FAQ's

A: No, AGS has an agreement with an RTO Project Performance Group (Registered Training Organisation Assessment www.projectperformance.com.au). Project Performance Group is recognised by the NSW Government body VETAB http://www.vetab.nsw.gov.au/ & can be found on the Commonwealth Government website http://www.ntis.gov.au/?/rto/90922#

Q: What is AQF 4, AQF 5 & AQF 6?

A: AQF 4 = Certificate IV, AQF 5 = Diploma & AQF 6 = Advanced Diploma. AQF = Australian Qualifications Framework.

Qualifications are awarded after evidence has been submitted, assessed against and meets requirements of Standards (BSB07 Business Services Training Package). Check course inclusions and exclusions - some prices include assessments for qualifications, others do not.

Q: Are discounts offered for more than one registration/booking?

A: Yes, please contact us

Q: Why should I select an AGS Consulting & Training course?

A: We have over 25 years experience in public, private and non-profit organisations. We've worked in most industries. Our courses cover a balance of theory and practice. Tools & techniques are sourced from many disciplines including project management, program management, management and consulting. AGS Consulting & Training/our personnel have delivered 100's of courses, over a 20 year period to 1,000's of people at all levels.

Online and distance courses

Q: What is the difference between AGS online and the distance modes?

A: The key difference between our distance and online courses is the format of courseware (material) delivery.

1. Online = electronic courseware (mostly PDF files – you can search & print) forwarded via email after receipt of initial payment. Templates are in Word & ‘editable’.

2. Distance = hardcopy materials posted to you (there is an additional charge of $150 incl GST to cover printing & postage)

Most people prefer the online (electronic) version.

Q: When can I start an online or distance course?

A: Anytime that suits your needs and commitments.

Q: Can I pay for an online or distance course in stages?

A: Yes. An initial payment of $650 (incl GST) is required at the start. Thereafter payments can be made to suit your progress.

Q: How do I get started on a course leading to a qualification?

A: Our online course is delivered as follows:

1. You enrol by submitting a completed 'Qualification Registration Form' (available upon request)

2. We invoice you

3. After payment of the invoice you will be emailed course material

4. There’s an option to chat online using Skype eg to advise you, agree timing etc

5. You can start at any time & proceed at your own pace

6. Submit evidence via email for assessment

7. Assuming all requirements are met you will be awarded with a Qualification

Q: How long will it take to complete the course & obtain Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma?

A: This depends on your prior knowledge & experience, how much time you have available, other commitments as well as ability to produce required evidence. As a guide the range is typically one - 12 months.

Assessment, including qualifications & RegPM

Q: What is the difference between RegPM Certification and a qualification?

A: RegPM is the Australian Institute of Project Management industry Certification scheme. Qualifications are 'academic awards' issued by Registered Training Organisations (RTO). RegPM is awarded for 3 years, thereafter renewal. Qualifications are awarded 'for life'.

Q: What evidence of skills is required for a qualification or RegPM certification?

A: This depends upon the level of qualification or RegPM certification. Examples of evidence (usually 20-25 documents which may have different names):

* Project Brief

* Business Case

* Project Initiation Document

* Gate Review

* Project Management Plan

* Tender Evaluation Report

* Change Request

* Project or Program Status Report

* Post Completion Review

* Lessons Learned Log

Q: Can I be assessed for a qualification & RegPM Certification at the same time?

A: Yes. Evidence requirements are similar but not identical. For RegPM you need to be currently practicing (or done so in the 'recent' past) at the appropriate level. Contact Alan Schwartz for further information.

Q: If I received a diploma, what am I actually qualified to do, and what employers insist on this qualification to manage a project? Ie who would employee me because of this qualification. Ie why would I want to study a diploma rather than try and get some on-the-job training?

A: It’s ‘impossible’ to give you definitive answers that apply to all industries & all employers.

Increasingly employers expect prospective employees to have experience/a ‘track-record’, qualifications & in many cases certification.

Being ‘competency based’, assuming you meet Diploma requirements, it’s recognition that you have knowledge, understanding & skills required to manage projects. Employers will typically look at a CV to determine depth & breadth of experience but also dependent upon the job sought.

Getting Diploma & on-the-job training/skills application are not mutually exclusive ie to get the Diploma you need to show application of skills to projects.

A Diploma is a ‘stepping-stone’ (or milestone) along the path to becoming a ‘professional project manager’. Another is RegPM, mentioned in my earlier e-mail.

Q: How quickly can I complete RegPM?
A: If you’re ‘well organised’ & have quick access to your documents, you could complete the process in about 10-15 hours.
As a guide, if you have quick access to all your evidence, you’d need about:
- 1-3 hours to select items (plans, reports etc)
- 3-10 hours to fill in the Assessment Record Book
- 30 minutes to complete a ‘Form’ re: your contact info. & project overviews
- 1.5 hours for the assessment meeting (face-to-face or online)

Q: Can I obtain RegPM certification if I'm not currently practicing?

A: You’d need to ‘be able to readily display workplace evidence from a minimum of two recent projects (at least one of the two projects to

have been delivered no longer than two years prior to the assessment date and the other no more than 3 years) as evidence of current competency, practical skill and underpinning knowledge’.

Q: Where/how should I source my evidence?
A: There are a range of sources/considerations:
- evidence may be sourced from multiple projects (ie does not need to cover a project from
start to finish)
- there's no minimum project size, as long as evidence satisfies requirements of the Standard (elements & performance criteria)
- evidence from a single phase (eg implementation) could be sufficient, providing it
includes initiating, planning, executing, controlling & closing processes
- evidence can be sourced from past jobs/organisations
- you may source evidence from non-project work eg managing people in an 'business as usual'
situation
- you may source evidence from future' work eg fill some gaps by work you undertake next week, next month etc
- some evidence can take the form of 'explanation' (eg what was done & how) ie not necessarily a 'project deliverable'
- you may also 'fill some gaps' using a case study

Q: Am I able to complete templates for past projects even though they aren’t “original” evidence
A: Yes but ensure that this is clearly 'noted'

Q. Will my qualification (Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma) be recognised nationally?

A. Yes, your qualification is awarded as part of the Australian Qualifications (AQF) Framework and as such is a nationally recognised qualification.

Q: What happens if some items of evidence do not satisfy requirements?
A: Anything submitted for review/assessment is ‘without prejudice’ eg if you’re on the wrong track, you’ll be given you feedback accordingly – it does not affect your assessment in any way…. As long as you ultimately provide all the required evidence.

Q. I have an AQF qualification from another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) will this be recognised or do I have to redo the qualification?

A. As part of the national RTO network any qualification issued by another RTO is recognised. You do not need to redo you qualification.

Q. What if I have already completed another qualification such as a Masters in Project Management, is this enough evidence of my competence for a Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma?

A. All your previous qualifications will be taken into account by the assessor when determining you knowledge and understanding of formal terms and concepts, however you will still need to provide evidence from your work proving your competence against the relevant Standard.

Q. What happens if I don’t pass an assessment?

A. If you are not able to provide evidence for all units of competence you will receive a statement of attainment for the units you did pass. You can re-submit the missing units within an agreed timeframe (usually 12 months for a reassessment - there may be a reassessment fee if there is a significant evidence gap). After 12 months you will have to re-start the whole programme.

Q: Would I have to get approval from past employers to use documents?
A: Whether or not you get approval is up to you. We may need one or more ‘referees reports’ from past managers, clients or peers confirming your role on one or more projects. If required, the assessor will tell you.

Q: As I am unemployed ie not in project management job, am I able to create fictitious projects or do they have to be real?
A: For a qualification you can Use a mix of past projects & fictitious projects / case studies – you’ll need evidence against all the ‘elements in the Standard’ from (2 or more) projects.

For more information contact Alan Schwartz GSPL@bigpond.net.au phone 02 9810 6413

Updated 18 May 2010