What is an ATO?

The abbreviation ‘ATO’ stands for Accredited Training Organisation, which means that the training company has been accredited by the APM Group (APMG) to deliver particular training courses. Only ATO’s can deliver qualification based courses for subjects like PRINCE2 (for project management), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) amongst others.

By choosing to train with an ATO you are choosing a training provider which has to meet rigorous quality criterion that are annually assessed by the APM Group. The criterion ensures that:

Qualification Courses are:

• Delivered by APMG qualified and approved trainers only
• Delivered in suitable venues that provide disabled access

Examinations are:

• Held in suitable rooms
• Professionally and fairly invigilated

Course Materials will be:

• Up to date – reflecting the most recent versions of the subject area
• Fully cover the subject’s syllabus
• Formally approved by the APMG

The ATO’s management and administration procedures must:

• Provide accurate and timely information to customers such as comprehensive joining instructions and examination results
• Ensure delegates are made aware of any course pre-requisites
• Delegates special needs – such as dietary requirements and disabilities are identified and reasonably catered for
• Ensure that complaints are formally handled
• Be subject to continuous review and improvement

Finally, if you want to ensure that you are training with a formally accredited ATO you can check the APMG web site to make sure that they are listed, and look for the following marks as only ATO’s are licensed to use them:-

Obtaining PRINCE2 and MSP accreditations with an ATO really matters. ATO’s have standards to maintain and standards mean a better chance of passing your examinations and gaining accredited status.