APM PFQ QUALIFICATION FULL EXAM 2025 MARKING SCHEME
APM PFQ – Project Fundamentals Qualification Exam
2025
Comprehensive Study Guide with 60 Detailed Questions,
Answers, and Rationales
1. Project Definition
Question:
Which of the following best defines a project?
a. A continuous process producing repetitive results
b. A temporary endeavor undertaken to deliver specific outcomes
c. A routine operation focused on maintenance
d. An informal group activity with undefined objectives
Answer:
b. A temporary endeavor undertaken to deliver specific outcomes
Rationale:
A project has a defined start and end, with a unique deliverable and allocated resources. It
differs from ongoing operations, which are repetitive and continuous.
2. Business Case Purpose
Question:
What is the primary purpose of a business case in project management?
a. To outline the technical specifications
b. To justify the project’s investment and expected benefits
c. To describe the risk management plan
d. To detail the team’s communication structure
Answer:
,APM PFQ QUALIFICATION FULL EXAM 2025 MARKING SCHEME
b. To justify the project’s investment and expected benefits
Rationale:
The business case provides the economic justification for the project, ensuring that the project
remains viable, desirable, and achievable throughout its life cycle.
3. Project Lifecycle Stages
Question:
Which stage of the project lifecycle focuses on developing detailed plans and resource
allocations?
a. Concept
b. Definition
c. Implementation
d. Handover and closure
Answer:
b. Definition
Rationale:
The definition phase refines project objectives, scope, and resources, resulting in detailed
planning documents such as the project management plan and baseline schedules.
4. Stakeholder Management
Question:
Why is stakeholder identification important early in a project?
a. To delay decision-making
b. To reduce communication needs
c. To understand interests and expectations that may affect project success
d. To ensure stakeholders only get involved at the end
Answer:
c. To understand interests and expectations that may affect project success
, APM PFQ QUALIFICATION FULL EXAM 2025 MARKING SCHEME
Rationale:
Early stakeholder analysis helps identify influence, support levels, and communication needs,
enabling proactive engagement and reducing resistance later.
5. Project Scope Statement
Question:
Which document clearly defines what is included and excluded in the project?
a. Project charter
b. Scope statement
c. Risk register
d. Stakeholder register
Answer:
b. Scope statement
Rationale:
The scope statement details boundaries, deliverables, and acceptance criteria, preventing
scope creep and misalignment between team and client expectations.
6. Project Sponsor Role
Question:
What is the primary role of a project sponsor?
a. Manage daily project activities
b. Approve funding and provide overall direction
c. Write the project schedule
d. Conduct team appraisals
Answer:
b. Approve funding and provide overall direction
Rationale:
The sponsor owns the business case, secures resources, and ensures alignment with
organizational strategy. The project manager handles execution, not funding approval.
APM PFQ – Project Fundamentals Qualification Exam
2025
Comprehensive Study Guide with 60 Detailed Questions,
Answers, and Rationales
1. Project Definition
Question:
Which of the following best defines a project?
a. A continuous process producing repetitive results
b. A temporary endeavor undertaken to deliver specific outcomes
c. A routine operation focused on maintenance
d. An informal group activity with undefined objectives
Answer:
b. A temporary endeavor undertaken to deliver specific outcomes
Rationale:
A project has a defined start and end, with a unique deliverable and allocated resources. It
differs from ongoing operations, which are repetitive and continuous.
2. Business Case Purpose
Question:
What is the primary purpose of a business case in project management?
a. To outline the technical specifications
b. To justify the project’s investment and expected benefits
c. To describe the risk management plan
d. To detail the team’s communication structure
Answer:
,APM PFQ QUALIFICATION FULL EXAM 2025 MARKING SCHEME
b. To justify the project’s investment and expected benefits
Rationale:
The business case provides the economic justification for the project, ensuring that the project
remains viable, desirable, and achievable throughout its life cycle.
3. Project Lifecycle Stages
Question:
Which stage of the project lifecycle focuses on developing detailed plans and resource
allocations?
a. Concept
b. Definition
c. Implementation
d. Handover and closure
Answer:
b. Definition
Rationale:
The definition phase refines project objectives, scope, and resources, resulting in detailed
planning documents such as the project management plan and baseline schedules.
4. Stakeholder Management
Question:
Why is stakeholder identification important early in a project?
a. To delay decision-making
b. To reduce communication needs
c. To understand interests and expectations that may affect project success
d. To ensure stakeholders only get involved at the end
Answer:
c. To understand interests and expectations that may affect project success
, APM PFQ QUALIFICATION FULL EXAM 2025 MARKING SCHEME
Rationale:
Early stakeholder analysis helps identify influence, support levels, and communication needs,
enabling proactive engagement and reducing resistance later.
5. Project Scope Statement
Question:
Which document clearly defines what is included and excluded in the project?
a. Project charter
b. Scope statement
c. Risk register
d. Stakeholder register
Answer:
b. Scope statement
Rationale:
The scope statement details boundaries, deliverables, and acceptance criteria, preventing
scope creep and misalignment between team and client expectations.
6. Project Sponsor Role
Question:
What is the primary role of a project sponsor?
a. Manage daily project activities
b. Approve funding and provide overall direction
c. Write the project schedule
d. Conduct team appraisals
Answer:
b. Approve funding and provide overall direction
Rationale:
The sponsor owns the business case, secures resources, and ensures alignment with
organizational strategy. The project manager handles execution, not funding approval.
