APM PMQ (Project Management Qualification)

What it is

The APM PMQ (Project Management Qualification) is a British qualification from the Association for Project Management, the UK chartered body for the profession. Unlike PMP, which is American and global, PMQ is designed around UK practice and is very well known to British employers. It sits above the entry level PFQ (Project Fundamentals Qualification) and shows you understand how projects are planned, controlled and delivered.

Who it suits

PMQ suits people building a project career in the UK: project coordinators, team members, and those in engineering, construction, IT or admin who want a recognised step up. It does not require years of experience the way PMP does, so it is a more realistic starting certificate for someone earlier in their project journey. Many people take PFQ first as a gentle introduction, then move up to PMQ.

How you qualify

1. Optionally take the PFQ first. It is a 60 minute multiple choice exam and a good foundation, though not compulsory.
2. Study for PMQ, usually through a training provider course of about 5 days plus self study, or by e learning.
3. Sit the PMQ exam: a 2.5 hour written exam in two parts where you write out answers rather than tick boxes. There is no formal entry requirement to sit it.

Cost and how long it takes

The PMQ exam itself is £528 for APM members and £648 for non members in 2026, and PFQ is about £260 to £278. A full training course usually costs £1,200 to £2,500 including the exam. Self study with the open online exam is cheaper. Most people are ready in 3 to 6 months. The qualification does not expire, though APM encourages ongoing development.

The English you need

PMQ is a written exam, so your English has to be good. You do not tick boxes; you write structured answers under time pressure, explaining project ideas clearly. That needs confident, fluent written English. If writing in English is still hard for you, the PFQ with its multiple choice format is a friendlier first step, and free ESOL classes will help. Do not attempt PMQ until your written English is solid.

The honest reality

PMQ is respected in the UK but, like any project certificate, it works best alongside real experience. On its own it will not guarantee a project manager job. The written exam catches people out: some who pass multiple choice tests easily struggle to write full answers in time. Budget for the possibility of a resit, which is about £472. If your English writing is weak, be honest with yourself and build it up first rather than paying for an exam you are not ready for.

What you can earn

Project coordinators and junior project managers in the UK earn very roughly £28,000 to £40,000, moving up to £45,000 to £60,000 as an experienced project manager. London and technical sectors pay more. PMQ helps you compete for these roles but does not set your salary by itself. These figures are estimates from UK job sites, not a promise.

Your next step

If your written English is strong and you have some project exposure, book a PMQ course or buy the study materials and the open online exam. If you are earlier on, start with PFQ, or improve your English through ESOL first. Check the current fees on the APM website before booking, as they change each year.