Our APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) course is aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 7th Edition and provides a solid understanding of project management. It’s an introductory and internationally recognised qualification that teaches valuable skills for those new to the field or looking to formalise their knowledge.
08b8e994-56c0-4bee-b7ce-594f902ddbb8
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) 7th Edition
Select your learning method
APM Project Fundamentals: The first step in developing skills within project management
This course delivers a comprehensive overview of key project management concepts, terminology, and roles and responsibilities. With this introductory training, you’ll develop a foundation in the principles and practices required for successful project delivery. Perfect for those starting their project management journey or looking to learn new skills.
Learning objectives
You’ll gain an understanding of:
- Project management and the operating environment
- Project life cycles
- The roles and responsibilities within projects
- Project management planning
- Project scope management
- Resource, scheduling and optimisation in a project
- Risk and issue management in the context of a project
- Quality in the context of a project
- Communication in the context of a project
- Leadership and teamwork within a project
What you'll learn
By completing this course, you’ll acquire essential knowledge of project management, from initiation to completion. Learn the skills needed to confidently contribute to a project’s success.
Learning plan
Read the APM PFQ learning plan to understand the essential details related to this course. It explains the commitment required to meet the APM assessment criteria and complete the ILX course.
Comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of project management
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) course offers a thorough grounding in the principles and practices of project management. It covers essential topics such as projects, programmes, and portfolios, as well as project lifecycles and situational context. Participants will explore how effective reviews, stakeholder management, and leadership contribute to project success. This course ensures learners understand the critical roles and responsibilities within a project team, laying the foundation for confident, structured management approaches.
Practical skills for effective project execution
Learners gain practical insights into key project management areas, including resource optimisation, scheduling, estimating, and change control. The curriculum addresses risk and issue management, configuration management, and quality assurance, equipping participants with tools to handle challenges in dynamic project environments. Clear communication and reporting techniques are emphasised, alongside procurement and the deployment baseline, to ensure projects align with organisational goals and stakeholder expectations.
Building confidence in team leadership and collaboration
In addition to technical skills, the APM PFQ covers leadership and teamwork within a project. Participants learn how to inspire and manage teams, fostering collaboration to achieve project objectives. The course also highlights the importance of defining success, managing benefits, and building robust business cases. By mastering these principles, learners leave with the confidence to manage projects effectively and contribute to organisational growth.
What's included
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) accredited training
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) exam
- Online pre-course for the live virtual classroom course
- 13+ hours of ILX learning resources
- Tutor support
- Further optional extras, including Pass Protect, are available at checkout
Key facts
Certification
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) 7th Edition.
Who it's for
Aspiring project managers, professionals seeking formal qualification, or professionals looking to expand their knowledge.
Prerequisites
All potential delegates need to undertake a free online project management assessment to determine their suitability and readiness. Please watch the APM Learner Suitability video before completing the assessment.
Exam information
60-minute, multiple-choice online exam, 60% pass mark.
Optional extras
Pass Protect, APM Body of Knowledge 7th Edition.
Pre-course
Mandatory online pre-course work if you select the live virtual classroom study option. There is no pre-course work for eLearning.
FAQs
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification course gives you a solid introduction to project management. You’ll learn key principles, processes, and techniques to plan, manage, and deliver projects successfully – perfect for anyone new to project management.
What is PFQ in APM?
The Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is the APM’s entry-level certification. That means that you don’t need any project management experience or knowledge to take this course. It's ideal for people starting out in the project profession.
How long does APM PFQ take?
Our two study options vary in length, but APM recommends a minimum of 34 hours preparation time for the PFQ exam.
The PFQ course from ILX is available as both an eLearning course and a live virtual classroom course. The eLearning course 21 hours of self-paced online learning and 18 hours of online revision workshops, while the live virtual classroom option is a two-day course, plus five hours of online pre-course and over 13 hours of online learning resources.
What is the difference between directed development and guided learning?
Every APM training course is now required to include elements of directed development, which is online, self-paced study, and guided learning, which is instructor-led training. To understand more about how the learning is split, please download the learning plan.
Is there a difference between APM PFQ eLearning and live virtual classroom?
Yes, there is. You will sit the same exam at the end of it and achieve the same certification, but the training is different.
The eLearning course includes 21 hours of self-paced online learning and requires the learner to attend six, three-hour online revision workshop sessions with an accredited trainer.
The live virtual classroom course includes five hours of self-paced online pre-course work, a two-day virtual workshop and 13.5 hours of online learning resources that help support exam preparation.
Is the APM PFQ course accredited?
Yes, ILX’s PFQ course goes through a thorough accreditation process with APM.
What our customers say
"Quick response times and good customer service. Thanks to Alisha (Customer Service Advisor at ILX) for all her help."
Paul Earnshaw, ILX learner
"The online training worked perfectly and was reliable.”
Patrick Anigbo, ILX learner
Why study with ILX
500,000+ learners
Join the half a million learners developing their skills with our training
5,000+ businesses
A trusted partner to thousands of organisations worldwide
96% customer satisfaction
Our passionate team goes above and beyond to support customer needs
Quote request
Please complete the form to ensure your quote is accurate and we will contact you soon.