APM Project Fundamentals Qualification
Online eLearning with two-day virtual classroom for those that are new to projects
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is aimed at those wishing to gain a broad understanding of the principles of the profession. It is for those individuals who are – or who intend to be – involved in the running of a project. It is an excellent introduction to the basic disciplines and the specialist vocabulary used when managing projects. It would suit people just starting out in project management, and those who, though they don’t intend to become project managers, need to manage relatively non-complex projects. No prior knowledge or experience is required for this qualification.
The PFQ is a qualification of the Association for Project Management and is designed to provide a fundamental awareness of project management terminology. We also have eLearning-only options at a lower cost.
The purpose of the learning is to ensure candidates have sufficient knowledge and understanding to successfully complete the PFQ multiple-choice examination. The course covers the learning outcomes set out in the APM BoK 7th edition, included in the PFQ syllabus.
Your pathway to accreditation
Purchase online
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Virtual learning
Delivered in a dynamic and interactive virtual classroom setting with peers adding to learning experience
Examination
Test your readiness with our mock before completing the official examination
Certification
Be ahead of the competition with industry recognised accreditation
Course overview
Step 1 – Directed learning
Step 2 – Classroom learning
Step 3 – Examination
Step 1 – Directed learning
Candidates will be sent a link to the eLearning materials which will be available 24:7.
It is critical that each individual commits to undertaking the learning to ensure they achieve best value from and maximise their learning and their chances of success in the examination. It is important that the learning is not all ‘back-loaded’ to ensure that each element is fully understood before undertaking the next. We recommend a minimum of 9 hours learning is undertaken over a period ahead of the two-day tutor led classroom using the pre-reading information and eLearning content.
The online learning is structured to gradually introduce the candidates to the problems that project management is required to address, and the mechanisms by which this is achieved. At the end of each section they are asked questions to test their understanding.
Online learning features:
- 10 online topics
- Over 100 practice questions and exercises
- Over 150 glossary items including flashcards
- Terminology quizzes
- Short tests
- ‘Ask the trainer’ options
- Mock examinations
Step 2 – Classroom learning
The online learning will be followed by a two-day tutor led virtual classroom course including a mock examination.
The course covers the 10 learning outcomes of the APM PFQ and includes:
- Teaching of the knowledge areas defined by the APM BoK – particularly those which the candidates may feel less confident in or have questions about during the eLearning
- Practical exercises
- Mock examination.
A mixture of interactive presentations, focused discussions, team and individual exercises and practice tests are used to guide candidates through the syllabus to ensure they gain a good understanding of the topics required.
Topics covered:
- The project context
- Project organisation
- Project lifecycles
- Planning
- Scope management
- Risk & issue management
- Developing a schedule
- Quality management
- Project communication
- Leadership and team management.
Step 3 – Examination
There are 60 questions, and candidates must score 36 correct answers (60%) to pass. There are no deductions for incorrect answers.
Candidates can book the examination via operations@citi.co.uk
Allow at least 7 days’ notice when requesting a date and time. It is recommended that you avoid rescheduling with less than 8 working days’ notice, as the APM will charge a £88+VAT rebooking fee.
You will receive two emails from the APM directly, the first to schedule a system check before the examination and the second being the link to the exam. On the day of your examination you will need to log on and be remotely proctored for the one-hour multiple-choice exam, and get at least 36 correct out of the 60 questions presented to pass.
The examination will be proctored using a webcam, tablet or smartphone – and we recommend using a personal device to avoid corporate policies that may not allow the Chrome plug-in. You can find out more about the process here:
https://www.apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/online-examinations-what-to-expect/
It is recommended that a personal email address is used as company emails can be blocked for the APM.
If you require any reasonable adjustments for the exam please let us know a minimum of 12 days in advance so that we can liaise with the APM ahead of time, if later than this you could find that your request is declined.
Pricing and options
We accept all major Credit and debit cards using Barclaycard Smartpay, eWallets including American Express using Stripe, or please select the option Invoice company under the credit card options at the checkout to generate an invoice to be paid directly by your company using BACS or SWIFT. All payments are processed securely with encryption, and we do not keep records of your card details in line with our commitment to our Cyber Essentials accreditation.
Wednesday 18th – 19th February
Virtual learning classroom with eLearning support
£
750
Including VAT
- Unlimited access
- Mock examination
- APM examination
Book 18/02/2026
Includes free access to our eLearning
Tuesday 24th – 25th March
Virtual learning classroom with eLearning support
£
750
Including VAT
- Unlimited access
- Mock examination
- APM examination
Book 24/03/2026
Includes free access to our eLearning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification?
The APM PFQ is an introductory qualification from the APM that covers the basic principles of project management. It is suitable for anyone looking to gain a broad understanding of the profession, regardless of prior knowledge or experience.
Who is the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification aimed at?
The APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate a fundamental awareness of project management. It is designed for new project managers, team members or people who are interested in starting out in project management. It will introduce you to the fundamental principles, skills, methods, tools and behaviours of project management. It is a highly practical approach that can be applied to projects of any size.
Why is CITI Virtual Learning much cheaper than other courses available?
We do not offer the facility to pay using instalments at this time.
How can I pay for my course and examination?
We accept all major credit and debit cards using Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Maestro – unfortunately we do not accept American Express at present.
Can my company pay offline by invoice?
You can select Invoice Company to raise an invoice to be paid offline by your accounts team using BACS/SWIFT/IBAN. You can view your invoice(s) when logged on here https://test.citivirtual.co.uk/my-account/orders/
The address is incorrect on my invoice?
You can edit your billing address here – https://test.citivirtual.co.uk/my-account/edit-address/
Updated invoices can be viewed here – https://test.citivirtual.co.uk/my-account/orders/
Or get in touch at Operations@citi.co.uk with your order number and we can help.
We do not offer the facility to pay using instalments, but you can break down the cost by purchasing the distance learning first – and the examination when you have completed your studies.
How long do I have access to the course and examination?
We aim to give access to the course and examination for as long as you need it – but recommend that you complete the accreditation within 12 months of purchase, for your own development targets. This is subject to syllabus changes from the APM, and APM price increases, which we reserve the right to pass on.
How does the accreditation process work?
We provide access to an online learning portal with all of the learning content split up into sections for you to go through at your convenience. This includes case studies, tasks, mock examination, and other resources you might need to help you pass your exam. We recommend that you complete the accreditation within 12 months of purchase, for your own development targets.
What does the APM PFQ examination involve?
The examination is completed online using the Surpass platform. The PFQ is a one–hour long examination and consists of 60 compulsory multiple–choice questions, each with four possible answers – one of which is correct. Each correct answer scores one mark, and there are no deductions for incorrect answers.
What is the APM PFQ examination pass mark?
You must answer 36 or more questions correctly to pass the examination.
When will I find out my results?
You will provisionally be notified immediately if you are successful / unsuccessful, and it may take up to two weeks for the official result to be sent to you via email, if not received please contact operations@citi.co.uk and we will follow-up with the APM.
When do I receive my certificate?
If successful, the APM will send a digital certificate five working days after completion. Please check your SPAM/JUNK folders. If not received after five working days, please contact operations@citi.co.uk and we will follow–up with the APM.
What happens if I fail the examination?
We do not offer “free resits” through inflated prices – 97% of people pass first time. Pass rates are high if you follow the study recommendations and complete the mock examination. We want you to pass first time to keep our pass rate high. If you are unfortunate and do not pass, please contact operations@citi.co.uk for the resit cost price, and to get a report of where extra study is needed.
How can I apply for the examination?
When you have completed your studies, and successfully completed a mock examination, please contact exams@citi.co.uk with your order details to book an examination – allowing 7 days’ notice (or 12 if special dispensations are required).
I’m unhappy and would like a refund?
We offer a “no questions asked” refunds policy, if requested within 14 days of purchase. This is subject to our fair-use policy, you can read our full Terms & Conditions here https://test.citivirtual.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/
What are the key topics covered in the qualification?
The qualification covers knowledge areas from the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition:
- Overview
- Project management and the operating environment
- Project life cycle
- Roles and responsibilities in projects
- Project management planning
- Project scope management
- Resource, scheduling and optimisation in a project
- Project risk and issue management
- Quality in the context of a project
- Communication in the context of a project
- Leadership and teamwork within a project
- Examination preparation
What are the examination regulations?
Candidates are expected to complete the examination without a break unless previously agreed upon via a request for a reasonable adjustment. A keycode will be provided at the start of the exam, which needs to be entered to begin the examination. Full rules and regulations can be found on the APM website here https://www.apm.org.uk/about-us/terms-and-conditions/
What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule my APM PFQ examination?
Please provide at least 8 days’ notice to reschedule your examination to operations@citi.co.uk. Fees apply for cancellation or non-attendance. If you withdraw from the examination up to five working days before the examination, a cancellation fee will apply. If you are unable to attend due to illness, you must inform CITI immediately and provide a medical certificate within five working days of the examination date.
How can I prepare for the APM PFQ examination?
It is recommended to commit 10-15 hours to complete the online learning before attempting a mock examination. Upon successful completion of a mock examination, candidates can book their official examination.
What can I expect the process to be on the day of my examination?
You should have completed your systems test prior to examination day and be using the same computer / laptop used on the systems test, along with a smartphone, your identification, and a good internet connection. The live link to the examination will be sent to you 24 hours before the examination, and you can find out more about the process here https://www.apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/online-examinations-what-to-expect/
My question isn’t listed here?
If you have another comment or question please get in touch with us via LiveChat or Operations@citi.co.uk
An amazing training site that I will be using going forward and recommending to any friends pursuing similar qualifications. From content, contactibility to the trainer and layout of the programme, excellent across the board. And the proof is in the pudding with pass after pass after pass. Would highly recommend to anyone!
I can’t praise CITI Virtual Learning highly enough for the customer service they all provide. I come from a customer service background and can be quite hard to please and so that will let you know how impressed I am. I find the course work through distance learning very user friendly, and consider this company a very good provider for APM Project Management based qualifications, at a very competitive rate
The first proper exam i have done in years!! I found the whole experience very rewarding, the learning was easy to follow with insightful notes and great learning summaries for each section. Being able to work at my own pace was a godsend and easy to go back over any elements I needed more time on
Everything went great! Have absolutely no bad things to say. From the help I got setting up the account (I was paying through work so needed to be invoiced) to the course and exam prep, it all went perfectly. I took the APM Project Fundamentals and passed, getting 87%