APMP Foundation Exam: How to Prepare and Pass

I recently took and passed the APMP Foundation Certification Exam (Version 4) and wanted to share the lessons I learned to help others study and succeed. As an APMP Foundation class instructor since 2011, I was already familiar with the APMP Body of Knowledge and test-taking best practices. However, I found this test challenging and believe thorough preparation is essential. Here is my six-step process for successful exam preparation.

Step 1: Understand Exam Eligibility, Structure, and Rules

Before diving into your studies, visit the APMP website to review the exam eligibility requirements and rules. To be eligible for the exam, you must:

• Have at least one year of experience in the bid and proposal industry.
• Provide a reference who can verify your experience.

To take the exam, you must register through APM Group or an Authorized Training Organization (ATO), like Lohfeld Consulting. Registering through the APM Group or an ATO will give you access to an online portal to take the exam. Here is an overview of the exam:

• Number of questions: 75 (multiple-choice)
• Passing score: 42 correct answers (56%)
• Time limit: 60 minutes (plus an additional 5 minutes for exam instructions)

Step 2: Acquire the Study Guide and Glossary

The APMP Foundation Study Guide and Glossary are available on the APMP website. These resources cover the core knowledge areas tested in the exam:

• Focus on the Customer
• Create Deliverables
• Manage Processes
• Use Tools and Systems

The Glossary is essential, as many exam questions test your knowledge of APMP-specific terminology.

Step 3: Read and Absorb the Study Guide

The Study Guide is 210 pages packed with critical information. To absorb the material effectively, I recommend:

• Reading 20-25 pages daily over two weeks.
• Taking detailed notes on definitions, best practices, principles, and potential pitfalls.
• Asking yourself questions as you read. For example: How many pages of new material can the average person write in a day? Answer: Four pages.

Step 4: Practice Answering Multiple-Choice Questions

The APMP exam includes various types of multiple-choice questions, such as:

• Identifying the correct definition or missing words.
• Answering true/false statements.
• Determining which statement is NOT true.
• Selecting three correct options out of four.

Since there is only one correct answer per question, it’s essential to:

• Take the practice exam offered by APM Group at least twice before attempting the real test to familiarize yourself with the question format.
• Review incorrect answers and create a cheat sheet for tricky concepts.

Step 5: Use Active Learning Techniques

To reinforce your knowledge, apply active learning techniques:

• Summarize concepts aloud – Teaching yourself the material helps retention.
• Create flashcards – Focus on key definitions and APMP principles.
• Rewrite complex topics in your own words – This deepens your understanding as you reiterate concepts.

Step 6: Exam Day Strategy

Arrive well-rested and focused on test day. Here are a few strategies to maximize your performance:

• Manage your time wisely:
  • You have 65 minutes total (including instructions).
  
  
  • Aim to complete the exam in 55 minutes, leaving 10 minutes for review.
  • Spend no more than 45 seconds per question before moving on.
• Leverage the open-book format:
  • The exam is open book, so refer to the Study Guide, as needed
  • Use bookmarks or tabs to locate key sections quickly.
• Eliminate wrong answers: If unsure, narrow down your choices and make an educated guess.

Conclusion

The APMP Foundation exam is challenging, but you can confidently pass with structured preparation. Invest time in reading, practicing, and applying active learning techniques. A well-planned study approach will ensure you’re ready to earn your certification. Good luck!

Relevant Information

• APMP® Foundation Certification: Prep & Exam

• Lohfeld Consulting’s Public Class Schedule (Our next APMP Foundation Certification class will be held this spring and available for enrollment soon. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.)

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).