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APM Update 1 of 3: Important Changes to the APM PMQ Exam

Welcome to the first in our series of three crucial updates on the APM (Association for Project Management) qualifications. We're diving into some significant changes for the world's only chartered qualification for project managers this week.

First up, let's talk about the PMQ (Project Management Qualification): the syllabus, the exam and the marking system.

Dates for Your Diary!

• Current PMQ exam recommended completion date: 30th August 2024

• Opening date for new PMQ exam format: 3rd September 2024

• All exams for current version of PMQ close: 4th October 2024

Important Note: If you want a resit option, it’s best to sit the exam before the end of July so please plan ahead!

The New APM PMQ Syllabus

Key Takeaways

The updated syllabus aligns with the APM Competence Framework. Some topics have been added for relevance, while others that were more niche have been removed.

Why the PMQ Changes?

Project management qualifications need periodic updates to stay current and relevant. This ensures they meet industry requirements and adapt to the ever-changing landscape faced by project managers.

 

New elements to the syllabus:

  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism
  • Transition Management

 

Removed:

  • Detailed organisational breakdown structures
  • Specific roles and responsibilities of project managers
  • Functions and benefits of different types of project offices
  • Knowledge and information management for decision-making
  • Various specifics about programme and portfolio management

 

Fresh Exam Format

Key Takeaways

Gone are the days of the 3-hour, 10-essay endurance test. The new exam format is broken into manageable chunks with different types of questions. Plus, it’s now a two-part exam with a 30-minute break in the middle.

Why the Exam Format Changes?

The old format was a barrier for many, especially those who are neuro-diverse or non-native English speakers. The new format better assesses knowledge and skills without the marathon essay-writing.

New Format Includes:

Multiple-choice questions: Select the right answers from a list.

Select-from-a-list (missing word): Fill in the blanks with the correct terms.

Short answers: Provide concise responses to specific questions.

Long answers: Write a few sentences or a short paragraph to explain your understanding.

APM exam questions

Flexible Pass Mark

Key Takeaway

The pass mark will now be adjusted according to the exam paper's difficulty and is no longer a static number.

Why the Change?

A static pass mark can be unfair if some exam papers are slightly more challenging than others. Adjusting the pass mark based on difficulty ensures a fairer assessment for all candidates.

For more information on the new learning directive required by APM, click here.

For details on the new route to chartered status, click here.

Stay tuned for the next update in our series where we will delve deeper into the other changes coming your way with the APM qualifications. 

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