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: What do I get after attending a 4 day course?
A: A significant amount of knowledge and practical skills.

There are two options:
• Qualification only ie Diploma (AQF 5) or Advanced Diploma (AQF 6)
• Qualification and RegPM (CPPM or CPPD)

For the Diploma & Advanced Diploma, most of the evidence is generated during the four-day course. On completion of the course (last day) or sometime later (candidate’s choice) candidates submit an Assessment Record Book (to finish the process). Course attendees seeking a Qualification & RegPM would need to bring project evidence to the course for assessment (during the 4 days or submit it after the course). They would need to complete an AIPM Assessment Record Book, not the Diploma version. Candidates meeting CPPM would also have met Diploma requirements, CPPD the Advanced Diploma. Where more evidence is needed / where the AIPM ARB has not been completed during the course, this could be emailed to AGS after the course.

For course attendees/candidates who are not practicing project managers but seeking RegPM, they would need to satisfy CPPP & course Diploma requirements. Regardless of what is sought, requirements need to be satisfied before qualifications & RegPM certification can be awarded.

Q: Would I need to sit exams or are AGS courses Competency-based?
A: Competency-based - assessments are carried out during four-day courses. No exams.

Q: Upon completion of the four day course, am I guaranteed a qualification (Diploma or Advanced Diploma) and AIPM RegPM Certification (CPPM or CPPD)?
A: No. Any organisation/trainer/assessor that guarantees a success RegPM and/or qualification prior to assessing candidate
evidence is acting outside the bounds of ‘acceptable’ practice. However we can say that the vast majority of ‘serious’ candidates are successful in obtaining RegPM and/or qualification. To achieve this, it’s necessary to submit evidence which must meet ‘Standards’.

Qualification (Diploma or Advanced Diploma) and AIPM RegPM Certification (CPPM or CPPD) are ‘academic’ qualification.
To achieve CPPM or CPPD you need to be a PRACTICING Project Manager or Director / Program Manager (respectively) with a range of ‘relevant’ experience. AGS fully support candidates in their quest to achieve desired levels. We're as flexible as the ‘rules’ permit. Ultimately, candidates need to ‘prove’ that they have the appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills & attitudes.

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

A: Yes, please check our Booking Form / Registration Form or 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.

Q: What is the difference between a Diploma and Certificate IV? How do people that do the online course get assessed to see if they can get a Diploma\Certificate IV?

A: Diploma is project manager level; Cert IV is team member level. See attached Standards. Candidates need to provide evidence (20-25 key deliverables) from 2 or more projects - can be real or case studies. Questions also need to be answered (for me to assess knowledge & understanding).

Q: How does one get a Diploma in four days?

A: With the competency-based system in Australia, there are two main ways of obtaining qualifications:

1. Attend a course & undergo an assessment either during or after the course

2. Undergo an assessment only

In either case, a candidate’s evidence is required to satisfy qualification requirements.

For less experienced candidates, we recommend & provide some pre-course material.

If a candidate can not satisfy all Diploma requirements in the course, they will need to present further evidence after the course. Providing requirements are then met, the Diploma will be awarded.

As an assessor, I can never guarantee a successful outcome but can say that the vast majority of serious candidates are successful….. some do take longer than others.

An alternative, where Diploma requirements are not satisfied, is for a Certificate IV award.

AGS Consulting & Training is an Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) 'Endorsed Course Provider'.

In my personal capacity, I have trained & assessed 1,000’s of people for qualifications & AIPM RegPM (professional certification).

I do hope that addresses your concerns. If not, feel free to ask further questions.

Q: Will I receive my qualification at the end of the four day course?
A: Yes, if all requirements are met by end of course ie completion of activities / deliverables including an Assessment Record Book. However, the qualification (Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma Certificate) is typically issued within 2-3 weeks of completing the course – about 25% of people usually finish all evidence by the end of the course, others email their Assessment Record Book shortly afterwards.

Q: Can you advise me if I am on the right track by investigating a project management course from yourselves? (Assuming your objectivity)

I have come across others like www.Prince2.com but I am in the dark as there seem to be many offering some course or another.

A: There are advantages & disadvantages (comparing our courses & qualifications with PMP & Prince 2). Prince 2 is used in some industries, not others…. There are those who ‘love it’ & others who ‘hate it’. PMP is a global certification. Diploma\Certificate IV are only recognised in Australia. I’m also an AIPM Registered RegPM Assessor (recognised in Australia). This is similar to PMP.

I recommend Diploma\Certificate IV & RegPM but ultimately it’s your decision.

Please do visit Frequently asked questions for more information.

Q: Do we get a certificate after completing an AGS course and if yes who awards the qualification?
A: After satisfying requirements, a qualification is awarded by the Project Performance Group (Registered Training Organisation).

Q: Do I need to bring any supporting documentation to the four day course?
A: Not for a qualification. For RegPM, evidence should either be brought to the course or submitted after completion. You're welcome to bring project documents to the course for use in activities.

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 $250 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 $850 (incl GST) is required at the start. Thereafter payments can be made to suit your cashflow / rate of submitting evidence for assessment.

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.

Q: How do I submit my evidence (ie deliverables, Assessment Record Book) for assessment?
A: Usually via Email or mail. Face-to-face is an options subject to agreement.

Q: How much time do I have to complete the course?
A: You can take up to two years to complete. An extension may be granted if requested at least 3 months before the end of the two year period.

Q: What support is provided?

A: AGS provide up to two hours support (included in course cost) via email for online & distance students. Additional support is available for a fee to suit circumstances.

Assessment, including qualifications & RegPM

Q: What is assessment
A: The process of gathering and judging evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard. Candidates are required to submit evidence to demonstrate their competency. Evidence includes outputs from projects/programs (eg briefs, business cases, project/program management plan, status reports, post completion review) and the completion of an Assessment Record Book (which includes candidate answers to questions). See also competency-based assessment.

Q: What is competency-based assessment (or CBA)
A: The gathering and judging of evidence in order to decide whether a person has achieved a standard of competence.

Q: What is RegPM?

A: RegPM is the Australian Institute of Project Management industry Certification scheme. There are currently three levels of RegPM certification:

* CPPP: Certified Practising Project Practitioner (project team member)

* CPPM: Certified Practising Project Manager (project manager)

* CPPD: Certified Practising Project Director (project director / program manager)

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

A: RegPM is the Australian Institute of Project Management industry Certification scheme. Candidates must be 'current practitioners' to achieve a RegPM award. Qualifications are 'academic awards' issued by Registered Training Organisations (RTO). RegPM is awarded for 3 years, thereafter renewal. Qualifications are awarded 'for life'.

If, for example, a candidate satisfies RegPM CPPM requirements, they will also have satisfied Diploma requirements (available for a fee). However, the reverse does not necessarily apply. A candidate may satisfy Diploma or Advanced Diploma requirements without necessarily satisfying CPPM or CPPD requirements respectively.

Q: What is the assessment process (from start to finish)?

A: There are three steps overall.

1. A briefing included with online/distance courseware and face-to-face courses

2. Collection/development of evidence by the candidate (email AGS questions if advice is required)

3. Assessment of candidate evidence by an approved assessor

Q: What steps are involved in obtaining RegPM?

A: The steps are summarised as follows:

1. Apply for AIPM membership (www.aipm.com.au/html/membership.cfm)
2. Apply to AIPM for RegPM (www.aipm.com.au/html/registration_member.cfm/www.aipm.com.au/html/regpm-application.cfm). Nominate Alan Schwartz as your Assessor.

   3. Participate in a briefing session (options - during a course, via email & phone or face-to-face)
   4. Collect evidence ie about 20-25 key project deliverables through the lifecycle (as required by the AIPM Standards), from 2 or more projects/programs)
   5. Complete an AIPM Assessment Record Book including answer questions
   6. Complete & email the RegPM Candidate Information sheet with program-project descriptions (MS Word not PDF)
   7. Submit your CV

Refer to the file RegPM - new & renew quick summary for more information.

Do advise AGS if you have any special needs (eg privacy, confidentiality, security etc).
We/AIPM can not guarantee a successful outcome. However, we can advise that all ‘serious’ candidates successfully complete the process.
If evidence does not satisfy requirements, We’ll advise you & guide you as necessary. AIPM does have an appeals process where candidates disagree with a ‘not yet competent’ assessment result.

Once the assessment process starts, CPPM & CPPD candidates have 3 months to finish. If you wish, feel free to send AGS some initial evidence/partly completed ARB for feedback.

Q: Can assessments be carried out remotely/from a distance?

A: Yes. Although desirable to meet face-to-face, the assessment process can be carried out via phone & email.

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

A: This depends upon the level of qualification or RegPM certification. Evidence needs to cover initiating, planning, executing, controlling & closing projects / programs. This may be generated through the entire 'lifecycle' or during a 'phase'. Requirements are 'defined' in the relevant Standards & Assessment Record Books.

Examples of evidence (usually 20-25 documents, which may have different names to those listed below):

* Project Brief

* Business Case

* Project Initiation Document

* Gate Review

* Project Management Plan

* Schedule (timeline)

* Tender Evaluation Report

* Change Request

* 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: What's the difference between AIPM CPPM & CPPD RegPM levels?
A: For CPPM, candidates need evidence of managing two projects including a team of 'specialists' (usually cross-functional 'subject matter experts'). For CPPD, candidates need evidence of two ‘instances’ of directing projects/project managers and/or managing programs ie managing several projects as a coordinated program, with projects managed by project managers reporting to the candidate. Evidence needs to satisfy the AIPM CPPM/CPPD Standard (& ARB). Contact us (GSPL@bigpond.net.au) for a document titled 'Differentiation between CPPM & CPPD'.

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: Is it possible to complete a qualification and/or RegPM in one to three months?

A: Timing is up to you, the candidate. You could finish in less time…. , providing you can produce the necessary evidence.

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: I have changed jobs & can not access documents; and/or there are privacy, commercial, security constraints

- select evidence that is not ‘sensitive’

- use documents from your current job

- source evidence from internal projects

- sanitise evidence (remove sensitive words, figures etc)

- provide extracts from documents (not full documents)

- use only the cover page & table of contents (and signature page if possible/appropriate)

- use witness testimony (eg statement from manager confirming that some evidence is too sensitive to use).

- discuss concerns with AGS, to find another solution
- AGS / Alan Schwartz has a Non-Disclosure / Confidentiality Agreement with some organisations; we’re happy to sign Agreements as required by Clients

Q: What is the RegPM renewal process?

A: Refer to the file RegPM - new & renew quick summary

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

- evidence needs to addresses all Elements in the relevant Standard
- 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'

- Candidates may not necessarily have produced all project/program deliverables. Roles/functions may range from 'doing', to managing, to reviewing etc.
- you may also 'fill some gaps' using a case study

Q: Must my name and signature be on all items of evidence?

A: No. It's desirable that your name / signature will appear on many items. It's recognised that in some cases, documents prepared by a candidate only show their managers name. In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a managers/referees confirmation/report.

Q: Is there a requirement to supply evidence from two projects for RegPM/Qualifications?

If so I believe I may have to "build" from work in a previous life which would mean that it is going to fall into the "small" projects definition as I have had limited exposure to work that could be considered "project" the only work that could fall into this category would be my involvement with an evaluation of a tender and in this case I was not involved in the initial concept, scope, or even the scope of the evaluation team - Because my involvement in the process was limited to the post tender and nothing else, I think it may be difficult for me to use it as an example if we are to follow the letter of the law.

A: Evidence may be sourced from two or more projects. For qualification a single project may be sufficient. For RegPM, two projects/programs are required. Evidence does not need to cover the full lifecycle on the project(s) as long as evidence addresses the elements/criteria in the Standard ie deliverables may be sourced from several projects to cover the lifecycle and functions (scope, time, cost etc). Candidates may not necessarily have produced all project/program deliverables. Roles/functions may range from 'doing', to managing, to reviewing etc.

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: Due to client confidentiality agreements all reference to the projects and clients will be deleted. Is this OK?
A: No problem – feel free to ‘sanitise’ as necessary but do not send ‘blank templates’. Please provide a brief explanation. In some cases, it may be necessary for the assessor to contact a referee.

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.

Q: I would like your advice on University qualification vs. AIPM RegPM certification?

A: There are several pathways each with pros & cons:

- Uni courses are great especially for broadening horizons (but expensive & take years)

- One can do a short course, assemble evidence & then go through an assessment process for a qual (eg Diploma) and/or RegPM certification

- If he has a fair bit of knowledge & experience, he could just go through the assessment process for a qual (eg Diploma) and/or RegPM certification

We offer short face-to-face & online courses & assessments. If wanting more info see our website (www.agsconsulting.com.au) or contact me.

What’s best? Might be influenced by the industry/organizations within which he wants to work. In some, a degree is important, in others a Diploma/RegPM may be preferred.

Uni & tertiary (eg Diploma) quals are ‘academic’’ RegPM is an industry certification for practitioners (eg Certified Practicing Project Manager).

Q: Do I need to log my AIPM CPD points or do you do this? If it’s me, just let me know what evidence I need to attach
A: You need to log your CPD points. See http://www.aipm.com.au/html/cpd.cfm
If you need help please contact the AIPM National Support Office on 02 8288 8700 or email regpm@aipm.com.au – they are best
placed to advise you.

Disclaimer: All information is provided for guidance purposes. Given that requirements (eg legal, government & industry bodies) are subject to regular change, AGS Consulting & Training is not liable for incorrect/out-of-date information. We recommend that users of this website obtain current information/requirements from relevant organisations (government, private & non-profit) as appropriate. Feel free to contact us in the first instance.

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

Updated 31 December 2010