APM Project Management

Association for Project Management (APM)

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the chartered body for the project profession. It is the best-known project management association in the UK and is an educational charity.

In 2017 the Association received a Royal Charter and became known as the chartered body for the project profession.

APM membership

Membership of the APM is open to both individuals and organisations. In 2019, there were over 28,000 individual members as well as 500 organisations in its Corporate Partnership Programme.

APM women

The APM encourages the active participation of women within the project management profession. It hosts the APM Women specific interest group (SIG) which organises events aimed at female project professionals.

APM FIVE dimensions

The APM is committed to developing and promoting project and programme management through its FIVE Dimensions of Professionalism – a framework that helps individuals develop their career and skills.

The FIVE dimensions are:

Breadth

The APM Body of Knowledge (APMBOK) defines the knowledge needed to manage all types of project. It underpins many project management standards and methods including the National Occupational Standards in Project Management.

Depth

The APM Competence Framework provides a guide to the competences required by project managers. It maps levels of knowledge and experience to help career progression.

Achievement

APM qualifications are recognised across the profession and are aligned with IPMA’s Four Level Certification Program (IPMA is the International Project Management Association).

Commitment

The APM recommends Continuing Professional Development to develop an individual’s project management practice. A targeted development plan can enhance a project manager’s career.

Accountability

The APM Code of Professional Conduct outlines the ethical practices expected of a professional project manager. APM membership shows its members’ commitment to the Code and sets them apart from non-members.

APM Body of Knowledge (APMBOK)

The APM has developed and maintains its own project management standard known as the APM Body of Knowledge (APMBOK). This is complimentary to a project management methodology such as PRINCE2.

Some of the main sections of the APMBOK will be familiar with readers of the American PMBOK. Topics such as benefits management, risk management, value management, cost management, schedule management, procurement, governance and assurance, the project lifecycle, and the relationship between project management, programme and portfolio management are all aspects of projects that are covered in the APMBOK.

APM certification

The APM offers a range of project management professional qualifications which are especially valued in the UK. The most well-known are the APM PFQ and APM PMQ. Students can prepare to sit their examination either by self-studying using online learning, or by attending a course.