PQ Guidance and Regs for approved assessment centres... · assessment techniques, relating specifically to the Practitioner Qualification format for assessment. However, approved

Version 2.0 October 2006 1

APM Practitioner Qualification Guidance and Regulations for APM Approved

Assessment Centres


ContentsContentsContentsContents PagePagePagePage Section One Section One Section One Section One –––– An Introduction to the APM Practitioner Qualification An Introduction to the APM Practitioner Qualification An Introduction to the APM Practitioner Qualification An Introduction to the APM Practitioner Qualification 3333

Who is the APM Practitioner Qualification for? 4

What is assessed during the APM Practitioner Qualification? 4

How is the APM Practitioner Qualification assessed? 5

Section Two Section Two Section Two Section Two –––– The Approved Assessment Centre The Approved Assessment Centre The Approved Assessment Centre The Approved Assessment Centre 6666

Gaining APM approval 7

Selection, training and approval of assessors 7

Re-accreditation of assessors 7

Selection, training and approval of facilitators 8

Re-accreditation of facilitators 8

Assessment teams 8

Assessing candidates 9

Reporting to APM 10

Results 10

Section 3 Section 3 Section 3 Section 3 –––– Booking an Assessment with APM Booking an Assessment with APM Booking an Assessment with APM Booking an Assessment with APM 11111111

Registering candidates 12

APM Practitioner Qualification regulations 12

Candidates with special needs 13

Venue requirements 14

Advice and guidance 14

Appendix A Appendix A Appendix A Appendix A –––– Glossary of Terms Glossary of Terms Glossary of Terms Glossary of Terms 15151515 Appendix B Appendix B Appendix B Appendix B –––– Assessment Criteria Assessment Criteria Assessment Criteria Assessment Criteria 16161616 Appendix C Appendix C Appendix C Appendix C –––– RelationshipRelationshipRelationshipRelationship with with with with APM Body of Knowledge (Version 5)APM Body of Knowledge (Version 5)APM Body of Knowledge (Version 5)APM Body of Knowledge (Version 5) 17171717 Appendix D Appendix D Appendix D Appendix D –––– The Process for Training as an Assessor The Process for Training as an Assessor The Process for Training as an Assessor The Process for Training as an Assessor 18181818 Appendix E Appendix E Appendix E Appendix E –––– The Criteria Potential The Criteria Potential The Criteria Potential The Criteria Potential Assessors are Assessed Against Assessors are Assessed Against Assessors are Assessed Against Assessors are Assessed Against 21212121 Appendix F Appendix F Appendix F Appendix F –––– The Process for Training as a Facilitator The Process for Training as a Facilitator The Process for Training as a Facilitator The Process for Training as a Facilitator 24242424 Appendix G Appendix G Appendix G Appendix G –––– The Criteria Potential Facilitators are Assessed Against The Criteria Potential Facilitators are Assessed Against The Criteria Potential Facilitators are Assessed Against The Criteria Potential Facilitators are Assessed Against 27272727


Section OneSection OneSection OneSection One

An Introduction to the APM Practitioner QuAn Introduction to the APM Practitioner QuAn Introduction to the APM Practitioner QuAn Introduction to the APM Practitioner Qualificationalificationalificationalification


Who is the APM Practitioner Qualification for?Who is the APM Practitioner Qualification for?Who is the APM Practitioner Qualification for?Who is the APM Practitioner Qualification for? The APM Practitioner Qualification is for individuals who want to show that they can effectively manage a non complex project across its whole lifecycle. The APM Practitioner Qualification is appropriate for individuals who have at least 3 years experience in responsible leadership functions of non-complex projects or have been a team member of a more complex project. Candidates wishing to take the Practitioner Qualification must also satisfy one of the following criteria for project management knowledge: either have passed the APMP qualification or can demonstrate good familiarity with the APM Body of Knowledge and have passed an equivalent

qualification such as PMP, ISEB Certificate in Project Management, Open University Project Management Module M865 or can demonstrate that they have a good foundation knowledge of project management supported by evidence of relevant CPD Note: Approved centres will be responsible for ensuring that all candidates put forward for assessment for this qualification can demonstrate the required foundation knowledge. What is assessed during the APM Practitioner Qualification?What is assessed during the APM Practitioner Qualification?What is assessed during the APM Practitioner Qualification?What is assessed during the APM Practitioner Qualification? The certification assesses a candidate’s capability to manage a non complex project across all aspects of the project lifecycle. The Practitioner Qualification is not designed to assess overall competence as a project manager as this is not possible out of context of the project environment. It is an assessment at a given moment in time in a specific, but generally realistic environment. The assessment of the candidates’ capabilities takes place within the boundaries of a case study and is made against 30 assessment criteria (Appendix B), with particular emphasis on the criteria written in bold. Assessors are also looking for objective evidence of the desired behavioural characteristics of a project management professional, as defined in the APM Body of Knowledge (Version 5) topic 7.7. Although these behaviours are not scored in the same way as other criteria, if the assessors believe that a candidate displays a serious and systematic deficiency in one or more behaviours, the candidate will fail the assessment. The characteristics are:

Open, positive attitude Inventiveness Common sense Prudent risk taker Open mindedness Fairness Adaptability Commitment

All the areas of the APM Body of Knowledge (Version 5) addressed by the case study material and assessment criteria are outlined in Appendix C


Assessors will collect evidence of a candidate’s project management capabilities through the group activities and exercises as well as through the written examination. Candidates will be observed discussing and solving problems relating to the project case study. In addition, all candidates will be interviewed by their Assessor on an individual basis during the assessment session. How is the APM Practitioner Qualification Assessed?How is the APM Practitioner Qualification Assessed?How is the APM Practitioner Qualification Assessed?How is the APM Practitioner Qualification Assessed? The assessment session will typically take place over three days starting at lunchtime or late afternoon on Day 1 and finishing at lunchtime or late afternoon on Day 3, depending on the chosen timetable. Only APM can approve modifications to timetable arrangements to accommodate client needs without jeopardising the structure and efficacy of the assessment process. This must be done in advance of the assessment session. The assessment process fundamentally relies on all candidates attending each session on time. Lateness, for any reason, compromises the assessment process. For this reason, the assessment session is designed to be a residential event. The assessment will comprise of: Individual work – candidates will provide written answers in examination conditions to questions based upon the given case study and will also provide a written answer to a question about an issue in project management. This question will be related to one or more of the assessment criteria, and will be selected by the assessor from the pre-published list of questions which all candidates have access to. Group work (observed) – candidates will carry out group exercises in order to discuss and solve problems related to the case study. Interviews – all candidates will be interviewed on an individual basis. Candidates will be allowed to refer to the APM Body of Knowledge (Version 5) Definitions document throughout the assessment but not during the written work in Session 5. Assessors are responsible for the assessment of the candidate’s performance and facilitators are responsible for marking written work. Facilitators are also required to share their findings with the assessors whilst determining evidence of the candidate’s capability against the assessment criteria.


Section TwoSection TwoSection TwoSection Two

The Approved Assessment CentreThe Approved Assessment CentreThe Approved Assessment CentreThe Approved Assessment Centre


GainingGainingGainingGaining APM Approval APM Approval APM Approval APM Approval The success of the APM Practitioner Qualification is dependent on the partnership between APM and the approved assessment centre. This partnership is based on trust, professionalism and the impartiality of assessors to safeguard the integrity of the certification. In order to become an approved assessment centre, an organisation is required to formally register to run the sessions and be an accredited provider of APM. An approved assessment centre must employ at least one appropriately trained and qualified assessor and have written proof of access to at least one other appropriately trained and qualified assessor. The centre must also have appropriate systems and procedures in place to administer the candidate registration and the management of the assessment session venue and facilities. As part of the effort to protect the integrity of the APM Practitioner Qualification, approved assessment centres are not permitted to offer any form of coaching designed to assist candidates in assessment techniques, relating specifically to the Practitioner Qualification format for assessment. However, approved assessment centres are able to offer pre-screening events to judge a candidate’s suitability for the certification and identify any relevant development needs. APM reserves the right to spot check pre-screening events. Equally assessors and facilitators must declare if they have personally trained any candidates, in any way, in the six month period preceding the assessment session and in this case should not act as the lead assessor for that candidate. Selection, Training and Approval of AssessorsSelection, Training and Approval of AssessorsSelection, Training and Approval of AssessorsSelection, Training and Approval of Assessors All potential assessors must already hold the Practitioner Qualification themselves and apply directly to APM to register their interest in becoming an assessor. The process described in Appendix D is then followed; the criteria potential assessors are assessed against are stated in Appendix E. The cost of training to become an assessor is detailed in the APM Practitioner Qualification schedule of fees. APM reserve the right to withdraw assessor status from an individual if it is deemed necessary by APM head office.

ReReReRe----accreditation of Assessorsaccreditation of Assessorsaccreditation of Assessorsaccreditation of Assessors

If an individual has successfully trained as an assessor, but does not assess anyone else in the following 12 months, it will be necessary for them to complete a 3 hour refresher training session with a facilitator prior to them assessing any candidates. This will be arranged through APM. If an individual has successfully trained as an assessor, has subsequently assessed candidates, but then has a 12 month period without carrying out Practitioner Qualification assessments, it will be necessary for them to complete a one hour refresher training session with a facilitator, prior to them assessing any candidates. This will be arranged through APM. Selection, Training and Approval of FacilitatorsSelection, Training and Approval of FacilitatorsSelection, Training and Approval of FacilitatorsSelection, Training and Approval of Facilitators Individuals wishing to become facilitators must already be an approved assessor and register their interest in becoming a facilitator with APM. The process documented in Appendix F is then followed; the criteria potential facilitators are assessed against are outlined in Appendix G.


Facilitators for each event are appointed by APM and will be independent from the approved assessment centre. The cost of training to become a facilitator is detailed in the APM Practitioner Qualification schedule of fees. APM reserve the right to withdraw facilitator status from an individual if it is deemed necessary by APM head office. ReReReRe----accreditation of Facilitatorsaccreditation of Facilitatorsaccreditation of Facilitatorsaccreditation of Facilitators If an individual has successfully trained as a facilitator, but does not facilitate an event in the following 12 months, it will be necessary for them to complete a 3 hour refresher training session with a current facilitator prior to them facilitating a Practitioner Qualification event. This meeting will be arranged by APM. If an individual has successfully trained as a facilitator, has subsequently facilitated Practitioner Qualification events, but then has a 12 month period without facilitating, it will be necessary for them to complete a one hour refresher training session with a current facilitator, prior to them facilitating a Practitioner Qualification event. This meeting will be arranged by APM.

Assessment TeamsAssessment TeamsAssessment TeamsAssessment Teams

An assessment session will operate with between six and sixteen candidates with an assessment team comprising two to four assessors depending on candidate numbers, plus one facilitator appointed by APM. The design of the APM Practitioner Qualification assumes the following:

• A minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 groups of candidates • Each group containing either 3 or 4 people • 1 approved assessor per group • 1 approved assessor may be lead assessor for a maximum of 4 candidates • 1 facilitator per assessment session to manage the process

Note: An APM Practitioner Qualification assessment cannot take place without a minimum of six candidates and two approved assessors. Approved assessment centres should plan suitable contingent actions to ensure that assessment sessions can take place, for example: having reserve candidates/assessors in case of illness etc. APM strongly recommends that all centres should plan APM strongly recommends that all centres should plan APM strongly recommends that all centres should plan APM strongly recommends that all centres should plan to run an assessment session with no less than 8 candidates.to run an assessment session with no less than 8 candidates.to run an assessment session with no less than 8 candidates.to run an assessment session with no less than 8 candidates. Assessing CandidatesAssessing CandidatesAssessing CandidatesAssessing Candidates Each candidate is assessed against 30 criteria (Appendix B) using the rating scale below. Assessors are required to capture “a quantity of quality evidence” of the candidate’s capability against each criterion. 1 2 3 4 Little or no evidence of capability

Basic or partial evidence of capability

Good or proficient evidence of capability

Extensive evidence of capability


Guidelines of sufficiency and appropriateness or the required “quantity of quality evidence” for each of the criteria are provided in the APM Practitioner Qualification Assessor Handbook which is given to assessors at each assessment session. The scoring is not about the candidate’s performance but about the reliability of the evidence demonstrated by the candidate. Seven assessment criteria from the list of 30 (Appendix B) are shown in bold because they are essential for passing the APM Practitioner Qualification. No candidate can pass the APM No candidate can pass the APM No candidate can pass the APM No candidate can pass the APM Practitioner Qualification if they score a rating of 1 for any of the essential (bold) criteria.Practitioner Qualification if they score a rating of 1 for any of the essential (bold) criteria.Practitioner Qualification if they score a rating of 1 for any of the essential (bold) criteria.Practitioner Qualification if they score a rating of 1 for any of the essential (bold) criteria. Having gathered evidence of the candidate’s capability, assessors are required to partake in the moderation session at the end of each Practitioner Qualification event. The following matrix will apply to all pass/fail decisions:

• Anything below 2.50 is an automatic fail. • Anything between 2.50 and 2.74 is a fail unless there is a very good reason to pass (any

failed bold criteria is an outright fail).

• Anything between 2.76 and 3.00 is a pass unless there is a very good reason to fail (any failed bold criteria is an outright fail).

• Anything 3.00 and above is an automatic pass.

• Within the moderated range (2.5 to 3.0) there must be justification for the decision if it is going in the opposite direction. The justification for this result must be explained in the candidate letter.

The Assessor’s recommendations should be made following:

• observation of all group work • review of all written work • an interview with the candidate.

Objective evidence of the presence of the desired behavioural characteristics of a project management professional (from the APM Body of Knowledge 5th Edition) will also be gathered by assessors. The written work produced by individual candidates during the assessment session will be marked by the facilitator. A candidate’s lead assessor may also choose to review this work to help to confirm their pass/fail recommendation. Written work from session 5 will only be marked if the candidate is borderline pass/fail. The facilitator provides an independent verification of the assessment recommendation. The written work produced by candidates throughout the session may be reviewed by APM centrally and used to confirm the assessment team recommendation. The final pass/fail decision will be made by APM after reviewing documented objective evidence of the assessors’ recommendation as well as reports and feedback from the facilitator. The APM facilitator and the assessors will not leave the assessment venue until pass/fail recommendations have been made and justified for each candidate, and until the facilitator has reviewed and approved the candidate summary feedback prepared by the assessors. It is strongly recommended that this final candidate summary information is presented by assessors electronically using the proforma provided by the facilitator at the event.


In exceptional circumstances, assessors may defer a final pass/fail decision and recommend to APM that the candidate in question is borderline pass/fail. The most likely scenarios for a borderline recommendation being made are where the assessor has evidence that the candidate was disadvantaged by the assessment process, e.g. due to a literacy issue or group dynamics. Where a candidate has been recommended as borderline, APM will arrange for the candidate to attend an interview with an APM approved project management specialist who will review assessor documentation, candidate written work and seek out further evidence against the 30 assessment criteria before making the final pass/fail decision. Reporting to APMReporting to APMReporting to APMReporting to APM APM assessors will be required to use APM reporting processes at all times and to adhere to relevant legislative requirements including the Data Protection Act (1998). If any assessor or facilitator is unsure of the requirements of legislation, it is their responsibility to contact APM to gain clarification on this. ResultsResultsResultsResults APM will notify each candidate individually of their results four to six weeks after the assessment session. A report of the results will also be sent to the approved assessment centre.


Section ThreeSection ThreeSection ThreeSection Three

Booking an Booking an Booking an Booking an Assessment SAssessment SAssessment SAssessment Session with APMession with APMession with APMession with APM


Registering Candidates Registering Candidates Registering Candidates Registering Candidates To apply to take the APM Practitioner Qualification, candidates must complete the appropriate application form and submit it to the approved APM Practitioner Qualification assessment centre. The application will then be passed onto APM to complete the registration. Candidates who have met the pre-entry requirements of project management experience and knowledge will have to submit two copies of each of the following documents:

- a completed APM qualifications registration form - an APM self-assessment form - a project based CV outlining their experience in project management

The CV should describe the projects that they have worked on with details of their responsibilities and involvement across the project lifecycle. The candidates need to submit these documents to the APM approved assessment centre. Using these documents for reference, approved assessment centres are responsible for accepting applications on behalf of APM. If they feel that a candidate is not suitable but the candidate or their organisation dispute this, the application should be referred to APM head office for confirmation of acceptance. Once the candidate list is complete, the approved centre should submit all of the documents to APM for candidate registration. This information must be forwarded at least 14 working days This information must be forwarded at least 14 working days This information must be forwarded at least 14 working days This information must be forwarded at least 14 working days before the assessment takes place. before the assessment takes place. before the assessment takes place. before the assessment takes place.

APM Practitioner Qualification RegulationsAPM Practitioner Qualification RegulationsAPM Practitioner Qualification RegulationsAPM Practitioner Qualification Regulations Any organisation wishing to run an assessment session for the APM Practitioner Qualification will appoint one individual who will be the sole point of contact for all arrangements. According to the APM Practitioner Qualification regulations, an approved assessment centre will provide APM with:

1. An assurance that assessors will declare if they have personally trained in any way, any candidates in the six month period preceding the assessment session.

2. An assurance that the accredited provider will not assist candidates in assessment techniques for the APM Practitioner Qualification prior to the event. However, pre-screening sessions and development needs identification are permitted; guidance notes for candidates on the Practitioner Qualification are available from APM.

3. Exact details of the date, venue and timing of the assessment session at least 28 working days prior to the event. (Confirmation of the assessment date will be dependent on the availability of an APM facilitator.) Advanced dates must not be advertised untiAdvanced dates must not be advertised untiAdvanced dates must not be advertised untiAdvanced dates must not be advertised until a facilitator l a facilitator l a facilitator l a facilitator is confiis confiis confiis confirmed by APM.rmed by APM.rmed by APM.rmed by APM.

4. A venue which meets the requirements as laid down in the guidance notes for approved assessment centres.

5. An assurance that all candidates are aware that they may need to provide proof of identity to the facilitator.


6. A full list of participating candidates 28 working days prior to the assessment date. In exceptional circumstances up to an additional two candidates may be included up to six working days prior to the event, subject to agreement with APM. Substitutions may be made up to the date itself with agreement from APM.

7. Completed APM Practitioner Qualification application forms, self assessment forms and project based CVs for each candidate, which must be returned to APM 14 working days before the assessment (In exceptional circumstances up to an additional two candidates may be included up to six working days prior to the event, subject to agreement with APM).

8. Notification at least 14 working days prior to an assessment if there is a candidate who has a medical or physical problem.

According to the APM Practitioner Qualification regulations, APM will:

1. Provide the approved assessment centre with a facilitator for the appropriate fee plus reasonable expenses (including travel and overnight accommodation). The facilitator will be independent from the approved assessment centre.

2. Reserve the right to confirm all arrangements for the assessment directly with the venue provider.

3. Provide assessment material on the day, for the facilitator to distribute as required; the facilitator will be responsible for collecting all materials, returning them to APM directly at the end of the assessment session. Note: no facilitator or assessor will have access to the assessment materials other than when formally issued by APM for a particular APM Practitioner Qualification assessment session.

4. Notify the results to the individual candidates within 4 to 6 weeks of the assessment.

5. Invoice for the facilitator 28 working days prior to the assessment. If the assessment centre is cancelled after this date, the invoice for the facilitator must be paid in full. If an approved assessment centre cancels three practitioner qualification events in a 12 month period, then the organisation concerned should come to APM with explanations and proposals to avoid these situations occurring in the future.

6. Invoice for candidates 14 working days prior to the event.

CandidateCandidateCandidateCandidates With Special Ns With Special Ns With Special Ns With Special Needseedseedseeds APM will do its utmost to accommodate candidates with special needs. Candidates should notify the approved assessment centre at the time of application in order to ensure that all appropriate considerations are given.


Venue RequirementsVenue RequirementsVenue RequirementsVenue Requirements Approved assessment centres may choose the venue for the assessment but the venue must have the following facilities:

• room to take all candidates and assessors where each candidate can have his or her own desk for written work under exam conditions

• a syndicate room for each group which can take up to six people allowing the assessor(s) to have a separate table

• accommodation for all assessors and candidates and the facilitator on site

• adequate and flexible refreshment and catering services available for candidates whenever they break from their group work

• easy access to photocopying facilities for the facilitator. Advice and GuidanceAdvice and GuidanceAdvice and GuidanceAdvice and Guidance Advice, support and guidance are available from APM Professional Development Department on any aspect of the APM Practitioner Qualification. Association for Project Management Professional Development Department 150 West Wycombe Road High Wycombe Bucks HP12 3AE Tel. +44(0)1494 440090 Fax +44(0)1494 528937 Email [email protected] Web: www.apm.org.uk


Appendix AAppendix AAppendix AAppendix A Glossary of TermsGlossary of TermsGlossary of TermsGlossary of Terms Approved Assessment Centre (Approved Centre)

An organisation approved by APM to offer the APM Practitioner Qualification

Approved Assessor (Assessor)

An individual trained and assessed as being able to assess candidates for the APM Practitioner Qualification

Assessment Session (Session)

The period of time when the assessment takes place. The assessment session is an inclusive term for all six separate sessions which make up the total assessment

Assessor Handbook The case study materials, assessment criteria and evidence guidelines for use by assessors during an assessment session

Assessment Teams (Teams)

The team of assessors and the facilitator for each assessment session

Lead Assessor The assessor assigned to report on an individual candidate. Each candidate will be assessed by more than one assessor but the final reports are compiled by their assigned “Lead Assessor”

Candidate The individual being assessed

Facilitator The individual appointed by APM to coordinate the assessment session

Assessment Venue (Venue)

The location at which the assessment session takes place


Appendix BAppendix BAppendix BAppendix B APM Practitioner Qualification Assessment CriteriaAPM Practitioner Qualification Assessment CriteriaAPM Practitioner Qualification Assessment CriteriaAPM Practitioner Qualification Assessment Criteria 1 Determine stakeholders, their influence and interests

2 Design the optimal project organisation

3 Analyse and understand the project success criteria and business benefits of the project

4 Analyse and understand project constraints and dependencies

5 Identify project risks and assumptions

6 Identify project issues

7777 Demonstrate an understanding of the project context and the overallDemonstrate an understanding of the project context and the overallDemonstrate an understanding of the project context and the overallDemonstrate an understanding of the project context and the overall business case business case business case business case

8 Define the scope of the project.

9999 Demonstrate a comprehensive application of project management planningDemonstrate a comprehensive application of project management planningDemonstrate a comprehensive application of project management planningDemonstrate a comprehensive application of project management planning

10101010 Apply a risk management process competently to the projectApply a risk management process competently to the projectApply a risk management process competently to the projectApply a risk management process competently to the project

11 Apply a quality management process competently to the project

12 Demonstrate an ability to incorporate best value approaches

13 Demonstrate an awareness of generic legal and contractual issues

14 Prepare for a negotiation with a supplier of critical services for the project

15 Analyse conflict situations and apply an appropriate style to resolve the issue

16 Objectively reflect on their performance of self and that of other team members

17 Present information clearly and factually

18 Answer questions relevantly and succinctly

19191919 Optimise project plans to responOptimise project plans to responOptimise project plans to responOptimise project plans to respond to a major changed to a major changed to a major changed to a major change

20 Apply effective change control and configuration management

21 Balance conflicting stakeholder expectations

22222222 Demonstrate an ability to monitor project progress and take suitable controlling actionDemonstrate an ability to monitor project progress and take suitable controlling actionDemonstrate an ability to monitor project progress and take suitable controlling actionDemonstrate an ability to monitor project progress and take suitable controlling action

23232323 Plan and conduct a suitablePlan and conduct a suitablePlan and conduct a suitablePlan and conduct a suitable post project evaluation review post project evaluation review post project evaluation review post project evaluation review

24 Objectively identify lessons to be learned separating causes from effects

25 Communicate succinctly in writing

26 Lead and influence a small team

27272727 Work effectively as a team memberWork effectively as a team memberWork effectively as a team memberWork effectively as a team member

28 Communicate verbally in an appropriate way (including listening)

29 Obtain information through use of appropriate questions

30 Present compelling recommendations to project sponsor (board/steering group)


Appendix CAppendix CAppendix CAppendix C Areas of the Areas of the Areas of the Areas of the APM Body of KnowledgeAPM Body of KnowledgeAPM Body of KnowledgeAPM Body of Knowledge addressed by ca addressed by ca addressed by ca addressed by case study material and assessment criteriase study material and assessment criteriase study material and assessment criteriase study material and assessment criteria

Areas of the APM Body of Knowledge addressed by case study material and assessment criteriaAreas of the APM Body of Knowledge addressed by case study material and assessment criteriaAreas of the APM Body of Knowledge addressed by case study material and assessment criteriaAreas of the APM Body of Knowledge addressed by case study material and assessment criteria

Project Project Project Project management in management in management in management in contextcontextcontextcontext

• Project management

• Project context

• Project sponsorship

Planning the Planning the Planning the Planning the strategystrategystrategystrategy

• Project success and benefits management

• Stakeholder management

• Value management

• Project management plan • Project risk management

• Project quality management Executing the Executing the Executing the Executing the strategystrategystrategystrategy

• Scope management

• Scheduling

• Resource management • Budgeting and cost management

• Change control

• Information management and reporting

• Issue management

TechniquesTechniquesTechniquesTechniques • Requirements management

• Estimating

• Configuration management

Business and Business and Business and Business and commercialcommercialcommercialcommercial

• Business case • Procurement

• Legal awareness

Organisation and Organisation and Organisation and Organisation and governancegovernancegovernancegovernance

• Project life cycles • Concept

• Definition

• Implementation

• Handover and closeout • Project reviews

• Organisation structure

• Organisational roles PeoplePeoplePeoplePeople • Communication

• Teamwork • Leadership

• Conflict management

• Negotiation


Appendix D Appendix D Appendix D Appendix D –––– Flowchart to show the process for training to Flowchart to show the process for training to Flowchart to show the process for training to Flowchart to show the process for training to be a PQ Assessor be a PQ Assessor be a PQ Assessor be a PQ Assessor

Potential assessor registers interest with APM

APM checks candidate holds Practitioner Qualification and has recertified the qualification if

applicable

No APM informs potential assessor they need to gain the certification first

APM updates Integra and organizes for the assessor to shadow at an event. Also sends letters, invoices and handbooks as appropriate (see note 1)

Trainee assessor meets with the facilitator of the event 2 hours before the other assessors arrive (see note 2)

Yes

Trainee assessor shadows an experienced assessor and takes part in the process where appropriate (see note 3)

Immediately after the event, the facilitator discusses the trainee assessor with the ‘shadowed’ assessor, using the assessment form provided (see note 4)

Within a week of the event, the facilitator will hold a post event review meeting with the trainee (see note 5)

The facilitator completes the assessment form and sends it back to APM, along with any written notes, with a recommendation of pass or fail (see note 6)

APM updates Integra, informs candidate and sends the Practitioner Qualification assessor an ‘Assessor terms and conditions’ document to be signed and

returned to APM

On receipt of the ‘Assessor terms and conditions’ document, APM updates Integra and issue a Practitioner Qualification assessor certificate

Pass

Fail

APM updates Integra and informs candidate via a

letter, which includes reason for the decision. (See note 7)


Guidance NotesGuidance NotesGuidance NotesGuidance Notes

1. APM will contact any organisations who are running PQ events and see if they are happy to have a trainee assessor at the event. If an organisation agrees, APM need to get the permission in writing. APM will also need to gain agreement from the facilitator of the event, for a trainee assessor to be there. APM reserve the right to train new assessors and facilitators at the APM open events, with the facilitator’s agreement. Once the training event is secured, all appropriate paperwork needs to be sent to the facilitator and the trainee assessor (including a copy of the assessor handbook and a reminder that the trainee assessor needs to bring a laptop with them). There must only be one trainee assessor per event if there are 6 candidates, this can be increased to 2 trainee assessors if there are 8 or more candidates at the assessment centre and if the facilitator agrees.

2. The trainee assessor should have received the assessor handbook with all the other

paperwork for the event and should have worked through it prior to arrival. The facilitator will go through the assessor handbook page by page with the trainee assessor, ensuring understanding and emphasizing the feedback that is expected, including examples where necessary. The facilitator should also explain the use of the crown jewels, techniques for making contemporaneous notes and interview preparation and techniques.

3. The trainee assessor will shadow an experienced assessor, initially just observing in session

2 Group and then participating in the questioning in the other sessions and should complete feedback forms for the candidates in addition to the actual assessor. The trainee assessor should also mark the written work independently of the actual assessor, to enable comparison of marks. With regards to the interview session, the trainee assessor should develop interview plans alongside the actual assessor and should observe one interview, contribute to the second and finally conduct the third interview. The interview the trainee conducts should be observed by the facilitator – this needs to be staggered if there is more than one trainee assessor at an event. If the actual assessor or facilitator believes that the trainee’s interview style is affecting a candidate’s chance of passing the Practitioner Qualification, they reserve the right to intervene or ask additional questions. The facilitator will collect all paperwork produced by the trainee during the event and refer to this during their post event review meeting with the trainee.

4. The facilitator will gain the ‘shadowed’ assessor’s opinion of the trainee assessor and they

will have a discussion based around the assessment form. Notes of this discussion must be taken and submitted to APM (see guidance note 6).

5. The Facilitator will hold a post event review meeting with the trainee, either face to face or

via telephone. Their discussion will be based around the following topics:

• How the trainee felt the event went • Any immediate questions the trainee has regarding the event • Discuss the marking of the written work, comparing the trainee’s scores with those

of the actual assessor, focusing on any differences

• Challenge the trainee on any scores of 1 or 4 that they have given • Review and comment on feedback forms • Review and discuss the observed interview • Discuss any final questions the trainee might have.


6. The facilitator completes the assessment form basing their rating on evidence they have observed during the event, feedback from the ‘shadowed’ assessor and also from their post-event review meeting with the trainee. The facilitator returns the assessment form to APM with a recommendation of pass or fail. If the recommendation is fail, the facilitator needs to state whether or not the trainee should be given another opportunity; they should also complete the justification section of the assessment form, to allow this feedback to be included in the letter to the unsuccessful trainee assessor. The decision of pass or fail should be based on the following scale:

• Less than 2.50 is an automatic fail

• 2.50 – 2.74 is a fail unless there is a good reason to pass • 2.75 – needs to be documented agreement between the Facilitator and the

‘shadowed’ assessor as to whether the trainee has passed or failed • 2.76 – 3.00 is a pass unless there is a good reason to fail

• Above 3.00 is an automatic pass. Any notes from conversations between the facilitator and the ‘shadowed’ assessor, regarding the trainee, should also be included with the assessment form.


Appendix E Appendix E Appendix E Appendix E –––– Cr Cr Cr Criteria potential assessors are assessed aiteria potential assessors are assessed aiteria potential assessors are assessed aiteria potential assessors are assessed againstgainstgainstgainst

Practitioner Qualification Assessor Assessment FormPractitioner Qualification Assessor Assessment FormPractitioner Qualification Assessor Assessment FormPractitioner Qualification Assessor Assessment Form Trainee Assessor Name:Trainee Assessor Name:Trainee Assessor Name:Trainee Assessor Name: Organisation: Organisation: Organisation: Organisation: Assessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment Criteria Evidence ObservedEvidence ObservedEvidence ObservedEvidence Observed AreasAreasAreasAreas for I for I for I for Improvementmprovementmprovementmprovement RatingRatingRatingRating

Accurately assess performance against the APM Practitioner Qualification assessment criteria

Attribute the evidence to individual candidates

Be unobtrusive whilst observing the candidate

Refer any difficulties in interpreting criteria promptly and accurately to the facilitator

Select questions for the candidate to provide sufficient evidence to infer capability across the range of criteria.

Work appropriately and collaboratively with the rest of the assessment team

Ask questions which are clear and do not lead candidates.

Provide appropriate feedback against each assessment criterion


Assessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment Criteria Evidence ObservedEvidence ObservedEvidence ObservedEvidence Observed Areas for IAreas for IAreas for IAreas for Improvementmprovementmprovementmprovement RatingRatingRatingRating

Record evidence and assessment decisions to meet APM requirements

Return records to APM according to APM requirements.

Reflect on overall process and own performance

Average score achieved:Average score achieved:Average score achieved:Average score achieved: RecomRecomRecomRecommendation (please circle): mendation (please circle): mendation (please circle): mendation (please circle): Pass Fail Pass Fail Pass Fail Pass Fail ---- Should this canShould this canShould this canShould this candiddiddiddidate be offered ate be offered ate be offered ate be offered another another another another

opportunityopportunityopportunityopportunity???? (please circle) (please circle) (please circle) (please circle):::: Yes Yes Yes Yes NoNoNoNo If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary)If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary)If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary)If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary) Assessed by:Assessed by:Assessed by:Assessed by: Date: Date: Date: Date: Signature:Signature:Signature:Signature:


Assessment GuidanceAssessment GuidanceAssessment GuidanceAssessment Guidance Use the conduct of an assessment as evidence of whether the criteria above are met. Accept oral or written evidence of all assessment criteria being assessed by the assessor candidate. View quality of written records and assess for accuracy and clarity against APM requirements. Rating of each Assessment Criteria should be as follows: Level 1: Little or no evidence of capability Level 2: Basic or partial evidence of capability Level 3: Good or proficient evidence of capability Level 4: Extensive evidence of capability In addition, make notes on the proforma provided for each candidate if you observe any notable aspects of the behaviours below. These behaviours are not rated. However, a serious or systematic deficiency in one or more behaviours should result in a failed candidate. Open, positive attitude Common sense Open mindedness Adaptability Inventiveness Prudent risk taker Fairness Commitment


Appendix F Appendix F Appendix F Appendix F –––– The process for training a potential Facilitator The process for training a potential Facilitator The process for training a potential Facilitator The process for training a potential Facilitator

Potential facilitator registers interest with APM

APM checks candidate holds PQ and has recertified the qualification if applicable.

Yes

Pass

APM updates system and organizes for the facilitator to shadow at an event. Also invoices as appropriate (see note 1)

Trainee facilitator meets with the actual facilitator of the event 4 hours before the assessors arrive (see note 2)

Trainee facilitator shadows the experienced facilitator and takes part in the process where appropriate (see note 3)

Fail

Within a week of the event, the facilitator will hold a post event review meeting with the trainee (see note 4)

The facilitator completes the assessment form and sends it back to APM, along with any written notes, with a recommendation of pass or fail (see note 5)

APM updates Integra, informs candidate and sends Practitioner Qualification facilitator a ‘Facilitator terms and conditions’ document to be signed and

returned to APM

On receipt of the ‘Facilitator terms and conditions’ document, APM update Integra and issue a Practitioner Qualification facilitator certificate

APM updates Integra and informs candidate via a letter, which includes reason for the decision and an offer to re-try after 6 months

No APM informs potential facilitator they need to gain the certification first

APM checks whether the potential facilitator is a certified Practitioner Qualification assessor.

Yes

No See the facilitator training process for trainees who are not already

Practitioner Qualification assessors


Guidance NotesGuidance NotesGuidance NotesGuidance Notes 1. APM need to contact any organisations who are running Practitioner Qualification events

and see if they are happy to have a trainee facilitator at the event. If an organisation agrees, APM need to get the permission in writing. APM also need to gain agreement from the facilitator of the event, for a trainee facilitator to be there. APM reserve the right to train new assessors and facilitators at the APM open events, with the facilitator’s agreement. Once the training event is secured, all appropriate paperwork needs to be sent to the facilitator and the trainee facilitator (including a copy of the facilitator handbook and a reminder that the trainee facilitator needs to bring a laptop with them)

2. The trainee facilitator will arrive 3 hours before the assessors arrive. During the first hour of

this time the trainee facilitator assists the actual facilitator in pre-event preparation and preparing the event location as described in the facilitator handbook. For the remainder of the time the actual facilitator will go through the facilitator handbook with the trainee, page by page and ensure understanding of the role. The facilitator will also recap on the use of the crown jewels and answer any questions from the trainee. The trainee facilitator should observe the briefing of the assessors for the event and join in discussions with observations and points from their own experience.

3. The trainee facilitator will shadow an experienced facilitator, initially just observing in the

formal introduction, session 1 written and session 2 group, then leading the remainder of the sessions including the invigilation of written sessions 2, 4 and 5, with support from the experienced facilitator. For all written sessions the trainee facilitator should also mark the written work independently of the actual facilitator, to enable comparison of marks. With regards to the conflict session, the trainee facilitator should develop the time plan for interrupting each group in conjunction with the actual facilitator. The trainee should then observe the running of the conflict session with the first group and then lead the remaining groups. If the actual facilitator believes that the trainee’s style in running the conflict session is damaging a candidate’s chance of passing the PQ, they reserve the right to ask additional questions. When it comes to the moderation of marks, the trainee should observe the moderation process for a number of candidates and lead the moderation discussion for at least 1 candidate. The facilitator will collect all paperwork produced by the trainee during the event and refer to this during their post event review meeting with the trainee.

4. The facilitator will hold a post event review meeting with the trainee. Their discussion will

be based around the following topics:

• How the trainee felt the event went • Any immediate questions the trainee has regarding the event • Discuss the marking of the written work, comparing the trainee’s scores with those

of the actual facilitator, focusing on any differences

• Review and comment on organizational ability • Review and discuss the conflict session • Review and discuss the moderation of marks • Discuss any final questions the trainee might have.


5. The facilitator completes the assessment form basing their rating on evidence they have observed during the event and also from their post-event review meeting with the trainee. The facilitator returns the assessment form to APM with a recommendation of pass or fail. If the recommendation is fail, the facilitator needs to complete the justification section of the assessment form, to allow this feedback to be included in the letter to the unsuccessful trainee facilitator. The decision of pass or fail should be based on the following scale:

• Less than 2.50 is an automatic fail • 2.50 – 2.74 is a fail unless there is a good reason to pass • 2.75 – needs input from the assessors at the event as to their view of the

Facilitator. Needs to be documented evidence of these discussions and a consensus has to be reached

• 2.76 – 3.00 is a pass unless there is a good reason to fail • Above 3.00 is an automatic pass


AAAAppendix G ppendix G ppendix G ppendix G –––– Criteria potential f Criteria potential f Criteria potential f Criteria potential facilitators will be assessed againstacilitators will be assessed againstacilitators will be assessed againstacilitators will be assessed against

Practitioner Qualification Facilitator Practitioner Qualification Facilitator Practitioner Qualification Facilitator Practitioner Qualification Facilitator Assessment FormAssessment FormAssessment FormAssessment Form Trainee Facilitator Name:Trainee Facilitator Name:Trainee Facilitator Name:Trainee Facilitator Name: Organisation: Organisation: Organisation: Organisation: Assessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment Criteria Evidence ObservedEvidence ObservedEvidence ObservedEvidence Observed Areas for IAreas for IAreas for IAreas for Improvementmprovementmprovementmprovement RatingRatingRatingRating

Judge performance against the APM Practitioner Qualification assessment criteria

Undertake fair and convincing role plays during the assessment centre

Correctly administer preset simulations and tests

Able to provide support and guidance to assessors and answer questions from candidates

Refer any difficulties in interpreting criteria promptly and accurately to APM

Organise the Practitioner Qualification assessment centre to the standards and processes set out in the facilitator handbook

Provide clear and constructive feedback following each assessment decision


Assessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment CriteriaAssessment Criteria Evidence ObsEvidence ObsEvidence ObsEvidence Observedervedervederved Areas for IAreas for IAreas for IAreas for Improvementmprovementmprovementmprovement RatingRatingRatingRating

Record evidence and assessment decisions to meet APM requirements

Provide records and reports which are legible and accurate

Able to fairly moderate the assessment decision session

Return records to APM according to APM requirements.

Reflect on overall process and own performance

Average score achieved:Average score achieved:Average score achieved:Average score achieved: Recommendation (please circle): Pass Fail Recommendation (please circle): Pass Fail Recommendation (please circle): Pass Fail Recommendation (please circle): Pass Fail ---- Should this candidate bShould this candidate bShould this candidate bShould this candidate be offered another e offered another e offered another e offered another

opportunityopportunityopportunityopportunity???? (please circle) (please circle) (please circle) (please circle) Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary)If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary)If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary)If fail, please write your justification in the box below (Continue overleaf if necessary) Assessed by:Assessed by:Assessed by:Assessed by: Date: Date: Date: Date: Signature:Signature:Signature:Signature:


Assessment GuidanceAssessment GuidanceAssessment GuidanceAssessment Guidance Use the conduct of an assessment as evidence of whether the criteria above are met. Accept oral or written evidence of all assessment criteria being assessed by the facilitator candidate. View quality of written records and assess for accuracy and clarity against APM requirements. Rating of each assessment criterion should be as follows: Level 1: Little or no evidence of capability Level 2: Basic or partial evidence of capability Level 3: Good or proficient evidence of capability Level 4: Extensive evidence of capability In addition, make notes on the proforma provided for each candidate if you observe any notable aspects of the behaviours below. These behaviours are not rated. However, a serious or systematic deficiency in one or more behaviours should result in a failed candidate. Open, positive attitude Common sense Open mindedness Adaptability Inventiveness Prudent risk taker Fairness Commitment

Documents

PQ Guidance and Regs for approved assessment centres... · assessment techniques, relating specifically to the Practitioner Qualification format for assessment. However, approved