Association for Project Management

The Association for Project Management (APM) is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, which aims to develop and promote the professional disciplines of project management and programme management, through a programme called the "FIVE Dimensions of Professionalism".^[1] The APM provides products and services including registered membership and qualifications, events, publications and online services. APM headquarters is located at Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire.^[2] The APM is the certification body in the United Kingdom for the International Project Management Association (IPMA).^[3]

On 13th May 2014 APM announced that CEO Andrew Bragg was to step down after 10 years in the post. ^[4]

Qualifications

APM Qualifications are designed with the intention of demonstrating to employers, clients and suppliers that the recipient is a skilled and committed project professional. Through alignment with the four level certification programme of the International Project Management Association (IPMA)^[5] they also aim to provide international recognition. APM currently has over 20,000 individual members and 500 corporate members.

Introductory Certificate (IC)

The APM Introductory Certificate (IC) is a qualification, at SCQF Level 6,^[6] that assesses fundamental knowledge in project management and about the profession of project management.^[7] Assessment is given by a 60 question, multiple-choice exam that is taken in one hour.^[7]

The IC can now be studied for entirely online, with training providers that provide e-learning study materials and resources as well as a live online proctor who monitors the exam as it is taken from any location through webcam.^[7] This allows the qualification to even be obtained at home. The IC may also be taken with registered training providers,^[7] or it may be self-studied and an Open Exam may be taken directly with the APM.^[8]

APMP Qualification

The APMP Qualifiation (APMP) is a qualification, at SCQF Level 7^[9] and IPMA Level D, that assesses knowledge of a variety of elements involved in project management.^[10] The examination covers 37 knowledge areas of the APM Body of Knowledge (APMBOK).^[10] Assessment is by a three hour written examination, in which 10 out of 16 questions relating to project management knowledge areas must be answered.^[10]

The APM takes into account prior learning of those who have earned PRINCE2 qualifications. Specifically, APMP Qualification exam candidates who have taken and passed the PRINCE2 Practitioner examination, which covers 12 of the 37 knowledge areas of the APMBOK, may take a modified examination which covers the remaining 25 of the 37 knowledge areas of the APMBOK.^[11] The modified examination for the APMP for PRINCE2 Practitioners is two hours long.^[11]

Registered training providers offer exam preparation and training as well as the opportunity to sit the exam itself.^[10] An Open Exam may also be taken directly with the APMP.^[8]

Practitioner Qualification (PQ)

The APM Practitioner Qualification (PQ), at IPMA Level C, is awarded based on a residential assessment of professional qualifications, demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of project management.^[12] Assessment is based on 30 criteria reflecting the knowledge, experience, and expertise of a project manager.^[13]

The qualification is assessed through individual work, in which written questions are answered based on a case study as well as current issues relating to project management; group work, in which the candidate is observed and discusses solutions to problems based on a case study; and an interview of the candidate.^[12] The qualification as well as preparation workshops for the assessment are provided by registered training providers.^[12] Attaining this qualification grants the ability to become full members of the APM.^[12]

Certificated Project Manager (CPM)

The APM Certificated Project Manager (CPM) Qualification, at IPMA Level B, was previously awarded based on an assessment of personal and professional qualities as well as understanding and practice of project management.^[14] The qualification ceased to be offered to new applicants as of December 31, 2011, and is replaced with the Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation as a method of providing recognition to qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced project managers.^[14] The qualification remains valid for those who had earned the designation prior to the closing of new applications, and a fast-track route to RPP status is available for those who had earned the CPM Qualification.^[14]

Risk Certificate

The APM Project Management Risk Single Subject Certificate, also known as the Risk Certificate, is a two level qualification which focuses on the project management subject of risk management.^[15] Level 1 assesses knowledge of risk management, to the degree that a candidate may be able to contribute to project risk management; Level 2 additionally assess understanding and capability of risk management, to the degree that a candidate may be able to formally undertake project risk management.^[15]

Level 1 is assessed by a one-hour-long, 60 question, multiple-choice examination.^[15] Level 2 is assessed by a 3 hour and 15 minute written examination, consisting of three questions: one compulsory question and two questions selected from four optional questions.^[15] Level 1 is not a pre-requisite for Level 2, and the Level 2 certificate can be obtained without having the Level 1 certificate.^[15] However, the Level 2 certificate examination assumes that the candidate has the prior knowledge required to pass the Level 1 certificate examination. ^[15]

Registered training providers offer training as well as the opportunity to sit both levels of the exam.^[15] An Open Exam for either level may also be taken directly with the APMP.^[8]

Registered Project Professional (RPP)

The APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation is a professional pan-sector standard issued by the APM to project and programme management professionals. To obtain the RPP designation, candidates must demonstrate the capabilities of a responsible leader, have the ability to manage a complex project and use appropriate tools, processes and techniques.^[16]

Chartered status

The APM has been aiming to achieve Chartered status for the project management profession since 2007.^[17][18][19] The launch of the APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation became part of their efforts in establishing and raising professional standards in project management, en route to official Chartered status for the organisation.^[19][20] Their efforts were opposed by the President and CEO of the United Kingdom chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI), an organisation which offers the competing Project Management Professional certification, through an open letter as well by canvassing for support against the initiative in the chapter newsletter. The APM responded to these efforts by the PMI in its own statements, upholding its position and reaffirming its commitment to attaining Chartered status.^[21][22]

APM announced in March 2014 that a judicial review hearing, requested by PMI, had been convened for the 8th and 9th of July 2014. ^[23]

APM announced on the 17th July 2014 that the judicial review held on the 8th/9th July had dismissed the arguments from the Project Management Institute. ^[24]

See also

• Office of Government Commerce
• Construction Industry Council
• International Project Management Association

References

External links and references

• Official website