What is the APM Competence Framework?

The APM Competence Framework sets out the competences required for effective project, programme, portfolio management and project management office (PMO). 

The framework consists of 29 competences based around outcomes that project professionals need to achieve. Each competence includes a series of criteria covering knowledge and the application.

It also includes a Ratings Scale, a simple 5-point scoring system for assessing performance against the application and knowledge criteria (aware, practiced, competent, proficient and expert).

The APM Competence Framework, refreshed and updated

Our Competence Framework will help you to assess and improve performance in the workplace. The framework is for you if you’re interested in:

• assessing your competence level, identifying strengths and areas of growth to help you progress in your career 
• creating a formal career path for specific project roles, enabling a manager or team leader to measure and improve the performance of project professionals for whom they’re responsible; or
• helping you to identify and address training and development needs to deliver their change initiatives more effectively.

There are a number of ways to utilise the Competence Framework. You can browse or download all competences of the framework as well as take advantage of our new self-assessment tool to help improve your performance.

Login or register for free and complete our self-assessment tool to benchmark yourself

• Complete your assessment at your own pace
• Save your assessment
• Compare your rating
• Discover your next steps

Learn how to use the self-assessment tool