Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
The following sections are covered:
- Project management training
- Online projec management training
- Student Administration and Assesment
Project Management Training
- Are the courses accredited?
- Will I get a nationally recognised qualification?
- Is the course relevant to the workplace?
- How will I be assessed?
- Will Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) or Prior Learning (RPL) be used to assess my previous or current work?
- Can I gain credits for work I’ve already done or a project I’ve already completed?
- How do I apply for RCC/RPL?
- Why should I undertake the formal training? I could just submit a Portfolio of Evidence for accreditation.
- Do the courses meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework for the recognition of training?
- Do the courses articulate to any other?
- I’m not working on a project at the moment but can I attend? · What effort will be expected of me?
- Do I have to submit written exercises?
- Are the courses recognised by the Australian Institute of Project Management and the Project Management Institute?
- What standing do College courses have internationally?
- What means are available to me to obtain help and assistance?
Online Project Management Training
Note - These FAQ's are in addition to those covered above in Project Management Training.
- How do I complete the online training? · What do I require to complete the training?
- Will I have to attend, or do I have the opportunity to attend, a workshop or face-to-face module as an On-line student?
- How do I complete the exam?
- How long does it take to complete a module?
- Do I have to pay for all modules upfront?
- What does it cost to study a module online?
- How do I enrol to complete a module?
- How many modules can I enrol to study at one time?
- Do I pay GST on my training?
Student Administration and Assessment
- What support is provided whilst I study a module?
- How do I submit work for assessment?
- How do I complete the module examinations?
The Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma are accredited by the Australian National Training Authority. Accreditation was gained through the ACT Accreditation and Registration Council and is reciprocated in most states of Australia.
Will I get a nationally recognised qualification?
Yes, the Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma are Australian National Training Authority awards and are recognised nationally.
Is the course relevant to the workplace?
The training is described as ‘practical’ project management and each module is focussed on delivering workplace outcomes.
The Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma participants are assessed on the submission of a Portfolio of Evidence which shows the participant has applied what they have learnt in the workplace. This Portfolio shows that the participant has planned for, managed and finalised at least one project. The submission of this Portfolio can commence as soon as the participant desires, and does not need to wait until the end of the training program. There is also an examination for Diploma and Advanced Diploma participants.
Will Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) or Prior Learning (RPL) be used to assess my previous or current work?
Yes. RCC/RPL can apply in the assessment of the Portfolio of Evidence.
Can I gain credits for work I’ve already done or a project I’ve already completed?
Yes. Examples of this work or projects can be included in the Portfolio of Evidence. If you have undergone previous training in project management and you feel you have the underpinning understanding and knowledge and therefore do not require the training, you can apply for RCC/RPL in order to gain the award.
Contact your nearest College office and ask for an RCC/RPL Application Form. Contact details for your nearest College office are available on this website.
Why should I undertake the formal training?
I could just submit a Portfolio of Evidence for accreditation. Yes, if you already have a strong background in project management or have undergone training previously you may wish to apply for RCC/RPL and forego the training. If this is the case contact your nearest College office and ask for an RCC/RPL Application Form.
Do the courses meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework for the recognition of training?
The Certificate IV and Diploma are fully accredited at AQF Level 4 and AQF Level 5. At present the Advanced Diploma is undergoing the accreditation process at AQF 6 with ANTA. Assessment throughout the course and the Portfolio of Evidence is competency-based using qualified assessors.
Do the courses articulate to any other?
The College's courses do articulate (eg: 3 Day Best Practice articulates to Certificate IV, articulates to Diploma, articulates to Advanced Diploma). Some tertiary institutions also accept the courses as credits towards other courses. See "University Articulation".
I’m not working on a project at the moment but can I attend?
Yes. However the assessment of how you apply the skills you learn can only be carried out on an actual project. If you are not involved in a project then your assessment will have to be considered on a simulated project. You may wish to discuss this with a Consultant at your nearest College office as they will be able to provide guidance on starting a home-based project which may meet the requirement.
What effort will be expected of me?
This depends on which mode of delivery you choose.
Face-to-Face
The Certificate IV requires 4 days face-to-face training, The Diploma requires 5 days of face-to-face training and The Advanced Diploma requires 19 days of face-to-face training plus workshops. You then have 12 months to compile your Portfolio of Evidence. This takes most participants approximately 20 hours if they have worked or are currently working on a project.
Distance
The Certificate IV covers eight of the nine functions, the Diploma covers all of the functions of project management and the Advanced Diploma comprises 19 modules. The time you take to read through these modules and complete the exercises and activities is generally one month per module. You have 12 months to compile your Portfolio of Evidence and this takes most participants approximately 20 hours if they have worked or are currently working on a project.
On-Line
The Certificate IV covers eight of the nine project management functions, the Diploma covers all of the functions of project management and the Advanced Diploma comprises 19 modules. The time taken to work through each module is generally one month. You have 12 months to compile your Portfolio of Evidence and this takes most participants approximately 20 hours if they have worked or are currently working on a project
Do I have to submit written exercises?
No. The assessment is conducted on your Portfolio of Evidence. However you may wish to submit this evidence throughout the conduct of the training program rather than wait until the end. There are exercises associated with each module and you may submit these for assessor feedback if you wish.
Are the courses recognised by the Australian Institute of Project Management and the Project Management Institute?
Yes. The College courses are accredited by the AIPM and PMI.
What standing do the College courses have internationally?
The College courses are accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) which is an international organisation. Successful completion of courses gain credits towards maintaining your PMP through CCR (Continuing Certification Requirements). College courses have been conducted in China, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and New Zealand. Foreign students currently participant in College courses in Australia, on-line and through distance education.
What means are available to me to obtain help and assistance?
Assistance is available on-line, via telephone or face to face by visiting one of the College offices.
How do I complete the online training?
Online training is provided using WebCT server software. The software has been successfully used by a number of universities and colleges to provide online education. Students will have access to module notes, activities, exercises, case studies and sample examination questions. Facilities are provided that enable students to interact with fellow students, their module mentor as well as submit material for assessment. Prospective students can enrol in the sample module to examine and navigate a course within WebCT.
What do I require to complete the training?
You will need to be familiar with using the following software to complete a module online.
- A version 4 or better browser (MS Explorer recommended)
- Email · Adobe Acrobat Reader (available for free from www.adobe.com).
- A office suite (word processor and spreadsheet application) for the completion of the activities and assignments.
Prospective students view the sample module to examine and navigate a sample of the course within WebCT.
Will I have to attend, or do I have the opportunity to attend, a workshop or face-to-face module as an On-line student?
The opportunity is available for participants to attend face-to-face modules or workshops. These are conducted regularly in each State. Contact your mentor or nearest College office.
What does it cost to study a module online?
Each module costs AU$250.00, the assessment cost is AU$800. This allows maximum flexibility for you in that you only pay as you go, rather than pay the total amount of money upfront.
You may also pay for the total course upfront.
The Certificate IV cost is AU$2,500.00,
The Diploma cost is AU$3,040.00, and
The Advanced Diploma cost is AU$5,250.00
You complete a quiz at the end of each module. The sum of all modules quizzes comprises the examination.
How long does it take to complete a module?
The amount of time taken for a module will vary according to your experience. As a guide, between 10 to 15 hours of study.
Do I have to pay for all modules upfront?
No - You only have to pay for module(s) that you are currently studying.
How do I enrol to complete an online module?
You can enrol by the following means:
- Complete the "online enrolment" form on the website and:
Copy it and then e-mail to online.training@acpm.act.edu.au or
Print and post to Online Training, 10-12 Collbee Court, PHILLIP, ACT 2006 or
Print and fax to 02 6285 3393 (+61 2 6285 3393 international). - Request additional details or an application form by completing the details on our registration form.
On receipt of your payment, your module password will be provided to you by your nominated means (telephone, email, post).
How many modules can I enrol to study at one time?
The program is designed for you to enrol in one module at a time and work your way through the appropriate required and elective modules to obtain your award. However, this is up to you. If you wish to enrol in all 10 modules this should be made clear during your registration.
Award training:
No - The College is a Registered Training Organisation and our Award courses (Certificate IV in Project management, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Project Management and all Modules delivered as part of those programs) are exempt from GST.
Non Award Training:
Yes - GST is payable on non-award training and also on preparation for customised training.
What support is provided whilst I study a module?
You will have access to your mentor via email or a 1300 telephone number, during normal working hours. All emails received after 5.30pm EST will be answered during the following working day.
Your mentor is a practising project manager and qualified workplace trainer and assessor. They will be able to provide you with the advice you require whether it be in relation to the content of the module, the exercises or activities, the examination questions, the assessment or to your projects.
How do I submit work for assessment?
You will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence at the end of the course. This Portfolio of Evidence is compiled of documentary evidence to show that you have performed the competency in the workplace. An Assessment Record Book is provided for you to complete and submit with your Portfolio. This Portfolio will need to be posted to your mentor for assessment.
There are exercises/activities associated with each module and you may choose to submit these via email as you progress through that module, rather than wait to gather your evidence when you have completed the modules. These exercises/activities will satisfy some of the performance criteria, however you will still be required to submit some documentation in your Portfolio of Evidence in order to gain your award.
How do I complete the module examinations?
There are questions associated with each module. You will be required to provide a written answer to these questions and the answer can be found in the text of the module. For online training, these answers are sent to your mentor for evaluation. For distance training, you will post the answers to your mentor for evaluation.