FAQs
We've gathered answers to our most frequently asked questions, covering everything from when you will receive your exam results to how to become an approved trainer. For questions about a specific certification or product, please see the product tab.
FAQs per product
Half Double Training and Certification
The Foundation certificate does not expire, and there are no on-going requirements to maintain this level.
The Practitioner certification is valid for 3 years and the Master certification is valid for 5 years. To maintain Half Double Practitioner or Master status, individuals must complete the Practitioner Re-Certification or Master Re-Certification before the expiry of their current certificate.
Individuals do not need to attending training, and can apply directly to APMG by selecting the level they want to re-certify for from the list on the left-hand side of the screen: https://publicexambookings.apmg-international.com/
Once you have passed the re-certification, you will be awarded with a new Practitioner or Master certificate (as applicable) which will be valid for 3 years.
House of PMO Essentials Certifications
House of PMO is the professional body and a home for PMO professionals where they can develop themselves, support the development of others and contribute to the development of the PMO profession. The House of PMO Essentials course range helps to develop PMO practitioner skills and knowledge through courses for every career level in a PMO.
The examination forms part of the Essentials for PMO Administrators course. The course and exam are aimed at those working within an Administration role within a PMO; those in project support; those looking to start a career within PMO and graduates.
The examination forms part of the Essentials for PMO Managers course. The course and exam are aimed at those working within a Managerial role within a PMO; those who are moving to the role of PMO Manager – either from a PMO Analyst role or directly from another role with some project management content, such as Project or Programme Manager.
The examination forms part of the Essentials for PMO Directors course. The course and exam are aimed at those working within a Directorial role within a PMO; those who are moving to the role of PMO Director – either from a PMO Manager role or directly from another role with some project management content, such as Project or Programme Director.
Yes, training is mandatory. You can find ATOs accredited to teach the Essentials for PMO certifications by filtering the ATO search to your desired level.
The Essentials for PMO Administrators examination is supported by the following 3 texts:
The Essentials for PMO examinations are only available in English.
For individuals studying with an accredited training organization, Foundation style courses are generally delivered over 3 days. It is well worth investigating with individual providers, as some will offer tailored, online, or blended learning solutions.
No, the Essentials for PMO examinations are only available as closed book.
The Essentials for PMO qualifications do not expire.
The Pass marks for the Essentials for PMO Administrators exam is 30/60 (50%).
The Pass marks for the Essentials for PMO Analysts exam is 38/75 (51%).
The Pass marks for the Essentials for PMO Managers exam is 30/60 (50%).
The Pass marks for the Essentials for PMO Directors exam is 25/50 (50%).
A PMO is a business function that has two primary aims. One primary aim is to help businesses make better decisions regarding the projects and programmes they chose to run. The other is to help businesses get better at running projects and programmes by increasing capability.
Infrastructure Business Cases - International Certification
The International Infrastructure Business Case methodology is a systematic and objective approach to the development of a “business case” (or spending proposal). It can be used for any infrastructure project or programme in any country. It is based on the UK Government’s “Better Business Case” methodology, but specifically adapted for infrastructure programmes and projects, reflecting international best practice and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The methodology is explained in the Guidance, together with annexed templates and case study.
The methodology is relevant to any type of projects or programmes in the Infrastructure sector whether economic (such as transport or telecommunications), environmental (such as power or waste management) or social (such as education, health or housing).
Yes. This is because the questions you need to ask to develop an infrastructure project are the same across the world (although the answers may differ).
The Guidance reflects the G20 Principles for Infrastructure Project Preparation adopted by the Infrastructure Working Group.
The course is a training programme built around the International Infrastructure Business Case Guidance, together with its accompanying templates and case study. It provides a step by step guide to developing a business case, through:
- Establishing the strategic need for the project - why the project is needed.
- Setting clear objectives - what you want to achieve from the investment.
- Considering a wide range of potential solutions - ensuring the best balance of benefits, cost and risk.
- Considering if it is commercially viable and financially affordable.
- Putting the arrangements in place to successfully deliver the proposal.
The course prepares you for an exam.
No, course attendance is not mandatory. Candidates are permitted to study the guidance and book the exam only.
The Infrastructure Business Cases Foundation examination is currently available in English, Bahasa (Indonesia), Brazilian Portuguese, French, Latin American Spanish and Ukrainian.
The Infrastructure Business Cases Practitioner examination is currently available in English, Brazilian Portuguese and Ukrainian.
Further translations will be progressed subject to market demand.
Training courses and examinations are based on the ‘Infrastructure Business Case – International Guidance’, which comprises 3 parts: the guidance, annexes, and case studies. These have been developed by the UK’s National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (formerly known as the Infrastructure Projects Authority), with assistance from industry experts, and approved by the Better Business Case Standards Board (in the UK).
The Guidance documents are available to download, in English, free of charge from the Gov.UK website.
The guidance is available in Latin American Spanish from the Columbian Planning Department (DNP) website:
The guidance is available in Brazilian Portuguese from the Ministry of the Economy website.
The supporting publications are currently available in English, Brazilian Portuguese and Latin American Spanish.
Foundation and Practitioner courses are generally delivered over five half-days. It is well worth investigating with individual providers, as many will offer tailored and blended learning solutions.
The Foundation level exam comprises:
- Multiple Choice Questions
- 50 questions
- 25 marks or more required to pass (out of 50 available) - 50%
- 40 minutes duration
- Closed book
The Practitioner level Exam format is:
- Complex multiple choice questions
- 2 ½ hours duration
- 40 marks required to pass (out of 80 marks available) - 50%
- Open book: candidates can refer to the Infrastructure Business Case: International Guidance, Annexes and Case Studies during the exam
The Foundation and Practitioner qualifications are not valid for any defined period and will not expire.
Candidates must achieve 25/50 (50%) to pass the Infrastructure Business Case Foundation exam.
Candidates must achieve 40/80 (50%) to pass the Infrastructure Business Case Practitioner exam.
To be eligible to apply to become an Infrastructure Business Cases approved trainer, individuals must normally achieve a score of 66% or more in the Practitioner exam.
The Infrastructure Business Cases - International approach is currently popular in Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil and Tanzania public sectors.