APM → PM Readiness Checklist

What This Resource Is

Promotion from Assistant Project Manager to Project Manager does not happen because of time served.

It happens when leadership sees consistent evidence that you can:

• anticipate risk

• protect schedule and cost

• frame decisions clearly

• operate without constant oversight

The APM → PM Readiness Checklist is designed to help you assess whether your daily behaviors align with what Project Managers are actually trusted to do.

This is not a skills checklist.
It is a readiness diagnostic.

What This Checklist Does

This checklist helps you identify whether you are:

• thinking at a PM level

• operating with control instead of reaction

• closing loops instead of passing tasks

• protecting the project before issues escalate

It surfaces gaps early, while they can still be corrected quietly.

Inside, you’ll assess readiness across areas such as:

• Decision framing and escalation

• Risk visibility and follow-through

• Cost and change awareness

• Control of RFIs, submittals, and long-lead items

• Communication under pressure

• Field and office alignment

• Ownership of outcomes, not just tasks

Who This Resource Is For

This checklist is built for:

• APMs preparing for increased responsibility

• APMs who want objective self-assessment

• PMs mentoring or evaluating APMs

• Organizations developing internal talent

It assumes active project involvement and growing accountability.

How to Use This Checklist

This checklist is most effective when used honestly and repeatedly.

Recommended use:

• Review it quarterly, not once

• Identify 1–2 gaps to focus on at a time

• Discuss selected items with your PM or supervisor

• Track progress over time, not perfection

The goal is not to score well.
The goal is to see yourself clearly.