What is the PQ Qualification?
The PQ qualification is awarded by the UK’s Association for Project Management to candidates who demonstrate through assessment, the ability to apply project management skills and techniques to a non-complex project, or to assist in a more complex project.
What will I gain from the PQ?
Achieving the qualification provides external evidence of a candidate's ability to manage non complex projects or key control functions of a large scale project.
What will my company gain from the PQ?
The qualification provides companies seeking high standards in project management, with external verification of individual project management ability. It may be useful to organisations that need to submit CVs of project personnel when bidding for project work.
Who is the PQ for?
The qualification is for any relatively experienced professional who is looking to demonstrate their ability, including project managers, project coordinators and team leaders who have three to five years experience in managing non-complex projects. This is an intermediate qualification for project management practitioners who can demonstrate an ability to manage non-complex projects or run a key control function of a large-scale project.
What qualifications and experience do I need before the PQ Assessment?
You will need either: to have obtained the APMP Qualification; or be able to demonstrate good familiarity with the APM BOK 5th Edition and have passed an equivalent qualification such as the PMP (Project Management Institute, USA), ISEB Certificate in Project Management, Open University Project Management Module M865; or be able to demonstrate a good foundation knowledge of project management, supported by evidence of relevant continuous professional development (CPD).
What is the assessment format?
Assessment is carried out over two and a half days, where candidates are engaged in:
Individual work: candidates are expected to answer written questions based on a case study and a question regarding current issues in project management.
Group work: working in groups, candidates are observed discussing and solving problems related to the case study.
Interview: candidates are interviewed by their assessors.
The assessment is made against 30 criteria, and requires candidates to demonstrate that they can analyse, identify, and understand issues and information surrounding a non-complex project.
What do I need to do to prepare for the assessment?
Apart from obtaining the pre-requisites it is advisable to complete a pre-assessment form (Practitioner Qualification Self Assessment Form).
Is there any specific guidance for the PQ?
Information can be obtained through this link: