IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APM ACCREDITED PROVIDERS

Transcription

1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APM ACCREDITED PROVIDERS

2 Contents IMPORTANT INFORMATION... 1 FOR APM ACCREDITED PROVIDERS... 1 Contents... 2 Important information for accredited providers... 3 Rules and requirements... 3 Before the exam... 4 Booking an examination... 4 Booking an overseas examination... 4 Invigilators... 4 Dispensations... 5 Extra time... 5 Scribe... 5 Use of a PC... 5 Other aids/equipment available... 5 Separate examination rooms... 5 Fees... 6 During the exam... 7 Candidate resources... 7 Publications... 7 Printed materials... 8 After the exam... 9 Results... 9 Appeals Rules and requirements for accredited providers Maintaining accredited status Running examinations Contact details Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 2 of 14

3 Important information for accredited providers This document outlines the requirements for maintaining APM accredited status and booking APM exams. The aim is to help training providers to deliver APM qualifications to accredited standard, meeting the needs of the provider and delegate alike. This document contains important information relating to APM s range of qualifications. For any queries regarding anything mentioned here, please see the contact list at the end of this document. As an accredited provider you will have access to a dedicated community area within the APM website in which you will find resources to aid your delivery of APM qualifications. To access this area you need to register with and then send your user name to maryjane.boughton@apm.org.uk. Please note specific guidance for training providers accredited to run Practitioner Qualification events is available on request. Rules and requirements At the end of this document you will find the Rules and Requirements for Accredited Providers. It is important you read and understand these and sign and return the form to the Accreditation Officer. Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 3 of 14

4 Before the exam Booking an examination To book an examination with APM, please complete an Examination Notification Booking Form (QA12). Once complete please the form directly to the APM qualifications department at Where possible, 3 weeks notification of an examination is requested, although APM will always try to accommodate any late bookings. Please contact the qualifications department for confirmation. APM will locate an invigilator for the examination and confirm details of the examination and invigilator in writing to the training provider, along with the due-by date for the application forms. Please note there is a maximum of 20 candidates per examination. A candidate list for each examination is requested at least 10 working days prior to the examination date. Application forms for the candidates should be received by APM by midday at least 5 working days prior to the examination date. Application forms are available from our website via the following link, Once forms are completed please them to the qualifications department at qualifications@apm.org.uk. Please see the Rules and Requirements for Accredited Providers attached to this document for further information regarding late candidate bookings, substitutions and candidates re-sitting. Booking an overseas examination To book an overseas examination with APM, please complete an Examination Notification Booking Form (QA12). Once complete please the form directly to the APM qualifications department at qualifications@apm.org.uk. Where possible, 4 weeks notification of an examination is requested, although APM will always try to accommodate any late bookings. Please contact the qualifications department for confirmation. APM will locate an invigilator for the examination, keeping the training provider informed of progress on this, and confirm details of the examination and invigilator in writing to the training provider, along with the due-by date for the application forms. Please note there is a maximum of 20 candidates per examination. A candidate list for each examination is required at least 15 working days prior to the examination date. Application forms for the candidates should be received by APM by midday at least 10 working days prior to the examination date. Application forms are available from our website via the following link, Once forms are completed please them to the qualifications department at qualifications@apm.org.uk. Please see the Rules and Requirements for Accredited Providers attached to this document for further information regarding late candidate bookings, substitutions and candidates re-sitting. Invigilators APM is responsible for providing the services of an invigilator for all APM examinations. The invigilator will be independent of the candidates and deliverers of the course. On receipt of your booking APM will find an invigilator close to your venue and secure their services before confirming acceptance of the booking with you. APM will advise you of the name of the invigilator when we confirm your booking. Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 4 of 14

5 Dispensations APM is committed to promoting a positive attitude towards people with learning and physical needs. The association has a great deal of experience in facilitating individual requirements and tailoring adjustments with the aim of removing any unfair disadvantage that the individual may encounter as a consequence of his or her medical condition. Access to the facilities or arrangements described here can be granted to candidates with disabilities/learning difficulties who apply to the qualifications department. A dispensation may be allowed for candidates with a medical or physical condition that prevents them from completing the exam within the normal regulations. All requests must be supported by a medical certificate or other relevant medical documentation from their GP or other relevant medical professional. This must be stated at the time of application. All medical evidence must be received by APM by midday at least 5 working days, or for overseas examinations at least 10 working days, prior to the examination date. Failure to do so will result in the dispensation not being granted. Requests for dispensations must be received by APM HQ at least 10 working days prior to the examination. Requests for dispensations for an overseas examination must be received by APM HQ at least 15 working days prior to the examination. Extra time Extra time is available to candidates with dyslexia or a medical requirement. This is typically an additional 15 minutes per hour. Scribe A scribe is someone to whom exam candidates can dictate their answers during the exam. Scribes can be made available to candidates who have dyslexia or those with a medical condition. Such candidates will sit their exams in a separate room with their scribe who will also act as their invigilator. The scribe will be a representative of APM and will not have knowledge in the field of project management. Upon request, extra time will usually be given in instances when a scribe is used. Use of a PC PCs can be made available to dyslexic candidates or those with medical conditions who are unable to write or find it easier to type out their answers using a keyboard. Such candidates must also have access to a printer. Exam answers will normally be written in Microsoft Word. Microsoft Excel or other packages allowing calculations cannot be used. Extra time is allowed for printing. Other aids/equipment available Large print papers may be produced for partially sighted candidates or dyslexic candidates with prior arrangement with the qualifications department. Requests for large print papers must be received by midday at least 10 working days before the exam date. Candidates may bring cushions, special seats and any other resting aids by prior arrangement with the qualifications department. Separate examination rooms In instances where a candidate requires the use of a scribe a separate examination room will be required to ensure there are no distractions to other candidates. If a candidate requires the use of a Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 5 of 14

6 PC they may sit in the main examination room with the written consent of the other candidates. This consent must be received by the qualifications department 5 working days prior to the examination date. However, if there are any objections such candidates will also be required to use a separate examination room. Fees All qualification fees can be found on our website at The invigilator fee is still applicable if an examination is cancelled within 5 working days of the exam date for UK exams and 10 working days for international exams. Cancellation fees applicable for each exam can be found at All qualification fees are subject to VAT Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 6 of 14

7 During the exam Candidate resources Copies of all candidate resources can be found at Syllabuses: Hard copies of the syllabus for each examination can be requested from the qualifications department on Introductory Certificate - APMP - Risk Levels 1 & 2 Sample questions: There are sample questions available for some of our examinations on our website. - Introductory Certificate - APMP - Risk Level 1 Candidate guidance notes: You will find candidate guidance notes for all of our examinations on our website. - Introductory Certificate - APMP - Risk Level 1 - Risk Level 2 Hard copies can be ordered free of charge from the Qualifications Department on Body of Knowledge - Definitions booklet b ooklet: Hard copies of the Body of Knowledge Definitions booklet are available free of charge through the qualifications department on the following number; This can also be downloaded for at Publications APM produces a range of publications, aimed at supporting project management students and professionals throughout their careers: APM Body of Knowledge, 5th edition The starting point for any project management enquiry. Over seven sections, it defines 52 areas of knowledge required to manage any project in any environment. The book forms the basis of the syllabuses for all APM qualifications, and is an essential study aid to any APM qualification taker. Starting Out In Project Management A very detailed and meticulously crafted study guide that will support readers wishing to take APM s Introductory Certificate examination, directly supporting the syllabus. Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 7 of 14

8 Project Risk Analysis and Management Guide A definitive guide to project risk. The book focuses on project specific issues, but also addresses how the risk management process at project level connects to corporate or programme level risk management. Recommended for those studying APM s Risk qualifications. A full list of APM publications can be found via the APM website, at Members of APM benefit from a 10% discount on all books. Printed Materials APM also prints a range of materials containing useful information for people interested in the association, including: APM membership brochure Useful information about becoming a member of APM. APM qualifications brochure Details of the range of qualifications offered by the association. Copies are available free of charge in printed or electronic formats. To request copies, contact the qualifications department. Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 8 of 14

9 After the exam Results Introductory Certificate: Candidates need to achieve 60% to pass the examination. Examination papers are automatically marked using OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) software, one mark is allocated for each question answered correctly. Candidates will be advised of their results within 6 weeks of completing the examination. Results will be sent by post to the address indicated on the qualifications application form. Candidates will be graded on a pass / fail basis only. APMP: Candidates need to achieve 55% to pass the examination. Examiners will allocate marks for each question that is answered and candidates should work to pass each individual question. Candidates will be notified of their results by post within 10 weeks of completing the exam. Candidates will receive notification of their total mark and the score achieved for each question. Feedback will only be given for the questions candidates have failed. APMP borderline results If a candidate s paper scores a borderline fail, it will automatically be re-marked by another marker. Both of the markers scores will then be sent to the chief moderator for a final judgement. Risk Level 1: 1 Candidates need to achieve 60% to pass the examination. Examination papers are automatically marked using OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) software, one mark is allocated for each question answered correctly. Candidates will be advised of their results within 6 weeks of completing the examination. Results will be sent by post to the address indicated on the qualifications application form. Candidates will be graded on a pass/fail basis only. Risk Level 2: 2 Candidates need to achieve 60% of the total marks available to pass. Examiners will allocate marks for each question that is answered and candidates should work to pass each individual question. Candidates will be notified of their results by post within 10 weeks of completing the exam. Candidates will receive notification of their total mark and the score achieved for each question. Feedback will only be given for failed questions. Risk Level 2 borderline results If a Candidate s paper is a borderline fail it will automatically be re-marked by another marker. Both of the markers scores will then be sent to the chief moderator for a final judgement. Further details of marking and results can be found in the candidate guidance notes on the above links. Please note APM cannot give results over the telephone or via . Third party data: Submission of candidate application forms expressly provides permission for APM to supply relevant details about candidates examinations, including results, to training providers and employers where applicable. Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 9 of 14

10 Appeals Candidates may appeal against the decision of the examining body on the grounds of bias, disregard of APM regulations, failure to consider relevant additional information provided or an administrative irregularity. No appeal can be heard relating to the technical judgement of the examiners or a subjective feeling on the part of the candidate that they should have done better. Candidates should consider their personal circumstances prior to the examination date. If there are issues that candidates feel could affect their performance they should be aware this is not grounds for appeal. An appeal must be made in writing to the qualifications department. To help candidates provide the necessary information concerning an appeal, the appropriate form may be obtained from the APM qualifications department. Candidate s appeals must be received by the qualifications department no later than 15 working days after your examination date. Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 10 of 14

11 Rules and requirements for accredited providers Please read through the following and sign and return to The Accreditation Officer, Association for Project Management, Ibis House, Regent Park, Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9LE or to Maintaining accredited status Delivery personnel (trainers): Those involved in the delivery of courses should hold APM project management qualifications at or above the level they will be teaching or equivalent, and need to demonstrate a minimum of 5 years experience in project management. Trainers wishing to deliver training courses for APMP with prior learning should ideally hold the relevant PRINCE2 1 certification as well as the required APM qualification. It is also highly recommended that those involved in development and delivery of courses and materials should be APM members. Please note that APM does not accredit trainers, but approves them for delivery of a specified course as accredited within a specific organisation. Annual renewal/reaccreditation: Training provider accreditation runs on a 4 year cycle with accreditation year being year 1, followed by 3 years of annual renewals, after which full reaccreditation is required. Renewal/reaccreditation will become due on the anniversary of the initial accreditation, but this date may be changed to bring courses into alignment where an organisation has more than one APM accredited course. The training provider will be notified of the requirement to renew/reaccredit and provided with all relevant paperwork in sufficient time to meet the due date. Spot Checks: APM reserves the right to make (and charge for) spot visits at any time, though in normal circumstances these would only be undertaken with the full knowledge and consent of the accredited organisation. Changes to courses: The training provider should inform APM of any changes to its organisation or delivery of accredited courses which have occurred since initial accreditation, re-accreditation or last annual report, as appropriate. The changes may include changes to structure or delivery mode of accredited courses, organisation structure or staff. If the changes are substantial APM may wish to have the changes assessed. CVs will be required for new personnel involved in the delivery of courses to enable APM to determine suitability for training. Only trainers approved by APM should be listed on exam booking forms. If delivering a training course for APMP recognising the prior learning of the PRINCE2 Registered Practitioner qualification, Accredited Providers must obtain documentary evidence of a candidate s eligibility to access this prior learning route, ie on the day they are due to take the APMP examination, they will be current PRINCE2 Registered Practitioners. Use of the APM Accredited logo: The APM Accredited logo should be used in line with branding guidelines and in relation to courses which have been through the official accreditation process. The key guidelines are: - The logo should incorporate an exclusion zone around it, equivalent to the height of the m around the logo. - When posting onto a coloured background, a grayscale version of the logo should be used. 1 PRINCE2 is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 11 of 14

12 - The APM Accredited logo can only be used in relation to the particular course or programme that has been accredited and cannot be applied generally to an organisation. The course(s) accredited will be stated on your accreditation certificate. - The logo may be used for any information sources relating to the accredited course or programme including website and course materials, but it must be clear that it is related to the specific course/programme only, and not to the overall department/organisation. - The APM Accredited logo cannot be used if accreditation has been cancelled or lapsed through non-payment of renewal or reaccreditation fees. It is the responsibility of the institution/provider to monitor when the accreditation is due to expire, and to update any information sources where the logo is used as appropriate. Please also see the Association for Project Management s branding and copyright policy at Running examinations Any accredited training provider wishing to run an APM examination should appoint one individual as the organiser who will be the sole contact for all arrangements. Any changes should be notified in writing to APM s Operations Manager, Qualifications. For contact details please see the end of this document. Please read and understand. 1. The organiser will provide APM with the following: a. Exact details of date, venue, room number, map and timing of the examination together with the trainer name and a contact name at the venue, where possible 15 working days prior to the event on the Examination Notification Form (QA12). For an overseas examination at least 4 weeks notification is requested. b. A complete list of participating candidates 10 working days prior to the examination date. APM will accept changes to the candidate list up to midday 5 working days prior to the examinations if accompanied by a completed application form. i. A complete list of participating candidates for overseas examinations 15 working days prior to the examination date. APM will accept changes to the candidate list up to midday 10 working days prior to the examinations if accompanied by a completed application form. c. Completed application forms, returned to APM by midday up to 5 working days before the examination. Applications may be submitted by but faxed or photocopied documents cannot be accepted due to potential for illegibility. i. Completed application forms for overseas examinations, returned to APM by midday 10 working days before the examination. Applications may be submitted by but faxed or photocopied documents cannot be accepted due to potential for illegibility. Exceptions to regulations APM will attempt to accommodate late candidate bookings whenever possible. An extra 5 examination papers are sent out with examinations, up to a maximum of 20 candidates e.g. if 17 candidates are registered for the exam 3 extra papers are sent with the exam; if 7 candidates are registered 5 extra papers Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 12 of 14

13 are sent with the exam. Substitutions and late candidate bookings can be made up to 30 minutes prior to the start of the examination. All substitution and late candidate booking requests must be made in writing to the qualifications department and accompanied by a completed application form. If the substitution or late candidate booking is made on the day of the examination the candidate(s) must complete an application form before they leave the examination room. No extra papers will be sent with special dispensation exams, e.g. when the candidate is using a laptop. d. Details of any candidate(s) who are re-sitting the examination in order for the reduced fee to be applied. Please be aware, if APM are not informed that a candidate is a re-sit, the normal candidate fee will apply. e. Details of any candidate(s) who require special dispensations. A dispensation may be allowed for candidates with a medical or physical problem supported by a medical certificate from their GP, only if prior notice is given to APM in writing at the time of booking. Dispensations available include extra time, use of a PC, use of a scribe and examination papers in a large font format. Please note that requests for dispensation must be made in writing to APM at least 10 working days, or for overseas examinations at least 15 working days, prior to the examination date. Medical certificates must be received by APM at least 5 working days, or for overseas examinations at least 10 working days, prior to the examination. f. Ensure all candidates are aware that they will need to provide photographic proof of identity to the examination invigilator, such as a passport, driving licence, work or student ID. 2. The examination room must a. be sited in a quiet area and free from distractions, b. have disabled access, c. have a clock, visible to all candidates at all times, d. be adequately lit and well ventilated, e. have a front desk for registration of candidates, f. have individual tables/desks and chairs that are sufficiently spaced (at least 1 metre apart), g. have a telephone for emergency use by the examination invigilator, h. have water available for the candidates and invigilator. Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 13 of 14

14 3. The Association for Project Management will provide the accredited training provider with a. an examination invigilator who will be independent of the candidates and deliverers of the course, b. confirmation in writing of all details of the examination including the name of the invigilator once an invigilator has been allocated to the examination, c. confirmation in writing of the names of the candidates that have been registered on the examination, d. examination papers on the day, in sealed envelopes signed by a member of APM s qualifications department for the examination invigilator to distribute to each of the named registered candidates. The examination invigilator will be responsible for collecting the re-sealed envelopes, signed by the candidate at the end of the examination containing completed papers and returning them directly to the Association for Project Management at the end of the session, e. an invoice for the invigilator and all registered candidates on the date of the examination. I have read, accept and agree to abide by the rules and requirements. Signed.. Dated.. Company. Signed.. Dated.. Association for Project Management Contact details NAME TITLE TEL Qualifications Qualifications Dept, general number Qualifications@apm.org.uk Cheryl Brownlie Accreditation Officer Cheryl.brownlie@apm.org.uk Mary-Jane Boughton Business Development Manager Mary-jane.boughton@apm.org.uk For all other enquiries please contact us on Important Information for Accredited Providers v6.0 Page 14 of 14