Change Mgmt
APMG Change Management Certification
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreCommon mistakes
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ExploreCase studies
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ExploreAbout this exam
APMG's Change Management certification is a two-level qualification, Foundation and Practitioner, developed in partnership with the Change Management Institute, a not-for-profit association established in 2005. It is aimed at current and aspiring change managers, project managers and their teams, professionals regularly involved in change such as HR, communications and learning development specialists, and managers responsible for leading teams through change. APMG reports that the qualification is recognised globally and that 100k exams have been sat in more than 95 countries. The published SFIA mapping for the Practitioner indicates knowledge up to level 3, business skills up to level 3, and organisational change management up to level 4, which matches the two content domains of this study set. Preparation can be through an Accredited Training Organization in a classroom, virtual classroom or self-paced e-learning, or by self-study: you buy the exam and receive access to the official Study Guide, and APMG provides a free sample exam that is automatically marked. Typical course duration is 3 days for Foundation and 2 days for Practitioner. Foundation does not expire; Practitioner candidates become Registered Practitioners for 5 years and must pass a Re-Registration examination within 3-5 years to keep that status.
What you'll study
About Change Mgmt preparation
What is the difference between the Foundation and Practitioner levels?
Foundation builds awareness of change models and techniques and is described as making you an effective team member in change projects. Practitioner is for people who manage change: APMG describes it as recognition as a dependable manager of organisational change, and one candidate testimonial frames it as demonstrating you can apply Foundation knowledge in a real work situation.
Do the certifications expire?
Foundation does not expire. Practitioner candidates who pass are recognised as Change Management Registered Practitioners and stay Registered for 5 years. After that the certification remains valid but the Registered designation is lost, and regaining it means retaking and passing the full Practitioner exam.
When must I take the Re-Registration exam?
APMG states that practitioners must complete and pass a Change Management Re-Registration examination within 3-5 years following their initial or previous practitioner certification. The Re-Registration exam exists to verify continuing competence and knowledge, and it is a separate product with its own training provider listings.
Can I self-study instead of taking a course?
Yes. APMG offers a self-study route: you purchase the exam and receive instructions by email on accessing the Study Guide online or downloading a copy. If you buy a public exam directly from APMG, the Study Guide link arrives in approximately 2 working days. Self-study candidates can book and sit exams online with remote proctoring.
What study materials are official?
The APMG Change Management Study Guide is the main publication for the v3 training course and certification, available only to candidates enrolled with an Accredited Training Provider or registered for a public exam with APMG. APMG also provides a free sample exam, automatically marked, showing layout and format but not the actual live questions.
In which languages can I sit the exam?
The Change Management examinations are available in English, French, German, Polish, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. Note that the Study Guide has a different language list: English, Dutch, French, German, Polish and Spanish, so Dutch study material exists without a Dutch exam language.
How much does the exam cost and how long is it?
This page does not publish a fee or a duration. If you sit through an Accredited Training Organization the exam cost is generally included in the course fee, so confirm with the provider. Self-study candidates use APMG's global pricing model, where public exam centre fees depend on where the exam is administered.
What happens if I want to appeal my result?
Appeals against a certification decision must follow APMG's Complaints, Concerns and Appeals policy, and any appeal needs to be submitted within 6 months of the examination date. General feedback goes to APMG customer service; complaints are submitted in writing to the APMG International head office address.