APM-PMQ

The APM-PMQ (Association for Project Management - Project Management Qualification) exam covers a broad range of project management principles and practices. There isn't a concise list of "main points" as the exam tests understanding and application across the entire body of knowledge. However, we can highlight key areas that receive significant attention:

Core Areas heavily weighted in the APM-PMQ exam:

• Project initiation and definition: Defining the project's scope, objectives, and deliverables; creating a project brief and justification; stakeholder analysis and management; defining success criteria.

• Planning and scheduling: Developing a project plan, including work breakdown structures (WBS), activity sequencing, resource allocation, time estimation, risk identification, and contingency planning. Understanding different scheduling techniques (e.g., critical path method).

• Risk and issue management: Identifying, assessing, responding to, and monitoring risks and issues throughout the project lifecycle. Developing risk registers and issue logs. Proactive risk mitigation strategies are crucial.

• Cost management: Developing and controlling the project budget, cost estimation techniques, cost monitoring and reporting, earned value management (EVM).

• Quality management: Defining quality standards, implementing quality control processes and techniques, managing quality assurance activities.

• Procurement and contracting: Understanding procurement processes, selecting suppliers, managing contracts, and resolving procurement disputes.

• Team leadership and management: Motivating and leading project teams, conflict resolution, communication strategies, managing team dynamics.

• Stakeholder engagement and management: Identifying, analyzing, and managing stakeholder expectations and influence. Developing and maintaining effective communication channels.

• Project monitoring and control: Tracking progress against the plan, managing changes, monitoring risks, and reporting performance. This includes regular reviews, and corrective action.

• Project closure: Completing the project deliverables, documenting lessons learned, conducting post-project reviews, and formally closing the project.

• Understanding APM's own body of knowledge & framework: The exam heavily emphasizes the APM's own project management methodologies and best practices. Familiarity with their terminology and approach is essential.

Important Considerations:

• Application over theory: The exam focuses less on rote memorization and more on applying project management principles to practical scenarios. Expect many case study-based questions.

• Ethical considerations: Understanding and applying ethical principles in project management is vital throughout the exam.

• Context: Questions often place projects within a specific organizational context, testing your ability to adapt project management techniques accordingly.

In summary, preparing for the APM-PMQ requires a comprehensive understanding of all project management lifecycle phases and the ability to apply this knowledge to diverse situations. Focusing on these key areas and practicing with case studies will significantly increase your chances of success.