If you are getting ready to pursue an official APMG International certification through DASCIN, one of the first decisions you will face is not about the exam itself. It is about how you want to prepare for it. DASCIN offers three distinct paths to certification: the Self-Study Kit, the E-Learning Course, and the Exam Only option. Each is designed for a different kind of learner, budget, and timeline.
This guide breaks down exactly what is included in each option, who it is best suited for, and how to choose the one that fits your goals.
01
The Self-Study Kit
The Self-Study Kit is built for learners who prefer to work independently, at their own pace, using structured written materials rather than video instruction.
What is included
- The official E-Book
- Course Syllabus
- Sample Paper with Mock Questions
- Rationale with Detailed Explanations
- Official APMG-International Exam Voucher
This kit gives you everything you need to prepare thoroughly for your exam without committing to a fixed schedule. You read through the official course material, test yourself against realistic mock questions, and use the detailed rationale to understand exactly why each answer is correct or incorrect. Because the exam voucher is bundled in, you can move straight from study to certification once you feel ready.
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Best for
- Self-motivated learners who are comfortable studying from text-based materials
- Professionals who already have strong foundational knowledge and just need an official reference and practice questions
- Anyone who prefers to set their own study schedule without video lessons
- Learners looking for the most cost-effective path to certification
02
The E-Learning Course
The E-Learning Course is a more guided, multimedia learning experience. It includes everything in the Self-Study Kit, plus structured video instruction that walks you through key concepts and best practices.
What is included
- E-Learning Video covering key concepts and best practices
- PDF handout of the course slides
- Official E-Book
- Course Syllabus
- Sample Paper with Mock Questions
- Rationale with Detailed Explanations
- Official APMG-International Exam Voucher(if you select the option with exam)
One important detail: the E-Learning Course can be purchased with or without the exam voucher. This gives you flexibility if you already hold a voucher, want to delay your exam decision, or simply want to complete your training first and book the exam later.
The video content is especially useful for learners who absorb information better by watching and listening rather than reading alone. You will also receive a PDF handout of the course slides, so you can follow along during the lessons and use them as a quick reference when you revisit topics later.
Best for
- Visual and auditory learners who benefit from instructor-style explanations
- Professionals balancing study time with a busy schedule who want a more structured, guided path
- Anyone newer to the subject matter who wants extra context before diving into self-study materials
- Learners who want the flexibility to decide later whether to add the exam voucher
03
Exam Only
The Exam Only option is exactly what it sounds like: just the exam voucher, with no accompanying study materials.
What is included
- A unique voucher code, redeemable to schedule your official APMG International certification exam at a time that is convenient for you
No e-book, syllabus, sample papers, or rationale documents are included with this option.
Best for
- Candidates who have already completed their training elsewhere — through corporate training, a previous course, or independent study
- Professionals retaking the exam who do not need to repurchase study materials
- Anyone who already feels fully prepared and simply needs the official voucher to schedule their exam
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Self-Study Kit | E-Learning Course | Exam Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official E-Book | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Course Syllabus | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Sample Paper & Mock Questions | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Detailed Rationale | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Video Instruction | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| PDF Handout of Slides | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Exam Voucher | ✓ | Optional | ✓ |
| Learning Style | Independent, text-based | Guided, multimedia | Not applicable |
| Best For | Confident self-learners | Learners who want structured guidance | Already-prepared candidates |
How to Choose
Ask yourself these four questions:
- 1
How do I learn best?
If you prefer reading and working through material at your own pace, the Self-Study Kit will likely suit you well. If you learn better through video explanations and a more guided structure, the E-Learning Course is the stronger fit. If you learn best in a live, interactive classroom setting, look into an ATO through DASCIN or APMG International instead.
- 2
Do I already have study materials or prior training?
If you have already covered the syllabus content — whether through a previous course, on-the-job experience, or another training provider — the Exam Only option lets you skip straight to certification without paying for materials you do not need.
- 3
Do I want to lock in my exam date now, or decide later?
The Self-Study Kit and Exam Only option always include an exam voucher. The E-Learning Course gives you the choice: bundle the voucher now, or purchase your training first and add the exam voucher when you are ready.
- 4
Would I rather learn in a live, instructor-led classroom?
If self-study and e-learning are not the right fit and you prefer guided, live instruction, you can find an Accredited Training Organization (ATO) through DASCIN or the APMG International website.
Final Thoughts
There is no single best option among DASCIN’s certification products. There is only the option that best matches how you learn, how prepared you already are, and how you want to plan your path to certification. Whether you choose the focused independence of the Self-Study Kit, the guided structure of the E-Learning Course, the straightforward simplicity of the Exam Only voucher, or live instructor-led training through an ATO — all paths lead to the same destination: an official APMG International certification that validates your knowledge and skills.
