace and the team were really helpful with any issues that came up.

I did not like having to download the ProctorExam app to my phone. This is unnecessary given there is already a laptop camera. I have used other online proctors and this is the least user friendly version.

The APM system set up videos were very useful.

Thoroughly enjoyed the course content and format. Frustrating that despite getting the exam outcome immediately you don't get told what score out of 60 you got and also see what questions you may have got wrong -assuming you didn't get 100%. Wouldn't necessarily expect this straight away but it would be helpful if you got this information via email at a later date. Given the cost of the course this doesn't seem to be an unreasonable ask.

A thorough and very professionally conducted assessment process.

Good and flexible

Attended a 2 day APM PFQ course, the trainers were friendly and Knowledgeable. Despite the large amount of content to cover in the time , we still managed to have a good amount of specific scenario discussion and activities which kept the content engaging.